Travelers to Vietnam typically plan a trip for 14 to 15 days when combining Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve with Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Can Tho. If you're not interested in Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Can Tho, eight to nine days are enough for your trip. A fast-paced highlights trip is possible in one week for travelers with limited time. Check out our favorite Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve trips below.

How many days do you need in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve?

  • Most travelers spend 8-9 days in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve combined
  • Visiting Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and Pu Luong Nature Reserve in 7 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
  • With 10 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
  • The most common extensions are Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue, and Can Tho

How Many Days to Spend in Vietnam

Recommended Itineraries for Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Recommended Itinerary for 9 Days

Start and end your trip in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi Hanoi
Day 2 Bicycle Tour of Rural Villages, Hanoi City Tour Hanoi
Day 3 Hanoi to Pu Luong Nature Reserve Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Day 4 Hidden Trails of Pu Luong Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Day 5 Don Village to Ninh Binh & Trang An Ninh Binh
Day 6 Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay
Day 7 Explore Bai Tu Long Bay Ha Long Bay
Day 8 Bai Tu Long Bay to Hanoi Hanoi
Day 9 Depart Hanoi  


This nine-day adventure celebrates the history and culture of Vietnam's north while taking you to the most beautiful areas in the region. First, tour the highlights of ancient Hanoi and ride bicycles through the countryside. The excitement kicks into high gear with trekking through the highlands, riding sampans down rivers in Ninh Binh, and cruising the jade waters of Ha Long Bay. Read more

Plan your trip to Vietnam
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Extended Itineraries

15-Day Itinerary Including Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Hue & Can Tho

The Red River Valley of Nin Binh, Tam Coc
 Spend a day seeing the highlights of Ninh Binh, like the Red River Valley
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Hanoi, Free Time Hanoi
Day 2 Hanoi City Tour Hanoi
Day 3 Transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve & Hike Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Day 4 Morning in Pu Luong, Transfer to Ninh Binh Ninh Binh
Day 5 Sightseeing in Ninh Binh Ninh Binh
Day 6 Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay, Board Overnight Cruise & Activities Ha Long Bay
Day 7 Ha Long Bay to Hue, Free Time Hue
Day 8 Hue City Tour, Bike to Rural Villages Hue
Day 9 Hue to Hoi An, Explore Hoi An's Ancient town Hoi An
Day 10 Visit Tra Que Village, Hoi An City Tour Hoi An
Day 11 Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City, Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Day 12 Ho Chi Minh Free Day Ho Chi Minh City
Day 13 Morning Excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels Ho Chi Minh City
Day 14 Mekong Delta Day Trip Can Tho
Day 15 Depart Ho Chi Minh City  


This grand tour of Vietnam covers the best in the country, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. After touring the historic sites in Vietnam's capital, spend time in the unspoiled nature reserve of Pu Luong and the stunning landscapes of the Red River Valley. Following this is a cruise around Ha Long Bay, a tour of organic farms at ancient Hoi An, and a visit to highlights around Ho Chi Minh City, like the Mekong River. Read more

How to travel between Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve

How to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
If you're looking to make the 108-mile (174 km) journey from Hanoi to scenic Ha Long Bay—a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its limestone pillars and small, verdant islands—you have three efficient options. Read more

How to get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh
The mountainous city of Ninh Binh is just 60 miles (97 km) from Hanoi, and you have three easy travel options to choose from. Read more

How to get from Hanoi to Pu Luong Nature Reserve
The ecotourism destination of Pu Luong Nature Reserve is 95 miles (145 km) from Hanoi. Your best bet is to book a private transfer for the 4.5-hour journey, as there's no direct public transportation option. Read more

Map

Map of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay & Pu Luong Nature Reserve: Best Itinerary Ideas