Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay

Use Hanoi as a base. Stay one night in Tam Coc in Ninh Binh to cover Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Bich Dong Pagoda and Mua Cave, then spend two days and a night on a Ha Long Bay cruise, with the rest of the time in the city.

The most common weeklong route in Hanoi: two days of classic city sights, one night in Tam Coc to explore Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Bich Dong Pagoda and Mua Cave, then back to Hanoi for an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise to see Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island and to go kayaking. Four of the six nights are spent in Hanoi's Old Quarter. This route suits first-time visitors to northern Vietnam who want to see both the city and the karst landscapes in one trip.

Ha Long Bay cruises may be cancelled during typhoon season, July–September, so build in flexibility.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive and Water Puppets in the Old Quarter

Hanoi（Hoan Kiem Lake、Hanoi Old Quarter、Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre）

A taxi from the airport takes about 45 minutes to the Old Quarter. In the evening, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.

Stay: Old Quarter (36 Streets)

Day 2 · Ba Dinh, Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison

Hanoi（Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum、One Pillar Pagoda、Temple of Literature、Hỏa Lò Prison）

Take a taxi to Ba Dinh Square, walk to One Pillar Pagoda, then take taxis to the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, so adjust your dates accordingly.

Stay: Old Quarter (36 Streets)

Day 3 · Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An in Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh（Bai Dinh Pagoda、Hoa Lu Ancient Capital、Ninh Binh (Trang An / Tam Coc)）

A bus or private car takes about 2 hours to Ninh Binh. After visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, take a boat ride in Trang An, and spend the night in Tam Coc.

Stay: Tam Coc

Day 4 · Boating in Tam Coc and Return to Hanoi

Ninh Binh（Hang Mua (Mua Cave Viewpoint)、Tam Coc Boat Ride、Bich Dong Pagoda）

Tour the Tam Coc area by bicycle or electric cart, then take a bus back to Hanoi in the afternoon, about 2 hours.

Climb Mua Cave early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.

Stay: Old Quarter (36 Streets)

Day 5 · Ha Long Bay Overnight Cruise

Ha Long Bay（Ha Long Bay Cruise Area、Sung Sot Cave、Ti Top Island）

A cruise company shuttle leaves the Old Quarter and takes about 2.5–3 hours to the port. Board in the afternoon and cruise the bay.

Book cruises early in peak season, and check the weather and any cancellation notices before departure.

Day 6 · Kayaking to Bright Cave and Back to the City

Ha Long Bay（Luon Cave）

Kayak or take a bamboo raft to Bright Cave early in the morning. Dock at noon, then take a shuttle bus back to Hanoi, about 3 hours.

Stay: Old Quarter (36 Streets)

Day 7 · Long Bien Bridge and Dong Xuan Market

Hanoi（Đồng Xuân Market、Long Biên Bridge）

Walk from the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan Market and Long Bien Bridge. In the afternoon, take a taxi for about 45 minutes to the airport.

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