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Pack your bags with travel experiences from Hanoi to Ha Long to Ninh Binh covering itinerary, expenses, transportation, and other useful information with Klook!
Traveling to Hanoi - Ha Long - Ninh Binh is a journey to explore the wonderful beauty of Northern Vietnam. Hanoi, the charming capital, from its unique old quarter to the historic royal architecture. Ha Long Bay is endlessly majestic and enchanting, with its picturesque islands and vast seascape. And Ninh Binh, a land of picturesque scenery with mountains, caves, and expansive rice fields, creates a stunning natural landscape.
Follow this article to discover famous tourist spots in the 3 Northern Vietnam travel hubs, and check out the 5-day 4-night travel itinerary with Klook!
Explore the Beauty of Northern Vietnam
With its wonderful natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, Hanoi, Ha Long, and Ninh Binh are three special destinations that attract travelers from all over the world.
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, blends harmoniously between modern prosperity and traditional charm. The ancient streets seamlessly intertwine with modern architecture, offering a memorable travel experience.
Halong Bay, with its majestic beauty, is one of the new natural wonders of the world. It boasts the mysterious charm of limestone mountains emerging from the blue sea. The unique landscape with diverse islands and enchanting caves creates a mythical world-like feeling.
Ninh Binh, also known as the 'Inland Halong Bay,' is famous for its vast rice fields and picturesque limestone mountains. The perfect combination of expansive rivers and mountain ranges creates a serene, vibrant natural landscape.
These three destinations are a perfect blend of Vietnam's natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. From the bustling vibe of Hanoi to the magnificent beauty of Halong Bay and the tranquility of Ninh Binh, each place offers a unique experience for travelers seeking to explore Vietnam's beauty and diversity.
Travel Tips for Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh
Transportation for Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh Travel
For travelers departing from Saigon, you can choose flights from Tan Son Nhat Airport to Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) to start your journey to the North.
In Hanoi, the transportation network is well-developed with taxis, buses, and Grab services, making it easy for tourists to move around the city and visit famous attractions like the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. To travel to Halong, you can take inter-provincial coaches from bus stations in Hanoi.
In Halong, travelers can enjoy boat trips on the bay or use high-speed boat services to save time traveling between islands. In Ninh Binh, bicycles and bamboo boats are popular means of exploring the beautiful natural landscapes like Tam Coc and Trang An.
Best Time to Travel to Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh
The best time to explore Hanoi, Halong, and Ninh Binh is during spring and autumn. These seasons not only bring cool and pleasant weather but also feature many unique festivals and events, creating a colorful and vibrant travel experience.
Spring, from March to April, is when trees begin to bloom, creating a harmonious and fresh scenery at all three locations. This enhances the experience of visiting historical sites and enjoying the scenery. Autumn, from September to November, brings cool and comfortable weather, ideal for visiting landmarks and participating in outdoor activities.
If traveling in summer or winter, you should check the weather forecast and prepare necessary items to avoid rain and cold.
Accommodation Options When Traveling to Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh
Hotels, guesthouses in Hanoi:
- Peridot Grand Luxury Boutique Hotel: 33 Thanh Street, Cua Dong, Hoan Kiem district
- Gem Premier Luxury 4 stars hotel and Spa: 52 - 54 Huyen Lane, Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem district
- 22Housing 81 Linh Lang: 27, Alley 81 Linh Lang, Cong Vi, Ba Dinh district
- Carillon Boutique Hotel: 35 Hang Dong, Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem district
- Hanoi EcoStay 2 Hostel: 8A, Alley 50 Dao Duy Tu, Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem district
Hotels, guesthouses in Halong:
- Scarlet Pearl Cruises Yacht: International Passenger Terminal, 9 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong city
- Aqua of the Seas Cruise - Halong: Lot 11, Tuần Châu International Port, Halong city
- Hotel Sol Halong, Trademark Collection by Wyndham: 52 - 54 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong city
- Premier Village Ha Long Bay Resort: 9 Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Halong city
- Aroma Ha Long Hostel: LV1-19 Sun Premier Village, Halong, Bai Chay Ward, Halong city
Accommodation Options in Ninh Binh:
- Hoàng Sơn Peace Ninh Binh: 98 Trinh Tu, Ninh Khanh ward, Ninh Binh city
- The Vissai Hotel: 848 Tran Hung Dao, Tan Thanh ward, Ninh Binh city
- Salina Hotel: 55 Phan Chu Trinh, Phuc Tri urban area, Nam Thanh ward, Ninh Binh city
- The Vancouver Hotel Ninh Binh: No. 1, Alley 75 Luong Van Tuy, Phuc Thanh ward, Ninh Binh city
- The Reed Hotel: Dinh Dien Street, Dong Thanh ward, Ninh Binh city
Suggested Itinerary for 5D4N Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh Trip
Day 1: Explore the Capital Hanoi
Temple of Literature - Imperial Academy
Located at 58 Van Mieu street, Dong Da district, the Temple of Literature is a cultural heritage and a famous tourist destination. Built in 1070 under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, this place is not only the first university in the country but also a repository of thousands of years of culture and history.
Here, you can explore the architectural elegance of the royal court and the serenity of the Buddhist monasteries in areas like: Lake of Literature, Literature Gate, Great Mound, Pavilion of Literature, Khai Thanh Temple, Great Bell House, doctoral steles, and Thiên Quang Well. Additionally, you can participate in activities such as: Lunar New Year poetry festival, request for calligraphy at the Temple of Literature, and burn incense to pray for success in exams, to better understand the traditional cultural values.
Thang Long Imperial Citadel
Located at 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Ba Dinh District, Thang Long Imperial Citadel is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a place that records the imprint of dynasties over 13 centuries.
Visiting the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, you'll have the chance to admire impressive historical architectures such as: Hanoi Flag Tower, Northern Gate, Kinh Thien Palace, and Đoan Mon Gate. Moreover, you can engage in various activities to learn about history through architectures and artifacts, such as: 'Deciphering Thang Long Imperial Citadel' tour, visiting the archaeological site area of the Imperial Citadel, and participating in exhibitions.
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Also known as Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is located at 2 Hung Vuong Street, Hanoi, serving as a site to preserve Uncle Ho's remains as per the wishes of the Party and the people. The focal point of the Mausoleum is the room where President Ho Chi Minh's body is placed. His body is encased in a glass case, placed on a bed on a stone pedestal, and is always guarded by sentries.
Apart from paying respects at Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, visitors can explore other prominent areas such as Ba Dinh Square, the Monument to Heroic Martyrs, the Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho's Stilt House, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and One Pillar Pagoda.
Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter
Hoan Kiem Lake - the heart of Hanoi, is a picturesque blend of nature and history. The lake dazzles with its enchanting beauty, attracting tourists and locals alike. Notable spots for you to explore here include: the Turtle Tower in the middle of the lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Pen Tower, Ink Slab, and The Huc Bridge.
When touring Hoan Kiem Lake, you can also visit the nearby Old Quarter. In the Old Quarter, you can explore numerous traditional shops, savor local delicacies, and purchase souvenirs for your family and friends.
Day 2: Discover Fun Activities in Halong Bay
Enjoy at Sun World Halong Bay Park
Situated in Bai Chay tourist area, Ha Long city, this 214ha park attracts thousands of tourists every year with its diverse and exciting entertainment activities.
Typhoon Water Park is the perfect destination for you to have fun on sunny summer days. Dragon Park is a paradise of thrilling entertainment games, from magical roller coaster rides to adventurous adventure games. The Three Passes amusement area with the Queen's cable car and the Sun Wheel allows you to enjoy the thrilling and exciting feeling of admiring the beautiful panorama of Ha Long Bay from above.
Beach bathing and kayaking at Bai Chay
Bai Chay is one of the most beautiful beaches here, with fine white sand and clear blue water. Visitors can enjoy relaxing moments while immersing themselves in the cool sea water. In addition to swimming, kayaking is also a fun activity, allowing you to admire the beautiful scenery here.
In addition to its beautiful scenery, Bai Chay also offers a variety of culinary services. Especially, enjoying food in the beautiful sunset at Bai Chay is an impressive experience not to be missed.
Day 3: Cruising on Halong Bay
Starting from Tuần Châu port or the International port of Hạ Long, tourists can choose tours to explore the bay within 4 or 6 hours, depending on their preferences and time.
The journey takes you to famous tourist spots, captivating your heart with the pristine and majestic beauty of nature. Thiên Cung Cave, Wooden Head Cave, Surprising Cave, Drum Roof Island, and fishing villages. Then, you can visit Hòn Gai, Bài Thơ Mountain to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and admire the panoramic view of the bay from above. Finally, Long Tiên and Quảng Ninh Museum - Library are destinations for you to learn about the culture and history of this land.
Conveniently book Halong Bay tours on Klook:
- 2D1N Deluxe Cruise on Halong Bay from Hanoi Phoenix Cruise
- 2D1N Halong Bay with Cozy Bay Classic Cruise
- 2D1N Halong Bay Exploration From Hanoi With Optional 3-star or 5-star Accommodation
Day 4: Exploring Tràng An, Ninh Bình
Ancient Capital Hoa Lư
The ancient capital tourist area of Hoa Lư, part of the Tràng An World Heritage Site, holds over 1,000 years of history and unique architecture. The temples of Kings Đinh and Lê, along with ancient relics, will bring you an experience akin to touching the past. Especially, if you visit around March 8th to March 10th, you can participate in many impressive traditional festivals.
Tràng An Tourist Complex
Tràng An Tourist Complex harbors the pristine beauty of limestone mountains, caves, and wetlands. Formed over millions of years, the limestone mountain system here presents countless unique and captivating shapes. Visitors can immerse themselves in unique experiences, from boating to admire the majestic mountains, exploring stunning caves, to blending into the solemn atmosphere at temples and pagodas such as Bai Dinh Pagoda, Bai Dinh Temple, and Dinh Tien Hoang Temple.
Day 5: Explore the Pristine Natural Beauty of Ninh Binh
Mua Cave
Exploring Mua Cave is not only about overcoming the 486 stone steps but also provides an opportunity to behold the majestic beauty from the mountain peak. The surrounding natural landscape, along with the ancient tower on the mountaintop, creates a beautiful and romantic painting. From Mua Cave, tourists can admire the panoramic view of the Tràng An heritage site with Tam Coc, Bich Dong - an exciting and memorable experience.
Tam Cốc - Bích Động
Exploring Tam Cốc - Bích Động is a mesmerizing journey with unique experiences. The three famous caves - Hang Cả, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba - create a stunning scenery with the Ngo Dong River winding through the mountains, bringing a sense of tranquility.
Bích Động Pagoda, located on a high mountain, has existed since 1428 with its ancient and mysterious beauty. The system of Lower Pagoda, Middle Pagoda, and Upper Pagoda with unique architecture forms an impressive religious picture.
Convenient travel to Ninh Binh with available tours on Klook:
- 2D1N Ninh Binh Tour: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Trang An
- 2D1N Ninh Binh and Cuc Phuong National Park Tour
- Bai Dinh - Trang An - Tuyet Tinh Coc Tour from Hanoi
Travel Costs for Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh Reference
Here is a summary of expenses for a 5-day 4-night trip to Hanoi - Halong - Ninh Binh.
Hanoi
- Flight or train ticket to Hanoi: 1,000,000 VND
- Accommodation at a 3-star hotel: 700,000 VND
- Sightseeing in Hanoi: 300,000 VND
- Food and shopping: 500,000 VND
Halong
- Luxury limousine ticket to Halong: 280,000 VND
- Cruise tour through Halong Bay (including lunch and dinner): 2,000,000 VND
- Entrance fee to islands, caves: 200,000 VND
- Food and shopping: 500,000 VND
Ninh Binh
- Bus ticket to Ninh Binh: 170,000 VND
- Homestay accommodation in Ninh Binh: 400,000 VND
- Visiting attractions: 500,000 VND
- Dining and shopping: 300,000 VND
Return to Hanoi
- Bus ticket back to Hanoi: 200,000 VND
Estimated total expenses: 7,050,000 VND
Note: The above expenses are for reference only and may vary depending on the tourist season, type of services, and hotels, restaurants you choose.
Traveling from Hanoi to Halong to Ninh Binh promises to bring you many memorable experiences. From the historical streets of Hanoi, to the majestic nature of Halong Bay, and the poetic beauty of Ninh Binh, it will open up a journey through time and space.
Explore Klook's blog for more enticing destinations and interesting travel information in Hanoi, Halong, and Ninh Binh such as 13 Captivating Ninh Binh Tours to Discover Vietnam's Nature, 4 Days 3 Nights Ninh Binh Travel Itinerary from Hanoi, Ancient Capital Hoa Lu, Ba Vi National Park, 20 Beautiful Resorts Near Hanoi for a Wonderful Getaway, 22 Delicious and Famous Halong Specialties, 12 Hotspots in Northern Vietnam for You,...
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