Ninh Binh and Halong Bay 2-Day Tour from Hanoi

See two of northern Vietnam’s most memorable landscapes on one 2-day tour from Hanoi. Spend your first day exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, taking a boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc, and climbing to the Mua Cave viewpoint. After a night in Ninh Binh, travel to Halong Bay for a day cruise with cave visits, kayaking or a bamboo boat ride, and time on Titop Island.

Duration: 2 days, 1 night
Departure: Daily from Hanoi
Accommodation: One night in a hotel or bungalow in Ninh Binh
Transport: Shared shuttle bus or Thaco Limousine

Tour highlights

• Visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
• Cycle through the countryside around Hoa Lu, with a vehicle transfer available if you prefer not to cycle.
• Choose a boat ride in either Trang An or Tam Coc.
• Climb approximately 500 steps for panoramic views from Mua Cave.
• Cruise Halong Bay and visit Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Titop Island.
• Enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave.

Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An or Tam Coc – Mua Cave

Meals: Lunch and dinner

Morning: Travel to Ninh Binh and visit Hoa Lu

Your guide and driver will collect you from your selected meeting point in Hanoi between approximately 7:00 AM and 7:40 AM. You will then travel to Ninh Binh by expressway, with a short break along the way.

At around 10:15–10:30 AM, arrive at Cozy Vietnam Restaurant. From here, cycle for approximately 20 minutes to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Visit the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le while your guide introduces the history of Vietnam’s former capital.

If you prefer not to cycle, you can travel to Hoa Lu by vehicle and meet the guide at the temples. After the visit, cyclists continue through the nearby village for approximately 30 minutes before returning to the restaurant.

At 12:00 PM, enjoy a buffet lunch. Vegetarian food is available.

Afternoon: Choose Trang An or Tam Coc, then climb Mua Cave

At around 1:00–1:30 PM, take a boat trip at one of the following locations:

Option 1 – Tam Coc: Travel along the river past limestone mountains, rice fields and caves. The boat ride takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Option 2 – Trang An: Explore the waterways and cave system of the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The boat ride takes approximately 1.5 hours.

At approximately 4:00 PM, travel to Mua Cave. Climb nearly 500 steps to the viewpoint on Ngoa Long Mountain for sweeping views over Tam Coc.

At around 5:00 PM, transfer to your hotel or bungalow. Check in and have dinner at approximately 7:00–7:30 PM.

Day 2: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Have breakfast at your accommodation. At approximately 7:00 AM, board a shared shuttle bus or limousine from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay. The transfer from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay does not have an accompanying tour guide.

Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor at around 11:45 AM–12:00 PM and board the Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. Enjoy a buffet lunch as the boat begins its journey through Halong Bay.

During the afternoon, the planned stops are:

• Sung Sot Cave: Walk through one of Halong Bay’s best-known caves.
• Luon Cave: Explore the lagoon by kayak or bamboo boat.
• Titop Island: Relax by the beach or climb to the viewpoint for panoramic views of the bay.

At around 5:00 PM, return to the cruise for a sunset gathering with tea and cakes on the upper deck. The boat is scheduled to return to the harbor between 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

Board the bus back to Hanoi, with a short rest stop along the way. Arrival in Hanoi is expected at approximately 9:00 PM, when the tour ends.

What’s included

• One night’s accommodation in a hotel or bungalow
• Two buffet lunches, one dinner and one breakfast
• Shared transport on the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay – Hanoi route
• English-speaking guide for the guided tour activities
• Hoa Lu cycling activity
• Entrance fees and a shared boat trip at either Trang An or Tam Coc
• Halong Bay cruise, including kayaking or a bamboo boat ride
• One bottle of mineral water per person on each shuttle bus or limousine transfer
• Use of a raincoat and conical hat

What’s not included

• VAT
• Drinks
• Tips for the guide and driver
• Personal expenses
• Applicable holiday surcharges
• Services not specifically listed under “What’s included”

What to bring

Bring comfortable shoes for walking and climbing, sun protection, a hat, sunglasses and mosquito repellent. An umbrella or rain jacket and a camera may also be useful.

Children’s policy

• Ages 1–4: Free when sharing the available services with their parents.
• Private seat for a child aged 1–4: Additional charge of USD 12 on a Thaco Limousine or USD 8 on a shuttle bus.
• Ages 5–8: 75% of the adult price for the first child. A second child in this age group is charged the adult price.
• Ages 9 and above: Adult price.

Good to know

The itinerary and timings may change due to weather or other external conditions. On weekends, walking street restrictions in Hanoi may prevent the bus from reaching some streets. In that case, drop-off will be at the closest suitable point in the Old Quarter.

Ready to explore Ninh Binh and Halong Bay? Contact us with your travel date and number of guests to check availability and receive a quote.

BEST PRICE: 3.400.000VND/PAX

Book Via Whatsapp:  +84 949 259 675
Book Via Gmail:  [email protected]