About this tour
Five days in northern Vietnam with Hanoi as your base. Explore the capital's historic quarter and colonial landmarks, step into Vietnam's first imperial capital at Hoa Lu, drift by sampan through the limestone caves of Trang An, and spend a full day cruising the emerald waters of Halong Bay. Begin your Vietnam adventure with Vietnamtour.in today.
What you can expect
Discover Hanoi’s Iconic Landmarks – Explore the capital’s historic sites, vibrant Old Quarter, and unique local culture.
Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Step back in time and discover the history of Vietnam’s first imperial capital.
Scenic Trang An Boat Ride – Cruise through spectacular limestone mountains, caves, and peaceful waterways surrounded by nature.
Experience Halong Bay on a Day Cruise – Admire the iconic limestone islands, emerald waters, and breathtaking scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage destination.
Perfect Northern Vietnam Getaway – Experience the best of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay in a compact 5-day journey.
Tour gallery
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay
Detailed itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi. You are met on arrival and transferred to your hotel, where check-in follows the hotel’s standard time.
The rest of the day is yours, and the Old Quarter is the best place to spend it. Dong Xuan market sits at its northern edge, while Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple anchor the south. Hang Dao, Hang Ma, and the stalls of Hang Da market each have their own trade and character, and at weekends the night market fills the surrounding streets. Train Street is at its most striking after dark, and a water puppet performance at the Thang Long theatre makes an easy first evening.
Meals on your own.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Your guide collects you after breakfast to begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Uncle Ho, where you may see the embalmed body of Vietnam’s revered leader and walk the gardens to the two houses in which he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Nearby stands the One Pillar Pagoda, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy and unlike any other pagoda in the country.
The morning continues at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, whose exhibitions cover the culture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups, before lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon opens at Tran Quoc Pagoda, standing on Golden Fish Island in West Lake — a sixth-century foundation and the oldest in Hanoi. You continue to the Temple of Literature, established in 1070 as Vietnam’s first university and still one of the most atmospheric sites in the north.
The day closes at Hoa Lo Prison, built by the French between 1886 and 1901 and known to them as Maison Centrale; today its exhibits tell the story of that period from the Vietnamese side. You are returned to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hanoi.
An early start at around 7:00 AM takes you south to Ninh Binh province, some 120 kilometres from the capital.
Your first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Here your guide explains why the seat of power eventually moved north to Hanoi, and leads you through the temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam. A gentle forty-five-minute cycle around the surrounding village follows, giving a closer look at daily life among the rice fields, before a buffet lunch of local dishes.
In the afternoon, continue to Trang An, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2014 and chosen as a filming location for Kong: Skull Island. A rowing boat carries you along the green river and through the complex’s remarkable tunnel caves — among them Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave — with limestone peaks rising sheer on either side.
The return drive brings you back to Hanoi in the early evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hanoi.
An early departure from the Old Quarter takes you to the coast by expressway, with a short break en route. Arriving at Tuan Chau Harbour late morning, you board your day cruise for a five- to six-hour journey through the bay’s most striking passages — a landscape of uninhabited islets and outcrops, each given an imaginative name by local people for the shapes they seem to hold. Lunch of local dishes is served on board.
The afternoon brings Surprising Cave chambering filled with stalactites and stalagmites in curious formations, then Titop Island, where a sandy beach lies at the foot of a limestone peak and the climb to Titop Peak rewards you with the panoramic view for which the bay is famous. At Luon Cave there is kayaking or a bamboo boat ride into the hidden lagoon beyond.
Cruising back towards Tuan Chau in the late afternoon, there is time on the upper deck with tea and cakes as the light softens over the water, before the return journey to Hanoi.
Note: swimming at Titop Island depends on the season, and the cruise itinerary may change according to weather and operating conditions. Swimwear, sunglasses, and insect repellent are recommended. Beverages are at your own expense.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Overnight in Hanoi.
On the last day of the journey, enjoy free time at leisure until your private transfer to the airport (driver only, without guide) for your departure flight.
Return home with a heart full of memories and a camera roll full of unforgettable moments.
End of services.
Our itinerary is carefully designed only for travellers from India by a team of local travel experts with more than 10 years’ experience.
This customizable tour can be arranged for a single traveller, couple, family or group. Final prices vary with hotel standard, travel dates, group size and the level of private guiding required. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Inclusions & exclusions
- Boat trip(s) as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottles of water on vehicles for tour days and transfers (2 bottles/full day and 1 bottle/half day)
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary: B=Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
- Tip for Driver and Tour guide: 3 USD/person/day
- Tour guide(s) escort as per the itinerary (English-speaking guides – different guides in different cities and SIC tours)
- Tours and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Transfers as per the itinerary with AC
- Accommodations based on Double/Twin occupancy (Standard check-in time: ~14:00 – 15:00, standard check-out time: ~11:00 – 12:00 noon)
- International flight tickets with airport taxes
- Internal flight tickets with airport taxes
- E-Visa/Visa to Vietnam
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Tips, personal expenses and services not mentioned
- Bank transfer fees for payment and taxes
Important notes
At Vietnamtour.in, we offer a hassle-free visa application service to ensure your trip planning is smooth and straightforward, here are the options available
1. E-Visa (For Indian Citizens) Fee: $25 (Government Fee) + $10 (Service Fee) Processed entirely online, this is the most convenient option for Indian travelers.
2. Visa Letter (For Other Nationalities) Fee: $35 (Processing Fee) + $25 (Stamping Fee at Airport) Requires a pre-approval letter to be presented upon arrival in Vietnam, followed by stamping at the airport.
3. Urgent Visa Processing Need your visa in a hurry? We offer urgent processing for both E-Visa and Visa Letter applications. Fees depend on how quickly you need it, and we’ll ensure you’re covered in time for your trip.
4. Prefer to Apply on Your Own? You can apply directly via the Vietnam Government E-Visa Portal: https://evisa.gov.vn/ . For visa letter applications, we’ll provide clear instructions if you need assistance.
5. Important Note: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your travel date. Reach out to us if you have any questions or need guidance on which visa suits your travel plans.
We know that food plays a vital role in your travel experience, and we’re committed to making it as enjoyable and worry-free as possible.
1. Customizable Meal Options
- Included Local Meals: Our fixed tours include local meals (vegetarian or non-vegetarian based on your preference).
- Meal Cost: Additional cost of $10-13 per meal, excluding transportation.
- Special Dietary Needs: For travelers with specific requirements (e.g., Jain or exclusively Indian food), we offer flexibility.
- Private Tour Option: Upgrade to a private tour for tailored meals, which may incur additional charges.
2. Authentic Indian Cuisine For private tours, we collaborate with trusted restaurants serving authentic Indian cuisine to ensure you feel at home even while exploring Vietnam.
3. Special Requests Have specific dietary preferences? Let us know in advance! Whether it's Jain meals or other special requests, we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs. Some arrangements may require prior booking to ensure availability and quality.
Our tour prices do not include flight tickets. However, we offer comprehensive support to make your travel as smooth as possible:
1. International Flights
- Not Included in Tour Price: You can book your international flight tickets independently.
- Need Assistance?: If you're unfamiliar with the process or find it challenging to secure affordable fares or convenient flight schedules, our dedicated representatives in India are here to help. We can quickly check and book flights for you, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Plus, we’ll assist you throughout the booking process and handle any issues that might arise.
- Estimated Price Range: Round-trip flights between India and Vietnam typically range from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, depending on the season, airline, and booking time.
2. Domestic Flights in Vietnam
- Not Included in Tour Price: Feel free to book domestic flights on your own.
- Looking for Convenience?: We offer a seamless booking service that includes competitive pricing, special request handling (like seat preferences or meal options), and immediate assistance with any airline issues. Let us take care of everything, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
- Estimated Price Range: Domestic flights within Vietnam generally cost between ₹2,500 to ₹6,000 per segment, depending on the route and time of booking.
Our tour packages include stays at carefully selected 4-star hotels that offer a great balance between comfort and value. These hotels come with:
1. Hotel inclusions
- Comfortable Rooms with Views: All rooms have windows with city views or scenic surroundings.
- Daily Breakfast Included: Start your day with a delicious breakfast, often featuring a mix of local and international options.
- Prime Locations: Stay in the heart of the city, within easy reach of restaurants, shopping, and major attractions.
2. Flexible Accommodation Options
We understand that Indian travelers may have unique needs and preferences, so we offer customizable options:
- Upgrades to 4-star or 5-star Hotels: Want to elevate your experience? Upgrade to more luxurious accommodations at an additional cost.
- Preferred Hotel Choices: If you have specific hotels in mind, share your preferences with us. We’ll do our best to arrange your stay based on availability.
- Special Room Decorations: Celebrating a special occasion? Let us know if you’d like your room decorated for a honeymoon, anniversary, or birthday — and we’ll arrange it at no extra charge.
- Room Configurations: Traveling with family or friends? We’ll ensure you have the right room setup, whether it’s connecting rooms or extra beds for children.
3. Additional Notes
All upgrades and special requests are subject to availability. We’re dedicated to making your stay in Vietnam as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, offering a travel experience tailored to your needs.
Detailed price — more people, lower price
Prices are shown in INR per person (twin / double sharing basis) for your reference. Payments are processed in USD.
FAQs
Yes, Indian citizens need a visa to visit Vietnam. You can apply for a visa online or through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate.
The best time to visit Vietnam depends on where you are planning to go and what you want to do. Generally, the best time to visit northern Vietnam is from September to November or from March to May, while the best time to visit southern Vietnam is from December to February.
Vietnam has many popular tourist attractions, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Da Nang.
The items you should pack for your trip to Vietnam depend on the time of year you are visiting, the places you are going, and the activities you have planned. Some essentials include comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
Yes, we offer customized tour packages to fit your preferences and interests. You can work with our travel experts to create an itinerary that suits your travel style and budget.
Vietnamtour.in is a local company based in Vietnam; this means that all our support in Vietnam lives here and are in the same time zone when you are in Vietnam. This allows you to contact our organization directly and our team can solve any problems directly them self without an intermediary.
You can easily keep in touch with us via Whatsapp or email. Calling is also possible. Our team speaks English and Vietnamese.
Personal travel consultant process
Inquire this tour
Send your dates, group and hotel preference — a local travel expert replies with a tailor-made itinerary and price.
- Private tour or join-in tour
- 4-star or 5-star hotels
- Veg / Jain meals on request
