Vietnam (4N/5D) | Orchid Tours & Travels (P) Ltd

Trip Overview

Experience the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty of northern Vietnam on this 4-night, 5-day journey. From the bustling streets and colonial charm of Hanoi to the tranquil landscapes of Ninh Binh and the majestic waters of Halong Bay, this itinerary offers a perfect balance of sightseeing, cultural immersion, and leisure. Travelers will enjoy a mix of guided tours, scenic excursions, local cuisine, and unique experiences that capture the essence of Vietnam.

Trip Highlights

Hanoi – The Heart of Vietnam:
Begin your adventure in Hanoi, a city where history and modernity coexist harmoniously. Stroll through the lively Old Quarter, enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee, and witness a performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda, while sampling local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
Ninh Binh – “Halong Bay on Land”:
Explore the scenic landscapes of Ninh Binh, known for its karst mountains, lush rice paddies, and winding rivers. Cruise along Tam Coc, often called “Halong Bay on land,” and visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Delight in local street food, experience rural life, and capture stunning photographs of Vietnam’s natural beauty.
Halong Bay – UNESCO World Heritage Wonder:
Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, surrounded by thousands of limestone islands and towering cliffs. Enjoy activities such as kayaking, swimming, and savoring fresh seafood onboard. Spend the night on a traditional cruise boat for a memorable experience under the stars, surrounded by one of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.

Who Should Take This Trip

Travelers seeking a blend of culture, history, and nature in a short, immersive itinerary.
Adventure and photography enthusiasts drawn to cruises, limestone landscapes, and scenic rivers.
Food lovers eager to explore Vietnamese street food, local dining, and regional specialties.
First-time visitors to Vietnam looking for a curated, hassle-free experience of Northern Vietnam.

Trip Experience

Comfortable hotel accommodations in Hanoi, with an overnight cruise in Halong Bay.
Convenient transfers between cities and attractions.
Guided city tours and excursions, balanced with free time for personal exploration.
Opportunities to enjoy kayaking, street food tastings, cultural performances, and local crafts.
A thoughtfully designed itinerary that ensures a memorable, immersive, and seamless travel experience.

Ideal Travel Period

March to May and September to November: Enjoy pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and ideal conditions for sightseeing and cruising. Avoids the hot summer months and heavy monsoon rains.

Why This Trip Stands Out

This itinerary combines vibrant city life, historic landmarks, rural landscapes, and natural wonders in just five days, offering travelers a comprehensive taste of northern Vietnam. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene waters of Halong Bay, every day promises cultural insights, scenic beauty, and unforgettable experiences, making it perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, where you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in Hanoi. After check-in, take time to relax and freshen up after your flight.

In the evening, you can head to Bia Hoi Junction, one of Hanoi’s most vibrant street corners, to enjoy freshly brewed local beer and people-watch — a quintessential Hanoi experience. Alternatively, attend a traditional Thang Long Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that brings ancient folktales to life through music and movement.

Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: None

After breakfast, begin a full-day guided tour of Vietnam’s charming capital. Start at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you’ll visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and the One Pillar Pagoda, an elegant symbol of Hanoi.

Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dating back to the 11th century. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant serving authentic northern Vietnamese dishes.

In the afternoon, explore the Old Quarter, with its maze of narrow streets named after traditional trades. Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple, then take a leisurely cyclo ride through the bustling streets to soak in the city’s rhythm.

Optional in the evening: enjoy a street food tour featuring famous dishes like bun cha (grilled pork noodles), pho, and banh mi.
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, drive south through Vietnam’s countryside to Ninh Binh Province, known for its spectacular karst landscapes and ancient capital.

Begin your exploration with a boat trip through Tam Coc, where local rowers guide you along a peaceful river framed by limestone mountains and lush rice fields. The scenery here is often compared to Halong Bay, but with a rural, tranquil charm.

Next, visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, to see ancient temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, offering traditional dishes from the region.

In the evening, return to Hanoi. Stroll through the Old Quarter or enjoy a casual dinner at one of Hanoi’s bustling street food markets.
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, depart early for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Upon arrival at the pier, board a traditional wooden cruise boat and set sail across the emerald-green waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and hidden grottoes.

Enjoy a seafood lunch on board as you cruise past dramatic islets and floating fishing villages. In the afternoon, take part in activities such as kayaking, swimming, or visiting a limestone cave.

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner on the deck while the bay glows in golden hues. Spend the night aboard the boat, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the sea.
Overnight: Onboard Cruise – Halong Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay and enjoy breakfast on deck as your boat cruises gently back toward the harbor.

Disembark and travel back to Hanoi, arriving by afternoon. Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or a final cup of Vietnamese coffee before transferring to the airport for your departure.

Meals: Breakfast

Cost Includes/Excludes

Includes