Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay: 4 Days Exploring Natural Wonders

Only have a few days but still want to savor the beauty of Northern Vietnam? This 4-day tour from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay won’t let you down! It takes you from the buzzing yet nostalgic Hanoi to the untamed landscape of Ninh Binh and the UNESCO heritage of Ha Long. Let’s check it out!

Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay: 4 Thrilling Days

Day 1: A Free Day In Hanoi


You can visit many tourist hotspots in Hanoi. Source: Pexels
 
On the first day, you will have the freedom to explore Hanoi city at your own pace. Kickstart the day with a warm, flavorful bowl of traditional Pho and a bold black cup of coffee. Then, you can leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to take in the fresh morning air, blending in the daily rhythm of life as you watch locals exercise.

Hanoi has so much to offer. Do you want to visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see how Vietnamese people honor their greatest leader? What about going to Bat Trang Ceramic Village and experiencing their centuries-old craftsmanship? 

Otherwise, you can drop by other must-see hotspots, like One Pillar Pagoda, Hanoi’s Opera House, Saint Joseph’s Cathedral, The Water Puppet Theater, and more. 

In the afternoon, let’s head to the Old Quarter! Wandering through the tree-lined streets in dappled sunlight offers a sense of peace. The architecture is a harmonious fusion of French, western, and traditional Vietnamese styles. The hustling, vibrant life weaves through every nook and cranny of those ancient buildings.

As the night wears on, Hanoi transforms into a sleepless metropolis full of energy and enthusiasm. It’s your choice to roam around the streets and savor delicious street food or enjoy a luxurious night at a rooftop bar. Want to escape the noise? Let’s immerse yourself in the Vietnamese cultural legacy with a water puppet show.

No matter how you spend the day, have a good night’s sleep and recharge for tomorrow’s adventure. The real exciting tour is just beginning!

Day 2: Hanoi to Ninh Binh Tour
 


Ninh Binh boasts a serene, peaceful charm. Source: Flickr
 
After a hearty breakfast, our car will pick you up to head to Ninh Binh, about 100 km south of Hanoi. The 2-hour drive takes you to a peaceful land, leaving the hustling city behind. Once you arrive, you can embark on an exhilarating tour of the most popular tourist attractions.

First, let’s shrug off the worries and visit Hoa Lu Ancient Town. As the first capital of Vietnam, this place is steeped in history and culture. The ancient, nostalgic architecture is embraced by lush mountains, transporting you back to a bygone prosperous empire. You will also encounter many temples there. Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the sacred and tranquil vibe, and you can find peace within.

Coming up next is Trang An—a filming location for Kong. Get ready to behold the magnificent landscape of verdant limestone karst mountains peeking through a peaceful emerald river! You will take a boat ride to get closer to its unspoiled beauty. As the boat glides through the water, take in the majesty and grandeur of the scenery. Don’t forget to capture some Instagram-worthy pictures to save your memories!

At the heart of the Trang An Complex, you’ll see Mua Cave—one of the most attractive Ninh Binh caves. You can climb up 500 stone steps from the cave to the peak, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Trang An. The majestic karst mountains, the serene river, and the lush rice fields combine into a spectacular painting.

To wrap up a day full of experiences, we will take you back to Hanoi for a good rest before the next adventure.

Day 3: Hanoi to Halong Tour
 


Halong Bay is one of the natural wonders. Source: Needpix
 
After a Ninh Binh day tour, today’s itinerary will be the UNESCO heritage Halong Bay. Since it’s located about 175 km away from the capital, it will take us around 4 hours to reach the destination. Then, you will get on a lavish cruise to explore Halong. 

The cruise slowly weaves between islands and islets of all shapes, taking you to the Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave). The name stems from its fantastic stalagmites that leave us jaw-dropping. The cave has two big chambers with thousands of unique stalagmites simmering in the colorful light. Walking in the cave’s cool atmosphere feels like stepping into a wonderland where everything comes to life.

Saying goodbye to Surprising Cave, we will visit Titop Island—a must-visit destination in Halong Bay. As small as it is, its landscape is not to be overlooked. It appears like an imposing mountain with steep cliffs blanketed with lush vegetation. You can plunge into the crystal-clear beach, go kayaking, or participate in other water sports. 

After an exciting day exploring the seascape, it’s time for an indulging night on the luxurious cruise. Nothing beats a hearty dinner onboard while watching the fiery sun bleed into an ombre orange-yellow painting in the horizon line. You can slouch in a lounge on the desk at night, taking in the magnificent starry sky before having a tight night’s sleep on the cruise.

Day 4: Back To Hanoi
Waking up amidst the sea is an amazing experience, hearing the rhythmic waves gently slap against the cruise. You can have a satisfying breakfast prepared by talented chefs on the cruise. But it’s also time to bid farewell to the captivating tour. We will take you to Noi Bai International Airport, where you catch a flight back to your home country.

All must-visit destinations from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay will be wrapped up in 4 days. The limited time doesn’t stop you from admiring the spectacular beauty of these natural wonders. Contact Private Tour Vietnam to book the best Vietnam tour!
 
 
 
 
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