5-Day Guided Tour in Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh

Code: N/A | Private tour | Duration: N/A

Overview

Experience the best of Northern Vietnam in just 5 days with our amazing tour. If you're looking to maximize your exploration within a limited timeframe, our tour is perfect for you. Get ready for a captivating journey filled with ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Our main destinations for this amazing journey: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh.

 

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

1. Noi Bai International Airport Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's captivating capital city! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our friendly tour guide will be there to greet you and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel located in the vibrant city center. Once you've checked in and settled into your comfortable room, take some time to relax and rejuvenate. Hanoi Old Quarter is a treasure trove of history and culture, with its 36 streets showcasing traditional craft villages that have withstood the test of time. NOTE: Hotel rooms are usually available at 2:00 pm, but your possible check-in early would be guaranteed with a surcharge.

Day 2: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight On Cruise

1. Halong Bay Around 8:00 am – Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Halong Bay. Upon arrival, board a comfortable cruise to begin your unforgettable journey through Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy lunch on board while cruising past breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. 2. Sung Sot Cave Explore the Surprise Cave (Sung Sot), one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay. Walk through illuminated chambers and marvel at incredible stalactites and stalagmites. 3. Titop Island Climb to the top for panoramic views or enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Return to the cruise for sunset views, cooking class, and dinner on board.

Day 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Night Train To Lao Cai

1. Halong Bay Cruise Activities Start your day with Tai Chi on the sundeck, followed by breakfast. Visit a floating village or enjoy kayaking (depending on cruise itinerary). Check out and have brunch as the cruise slowly returns to the harbor. 2. Hanoi Station Arrive in Hanoi around mid-afternoon. Transfer to a local restaurant or relax at a hotel lobby. Around 9:00 pm, transfer to Hanoi Train Station for an overnight train ride to Lao Cai (shared 4-berth cabin, air-conditioned).

Day 4: Lao Cai – Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van (SUN)

1. Sapa Town Arrival Early morning arrival at Lao Cai station, transfer to Sapa town (~1 hour). Breakfast and short rest at a hotel. 2. Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai Village Trekking begins: Walk through breathtaking rice terraces to Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages, home to Black Hmong ethnic people. Experience local culture and scenic landscapes. 3. Ta Van Village Continue trekking to Ta Van Village of the Giay people. Overnight homestay or local hotel in Ta Van.

Day 5: Giang Ta Chai – Sapa – Hanoi

1. Giang Ta Chai Village Trek through bamboo forests to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dao people. Visit a waterfall and enjoy nature before returning to Sapa. 2. Sapa Town Leisure Free time to explore Sapa market or town center before transfer. 3. Return to Hanoi Afternoon transfer back to Hanoi via bus/train. Tour ends upon arrival.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! This itinerary is a suggested travel idea designed to inspire your journey. It serves as a starting point and can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and preferences. Whether you'd like to adjust the activities, include additional destinations, or tailor the pace of the trip, we're here to create a personalized experience just for you. Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll craft an itinerary that perfectly fits your vision.

A private tour means your journey is exclusively yours. You'll have your own professional guide and private vehicle, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can linger longer at spots you love, make spontaneous stops for photos, and enjoy an experience built entirely around your interests, not a fixed group schedule.

Yes, absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups of friends. As a solo traveler, your itinerary is tailored completely to you. A single supplement fee may apply for accommodation, but we will always work to find the best options for your needs.

Your personalized proposal will include a detailed list of inclusions. Typically, this covers:

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Private, air-conditioned transportation
  • A private, licensed tour guide
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled sights
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary

Exclusions: international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

We offer a wide range of accommodations to suit your style, from charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges to luxury resorts. To ensure maximum flexibility, we don't specify hotels in our sample itineraries. Your travel expert will suggest carefully selected options in your proposal, and we are happy to adjust them based on your preferences.

Visa requirements vary greatly depending on your nationality and destination. While your travel expert will offer guidance during the planning stage, we strongly recommend checking the official embassy or consulate website for the most current information.

Our booking process is simple and collaborative:

  1. Send a Request: Fill out the form on our website with your travel ideas.
  2. Personalize Your Trip: A travel expert will contact you to craft a detailed proposal, which you can refine until it’s perfect.
  3. Confirm & Book: Once you are 100% happy with the plan, you confirm your trip with a deposit.

To secure your booking, we require a deposit, which is typically 30% of the total tour cost. The final balance is due 60 days before your departure. Our cancellation policy is structured based on how far in advance the cancellation is made.

For full, detailed information, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Yes, travel insurance is essential for your trip. At Custom Asia Travel, we do not include insurance in our packages to allow you the freedom to choose an insurance provider that best suits your needs and guarantees your rights. Your trip is a significant experience, and having reliable insurance ensures you are well-supported in case of unexpected events.

Please note that basic insurance policies in the host country may not meet your expectations regarding support or administrative procedures. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance from your preferred provider.

Important: All customers are required to have valid travel insurance, and we request that you share your insurance details with us before departure.