HANOI – NINH BINH – HALONG BAY – The Ultimate 5 Day Vietnam Guide

Welcome to Northern Vietnam, where epic scenery, rich culture, and non-stop good vibes await! Whether you’re in Vietnam for a month or just a few days, this Southeast Asia destination delivers unforgettable adventures at every turn.

Have limited time? No worries! In just five days, you can soak up the best of Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay—think of buzzing city streets, dreamy landscapes, and jaw-dropping limestone cliffs. Following my route, this guide covers everything for an unforgettable 5 day Vietnam trip. Are you ready?

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TIPS – Vietnam

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DAY 1 – Arriving In Hanoi

After my mum and I spent time in Ho Chi Minh City and Mui Ne, our next stop was Hanoi. I pre-booked a taxi from the airport to the first hotel, Hotel May De Ville Corner House.

Accommodation – Hotel May De Ville Corner House

Just 1.3 miles from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the 4-star Hotel May De Ville Corner House gem delivers big on comfort and vibes! The spacious, spotless rooms make it a cosy retreat, while the friendly staff make you feel right at home.

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You know you’re in for a treat from the moment you enter the 5-star-style reception. The breakfast buffet? Delicious. And the rooftop bar? Great views of the city skyline. If you’re after a clean, stylish, and well-located stay in Hanoi, this one’s a winner!

More Places To Stay

Old Quarter. In the heart of Hanoi, the Old Quarter is packed with bustling streets, historic temples, and endless street food! Stay here if you want to be right in the action, with famous spots like Hoan Kiem Lake and Train Street just a short walk away. It’s perfect for backpackers, foodies, and night owls!

Recommends: The Oriental Jade Hotel is a 5-star stay with a rooftop pool and top-notch services.

Tay Ho. Tay Ho is your spot if you prefer a quieter, more upscale stay. Home to expats, trendy cafes, and lakefront views, it’s perfect for those who love laid-back brunches, sunset strolls, and a slower pace. Plus, you’re still just a short ride from the Old Quarter!

Recommends: The 5-star Fraser Suites Hanoi hotel offers a premium experience with cosy rooms.

More Hotels

We started the day with the Incense Village and Hat Painting Tour, available at 8 a.m. or midday. Here, you’ll get hands-on with traditional crafts, from learning and making incense sticks in a centuries-old village (with a chance to purchase) to designing your own conical hats.

The first stop on the tour was the Incense Village, where the tour guide showed us how to make incense. We dipped the sticks in and added the finishing touches. As someone who absolutely LOVES incense, I found this to be such a cool experience!

Our tour guide showed us how the incense is made

After watching how the incense is made, we went to the Instagram-famous spot where vibrant bundles of incense were spread out in a colourful mix of red, pink, green, and yellow.

Of course, plenty of pictures were taken, and some funny memories were made as people were on their hands and knees to get ‘that shot’—including me! Haha. However, here is a more elegant snap of the day.

The Insta-famous spot is a vibe!

Our next stop on the tour was to watch how conical hats are made. The process was fascinating as we saw the locals piece together different-sized hats. It usually takes around 8 hours to complete each one!

Vietnam’s famous traditional conical hat—the Non-La—has existed for over 3,000 years! Originally designed to protect farmers from the sun and rain, it’s now an icon of Vietnamese culture. Each hat is light, stylish, and practical, made from palm leaves, bamboo, and skilful hand-weaving.

Then, it was time to paint our own hats, which we could take home as souvenirs. Painting the hat is not as easy as it looks! Art was my favourite subject in school, but my conical hat looked like a 5-year-old painted it. Nevertheless, it hangs on my wall today as a great memory of Hanoi.

The professionals’ conical hat vs mine…

Hanoi’s Train Street

Tucked between narrow old-quarter houses, Hanoi’s Train Street is a must-see mix of adrenaline and charm! Built during the French colonial era, this railway has trains speeding through just inches from homes and cafes.

Once a hidden local gem, it’s now an iconic Instagram hotspot where you can sip Vietnamese egg coffee while waiting for the train to roar past. Just be ready to grab your seat and capture it on camera when it does!

The famous Train Street is a cool little vibe!

For a fun and unique souvenir, grab a bottled drink—like a beer—and tape the cap to the railway tracks (just ask the cafe for some tape!). As the train whizzes by, it flattens the cap, creating a one-of-a-kind keepsake for your travel scrapbook. A little thrill, creativity, and a great story to take home!

You can do a guided tour of Hanoi City & Train Street separately if you prefer.

Peridot Luxury Boutique Hotel – Food Stop

The evening feast was needed, and it didn’t disappoint!

After Hanoi’s Train Street, a feast was needed. The nearby Peridot Luxury Boutique Hotel serves delicious Western and Vietnamese dishes. My mum had vegetable soup with asparagus, while I opted for grilled chicken and rice. We also shared the prawn spring rolls, which were a solid 10/10.

The day ended here for us, and what a day it was! It was a colourful, fun, and exciting way to be introduced to Hanoi. It was time to call it a night, as we had plenty more exploring to do in Hanoi the following day.

DAY 2 – Exploring More Hanoi

Day 2 in Hanoi started early. We wanted to get more acquainted with the city, and there was no better way to explore the city than with a Hop-On – Hop-Off – Bus Tour!

Hop On Hop Off Bus (HOHO Bus)

The Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Tour is the perfect way to explore a city’s major attractions without breaking the bank! Operating in 20 countries and 68 cities, the HOHO Bus is a convenient, flexible city tour that lets you explore at your own pace. It’s also easy to see a city without worrying about transportation!

You can hop on at any designated stop and explore the sights. Once you’re done, hop back on the next bus! The buses follow a set route and come with an audio guide in multiple languages to provide information on the landmarks you pass.

Hanoi’s HOHO Bus is the best way to get a feel for the city

I’m completely obsessed with these tours as they are the best way to get a feel for a new place. It stops at all the must-see attractions, making it easy to pack more adventures into one day. So, of course, the Hanoi HOHO Bus was next on this Vietnam journey.

The stops on this route: Hoan Kiem Lake, Saint Joseph Cathedral, Hanoi Flag Pole, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Cua Bac Church, Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison, Vietnam Women’s Museum, Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Post Office.

Hoa Lo Prison

We decided to stop at Hoa Lo Prison, intrigued by its dark yet fascinating history. Also known as the Hanoi Hilton, it came highly recommended—and what a visit it was!

Originally built by the French in 1896, the prison was used to house Vietnamese political prisoners during colonial rule. Later, during the Vietnam War, it became infamous for holding American prisoners of war. Today, its grim past is preserved as a museum, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s fight for independence and the harsh conditions prisoners endured.

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Upon entry to Hoa Lo Prison, an audio guide is available for a small fee. I highly recommend it to gain a better understanding of the history. The guide engages detailed stories about the prison’s dark past and is available in multiple languages.

We spent over an hour at Hoa Lo Prison, consumed by its fascination. I highly recommend you add this stop. We returned on the HOHO Bus to our next destination, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

Vietnamese Women’s Museum

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum was an interesting stop, as gender in society fascinates me. Some cultures have different or similar practices according to gender, and as a woman, I was keen to learn more.

The outfits were cool to see

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum in Hanoi celebrates women’s vital role in Vietnam’s history, culture, and society. Opened in 1995, the museum showcases artefacts, photographs, and stories highlighting women’s contributions from the wartime era to present-day achievements.

The Vietnamese Women’s Museum features exhibits on women’s roles in the family, culture, and resistance during the Vietnam War, offering a powerful tribute to their strength and resilience.

Colourful murals and outfits throughout the museum

Inside, it was so colourful and engaging, with multiple floors to explore. You’ll find interactive bits, videos, and descriptions to read manually. You can also purchase an audio guide to learn more through the museum.

After spending an hour at the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, time was getting on. My mum and I decided it was time for a delicious meal somewhere nearby, where we came across Hummingbird Restaurant and Cocktail.

Hummingbird Restaurant & Cocktail – Food Stop

I was in heaven once I saw the menu at Hummingbird Restaurant and Cocktail. After indulging in many Vietnamese and Asian meals in Ho Chi Minh City and Mui Ne, it was time for a dose of Western food.

Highly recommend the Hummingbird Restaurant & Cocktail in Hanoi

I opted for the rack of ribs with slaw and chips, while my mum treated herself to a rack of ribs with mashed potatoes and vegetables. We were very happy ladies by the end; this meal went down a treat. Hands down, it was the best rack of ribs I’ve ever had—and they were so juicy with plenty of meat. Solid 11/10.

After getting stuffed, we decided to head back to the hotel, as we needed to pack and be prepared for our exciting three-day, two-night tour to Ninh Binh and Halong Bay the following morning!

DAY 3 – Ninh Binh

Day 3 was super exciting as we had booked the 3-Day – 2-Night – Ninh Binh & HaLong Bay 5-Star Cruise. This was one of the tours I was most looking forward to doing when coming to Vietnam! I knew it would be stunning, with unreal views and an unforgettable experience; it didn’t disappoint!

The coach collected us early in the morning from our hotel, and then we made the two-hour journey to Ninh Binh. Known on land as Halong Bay, Ninh Binh is a stunning destination packed with limestone mountains, lush rice fields, and winding rivers.

Hoa Lu Truong Yen

Our first stop of the day was Hoa Lu Troung Yen, the ancient capital of Vietnam, located in Ninh Binh. Once the political and economic centre in the 10th and 11th centuries, it’s a historical site with beautiful temples, stunning mountain backdrops, and a rich royal history.

When we arrived at Hoa Lu Truong Yen, we could ride bicycles to the temple grounds or take the coach to the site. Of course, we decided we wanted bikes, and what a fun way to kick off the tour! The route was around 2km and super scenic, and I was so grateful for the exercise, to be honest (the Christmas period is still punishing me).

Cycled our way to the temple, and my mum and I at the temple

If you decide to wear shorts on the day, you are provided with a cover-up before entering Hoa Lu Troung Yen; as you can see in the image, I’m wearing the brown skirt cover-up. We spent an hour going through the worshipping site and taking pics of our surroundings.

Once we finished at Hoa Lu Troung Yen, we returned by bicycle but took a different route this time. As the sun beat down and the mountains glistened, I couldn’t help but fall in love with my surroundings.

We arrived back on the coach and went to our next stop, the beautiful Trang An.

Trang An

Trang An is a stunning natural wonder in Ninh Binh, famous for its serene boat rides through limestone caves, emerald rivers, and ancient temples. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is super peaceful as you drift through caves and float with awe-inspiring scenery. Make sure you have your camera ready!

We hopped on board a Grandola-type Kayak as we arrived in Trang An. We spent about 45 minutes on the water, going through multiple caves and surrounded by limestone mountains—it really was something special!

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Halfway through, we hopped off on land to some stunning temples before getting on board again to complete the course. I must admit, going through the caves in Ninh Binh was one of my highlights, as it was a first for me!

This stop was super cool, and after some more pictures and ice cream, it was time to hop on the coach for our big final stop of the day: Hang Mua Viewpoint.

Hang Mua Viewpoint is one of the most breathtaking spots in Ninh Binh! You’ll need to climb around 500 steep steps to reach the top, but the reward is absolutely worth it. Enjoy stunning panoramic views of limestone mountains, winding rivers, and endless rice fields stretching below the peak.

At the summit of Hang Mua Viewpoint

The Hang Mua Viewpoint is absolutely stunning, with unreal views! Plus, the dragon statue at the summit adds a mystical touch, making it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Vietnam (although we didn’t take a picture with the dragon at the top as there was a long queue).

I must admit, the steps up to the viewpoint are… not for the faint-hearted. It took us around 20-25 minutes to get up, with multiple breaks and very achy legs. We were given an hour at this spot, so if you can do it, go for it. Remember, it takes around 10 minutes to come down, too.

Surrounded by stunning scenery

Hang Mua Viewpoint is more than just a scenic hike; it carries cultural and historical significance. The name ‘Hang Mua’ translates to ‘Dancing Cave,’ as legend says, this area was where Tran Dynasty kings (13th-14th century) came to watch royal dance performances.

While visiting, don’t miss Mua Cave at the base and stroll through the lush green fields. With serene surroundings, it’s the perfect spot for a peaceful escape and some more Instagram-worthy shots.

Take a stroll around to see more gorgeous views

Although the steps to the top of Hang Mua Viewpoint completely took me out of it, this was an excellent way to end the tour. This trip to Ninh Binh was everything and more, and I fell utterly in love with it. After this stop, we were dropped off at Trang An Ecolodge (also included in the 3-Day – 2-Night – Ninh Binh & HaLong Bay 5-Star Cruise Tour).

OMG, what an incredible stay! We didn’t know what to expect when we arrived, but we were beyond pleased with the outcome. The Trang An Eco-lodge was absolutely stunning and definitely one of our favourite spots from our Vietnam trip.

The spacious room had a super comfortable bed, a gorgeous bathroom overlooking breathtaking views, and a patio offering more jungle and mountain sights. The pool was so pretty; at night, it lit up in vibrant colours, adding a whole new level of charm.

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After the long day in Ninh Binh, we only had it in us to enjoy a delicious meal, bathe, and crash out, which was totally fine as we had an early start the following day to HaLong Bay.

Staying in Ninh Binh? Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh and Lalita Boutique Hotel & Spa offer UNREAL stays!

DAY 4 – HaLong Bay

After starting the day early with complimentary breakfast, a coach picked us up to make our way to HaLong Bay, roughly 3.5 hours away. Once we were closer to HaLong Bay, we stopped at a pearl and silk place, which, sorry, I can’t remember the name! Oops.

Pearls & Silk Place

The Pearl and Silk Place was a cool, quick stop. We saw an oyster being opened, which revealed a beautiful pearl. You can also shop through their stunning, tempting pearl jewellery collection—I had to pull my mum away quite a few times.

Pearls and silk bags had us so tempted!

The place was gorgeous, and there were lovely silk bags. Again, I had to pull my mum away as she fell in love with the bags, which she was thankful for in the end (although we failed not to be tempted in general as we returned to the UK with four bags from Vietnam).

After this stop, it was time to hit up Ha Long Bay, where we would hop onboard our overnight stay on the 5-star Amanda HaLong Bay Cruise.

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Eek! Staying on an overnight cruise was another bucket list activity that we really wanted to tick off, so this stop was exciting. We boarded a mini boat from the port on a 40-minute ride to the Amanda HaLong Bay Cruise.

At HaLong Bay and on the mini boat to get to Amanda Cruise

When we arrived at Amanda HaLong Bay Cruise, we were greeted by super-friendly staff in bright uniforms. We were seated in the dining space and welcomed by our host before helping ourselves to a yummy buffet meal.

Then, we were shown our rooms…my favourite part.

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The rooms were awesome, with amazing views and good vibes. The beds were comfy, the bathtub was a treat, the shower was lovely, and the balcony was everything! We had time to relax and love our views while some other guests went snorkelling and kayaking.

In the evening, we joined the cooking class, which taught us how to make Vietnamese spring rolls. It was fun and a laugh. After enjoying a five-course yummy dinner, my mum and I went for a massage. I’m unsure what the other guests did at this point.

I must be honest and say I don’t recommend the overpriced massages. The staff was not professionally trained at all. However, we had a laugh and an epic night on this Halong Bay Cruise!

After a few triple shots of Baileys (that’s the way to do it), we headed for bed as yoga started around 6 am and breakfast from 7 am the following morning.

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DAY 5 – Return To Hanoi

Up bright and early, with incredible views of HaLong Bay, we headed straight for breakfast (yes, we missed yoga!). The HaLong Bay cruise made a stop for kayaking through caves, but we decided to skip it. After all, we’d explored caves the day before in Ninh Binh and were taking a well-deserved break to recharge after the last four busy days.

Then, it was time to head back to the port, where a coach was waiting to take us back to Hanoi. We had such a great time on the 3-Day – 2-Night – Ninh Binh & HaLong Bay 5-Star Cruise that we didn’t want it to end!

We arrived back in Hanoi, where we had booked accomodation for 1 night, as we were heading off to Da Nang and Hoi An the following day.

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Accomodation – Ja Cosmo Hotel & Spa

We checked into Ja Cosmo Hotel & Spa for one night to end our trip to Hanoi. It was cheap, spacious and cosy, perfect for our short stay. By the reception is a spa, which I highly recommend if you want a great massage! I also had a skin scrub which left my skin feeling as smooth as a baby’s butt!

One night at Ja Cosmo Hotel & Spa

We felt rejuvenated after our 3-hour spa/massage session (yes, it was needed after the bad one on the cruise). We freshened up and headed for food at a really cool spot…

Viet Restuarant Hanoi – Food Spot

Viet Restaurant Hanoi is a delicious food spot in Hanoi that’s definitely worth booking in advance, as it fills up quickly. We arrived without a reservation and were lucky to snag the last spot, but others weren’t so fortunate. Highly rated by visitors, The Viet Hanoi is a must-try for foodies looking for a fine-dining authentic taste of Vietnam!

Viet Restaurant Hanoi is located on the 8th floor of the JM Marvel Hotel. It offers great city views, a lively, upbeat vibe, and super friendly staff. The menu is huge, giving you so many options to choose from—it literally took us 20 minutes just to go through everything and another 10 minutes to finally make up our minds!

The cocktails taste unbeatable, and the menu offers various alcoholic drinks. If you’re not into alcohol, don’t worry—there’s also an extensive selection of mocktails and fresh beverages to enjoy!

Fantastic dishes are served at the Viet Restuarant Hanoi

My mum and I finally settled on prawn rolls with rice noodles as appetizers—though two rolls each were pretty filling! We also got chicken skewers with a mix of meats grilled to perfection, and it was all so delicious. We went with a caramel treat for dessert. It was a bit more bitter than expected but still tasty. We definitely finished it off; no regrets!

The evening of our final day was short and sweet. My mum headed to bed while I wandered around to find the shops. I came across the Huc Bridge glowing in a bright red light. The Huc Bridge, which means Morning Sunlight Bridge, is an iconic red bridge in Hanoi, located at Hoan Kiem Lake.

Built in the 18th century, it connects the lake’s shore to Ngoc Son Temple, which sits on a small island. It’s often seen as a symbol of Hanoi’s beauty, history, good fortune, and protection.

The Huc Bridge at night

This is where my night in Hanoi ended. I had to call it a night as we were up early to head to our next destination in Vietnam, Da Nang & Hoi An. We had a really great time in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay! Despite visiting for just 5 days, we packed in a lot and loved every single second!

FAQ – Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay