From Hanoi: 3D2N Lan Ha/Ha Long Cruise & Ninh Binh Tour Stay

Explore Northern Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural treasures in one seamless trip. This 3-day, 2-night tour offers a perfect balance of stunning seascapes and ancient landscapes. Starting with a luxury cruise in Lan Ha or Ha Long Bay, you’ll experience serene waters, kayaking, swimming, and gourmet meals on board. Then, after a night in a cozy homestay in Ninh Binh, you’ll step into Vietnam’s historic past at Hoa Lu, glide through the limestone karsts of Trang An, climb Mua Cave for sweeping views, and visit Bich Dong Pagoda. All of this for just $226 per person, with flexible drop-off options — whether back in Hanoi or continuing your adventure elsewhere.

What we love about this tour is how it combines the spectacular scenery of two different worlds — the bay’s floating islands and the lush, mountainous landscape of Ninh Binh. The inclusion of activities like kayaking or a Vietnamese cooking class keeps the experience engaging and hands-on. Our only note: the outdoor activities, while fantastic, might be a bit tiring if you’re not used to a full schedule or outdoor adventures. Still, it’s a trip that appeals most to travelers eager to see Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural sites without the hassle of planning every detail.

This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of comfort and adventure, who want to see UNESCO-listed sites, and appreciate authentic local experiences like staying with a host family. It’s a great option for travelers looking for a comprehensive Northern Vietnam experience that’s both relaxing and visually stunning.

Key Points

• Two contrasting landscapes: Coastal serenity in Lan Ha/Ha Long Bay and mountain scenery in Ninh Binh.
• All meals included: Enjoy local flavors, from cruise lunches to homestay dinners.
• Authentic experiences: Kayaking, cooking classes, and homestay stays bring genuine Vietnamese culture to life.
• Flexible options: Drop-off in Hanoi or Ninh Binh, with support for onward travel planning.
• Balanced itinerary: Carefully curated activities with enough free time to soak in the scenery.
• Cost-effective: At $226, it offers a comprehensive package with all key sights and experiences included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

This tour is a well-structured introduction to Northern Vietnam, blending scenic beauty with cultural insights. It begins with a comfortable pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where a limousine or coach whisks you away at 8 a.m. to the coast. Arriving at the harbor around 11:30, you’ll step aboard a luxury cruise in Lan Ha or Ha Long Bay — a highlight that promises unforgettable views of limestone karsts and floating villages.

The Cruise: A Floating Oasis

Once onboard, you’ll settle into your cabin and be greeted with a generous lunch as the boat starts to glide through the tranquil waters. The afternoon offers options to explore caves or visit floating villages, both of which highlight the traditional ways of life on the bay. For active travelers, kayaking and swimming are available, allowing you to get close to nature. We loved the way the cruise includes a cooking class, giving a taste of local Vietnamese cuisine, which adds a personal touch to the experience.

In the evening, the sunset party on the sundeck serves as a perfect backdrop for relaxing with tea or cocktails. After dinner, the chance to go squid fishing or simply enjoy the calm of the night at sea makes for a memorable finish. The overnight stay on a cruise ensures you’re surrounded by water and limestone cliffs, waking up to spectacular sunrises.

Transition to Ninh Binh

The next morning begins with Tai Chi at dawn, a peaceful way to start your day. After breakfast, an excursion to a cave or a fishing village keeps the day varied. At around 12:30, you’ll have an early lunch on the cruise before disembarking. The transfer to Ninh Binh by car takes roughly four hours, giving you a chance to see Vietnam’s lush countryside.

Ninh Binh: The Timeless Landscape

Arriving in Ninh Binh, you’ll check into a traditional homestay — a highlight for many travelers wanting to experience local life authentically. Dinner with your host family offers a warm, home-cooked meal, and the following morning begins with a homemade breakfast, emphasizing the personal touch of this part of the trip.

The day is packed with iconic sights: a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, where you can imagine the country’s early rulers amid the historic temples. The boat trip in Trang An is a highlight, as you glide through caves and see limestone formations that seem straight out of a fantasy landscape. The views are so captivating that many reviews mention how “stunning” and “breathtaking” they are, making it clear why this site is a UNESCO World Heritage location.

Next, a climb up Mua Cave rewards you with panoramic vistas of the surrounding rice fields and limestone mountains — a moment to truly appreciate the scale and beauty of Ninh Binh. The visit concludes at Bich Dong Pagoda, a beautiful complex nestled among limestone cliffs.

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The Practicalities

Throughout the tour, all meals, entrance fees, and guided activities are included, removing the stress of planning. The guides are English-speaking, ensuring smooth communication and insight into the sites visited. Transportation is comfortable and reliable, with round-trip transfers organized from Hanoi or to Ninh Binh, depending on your preference.

Authenticity and Value

The tour’s strength lies in its authenticity — staying in a homestay, joining locals for dinner, and experiencing Vietnam beyond the usual tourist spots. The price of $226 per person covers nearly everything, making it a good value considering the inclusions, especially the luxury cruise, guided excursions, and all meals.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want an active, visually stunning, and culturally rich experience without the hassle of organizing separate components. It suits those with a curious spirit, eager to see UNESCO sites, explore limestone caves, and enjoy local food. Since outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking are involved, it’s better suited for people in good health who enjoy being outdoors.

If you’re traveling with family, keep in mind that some outdoor activities might not be suitable for very young children or travelers with mobility issues. Solo travelers should note a small surcharge applies. But overall, this tour offers a balanced and memorable way to discover northern Vietnam’s natural and historic treasures.

The Sum Up

This 3-day, 2-night experience offers incredible value for anyone wanting to see both the bay’s stunning seascapes and Ninh Binh’s ancient landscapes. The combination of luxury cruises, authentic homestays, and guided excursions provides a comprehensive snapshot of Northern Vietnam’s diverse scenery and culture.

The tour’s flexibility in drop-off options allows for easy continuation of your trip, whether heading back to Hanoi or onward to other regions. With all meals included and a focus on genuine local experiences, it’s a practical, immersive, and beautifully balanced adventure.

Perfect for travelers who appreciate breathtaking views, cultural authenticity, and seamless organization, this tour promises a memorable taste of Vietnam’s natural charm and historical depth.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transfers from Hanoi are included, whether you prefer to be dropped off in Hanoi or Ninh Binh.

What activities are on the cruise?
You can enjoy sightseeing in caves or floating villages, kayaking, swimming, and a Vietnamese cooking class onboard.

Are all meals provided?
All meals listed in the itinerary are included, covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with options for vegetarian meals if requested in advance.

Can I choose my drop-off point?
Yes, the tour offers flexible drop-off options — either back in Hanoi or at Ninh Binh, depending on your plans.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking might not suit very young children or those with mobility issues, so consider your comfort level before booking.

What should I bring?
Pack a hat, sunscreen, camera, water, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, and possibly a light jacket for the evening.

What if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may change slightly due to weather, but the tour operator aims to ensure you still get a full experience of the key sites.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, offering flexibility and peace of mind before confirming your plans.

This tour combines the best of Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural history — a true journey for travelers eager to see the country’s most iconic sights with comfort and authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here: