3-Day Sapa Itinerary: Fansipan, Rice Terraces & Mountain Villages
3D2NHanoi to Sa PaFansipanMuong Hoa Valley ✓ Escape the busy streets of Hanoi Head north into the mountains for three...
4-Day Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay Tour: Tam Coc, Mua Cave & Day Cruise
Bike Tour
What travelers say
Our guide was absolutely fantastic! They brought so much energy and humor to the whole experience. We learned so much about the local culture and history that we would never have discovered on our own. Highly recommend Saigon Adventure to anyone visiting!
Emily Johnson
Taking this tour was the best decision we made on our trip. Our guide didn't just feel like a tour guide, but like a local friend showing us around their city. Their English was excellent, and they made sure everyone was comfortable and having fun.
Michael Thompson
I cannot say enough good things about our guide. Their knowledge of the area was incredibly impressive, and they answered all our questions with so much patience. They took us to some amazing hidden spots. A truly 5-star experience!
Sarah Williams
Everything from the booking process to the actual tour was seamless. What really made it special was our incredible guide. They were so attentive, ensuring we were safe and engaged the entire time. It felt very authentic and far from a typical tourist trap.
David Miller
If you book with Saigon Adventure, you are in great hands! You can really tell how passionate the guides are about sharing their culture. Our guide went above and beyond to make our day special, sharing personal stories that made the culture come alive.
Jessica Brown
This experience ended up being the absolute highlight of our vacation! Our guide was exceptional—funny, polite, and so knowledgeable. They paced everything perfectly so we never felt rushed. I would book with them again in a heartbeat.
James Anderson
Full Description
4D3NHanoiNinh BinhHa Long Bay
✓
Three northern highlights in four days
Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter, row through the caves of Tam Coc and sail between the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay. Each place gets its own planned day, with an English-speaking guide and lunch included on the two excursion days.
At a glancethis journey as it runs
About this trip
This 4-day Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay tour is designed for travelers who want to see northern Vietnam's best-known places without rushing. You learn about Hanoi's history on foot, glide through caves on a rowing boat in Tam Coc and sail between limestone islands on a day cruise.
Day 2 and Day 3 are shared tours, which keeps the price lower. Day 1 and Day 4 are private, so your pick-up and airport transfer match your flight times.
The journey, day by day
✓Read it, note the days you would keep and the ones you would skip, and a local expert reshapes the rest around you.
DAY 1Hanoi Arrival and Half-Day City Tour (Private)
Your driver meets you at Noi Bai International Airport and takes you to your hotel to check in and freshen up. Standard check-in time in Vietnam is 14:00 or 15:00. Early check-in depends on availability and may cost extra.
In the afternoon, your guide introduces Hanoi's history and daily life on a half-day city tour.
Hoan Kiem Lake
The calm centre of the city. Local legend says an emperor returned a magic sword to a golden turtle here, which gave the lake its name.
Ngoc Son Temple
A small temple on an island in the lake, reached by a red wooden bridge.
Temple of Literature
Vietnam's first national university, set in quiet courtyards and dedicated to Confucius and scholars.
Tran Quoc Pagoda
One of Hanoi's most respected Buddhist temples, known for its age and peaceful setting.
Old Quarter
Walk the narrow streets to see traditional trades, shopfronts and street life.
Included: Private transfer, English-speaking guide, sightseeing tickets for the day.
Meals: None
DAY 2Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave (Shared Tour)
Highlight: a boat ride through the caves of Tam Coc and the 500-step climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint.
After breakfast, you travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh province. Its mix of rivers, rice fields and limestone peaks has earned it the nickname "Ha Long Bay on land".
Hoa Lu, the ancient capital
Visit the temples that honour the Dinh and Le dynasties and hear how Vietnam's early rulers shaped the country's history. A buffet lunch follows at a local restaurant.
Tam Coc boat trip
A local rower takes you along the Ngo Dong River, through three caves and past rice paddies.
Mua Cave viewpoint
Climb 500 stone steps to a viewpoint above the Tam Coc valley. From the top you see the winding river and the limestone peaks. It makes a good photo stop before you return to Hanoi in the evening.
Included: Shared transfer, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, Tam Coc boat trip.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 3Ha Long Bay Day Cruise (Shared Tour)
Highlight: a full day cruise through the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay, with lunch on board.
After breakfast, you travel from Hanoi to Tuan Chau port and board your cruise. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the route takes you between thousands of limestone islands and islets. A buffet lunch is served on board.
Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave)
Walk through one of the bay's best-known caves.
Luon Cave
Paddle a kayak or ride a bamboo boat through the water.
Ti Top Island
Climb to the top for a wide view of the bay. In the late afternoon, you return to the port and travel back to Hanoi.
Included: Shared transfer, shared cruise, English-speaking guide on board, lunch, cruise activities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
DAY 4Hanoi Free Morning & Airport Transfer (Private)
Have breakfast at your hotel, then use the morning as you like. Buy souvenirs in the Old Quarter, visit a local market or rest before your flight. Check-out time is usually 12:00.
Your private driver meets you at the hotel at the agreed time and takes you to Noi Bai International Airport, matched to your flight schedule.
Included: Private transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
What you'll experience
✓Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake and cross the red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple
✓Learn about scholars and Confucian tradition at the Temple of Literature
✓Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter on foot
✓Visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam
✓Row through caves and rice fields on the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc
✓Climb the 500 steps of Mua Cave for a valley view
✓Cruise through Ha Long Bay with lunch on board
✓Explore Sung Sot Cave and kayak or take a bamboo boat at Luon Cave
✓Hike up Ti Top Island for a view over the bay
Accommodation
You stay three nights in Hanoi. Choose the hotel category that fits your budget. The examples below are subject to availability. If a hotel is full, we book one of equal standard.
3-star: Golden Legend Palace, Deluxe Double
4-star: La Sante Hotel & Spa, Deluxe Double
5-star: Daewoo Hotel, Deluxe Double
Cruise options: Cozy Bay Day Cruise Sea Lion (3 and 4-star packages) or La Casta Day Cruise (5-star package), both with kayaking. Standard and superior rooms in Vietnam are often smaller than in Europe or North America, and some have no window, so we recommend Deluxe Double rooms or higher.
Important information
•Peak season in Vietnam runs from October to March. Book early for the best hotel and cruise availability.
•The cruise itinerary can change depending on the cruise brand. Your guide confirms the final details.
•The order of visits and timings can change because of traffic, weather or local conditions.
•The Mua Cave climb has 500 stone steps. Wear shoes with good grip.
•Dress modestly at pagodas and temples. Cover your shoulders and knees.
•Activities such as kayaking need a basic level of fitness. Some sites are not wheelchair accessible.
•Children's rates depend on age and height. Please tell us your child's height when you book.
MAKE IT YOURS Want to customise this 3-day Sa Pa itinerary? Contact Saigon Adventure and we'll help you plan the details.Plan Your Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay Trip
Customer Reviews
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Why We're Different
At Saigon Adventure, we understand that selecting a tour operator is a significant part of planning your journey, and we strive to make it truly exceptional. Our commitment to quality ensures that every detail is meticulously handled, creating a seamless and enriching travel experience.
Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to exceed expectations, delivering personalized service and unforgettable moments. While we cannot speak for others, we guarantee our unwavering dedication to making your trip remarkable — let us handle the logistics so you can relax and fully enjoy your adventure.
We continuously implement initiatives to enhance your experience while contributing positively to the world around us.
We've Done the Homework
No tourist traps: avoid crowded tourist attractions and explore distinctive, worthwhile experiences. Discover hidden gems that offer authenticity, cultural depth, and lasting memories. Earth-friendly travel: we carefully curate each experience to ensure it supports environmental conservation and respects wildlife.
Knowledgeable Local Insiders
Saigon Adventure exclusively employs local guides, ensuring direct benefits to the community. Each guide undergoes comprehensive training in guest experience, cultural knowledge, photography, and safety — guaranteeing an authentic, enriching, and secure journey while supporting local economic growth.
Exclusive Experience
Every traveler is unique, which is why we craft personalized tours tailored to individual interests. Whether capturing breathtaking photos, enjoying music, or celebrating a special occasion, we customize every detail to create a seamless and memorable experience.
Sustainable Impact, Ethical Commitment
Saigon Adventure is committed to responsible tourism that benefits local communities and preserves cultural heritage, prioritizing sustainable practices and ethical business standards by collaborating with local businesses and employing trained local guides.
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