3 days in North Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through northern Vietnam. This 3 days in North Vietnam guide explores the cultural depth of Hanoi, the natural beauty of Ninh Binh, and the breathtaking seascapes of Ha Long Bay. Be sure to watch the YouTube video that accompanies this post for an immersive preview of this adventure: Watch here

Tourist Information Resources

• Vietnam Tourism Board: https://vietnam.travel

• Hanoi Tourism Portal: https://tourism.hanoi.gov.vn

• Ha Long Bay Official Site: http://halongbay.com.vn/en/

Getting Around and Practical Tips

Hanoi’s chaotic charm is best navigated with guided tours, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the local traffic norms. Motorbikes dominate the roads, and pedestrian crossings often require a brave heart. Booking organised day tours can greatly enhance your experience.

Useful tools and resources:

• Vietnam Tourism App: Search for "Vietnam Travel" on the App Store or Google Play.

• Transportation: Grab (local ride-hailing app) is reliable and widely used.

• Tourist Discount Cards: Vietnam currently does not offer a national tourist discount card, but many tour operators provide package deals.

3 days in northern vietnam: Itinerary

Day 1 - Hanoi

Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi

Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda is located on a small island in West Lake. Built in the 6th century, it offers a peaceful retreat amidst the urban chaos. Visitors can explore the striking red stupa and tranquil gardens.

• Address: Thanh Nien Road, Tay Ho District, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: 07:30 – 18:00 daily

• Entry: Free

• Website: https://tourism.hanoi.gov.vn

• YouTube Chapter: Tran Quoc Pagoda

• Getting There: Best reached by taxi or motorbike.

Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hanoi

Includes the Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and One Pillar Pagoda. It's a solemn yet significant place where history and symbolism converge.

• Address: 2 Hung Vuong, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: 07:30 – 10:30 (Tue-Thu & Sat-Sun)

• Entry: Free (some museums charge a fee)

• Website: https://hochiminh-museum.org.vn

• YouTube Chapter: Ho Chi Minh Complex

• Getting There: Accessible by taxi or local bus.

Ho Chi Minh Museum, Hanoi

A monumental tribute to Vietnam’s revolutionary leader. The museum blends historical documentation with dramatic Soviet-style symbolism.

• Address: 19 Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 11:30 and 14:00 – 16:00 (closed Monday & Friday afternoons)

• Entry: 40,000 VND

• Website: https://hochiminh-museum.org.vn

• YouTube Chapter: Ho Chi Minh Museum

• Getting There: Short walk from the Mausoleum.

B-52 Victory Museum, Hanoi

An outdoor and indoor exhibit commemorating Vietnam’s resistance during the air raids of 1972, featuring the wreckage of a downed U.S. B-52 bomber.

• Address: 157 Doi Can, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 11:30, 13:00 – 16:30 (closed Mondays & Fridays)

• Entry: Free

• YouTube Chapter: B-52 Victory Museum

• Getting There: Taxi or local bus.

Hoa Lo Prison, Hanoi

Known as the "Hanoi Hilton," this former prison tells the story of French colonial oppression and American POWs.

• Address: 1 Hoa Lo, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

• Entry: 30,000 VND

• Website: https://hoalo.vn

• YouTube Chapter: Hoa Lo Prison

• Getting There: Walkable from central Hanoi.

Hanoi Train Street

A narrow residential street with a working railway running straight through it. Grab a coffee, but be alert—trains pass just centimetres away.

• Location: Between Le Duan and Kham Thien streets, Hanoi

• Opening Hours: Train passes several times a day; check with cafés for schedule

• Entry: Free (buy a drink to stay at a café)

• YouTube Chapter: Train Street

• Getting There: Walkable from Old Quarter

Day 2 - Ninh Binh

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Ninh Binh

A former imperial capital set in a stunning valley. Explore the temples dedicated to Vietnam's early emperors and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

• Address: Truong Yen Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh

• Opening Hours: 07:00 – 18:00

• Entry: Approximately 20,000 VND

• YouTube Chapter: Hoa Lu

• Getting There: Best accessed via guided tour or private car from Hanoi.

Tam Coc River Boat Ride, Ninh Binh

This peaceful journey through lush rice paddies and limestone karsts is guided by local rowers using their feet. An unforgettable experience.

• Location: Tam Coc Wharf, Ninh Hai, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00

• Entry: 150,000 VND per person

• YouTube Chapter: Tam Coc

• Getting There: Usually part of a tour package.

Hang Mua Viewpoint, Ninh Binh

Climb 500 stone steps to a panoramic view of the valley. It’s a challenging ascent but worth every step.

• Address: Khe Dau Ha Village, Ninh Xuan, Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh

• Opening Hours: 06:00 – 19:00

• Entry: 100,000 VND

• YouTube Chapter: Hang Mua

• Getting There: Usually accessed via bike or short drive from Tam Coc.

Day 3 - Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay Day Cruise

Departing from Tuan Chau Marina, this day cruise explores iconic spots like Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Ti Top Island. Expect seafood lunches, scenic climbs, and stunning limestone formations.

• Departure: Tuan Chau Marina, Quang Ninh

• Duration: Full day (7:30 – 19:00 approx.)

• Entry: From 800,000 VND (includes lunch and entrance fees)

• YouTube Chapter: Ha Long Bay

• Getting There: Organised tours from Hanoi are recommended.

  
  

Included Highlights:

• Hang Sửng Sốt Cave (Surprise Cave): A large and impressive cave filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

• Luon Cave: A water cave accessible only by rowing boat or kayak, leading into a tranquil, enclosed lagoon.

• Ti Top Island: Known for its viewpoint with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay and a small beach for swimming.

FAQs

For a richer experience, watch the journey unfold on YouTube: Click here to view.