Perfect 5-Day Itinerary to Explore Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Sapa

How many days in Northern Vietnam?

The North of Vietnam is great to discover because you can find different colours in different cities. It has breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. You can spend 5, 7 or 10 days in just the North of Vietnam. 

The following suggestion is for 5 days in Northern Vietnam. 

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Airport Pick-Up & City Tour

You arrive at Hanoi airport and transfer to the city centre. It’s the Old Quarter Area. It takes around 30-45 minutes driving-hour. 

You can consider using pick-up Service from Noi Bai Airport (Pick-up and Drop-off Service), taking you directly to your hotel in the city center.

Spend 1 day to discover Hanoi Old Quarter & Landmarks

After checking in and freshening up, start exploring Hanoi with a Hanoi City Tour (Hanoi City Tour):

Suggested schedule: 

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda 
• Temple of Literature
• Ethnology Museum
• Hoa Lo Prison
• Cyclo ride around the Hanoi Old Quarter 
• Water Puppet Show

One day in Hanoi is enough for the city landmarks, or you can choose a half-day city tour and a half-day food tour.

Day 2: Halong Bay Full-Day Cruise

On the second day, head to Halong Bay for a full-day cruise on this UNESCO World Heritage site. A Halong Bay Full-Day Tour on a 5-Star Cruise (Halong Bay Full-Day Tour) offers a comfortable and luxurious way to explore the bay.

Climb up the top of Halong Bay mountains to enjoin an overview

Onboard, you’ll pass by towering limestone islands and take in the stunning emerald waters. Many cruises include stops for kayaking, swimming, or visiting natural limestone caves. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch while relaxing on deck. Halong Bay’s serene beauty and dramatic rock formations make it a must-see on any Northern Vietnam trip.

Suggested schedule: 

• Trong Mai and Dinh Huong islets
• Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto)
• Luon Cave (water cave)
• Kayaking or a bamboo boat ride
• Ti Top Island & Beach
• Trek for panoramic views 

Days 3-4: Sapa Tour – 2 Days, 1 Night

Sapa is famous for its majestic nature and the ethnic culture of Vietnam

Early in the morning, depart for Sapa, a scenic mountain town known for its terraced rice fields and vibrant ethnic minority villages. A Sapa 2-Day Tour (Sapa Tour for 2 Days 1 Night) will give you an authentic taste of Northern Vietnam’s countryside.

• Visit Cat Cat Village
• Trekking to Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van.
• Visit Fansipan peak 

Sapa is a unique destination but requires a long travel distance. If you dislike a long time in the car, you can spend 1 more night in Halong Bay (Overnight cruise in Halong Bay)

Day 5: Ninh Binh Day Tour and Airport Transfer

Ninh Binh is accessible for a day tour from Hanoi

For the final day, take a day trip to Ninh Binh, known as “Halong Bay on land” due to its majestic limestone formations and lush landscapes. A Ninh Binh Day Tour provides a wonderful conclusion to your Northern Vietnam journey.

• Tam Coc Boat Ride
• Bich Dong Pagoda
• Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
• Mua Cave for Dragon Peak

This 5-day itinerary is suitable for anyone wanting a diverse taste of Northern Vietnam’s landscapes, history, and culture. From Hanoi’s lively streets to the serene beauty of Halong Bay, the mountainous charm of Sapa, and the peaceful landscapes of Ninh Binh, you’ll experience the very best of this region.

Pros and Cons of Group Tours in Northern Vietnam (Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Hanoi)

Choosing a group tour for iconic destinations like Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, and Hanoi has its perks and potential downsides. Understanding these can help you decide if a group tour is the best option for your travel style.

Consider the group size before joining in 

Pros of Group Tours From Hanoi

• Group tours are generally more economical. With shared transportation, guides, and sometimes meals, you can enjoy major attractions at a lower cost than private or solo travel.
• Group tours often handle all logistics—transportation, accommodations, tickets, and meals. This is especially helpful in places like Sapa, where trekking routes require local knowledge, or Halong Bay, where boat arrangements can be complex.
• Group tours provide a local guide who offers insight into the region’s history, culture, and hidden gems, adding depth to your experience that might be hard to access on your own.
• A group tour provides a chance to connect with other travellers, creating a social atmosphere where you can share experiences and make new friends.

Hoa Lu - The first capital of Vietnam (Ninh Binh)

Cons of Group Tours From Hanoi

• With a group tour, you must follow a set itinerary. This may mean limited time at places you’d like to explore more deeply or skipping sites you’d rather see.
• Group tours often stick to popular attractions, which might not match everyone’s interests. For example, in Sapa, a group tour may not cater to your specific trekking preferences or preferred pace.
• Group sizes can vary, and larger groups can sometimes feel crowded, especially in high-season tours. This can affect your experience, particularly in tranquil areas like Ninh Binh or on boat tours in Halong Bay. You should ask the travel agent about group size before reservation. 
• Many group tours include meals, which can mean limited options for trying local foods on your own.

Halong Bay offers a variety of options from budgeted-friendly to luxury groups. 

Essential Tips for Northern Destinations

Halong Bay

A day cruise trip in Halobay with a sunset party 

Halong Bay is famous for fresh seafood. If your group tour includes meals, opt for local specialities like squid, shrimp, and fish prepared in traditional Vietnamese styles. Besides, Halong Bay’s landscapes are stunning. Bring a camera and make time for photos, especially in the early morning and sunset when the lighting is ideal. Moreover, even for a day cruise, pack sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. The weather can vary, so be prepared.

Ninh Binh

Remember to take a boat tour in Ninh Binh 

Take the Tam Coc or Trang An Boat Ride. Both routes offer breathtaking views of limestone karsts and caves. Try to sit in the front or back for better photo opportunities. In addition to the natural scenery, Ninh Binh is home to ancient pagodas like Bich Dong and historical sites like Hoa Lu. Make time to visit these to appreciate the area’s spiritual significance. Since you’ll likely be on and off boats and exploring caves, wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to move in.

Sapa

Sapa is a top place in Northern Vietnam

Sapa is a top trekking destination, so pack lightweight, comfortable shoes and bring a light backpack for essentials. High-altitude trekking can be challenging, so carry water and snacks, especially on longer treks. Check the weather and bring rain gear if needed. Secondly, Sapa is known for its ethnic minority communities. Take time to learn about their cultures, handicrafts, and traditions. You can buy directly from locals to help support their communities.

Hanoi

Hanoi Train Street Coffee

While group tours cover major attractions, set aside time to wander the Old Quarter if possible. It’s full of local markets, street food, and cafes where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere. Another thing is that group tours may include meals at designated stops, but don’t miss out on street food like pho, bun cha, and egg coffee. Ask your guide for local recommendations. Many local vendors prefer cash in smaller denominations, which makes it easier to shop at markets or buy souvenirs.

You can generally book a full 5-day journey or a separate route for more flexibility. Hanoi is the heart of the North. If you stay in the Hanoi Old Quarter, it’s easy to find daily tours to Halong, Sapa, Ninh Binh,...

Check more tour offers at: 

Ninh Binh Tours

Halong Bay Tours

Hanoi - Moc Chau - Sapa Tours