Northern Vietnam Family Tour – 7 Days: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Ha Long Bay

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai – Hanoi International Airport, enjoy our complimentary Hanoi Airport Fast Track Service for a smooth and quick arrival. Meet your tour guide and transfer to downtown Hanoi, with a brief introduction to the city and your tour program along the way.

Check in to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore Hanoi at your own pace.

Hoan Kiem Lake at Night

After breakfast at your hotel, begin your guided city tour at Ba Dinh Square, the political heart of Vietnam. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Museum (viewed from the outside; closed on Mondays, Fridays, and from October to November), followed by the iconic One Pillar Pagoda and the serene Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on the banks of West Lake.Continue on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076 – a symbol of the country’s rich educational heritage.

Enjoy lunch at a well-known local restaurant, sampling traditional Hanoi cuisine.

In the afternoon, visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering insight into the country’s diverse ethnic cultures.

Then, take a leisurely cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a maze of narrow streets buzzing with local life. Stroll along the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and stop at the vibrant Dong Xuan Market.

Wrap up your day with a performance of the traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form.

Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

One Pillar Pagoda – Hanoi

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, depart Hanoi for Hoa Lu – Tam Coc, passing through the picturesque countryside of northern Vietnam along the way.

Upon arrival in Ninh Binh province, your guide will take you to visit Hoa Lu, the Ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam during the Dinh dynasty, the Early Le dynasty, and the early period of the Ly dynasty. Here, you’ll explore two historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, located just 500 meters apart. These beautifully preserved sites offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich imperial history and cultural heritage.

Afterward, continue to Tam Coc, located just 10 kilometers from Hoa Lu. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant before boarding a small sampan boat to begin your scenic journey through Tam Coc, which means “Three Caves.”

Often referred to as the “Halong Bay of the Rice Fields,” Tam Coc captivates visitors with its serene waterways, towering limestone cliffs, and lush green landscapes. As you glide along the peaceful river, you’ll pass through three natural caves, surrounded by breathtaking views that have long inspired poets, painters, and travelers alike.

Overnight at your hotel in Ninh Binh

After breakfast, leave Ninh Binh and travel to Hai Phong, one of Northern Vietnam’s major coastal cities. Upon arrival, enjoy a private city tour exploring some of Hai Phong’s historic and cultural landmarks.

Visit Du Hang Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest Buddhist temples, then continue to Hai Phong Opera House and Le Chan Statue to learn more about the city’s history and local heritage. You can also experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional local market and discover everyday life in Hai Phong.

This relaxed day offers your family the opportunity to experience a less-touristy side of Northern Vietnam before continuing to Ha Long Bay.

Overnight in Hai Phong.

In the morning, our driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Halong Bay, a journey of approximately 2 hours.Arrive around lunchtime, check in to your luxury cruise, and begin your unforgettable journey through one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders.

Ha Long Bay

Spend the entire afternoon cruising through the breathtaking landscape of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands rise majestically from the emerald waters. Each is covered with lush green forest, creating a stunning and serene panorama that becomes more beautiful with every passing moment.

Enjoy lunch and dinner onboard and spend the night on the cruise, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the bay.

Overnight on the cruise

Wake up early to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and join a light morning exercise session on the sundeck with our onboard master.After breakfast, the cruise resumes its journey through the bay, giving you more opportunities to take in the stunning scenery – be sure to keep your camera ready to capture Halong Bay’s morning magic.

Later, check out and enjoy a delicious lunch onboard as the boat gently makes its way back to the harbor.

After disembarkation, it’s time to say goodbye to Halong Bay and board your car back to Hanoi.

You’ll arrive in the city around 4:00 PM.

Overnight in Hanoi

Tai Chi session on boat

After breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some free time for shopping and last-minute exploration in Hanoi. Take a leisurely stroll through the Old Quarter, where you can pick up local souvenirs, traditional handicrafts, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city one last time.

At the appropriate time, we will transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.

Goodbye, and we hope to welcome you to Vietnam again soon!

Farewell Vietnam

Planning a longer family holiday in Vietnam? Explore our Vietnam Family Tours for more ideas and customizable family-friendly journeys. For travelers planning a one-week trip, our 7 Days Vietnam Itinerary offers inspiration for discovering Vietnam’s highlights in seven days.