Ninh Binh & Halong Bay Tour 2 Days 1 Night

tam coc rice fieldskayaking halong bay
Escape the city and dive straight into the most iconic landscapes of Northern Vietnam in just 2 days. This well-crafted journey takes you from the ancient capital of Ninh Binh - often called “Halong Bay on land”- to the legendary seascape of Halong Bay. From peaceful boat rides through limestone valleys to cruising among towering karsts, this tour blends culture, nature, and soft adventure into one seamless experience - ideal for travelers short on time but big on expectations.

Tour Itinerary

Hanoi – Hoa Lu/Bai Dinh, Tam Coc/Trang An – Hang Mua & Halong bay.
Duration: 2 days 1 night.

  • Explore both Ninh Binh and Halong Bay in a compact 2-day itinerary
  • Choose flexible routes: Bai Dinh or Hoa Lu, Trang An or Tam Coc
  • Climb Mua Cave viewpoint for one of the best panoramic views in Vietnam
  • Overnight stay in a peaceful bungalow or homestay surrounded by nature
  • Cruise Halong Bay on a premium day cruise with buffet lunch
  • Kayak or take a bamboo boat through Luon Cave
  • Visit Sung Sot Cave and relax at Titop Island

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hang Mua, Overnight Stay (L, D)

07:00 – 07:45 | Pick-up & Departure
Start your journey with hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter. Travel south to Ninh Binh (around 2 hours) with a short break on the way.

  • Morning Option 1: Bai Dinh Pagoda
    Visit the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia, known for its massive Buddha statues and hundreds of Arhat sculptures.
  • Morning Option 2: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
    Step back in time at Vietnam’s first capital, exploring temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties.

12:00 | Local Lunch
Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at a countryside restaurant featuring regional specialties.

  • Afternoon Option 1: Trang An Boat Ride
    Drift through a UNESCO-listed landscape of limestone peaks, hidden caves, and sacred temples.
  • Afternoon Option 2: Tam Coc Boat Trip
    A slower, more rustic experience through rice paddies and river caves carved by nature.

15:30 | Mua Cave Hike (Hang Múa)
Climb nearly 500 steps to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain for a jaw-dropping panoramic view—arguably the most Instagrammable spot in Ninh Binh.

16:30 | Check-in Bungalow / Homestay
Relax by the pool, cycle around the village, or just enjoy the quiet countryside vibe.

19:00 | Dinner & Free Time
Dinner at your accommodation. Evening is yours—chill, drink, or just do nothing (which is kinda the point here).

Day 2: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Cruise – Hanoi (B, L)

07:00 | Breakfast & Check-out
Wake up slow, have breakfast, then get ready for the next leg.

07:30 | Transfer to Halong Bay
Depart for Halong Bay via expressway (approx. 3.5 hours).

11:45 | Boarding Cruise at Tuan Chau Harbor
Check in and board a premium day cruise. Welcome drink + quick briefing before departure.

12:30 | Buffet Lunch on Board
Enjoy lunch while cruising past iconic limestone formations rising from emerald waters.

14:00 | Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)
Explore one of the largest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay, filled with dramatic rock formations.

14:45 | Luon Cave – Kayaking / Bamboo Boat
Glide through a tranquil lagoon surrounded by cliffs—quiet, surreal, and worth every paddle.

15:30 | Titop Island
Swim at the beach or hike up for a panoramic view over Halong Bay.

16:30 | Sunset Party on Cruise
Relax with drinks, fruits, and music as the sun sets over the bay—classic Halong moment.

18:00 | Return to Harbor & Transfer Back
Disembark and head back to Hanoi.

20:30 – 21:00 | Hotel Drop-off
End of tour.

Tour price

GROUP TOUR (Seat in coach tour)

Seat in coach tour
US$138/person

Not fit your requirement? Feel free to contact us to plan this trip and get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.

Tour inclusive

  • Limosine Bus transferring following the itinerary,
  • Halong Apolo 5 star day cruise on Halong bay with buffet lunch, Traditional music live show, Jacuzzi…
  • English-speaking guide as indicated in itinerary.
  • Meals including 2 lunches, 1 breakfast and 1 dinner
  • All entrance fees indicated
  • Accommodation at Homestay or Bungalow base on twin or double sharing room.
  • Cycling and swimming at the Bungalow.

Tour exclusive

  • Beverages & travel insurance.
  • Kayaking or Bamboo boating (50,000 VND/person, depending on price listed on the floating house).
  • Electric car transfer in Bai Dinh: 100.000VNĐ/pax.
  • Tour guide overnight at bungalow and next morning.
  • Tips for tour guide/driver and personal expenses.

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