Our journey through the beautiful land of Vietnam began in Hanoi—a city that captured our hearts the moment we stepped into the vibrant chaos of the Old Quarter. We instantly fell in love with its narrow streets, bustling energy, and timeless charm.

However, a trip to Hanoi isn’t truly complete without exploring two of its most iconic day trips: the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay and the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh.

Ha Long Bay Day Trip from Hanoi

We booked our Ha Long Bay day cruise through Klook. The entire experience was smooth right from the start, with all pickup and travel details shared a day in advance.

Our day began early with a hotel pickup at 7:45 AM. The journey to the harbor took around 2–2.5 hours. On the way, there was a stop at a bamboo store, where we saw a demonstration of bamboo fiber products and enjoyed some refreshments. Sometimes, the stop may be at a pearl farm instead—it depends on the operator.

Once onboard, we were guided to our pre-arranged seats, and lunch was served soon after. The meal was delicious, featuring a variety of local Vietnamese dishes, seafood, and desserts. One important thing to note—drinks are not included, so it’s best to check before ordering.

The cruise had multiple areas, including a seating section and an open deck on the third floor with a jacuzzi and a dance floor.

Key Stops on the Ha Long Bay Cruise

• Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave):
  One of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. We had about an hour to explore, and it was a worthwhile experience.
• Luon Cave (Kayaking/Bamboo Boat Ride):
  Here, you can either kayak on your own or take a traditional bamboo boat ride through a serene lagoon. Carry a swimming outfit if you plan to kayak.
• Ti Top Island:
  A great spot to relax on a sandy beach surrounded by limestone mountains. You can also climb up to Titop Peak for panoramic views of the bay.

After the activities, the cruise hosted a small evening party on the deck with snacks, drinks, and music. It turned into a lively experience, with people coming together to relax and enjoy.

We reached back at the harbor around 5:45 PM and returned to Hanoi by approximately 8:15 PM.

Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi

We booked our Ninh Binh tour through Klook, and just like the previous trip, the coordination was smooth with all details shared the night before.

This day started earlier, with a pickup at 7:15 AM. After a short refreshment stop, we reached our first destination—Hoa Lu.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Hoa Lu served as the capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. The site features temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh. It is well-preserved, peaceful, and surrounded by scenic landscapes.

Lunch & Cycling Experience

Lunch was arranged at a nearby hotel, where bicycles were also available. We took a short cycling ride through the surrounding countryside, which turned out to be a refreshing experience. The lunch offered a wide variety of dishes, though it wasn’t as flavorful as the one on the Ha Long Bay cruise.

Trang An Boat Ride

Next, we headed to Trang An for a boat ride, which was the highlight of the trip.

The ride lasted around 2 hours, taking us through narrow rivers surrounded by lush greenery and towering limestone cliffs. The scenery was stunning, with panoramic views throughout the journey. We passed through several caves—some long and low, adding a sense of adventure.

All the boats were rowed by local women, who navigated continuously for two hours with a smile. Since the boats are manually rowed and not motorized, the experience felt calm and peaceful. They also helped us take photos at scenic points.

Do note: tipping around 50,000 VND per person is generally expected.

Mua Caves (Mua Cave Viewpoint)

Our final stop was Mua Caves, which involves a steep climb of around 500 steps.

At one point, the trail splits:

• The left path leads to Lying Dragon Mountain (the highest point with the iconic dragon statue)
• The right path leads to a pagoda with panoramic, slightly less crowded views

By this time, we were quite exhausted, so we opted for the shorter climb. Even then, the views were breathtaking.

At the base of Mua Mountain, there is a beautiful stay option called Eco Lodge, featuring rustic bungalows surrounded by lotus fields—ideal for those looking to stay overnight.

We wrapped up the trip and headed back to Hanoi, reaching around 8:00 PM.

Final Thoughts

Both Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh make for incredibly rewarding day trips from Hanoi, each offering a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural history.

If you have more time, consider spending a night in Ninh Binh to fully soak in its peaceful surroundings. Either way, these experiences add immense value to your Vietnam itinerary and are well worth the effort.