Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong: 3-Day Cruise, Caves & Balcony Cabin

Summary

Rice paddies to limestone cliffs to sunrise on the bay

You’ll start with incense-scented temples in Ninh Binh before gliding through Trang An’s silent caves by boat and hiking up Mua Cave for wild valley views. Sleep at a family-run bungalow then wake up for a luxury cruise across Halong & Lan Ha Bay—kayak hidden corners, try squid fishing under the stars, and eat meals you’ll remember long after heading home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell of incense at Bai Dinh Pagoda — it caught me off guard, sweet and smoky in the morning air while our guide Hien explained why people rub the turtle statues for luck. I tried it too (why not?), and Hien grinned like he’d seen this a thousand times. The bus from Hanoi was early but not rushed; we’d already started swapping stories by the time we hit those endless green rice paddies in Ninh Binh. Lunch was loud — chopsticks clinking, someone’s phone playing Vietnamese pop, steam rising off bowls I couldn’t name but ate anyway.

I didn’t expect the boat ride through Trang An to be so quiet. Just the slap of water against wood and that echo when you pass under low caves. Our rower — I think her name was Mai — pointed out kingfishers darting between karsts. She laughed when I ducked too soon for a cave ceiling (I’m taller than most here). Later, climbing Mua Cave’s steps left my legs jelly but the view over Tam Coc really did something to me. It’s one of those places that looks fake until you’re standing there with sweat running down your back and dragonflies buzzing around your shoes.

That night at the bungalow was simple: cold beer, open windows, frogs croaking somewhere outside. We talked about family with the owners — they taught us “chúc ngủ ngon” (good night), which I probably said wrong but they smiled anyway. Woke up early for Halong Bay, still thinking about that view from Mua Mountain.

The cruise felt like another world: private balcony cabin (I kept stepping out just to watch the light change), kayaking near Luon Cave where you can hear your own paddle echo off limestone walls, sunset on deck with sticky fingers from fresh fruit and local wine. There was a cooking class too — I tried rolling spring rolls but mine fell apart; chef just winked and handed me another wrapper. At night some folks tried squid fishing; I mostly watched stars flicker over Lan Ha Bay.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hanoi to Ninh Binh cultural tour

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
• Visit Bai Dinh Temple Complex
• Enjoy buffet lunch at local restaurant
• Boat trip through Trang An rivers and caves
• Climb 500 steps to Mua Cave viewpoint
• Overnight stay at Ninh Binh Bungalow

Day 2 — Ninh Binh to Halong Bay cruise

• Pick up from Ninh Binh Bungalow
• Transfer to Halong Bay
• Board luxury cruise and check in cabin
• Lunch while cruising past islets
• Kayak around Luon Cave
• Visit Titop Island for swimming and photos
• Enjoy sunset on cruise sundeck
• Participate in cooking class demonstration
• Dinner served on board
• Join squid fishing activity
• Overnight on cruise

Day 3 — Halong Bay to Hanoi return

• Morning Tai Chi on sundeck
• Light breakfast on board
• Visit Surprising Cave for guided tour
• Freshen up and pack luggage
• Brunch served on cruise
• Relax on sundeck enjoying bay views
• Disembark at Halong International Harbour
• Check out from cruise
• Transfer back to Hanoi Old Quarter

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes, pickup from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter is included.

What type of accommodation is provided in Ninh Binh?

You’ll stay overnight at a private room in a local bungalow.

Does the Halong Bay cruise have private balconies?

Yes, cabins come with private balconies on the 5-star cruise.

Are meals included during the tour?

All main meals are included: lunch and dinner in Ninh Binh; full board on the cruise.

Can I join if I have limited fitness?

The tour suits all fitness levels but there are optional hikes and kayaking.

Is there kayaking or swimming available?

Yes, both kayaking and swimming are part of the Halong & Lan Ha Bay itinerary.

Is there an English-speaking guide throughout?

An English-speaking guide accompanies you for the full trip.

How many days does this tour last?

This is a 3-day tour starting and ending in Hanoi.

What’s included

Your three days include hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter, all entry fees for temples and caves along the way, a night at Little River Bungalow with dinner and breakfast, cycling if there’s time after check-in, a traditional sampan boat trip through Trang An or Tam Coc, transfer by limousine bus between destinations, electric car rides at Bai Dinh Pagoda, an overnight stay in a private balcony cabin on a 5-star Halong-Lan Ha Bay cruise with all meals onboard (including cooking class), kayaking or bamboo boat excursions as per tide conditions, swimming stops, Tai Chi on deck each morning, squid fishing gear at night if you want to try it out—and drop-off back in Hanoi Old Quarter when it’s all done.