Hanoi and Ha Long Bay Guide: Cruises, Old Quarter and Itinerary

Northern Vietnam combines a buzzing capital with one of the world's most beautiful seascapes. Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is about 2.5 hours by expressway.

Ha Long Bay Cruises

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has around 2,000 limestone islands and islets.

• Day cruise (6–8 hours): budget-friendly but rushed.
• Overnight cruise (2D1N): the most popular – kayaking, Sung Sot cave or Titop Island, sunset, cooking demo and tai chi at dawn.
• Two-night cruise (3D2N): relaxed, with more remote areas.

Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are quieter alternatives with similar scenery and fewer boats. Choose a cruise with good reviews, vegetarian meal options and a balcony cabin if possible.

Hanoi Highlights

• Old Quarter – 36 streets of shops, street food and motorbikes
• Hoan Kiem Lake and the red Huc Bridge
• Temple of Literature – Vietnam's first university
• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda
• Train Street (access may be restricted at times)
• Water puppet show – a traditional art form

Ninh Binh Day Trip

Called "Ha Long Bay on land": boat rides through limestone caves at Trang An or Tam Coc, Mua Cave viewpoint, and Bai Dinh pagoda.

5-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive Hanoi, Old Quarter walk, water puppet show.
2. Day 2: Hanoi city tour.
3. Day 3–4: Overnight Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay cruise.
4. Day 5: Ninh Binh day trip; fly onward to Da Nang or home.

Continue south to Da Nang, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City – see our Vietnam trip guide.

Visa and Best Time

Indians need a Vietnam e-visa, applied online on the official Vietnam e-visa portal. North Vietnam is best October–April; winters (December–February) are cool and sometimes misty.

Vietnam Packages

• Vietnam Highlights – Hanoi, Halong Bay Overnight Cruise & Saigon, 5 Nights / 6 Days
• Dreamy Vietnam Escape for Couples – 7 Nights / 8 Days
• Vietnam Honeymoon with Halong Bay Cruise – 5 Nights / 6 Days
• Exotic Vietnam for Couples – 6 Nights / 7 Days
• Vietnam Couple Special with Ba Na Hills – 6 Nights / 7 Days

See all Vietnam tours.

Related reading: Vietnam trip from India · Thailand trip from India

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise worth it?

Yes – sunset, sunrise and kayaking make it far better than a day trip.

Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

Lan Ha is quieter and equally scenic; many cruises combine both.

Is vegetarian food available in Vietnam?

Yes, especially in Hanoi; inform your cruise in advance.

How many days do I need for North Vietnam?

Four to five days for Hanoi, Ha Long and Ninh Binh.