Suggested Itinerary for a 3-Day, 2-Night to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay

A trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay offers a perfect combination of the ancient cultural charm of Vietnam’s capital city and the breathtaking natural beauty of one of the world's natural wonders.

This 3-day, 2-night tour is ideal for both Vietnamese and international tourists, especially those from India, offering a variety of exciting and engaging activities. Below is a detailed itinerary to help you fully explore these iconic destinations.

Day 1: Explore Hanoi - The Capital City

Morning

• 08:00 - 09:00: Arrival in Hanoi and the beginning of the journey.
  Start your adventure in Hanoi by visiting the Temple of Literature ( Văn Miếu - Quốc Tử Giám ),Vietnam’s first university. This historical site showcases the nation’s rich educational and cultural traditions, with stunning ancient architecture that offers a glimpse into the past.

• 09:30 - 11:00: Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.
  Continue your journey to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you can pay tribute to Vietnam’s beloved leader. Explore the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which preserves artifacts and stories of his life and legacy. The Mausoleum itself is a solemn site where visitors come to honor his contributions to the nation.

Noon

• 12:00 - 13:30: Explore the Old Quarter of Hanoi.
  Stroll through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its historic charm, traditional shops, and vibrant local culture. It’s the perfect place to shop for unique souvenirs and experience the authentic lifestyle of Hanoi’s residents.

Afternoon

• 14:00 - 15:30: Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
  Take a leisurely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Discover the charming Ngoc Son Temple, located on a small island in the lake, and learn about the legendary stories of the Sword Lake.

• 16:00 - 17:00: Explore Dong Xuan Market.
  Head to Dong Xuan Market, one of Hanoi’s oldest and largest markets. Here, you can shop for traditional handicrafts, clothes, and unique souvenirs, including lacquerware, paintings, and other iconic Vietnamese items.

Evening

• 18:30 - 20:00: Enjoy the night in Hanoi.
  Spend the evening at Hanoi’s Walking Street near Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can enjoy live performances, street food, and engaging activities. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theater, a traditional Vietnamese art form.

Day 2: Discover Ha Long Bay - A Natural Wonder

Morning

• 07:00 - 09:00: Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
  Embark on a scenic 3-4 hour drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. Along the way, admire the lush green rice fields and tranquil countryside landscapes of Northern Vietnam.

• 09:00 - 10:00: Arrival at Ha Long Bay and hotel check-in.
  After arriving in Ha Long, you will check into your hotel and take some time to rest before participating in the afternoon sightseeing activities. 

Noon

• 12:00 - 13:30: Sightseeing and relaxation at resort areas.
  Visitors will have time to relax at coastal resorts. This is an opportunity to unwind, immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of Ha Long Bay, and prepare for the next sightseeing journey,

Afternoon

• 14:00 - 16:00: Explore Ha Long Bay by boat.
  The exploration of Ha Long Bay officially begins with a boat trip around the bay. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent limestone islands such as Ti Top Island, Trong Mai Islet, Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Island. Activities  like kayaking or participating in water games are also exciting options for visitors who want to discover the natural beauty of the bay.

• 16:00 - 17:30: Swimming at Bai Chay Beach.
  After touring the islands and caves, you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters at Bai Chay Beach, one of Ha Long’s most famous beaches. This is the perfect spot to relax and engage in beach sports activities.

Evening

• 19:00 - 21:00: Participate in cultural exchange programs.
  In the evening, you can join the cultural exchange programs at the hotel or resort. Guests can also take part in other activities based on their interests.

Ngày 3: Further exploration of Ha Long Bay and return to Hanoi

Morning

• 06:30 - 08:00: Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and participate in morning activities.
  Early morning is an ideal time to take part in light activities such as walking along the beach or joining yoga class by the seaside. This is also an excellent opportunity to relax and soak in the fresh air of Ha Long Bay.

• 08:30 - 10:00: Visit additional highlights of Ha Long.
  Visitors can also explore other attractions like Co To Island or discover more famous caves in Ha Long Bay if time permits.

Noon

• 11:00 - 12:00: Departure for Hanoi.
  After completing the morning sightseeing, you will board the vehicle to return to Hanoi, marking the end of your Ha Long Bay exploration journey. 

Afternoon

• 17:00 - 18:00: Arrival in Hanoi.
  The journey ends, tourists return to Hanoi, wrapping up an exciting trip filled with beautiful memories of the capital city and the natural wonder of Ha Long Bay. 

Conclusion

The 3-day, 2-night Hanoi - Ha Long Bay tour not only takes you to famous landmarks but also offers the chance to engage in exciting activities, helping you gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s rich culture, history, and stunning natural beauty.

Phú Minh Quang Travel is proud to be a professional tour operator, providing high-quality services tailored especially for Indian tourists. Plan your trip and join the tour to explore these must-visit destinations!