3-Day Vietnam Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Vietnam tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaVietnam travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Halong Bay

  Rich cultural heritage unfolds across 290km in three days. UNESCO site Trang An and Bai Dinh Temple start the journey, followed by Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts, featuring kayaking, caves, and cooking aboard a 5-star cruise.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hanoi to Ninh Binh

    Leave Hanoi's Old Quarter at 7:30 AM for the 2.5-hour drive to Ninh Binh. Your first stop is the Bai Dinh Temple Complex, Vietnam's largest Buddhist complex. You'll need comfortable walking shoes since there's lots of ground to cover. After lunch at a local restaurant take a relaxing sampan boat ride through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An. In the afternoon climb the 500 steps at Mua Cave for sweeping valley views. One traveler suggests: "Go early afternoon when the sun isn't directly overhead - the steps can get slippery when wet."

    
  • Day 2

    Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

    Start your day at 7:00 AM for the 4-hour drive to Halong Bay. Board your cruise ship around noon and enjoy lunch while sailing past stunning limestone karsts. The afternoon includes kayaking near Ba Trai Dao Beach and swimming in clear emerald waters. A previous guest noted: "The kayaking through caves was incredible - even if you're a beginner, the guides ensure you're comfortable." Your evening includes Vietnamese cooking demonstrations and beautiful sunset views from the deck.

    
  • Day 3

    Halong Bay to Hanoi

    Join the optional sunrise Tai Chi on deck at 6:00 AM. After breakfast you can either kayak at Ao Ech or explore Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island depending on your cruise itinerary. Other travelers say: "Don't miss the morning activities - the bay is especially beautiful in early light with fewer boats around." Head back to the marina around 11:30 AM and return to Hanoi by mid-afternoon.

    

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• 3 Day Halong Bay Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Lan Ha Bay

  Maritime adventures await in Halong Bay and Viet Hai Village. Bright and Dark caves offer kayaking opportunities, while cycling tours and Three Peach Islets provide active alternatives. Five-star cruise features morning tai chi and cooking classes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hanoi to Halong Bay

    Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from Hanoi's Old Quarter between 8:00-8:30 AM. The transfer takes about 4 hours with one rest stop. A helpful tip from a fellow traveler: "While it's good to have a toilet break, don't buy anything at the rest stop - the prices were outrageous compared to Hanoi." You'll board your cruise around noon and sail into Halong Bay's green waters. The afternoon includes kayaking near limestone karsts and swimming in quiet spots. If you have energy left, try the Light and Dark cave kayaking. At night you can try squid fishing. One excited guest shared: "I did squid fishing and actually caught a squid! I was so excited."

    
  • Day 2

    Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai Village

    Start your morning with sunrise tai chi on the sundeck at about 6:00 AM. After breakfast you'll take a day boat to visit Viet Hai fishing village. You can cycle through the village or take an electric car. A recent visitor noted: "The day trip to canoe through the caves and beach swim was a great highlight." Your afternoon includes kayaking around the Three Peach Islets and swimming at hidden beaches. It's smart to bring water shoes since beaches can be rocky. Pack reef-safe sunscreen too.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Morning and Return to Hanoi

    Watch one last sunrise over the bay from your private balcony if you're up early. After breakfast you'll have time for a final kayaking session at Ao Ech area. The cruise returns to port around noon and you'll be back in Hanoi's Old Quarter by 3:00 PM.

    

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• Central Highlands Bike Tour 3 Days/3 Nights

  Central highlands adventure spans 150km through Ho Chi Minh City, Bao Loc, Da Lat, and Nha Trang. Highlights include Elephant Waterfalls, cricket farms, silk villages, and mountain routes.

  

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  • Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

    98 mi

  • Bao Loc Vietnam

    49 mi

  • Dalat Vietnam

    53 mi

  • Nha Trang Vietnam

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