5-Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in decent general fitness: expect some stairs, short hikes and light cycling; not technically demanding.
Overview
Swap Hanoi’s scooters for seascapes and rice-valley quiet on this five-day northern Vietnam loop. From a Halong–Lan Ha overnight cruise to Trang An’s cave-boat and a cycling day in Mai Chau, it’s a compact route through geology, history and local life.
5-Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau
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The morning air in Hanoi feels like a warm hand on the shoulder—thick with jasmine, motorbike exhaust and the rattle of street carts—until your group piles into a minivan and the city slips away. Over five days you trade traffic for limestone karsts, rice paddies and slow rivers: a concentrated loop through the geological and cultural high notes of northern Vietnam.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Start early in Hanoi
Pickup in the Old Quarter is usually 7:45–8:15 AM; be in your lobby 15 minutes early to avoid delays.
Pack layers for the boat
Evenings on the cruise can be breezy—bring a light fleece or windbreaker for deck activities.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Wear grippy walking shoes for Mua Cave’s 500 steps and stable sandals for the kayak launches.
Cash for markets and tips
Carry small Vietnamese dong—local markets, bicycle rentals and gratuities often require cash.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Water buffalo grazing in Ninh Binh paddies
- Wading birds and shorebirds around the bay and river mouths
History
This route stitches French colonial Hanoi, the 11th-century Temple of Literature, and the Hoa Lo prison’s colonial wartime history with ancient Buddhist sites like Bai Dinh.
Conservation
Halong and Lan Ha Bay face pressure from mass tourism—choose operators that limit group size and follow waste-disposal rules, and support local guides and village businesses to spread economic benefit.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hanoi
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Supportive walking shoes
Sticky soles and ankle support make stair climbs and village trails far more comfortable.
Light rain shell
Spring showers are common—pack a compressible waterproof to stay dry on boat decks and transfers.
spring specific
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
For swimming in Lan Ha Bay or quick dips at sheltered lagoons.
summer specific
Power bank
Long transfers and full-photo days make a backup battery indispensable.