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Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Group Tour 2 Days
USD
$199
/pax
Why you’ll love this trip?
- See Ninh Binh and Halong Bay – two UNESCO landscapes – in two easy days with everything arranged.
- Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s capital from 968 to 1010, and cycle through a village.
- Choose your boat trip: Tam Coc past rice fields or Trang An through water caves.
- Climb about 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint for the best panorama in Ninh Binh.
- Spend a night at Trang An Heritage Garden with dinner and breakfast.
- Cruise Halong Bay for six hours: Sung Sot Cave, kayaking at Luon Cave and Ti Top Island.
Tour Information & Itinerary
The Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour 2 days combines Ninh Binh’s karst countryside with a six-hour Halong Bay day cruise. Day 1 covers Hoa Lu, a boat trip at Tam Coc or Trang An (your choice) and the Mua Cave viewpoint, with a night at Trang An Heritage Garden; Day 2 visits Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Ti Top Island. From US$199 per person.
Status (checked October 2026): this joined group tour runs daily from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Halong Bay cruises can be postponed by the authorities in storms or typhoons (mainly July–October) – we rebook or refund the cruise day. The Trang An boat ticket rose to 300,000 VND on 1 January 2026 and is included.
Tour at a Glance
| Duration | 2 days, 1 night |
|---|---|
| Route | Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc or Trang An – Mua Cave – Ninh Binh (overnight) – Halong Bay day cruise – Hanoi |
| Tour style | Joined (shared) group tour with English-speaking guides |
| Boat choice on Day 1 | Option 1: Tam Coc (about 1.5 hours) · Option 2: Trang An (about 2–2.5 hours) |
| Accommodation | 1 night at Trang An Heritage Garden, Ninh Binh (pool open in summer) |
| Meals | 2 buffet lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast |
| Transport | Shared limousine (17–19 seats); rowing boat; Halong day cruise; kayak or bamboo boat |
| Pick-up / drop-off | Hanoi Old Quarter hotels, 7:30–8:00 on Day 1; back about 20:30–20:45 on Day 2 |
| Fitness | Moderate: about 500 steps at Mua Cave, stairs in Sung Sot Cave and on Ti Top |
| Price | From US$199 per person (2+ guests); US$219 for a solo traveller – see prices |
| UNESCO | Trang An Landscape Complex and Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago |
Is the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Group Tour Worth It?
Yes, if you have only two days and want Northern Vietnam’s two headline landscapes – Ninh Binh and Halong Bay – without planning transport, tickets or hotels. Staying overnight in Ninh Binh means you see Hoa Lu, a river boat trip and Mua Cave on Day 1, then travel straight to the bay instead of returning to Hanoi first.
The trade-offs: Day 2 starts early, with a 3.5–4-hour transfer from Ninh Binh to Tuan Chau harbour, and you return to Hanoi about 20:30. The Halong part is a day cruise, not an overnight cruise. If you prefer a night on the bay, see our Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Tour 5 Days.
Tour Highlights
1. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Vietnam’s capital from 968 to 1010, with the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh set among limestone peaks. Read about Hoa Lu.
2. Option 1: Tam Coc Boat Trip
About 1.5 hours on a rowing boat (2–3 guests per boat) along the Ngo Dong River, past rice fields and through the Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba caves. Our Tam Coc guide.
3. Option 2: Trang An Boat Trip
About 2–2.5 hours on a rowing boat (4 guests per boat) through water caves and past island temples in the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, a filming location for Kong: Skull Island (2017). Our Trang An guide.
4. Mua Cave Viewpoint
Climb about 500 stone steps up Ngoa Long (Lying Dragon) Mountain for the best panorama in Ninh Binh, looking down on Tam Coc. About Mua Cave.
5. Halong Bay Day Cruise: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Ti Top Island
Six hours on a day cruise from Tuan Chau: a seafood buffet lunch as you pass the Stone Dog, Incense Burner and Kissing Rocks, then Sung Sot Cave, kayaking or a bamboo-boat ride at Luon Cave, and the viewpoint and beach at Ti Top Island, finishing with a sunset party on deck.
Who This Tour Is For – and Who Should Choose Another
- Great for: first-time visitors, solo travellers and couples with two days who want Ninh Binh and Halong Bay at a fixed price.
- Think twice if: long days tire you – Day 2 runs about 14 hours, including 7–8 hours on the road.
- Want a night on the bay? Choose an overnight cruise package such as the 5-day private tour.
- Only one day? See our Ninh Binh group day trips or the Hanoi – Halong Bay Tour 1 Day.
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Group Tour 2 Days Price
| Group size | Price per person | Transport | Single room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 guest (solo) | US$219 | Shared limousine (max 17–19) | Included |
| 2 guests or more | US$199 | Shared limousine (max 17–19) | +US$15 per room |
Prices are in US dollars for 2026 and include all items under Inclusion. Child prices, Vietnamese public-holiday surcharges and card payments (3.3% fee) are confirmed when you book. Send your dates to check availability.
Tam Coc or Trang An on Day 1?
| Option 1: Tam Coc | Option 2: Trang An | |
|---|---|---|
| Boat time | About 1.5 hours | About 2–2.5 hours |
| Caves | Three caves on the Ngo Dong River | Several water caves, some low and long |
| Scenery | Rice fields – golden late May to early June | Karst lakes and island temples, year-round |
| Boat | 2–3 guests | 4 guests |
| Best for | Photographers and a shorter ride | UNESCO core zone and more caves |
Tell us your choice when you book – the price is the same for both options.
Why Book Direct with Vietnam Tour Expert
We are a local team in Hanoi, so you book the same group tour without an online travel agency’s commission on top. You usually get a reply within 24 hours, a named contact on WhatsApp during your trip, and our best price guarantee: if you find this exact tour with the same inclusions cheaper elsewhere, send us the link and we will review and match it where we can.
Local Expert Notes by Jimmy
- Pack a small overnight bag; leave large luggage at your Hanoi hotel.
- Bring swimwear for the Ti Top beach and, in summer, the hotel pool.
- Wear shoes with grip for the Mua Cave steps and the wet floor of Sung Sot Cave.
- Breakfast on Day 2 is early (about 6:15) – the long transfer gets you to the bay before lunch.
- From July to October, keep your Hanoi plans flexible in case a storm postpones the cruise.
Ready to join? Send us your travel dates and your boat choice – we usually reply within 24 hours.
Updated 12 October 2026 · By Jimmy, Vietnam Tour Expert
Day by day itinerary
About This Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Group Tour 2 Days
A joined group tour by shared limousine: Day 1 in Ninh Binh with a night at Trang An Heritage Garden, Day 2 on a Halong Bay day cruise and back to Hanoi in the evening. Times are approximate and depend on traffic and weather.
Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc or Trang An – Mua Cave – Ninh Binh (Lunch, Dinner)
07:30–08:00 – Hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter; drive south by shared limousine.
09:15 – Rest stop (15–20 minutes).
10:30 – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010. About Hoa Lu
11:15–11:45 – Village cycling (optional), or relax with views of the lake and mountains.
12:00 – Buffet lunch at Trang An Heritage Garden (vegetarian option).
13:15–13:30 – Boat trip, choose one:
Option 1 – Tam Coc: about 1.5 hours on the Ngo Dong River through the Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba caves. About Tam Coc
Option 2 – Trang An: about 2–2.5 hours through water caves and past island temples in the UNESCO-listed landscape. About Trang An
15:30 – Mua Cave. Climb about 500 steps to the Lying Dragon viewpoint over Tam Coc. About Mua Cave
17:00–17:30 – Check in at Trang An Heritage Garden; swim in the pool in summer.
19:00–19:30 – Dinner. Overnight at Trang An Heritage Garden.
Day 2: Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Day Cruise – Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
06:15–06:30 – Light breakfast and check-out.
07:00 – Transfer to Halong Bay (about 3.5–4 hours).
11:15–11:30 – Tuan Chau harbour. Board the day cruise and enjoy a welcome drink.
12:00–13:15 – Seafood buffet lunch while cruising past the Stone Dog, Incense Burner and Kissing Rocks.
13:30–14:15 – Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay. About Sung Sot Cave
14:30–15:15 – Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat rowed by locals. About Luon Cave
15:30–16:30 – Ti Top Island: climb to the viewpoint or swim at the beach; or relax in the Jacuzzi on board. About Ti Top Island
16:45 – Sunset party with tea, juice, fruit and cakes as the boat returns.
17:45–18:00 – Back at Tuan Chau; limousine to Hanoi.
20:30–20:45 – Drop-off at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel.
Inclusions
Meals
2 buffet lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
Transport
Shared limousine, rowing boat, Halong day cruise, kayak or bamboo boat
Accommodation
1 night at Trang An Heritage Garden, Ninh Binh
Tour Inclusions
Day 1 – Ninh Binh
- Hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter and shared limousine (17–19 seats)
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees: Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Tam Coc (2–3 guests per boat) or Trang An (4 guests per boat)
- Bicycle activity (optional)
- Buffet lunch, dinner, 1 night at Trang An Heritage Garden and breakfast
- Free Wi-Fi, bottled water, conical hat and raincoat
Day 2 – Halong Bay
- Limousine Ninh Binh – Tuan Chau and Tuan Chau – Hanoi (17–22 seats)
- Six-hour day cruise with welcome drink and seafood buffet lunch (filtered water at lunch)
- Sung Sot Cave, kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave, Ti Top Island (swimming and hiking)
- Jacuzzi and towel on board, sunset party with tea, juice, fruit and cakes
- Halong Bay entrance and sightseeing fees, English-speaking guide
Tour Exclusions
- VAT
- Drinks
- Tips for guides, drivers and boat rowers
- Personal expenses
- Single room supplement (US$15 per room)
- Surcharges on Vietnamese public holidays
- Anything not listed under Inclusion
Tour Price
Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Group Tour 2 Days Price 2026
| Group size | Price per person | Transport | Single room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 guest (solo) | US$219 | Shared limousine (max 17–19) | Included |
| 2 guests or more | US$199 | Shared limousine (max 17–19) | +US$15 per room |
Prices include everything listed under Inclusion. Child prices, Vietnamese public-holiday surcharges and card payments (3.3% fee) are confirmed when you book. Send us your travel dates to reserve your seats.
Tour Inquiry
FAQs about the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Group Tour 2 Days
1. What is included in the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour 2 days?
Shared limousine transfers, English-speaking guides, 1 night at Trang An Heritage Garden, 2 buffet lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast, entrance fees, the Tam Coc or Trang An boat, Mua Cave, the Halong Bay day cruise with Sung Sot Cave, kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, Jacuzzi and a sunset party.
2. How much does the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour cost?
US$199 per person for 2 or more guests, or US$219 for a solo traveller, in 2026. A private room for a guest sharing costs US$15 extra per room.
3. Can I choose between Tam Coc and Trang An on this group tour?
Yes. Option 1 is the 1.5-hour Tam Coc boat ride past rice fields; Option 2 is the longer Trang An boat trip through more caves. Compare them in our Trang An guide.
4. Where do I stay on the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour?
You stay one night at Trang An Heritage Garden in Ninh Binh, with dinner and breakfast included; the pool is open in summer.
5. Is the Halong Bay part a day cruise or an overnight cruise?
It is a six-hour day cruise from Tuan Chau harbour. If you want to sleep on the bay, ask us about an overnight cruise version.
6. What do I see on the Halong Bay day cruise?
The Stone Dog, Incense Burner and Kissing Rocks islets, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat, and Ti Top Island’s viewpoint and beach.
7. How long is the drive from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay?
About 3.5–4 hours by limousine to Tuan Chau harbour, leaving Ninh Binh at about 7:00 on Day 2.
8. What time does the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour start and finish?
Pick-up is 7:30–8:00 on Day 1 at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel; drop-off is about 20:30–20:45 on Day 2.
9. How many steps are there at Mua Cave on this tour?
About 500 stone steps to the Lying Dragon viewpoint, usually 20–30 minutes up. See our Mua Cave guide.
10. Can I go kayaking in Halong Bay on this tour?
Yes. At Luon Cave you choose a kayak or a bamboo boat rowed by a local; both are included.
11. Can I swim on the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour?
Yes, at Ti Top Island beach in the warmer months, and in the hotel pool in Ninh Binh in summer. Bring swimwear.
12. What happens if the Halong Bay cruise is cancelled by weather?
The authorities can stop cruises in storms, mainly July–October. We rebook the cruise if your schedule allows or refund that part of the tour.
13. Is the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour suitable for children?
Yes for active children who can manage the Mua Cave steps and a long Day 2. Ask us for child prices when you book.
14. What should I pack for the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour?
A small overnight bag, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, shoes with grip and clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples.
15. What is not included in the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay group tour?
Drinks, tips for guides, drivers and boat rowers, personal expenses, VAT and surcharges on Vietnamese public holidays.
16. How do I book the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay Group Tour 2 Days?
Send your dates, number of guests and boat choice (Tam Coc or Trang An) through the inquiry form or WhatsApp. We usually reply within 24 hours. More options: Vietnam group tours.
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