The Ultimate 5-Day Northern Vietnam Family Tour: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Bai Tu Long

Route: Hanoi - Bat Trang - Hanoi City Tour

Meals: Breakfast

Hotel: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar

After a delicious breakfast, our exploration begins at 8:30 AM. We’ll journey just 20km outside the city to the legendary Bat Trang Pottery Village, a living, breathing artisan hub nestled on the banks of the Red River.

Here, you'll step back in time. We'll walk through narrow, ancient alleys to visit the village's communal house, honoring the founders of this centuries-old craft. You'll be welcomed into an ancient house nearly as old as the famous Long Bien Bridge, where the host will share intimate stories of Vietnamese culture and spiritual beliefs.

Then, the best part for the kids (and adults!): we’ll visit a family-owned factory. Your guide will show you the fascinating, fiery process of how a simple lump of clay becomes a beautiful porcelain masterpiece. This is your family's chance for a hands-on experience—feel the cool, wet clay spin in your hands as you try to create your very own unique souvenir alongside the skilled artisans. It’s a moment of shared creation and joyful, messy fun.

We’ll return to the city for lunch (at your leisure) before diving into Hanoi's profound history. Our first stop is the Temple of Literature. Walk through its five sun-dappled courtyards, a place of incredible peace and beauty. You're standing in Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. See the 82 stone "steles"—massive turtles bearing the names of ancient scholars—and feel the deep respect for learning that permeates the air.

Next, we'll take a panoramic drive through the city's contrasting neighborhoods. You'll see the grandeur of the French Quarter, pass the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and then plunge into the vibrant, chaotic heart of the Hanoi Old Quarter. This is a living museum, its 36 streets still buzzing with the commerce they were named for centuries ago.

As evening approaches, your day concludes with a touch of pure magic. You’ll be enchanted by a traditional Water Puppet Show. This uniquely Vietnamese art form, born in the rice paddies, brings ancient legends and folk tales to life. Watch as colorful puppets, supported by hidden bamboo rods, seem to dance and skim across a stage of shimmering water, all set to the sound of live, traditional music. It's a captivating spectacle for all ages.

Route: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi (100km each way, ~2 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Hotel: La Nueva Boutique Hotel (Premium Room) or similar

Prepare to be astonished. Today, you journey to a landscape of such staggering beauty it's famously nicknamed "Ha Long Bay on Land." After a comfortable 2-hour drive through the picturesque Red River Delta, you'll arrive in the wonderland of Ninh Binh.

Our first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient, 10th-century capital of Vietnam. You'll stand in the very place where the nation’s independence was declared after 1,000 years of Chinese rule. We'll visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, two of Vietnam's most revered heroes.

From history, we journey into nature's artistry. We'll explore Bich Dong Pagoda, not just one temple, but a series of three built directly into a mountainside. You'll cross a charming stone bridge to the lower pagoda, then climb the stone steps into the dark, incense-filled cave pagoda, before emerging at the top for an absolutely incredible panoramic view of the entire valley.

After a delicious lunch of local specialties, the main event begins. We head to Tam Coc, which means "three caves." You will board your own private sampan boat, and a local villager will expertly row you on a ninety-minute silent cruise. The only sound is the rhythmic dip of the oars into the water.

This is a moment of pure, cinematic peace. Your family will glide along the gentle Ngo Dong River, which winds through a landscape of towering limestone karsts draped in green, rising directly from the vibrant rice paddies. You will literally float through three natural caves that tunnel through the mountains. It’s a magical, serene experience that feels like you've rowed straight into a legend. Afterwards, we’ll drive back to Hanoi, your hearts full of the day's beauty.

Route: Hanoi - Bai Tu Long Bay (160km, ~3 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise: Swan Cruise (Deluxe Cabin)

The legend awaits. Today, you leave the city behind and journey to the coast. At 8:00 AM, your comfortable shuttle departs for the 3-hour drive to the Ha Long International Cruise Port.

Here, you'll be warmly welcomed into the cruise lounge before transferring by tender to your beautiful Swan Cruise. A refreshing welcome drink is served as you check into your cabin.

As a delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch is served in the elegant restaurant, the ship begins to sail. This is the moment: you're leaving the world behind and entering a maze of thousands of jungle-topped limestone islands. We chart a course for Bai Tu Long Bay, the pristine, quieter, and more magical neighbor of Ha Long. This is the authentic, crowd-free experience your family deserves.

This afternoon, we anchor at Cap La Island. This is your moment to truly connect with the bay. Will you seize a kayak and paddle as a family, gliding silently on the emerald water to discover hidden coves? Or will you simply plunge off the boat into the refreshing, calm water for a swim? The choice is yours.

We return to the boat for the magical "golden hour." A Sunset Party is held on the sundeck as the sky explodes in colors of orange, purple, and pink. Join a fun, hands-on cooking demonstration to learn the art of making fresh Vietnamese spring rolls.

As night falls, a sumptuous set dinner is served. Afterwards, the evening is yours. Relax under a blanket of stars, join the crew for the simple fun of squid fishing, or simply enjoy the profound, quiet peace of the bay from your cabin's balcony.

Route: Bai Tu Long Bay - Hanoi (160km, ~3 hours)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Greet the day in the most unforgettable way. At 6:30 AM, join the Tai Chi session on the sundeck. As the first rays of light paint the tops of the karsts, feel the gentle morning air and the serene energy of this ancient practice. It’s a truly rejuvenating start to your day.

After a Western-style breakfast, we embark on our final excursion. We’ll explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son Cave. You'll walk into a subterranean wonderland, a large cavern filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites that have been sculpted by nature over millions of years.

We return to the boat one last time. You'll have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish packing before checking out of your cabin.

Savor a final, traditional Vietnamese lunch on board as the ship cruises peacefully back to port. This is your last chance to soak in the final, breathtaking views of the bay, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Around 11:30 AM, you'll disembark at the port, where your driver will be waiting. You'll then enjoy a comfortable 3-hour drive back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Later, at the pre-arranged time, your driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby for your final transfer to Noi Bai Airport (HAN). You leave Vietnam with a camera full of photos and a heart full of cherished family memories.