Northern Vietnam Itinerary: 5 to 7 Days from Hanoi – Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh & Sapa
Hanoi is the perfect base for the whole north: Ha Long Bay is about 2.5 hours away, Ninh Binh about 2 hours and Sapa about 5–6 hours. With 5–7 days you can see the thousand-year-old capital, the islands of the bay, "Ha Long Bay on land" and the highland rice terraces. Here are two sample itineraries we often suggest to our guests.
General principles
- Base yourself in Hanoi between trips: all our tours pick up and drop off in the Old Quarter, so you only need one hotel in Hanoi and can leave your big luggage there.
- Alternate busy and easy days: after 2–3 days in Sapa, a day in Ninh Binh or a stroll around Hanoi helps you recover.
- Keep Ha Long flexible: summer can bring storms, so leave room to move the date if needed.
- Bac Ha market is Sunday only: if you want to go, plan Sapa over a weekend.
5-day itinerary
Day 1 – Hanoi. Explore the capital with a guide: Tran Quoc Pagoda, the Ho Chi Minh complex, One Pillar Pagoda, the Museum of Ethnology, the Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison – see the Hanoi City Tour Full Day. In the evening, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, eat pho and bun cha, and catch a water puppet show.
Day 2 – Ha Long Bay. The Ha Long Bay Day Trip with Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and kayaking at Luon Cave, back in Hanoi in the evening.
Day 3 – Ninh Binh. Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave or Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave.
Days 4 – 5 – Sapa. Sapa 2 Days 1 Night: Cat Cat village on the first afternoon, the Lao Chai – Ta Van trek the next morning, back in Hanoi that night. If you'd like to stay with a local family, choose the Ta Van homestay version.
A more relaxed version: replace days 2 and 3 with the Ninh Binh – Ha Long 2 Days 1 Night tour, so you don't go back to Hanoi between the two.
7-day itinerary
Day 1 – Hanoi. Arrive and rest. In the afternoon take the Hanoi City Tour Half Day (afternoon option: Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison), then explore the Old Quarter in the evening.
Days 2 – 4 – Sapa. Sapa 3 Days 2 Nights with Fansipan: Cat Cat village, a full day trekking through the Muong Hoa rice terraces, and a final morning on the 3,143 m summit of Fansipan. If day 4 falls on a Sunday, consider Sapa & Bac Ha Market 3 Days 2 Nights (Friday departure).
Day 5 – Ninh Binh. After the walking, an easy day on the water: Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave or the Tam Coc route.
Days 6 – 7 – Ha Long Bay. Spend a night on the bay with the Ha Long Bay 2-Day / 1-Night Cruise: kayaking, caves, a sunset party, squid fishing and tai chi at dawn. Back in Hanoi on the afternoon of day 7 – in time for an evening flight or one more night in the Old Quarter.
More time? Extend Ha Long to the 3-Day / 2-Night Cruise to reach deeper into Lan Ha Bay, or stay over with Ninh Binh 2 Days 1 Night.
How long to spend in each place
- Hanoi: at least half a day to a full day; many travellers like an extra evening for food and wandering.
- Ha Long: one day if you're in a hurry; 2 days 1 night is the sweet spot; 3 days 2 nights to truly relax.
- Ninh Binh: one day covers the highlights; two days to slow down and reach quieter spots.
- Sapa: at least 2 days 1 night; 3 days 2 nights to trek and visit Fansipan without rushing.
The best time to visit all three
Spring (March – April) and autumn (September – November) bring the most pleasant weather for Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh and Sapa alike. September – early October also coincides with Sapa's golden rice harvest. Summer is hot with a chance of storms on the bay; winter in Sapa is cold but rewards you with seas of cloud.
Pack light
A small backpack for Sapa (2–3 days) and an overnight bag for the cruise are enough; leave your suitcase at your Hanoi hotel. Don't forget: your passport (needed for cruises and hotels), trainers, a warm layer, a raincoat, swimwear and sunscreen.
Want a custom itinerary?
Every group travels at its own pace. Message us on WhatsApp with the number of days, people and your interests – we'll suggest a plan that fits and hold a place on each tour.