Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Bai Tu Long Bay: A Detailed Tour Review
Hey there! Thinking about visiting Vietnam and maybe checking out Hanoi, Ninh Binh, and Bai Tu Long Bay? You are, too, that is, and it is often difficult to make choices, right? I just went on this awesome three-day trip that hit all those spots, and I want to share my experience, I do, and, maybe, it will help you decide if it’s something you’d like. I’ll tell you the highlights, some things to consider, and, basically, everything else you might need to know before booking.
First Impressions: Hanoi’s Allure
So, the trip started in Hanoi, it did, and oh my gosh, is that city full of life, and stuff? From the moment I stepped out of the airport, there was, kinda, that a crazy mix of scooters, street food vendors, and old buildings – absolutely charming. You quickly find, though, that, it might be a sensory overload in the very beginning. The tour company, like your typical company, arranged an airport pickup, too, so it was, kinda, actually smooth getting to the hotel in the Old Quarter, pretty smooth that is.
The Old Quarter, or what the local tour guide called it, basically, has these small streets crammed with shops. I mean, packed. Then, they are selling everything from silk scarves to coffee beans. I will be honest, though, I was pretty stoked about the street food, very stoked I was, and it was incredibly cheap, you know. You could be trying all types of food without, arguably, emptying your wallet, something that is good if you want my take on it.
The first day was, seemingly, basically a “Hanoi Highlights” tour. We hit Hoan Kiem Lake, also the Temple of Literature, and even got to see a water puppet show, alright? Hoan Kiem Lake, yet, is this picturesque spot right in the center of Hanoi. You can see people hanging out, doing tai chi, or, you know, literally, just enjoying the views, things of that sort that you would think of, honestly. The Temple of Literature, just a little, is almost Vietnam’s first university, or so the guides told me, with that quiet, thoughtful atmosphere you might like if you are like I am. But, anyway, the water puppet show, seemingly, it was super interesting, very interesting that is, and, of course, pretty unique, with these puppets dancing on water, telling old stories, things that you would think of as entertaining, for instance.
Ninh Binh: A Breathtaking Landscape
Alright, on day two, so, it was all about Ninh Binh, right? Now, everyone calls it “Ha Long Bay on land”, almost everyone anyway, and I get why, really, and the drive from Hanoi takes about two hours, pretty much, which isn’t bad at all, usually. The landscape, too, is dotted with these big limestone karsts and, what seemed to me like, crazy rice paddies.
We started at Tam Coc, so, which means “three caves,” I think. You hop on a small sampan boat, you do, and the local woman rows you down the Ngo Dong River. It’s not something big at all, really. These rowers, though, they do it with their feet! And I’m thinking wow. It sounds silly to say, that, is it makes me feel so lazy!
As the boat makes its way down the waterway, basically, you see, arguably, amazing views of the rice paddies, also of those enormous limestone cliffs. When it comes to the three caves themselves? Small, kinda small, you see. I mean, actually you literally duck as you make your way inside of the caves, definitely a small tunnel feel. Also, for sale. As I passed each of the caves, that, too, became more apparent because the locals that sold refreshments. Be forewarned. And as a tourist, so, to be honest, you may feel somewhat pressured, still, to buy from those vendors to avoid the potential pressure and also not have any kind of bad vibe at the end of the route.
After Tam Coc, basically, we headed over to Hoa Lu, usually the old capital of Vietnam. You get to explore the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, I remember, and learn some stuff about the country’s history. If you are up to it, in the surrounding area, you find a temple with some fantastic history to view! We spent maybe an hour wandering around the area because, I mean, in the surrounding gardens. Then after the temple we headed, as I recall, basically back to the hotel. So yeah, definitely check it out if you like looking at that kinda thing!
Bai Tu Long Bay: An Escape to Serenity
Day three, it was, kinda, off to Bai Tu Long Bay! That Bay, basically, is actually, you know, next to Ha Long Bay, very next to it, or so our guides implied. A bit more remote than Ha Long, also definitely less crowded, really definitely less that is, meaning you, potentially, could enjoy the scenery without a million other boats around.
The drive to Bai Tu Long Bay is a bit longish, not too long really. From Hanoi, it took, as a matter of fact, about four hours, pretty much that is. Then, we hopped on this fantastic cruise ship, right, and settled into our rooms. It actually surprised me at how very, like, utterly beautiful and well-appointed they were. So you’d have liked to experience something that felt that luxorious after running around all the sites!
That afternoon, you, like your neighbor, just chilled on the boat, seriously chilled. After a little time, basically, the ship actually went on the move towards the less travelled portion of the Bay. On the journey we traveled close to Cat Ba Island and took, at that very moment, some majestic shots! We kayaked through some cool lagoons, too, for example, actually, and then we chilled on a beautiful beach, pretty much. As for my own kayak session, arguably, it proved relaxing because the waters were, in my opinion, a bit calm during that time. Back on the boat, then, we learned, maybe, to make spring rolls during a cooking demo. At night, we, arguably, caught some squid. Overall, it makes you feel quite happy about how to, sort of, get your hands dirty by participating with these experiences. After that we rested.
The Food Scene: A Culinary Adventure
Honestly, for the trip, so, I probably gained 5 pounds, virtually, because Vietnamese food is just something special, just incredibly something I have to say. Hanoi is, very, pretty famous for its street food, and I ate as much pho, banh mi, and bun cha as I possibly could. It had those savory-yet-delicious flavors I will absolutely not forget, at least anytime soon.
The tour included most meals, you see, especially on the boat cruise. I guess I’d recommend a bunch of the local restaurants and coffee shops though because then it lets the flavor really sing to your pallet. Some food was more tailored, but some other street vendors made the experience more organic.
Ninh Binh, too, seemingly, has these some regional specialities like goat meat and com chay (burnt rice), of course. If you happen to have a tour of Ninh Binh in the fall, yet, then there should be more open places to try authentic food.
Even better still? The Bai Tu Long Bay cruise also features a fantastic seafood menu. In this case, however, don’t try to expect a certain thing and have your hopes too high! With the open ocean so accessible for boats and ships to trawl for these resources. Most of this supply usually ends up in the places inland and nearby that place, instead.
Things to Consider Before You Book
Okay, so here’s the honest rundown. This tour, actually, crams a ton into three days. That pace, seemingly, might be too fast if you’re looking for a bit more of a relaxed situation. Be certain. To know this so you actually know what to expect because the sites definitely are further out than you actually expect and will impact you. You should then find the travel that aligns most accurately.
The weather, also, is another aspect to consider. I went in the spring, for instance, and it was pleasant, you know, pretty pleasant to say the least, but Vietnam is humid during almost all of the year.
The transportation can, potentially, be a bit hectic, particularly in Hanoi, anyway, really, even. Just prepare yourself mentally for the amount of, arguably, many scooters! I suggest you stay alert at cross walks, very alert that is, since pedestrians and bikers do have a habit of merging into each other. When things like that may go without issue it has happened!
As a last note, that, basically, make sure you pack comfortable shoes. With this, still, you can ensure better mobility. There is going to be plenty of hiking and walking that could literally hinder or improve the sites.
I find it funny to say but you’re probably going to need your own bug spray also if that really bothers you!
Final Thoughts: Was it Worth It?
I would have to rate this as a mostly excellent tour! You have to consider and remember you could go offsite and literally take up a different perspective, which some of the better guides and coordinators did allow to some extent, and you were, in general, well guided with very good explanations, which some tours just gloss over these days.