3 Day Vietnam Tour Packages

Vietnam itineraries for 3 days

Compiled by

NinaVietnam travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Northern Vietnam, incl. Ban Gioc Falls and Ba Be Lake

  Mountains and caves define this 3-day Vietnamese adventure from Hanoi through Lang Son, Ban Gioc, and Ba Be National Park. Two nights in local homestays complement the 2,144m Nguom Ngao Cave trek and border village visits.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hanoi to Lang Son and Quang Uyen

    Leave Hanoi at 7:30 AM for a 3-hour drive to Lang Son. "The long car rides are worth it for the authentic experiences at the homestays." Visit the 16th-century Mac Citadel before noon to avoid peak sun hours. Stop for lunch in Dong Dang before visiting the historic Dong Khe battle site. You'll spend the night at a Nung ethnic homestay. Remember to pack light layers since mountain evenings get cool.

    
  • Day 2

    Ban Gioc Waterfall and Ba Be National Park

    Start with a visit to Trung Khanh near the Chinese border to see traditional blacksmithing in Phuoc Sen village. Next up is Ban Gioc Waterfall. Get there before 10 AM to beat the tour buses and get better photos. "The falls were stunning and worth the long travel times, though you can't access the best photo angles from the Vietnamese side." Take time to explore Nguom Ngao Cave. Wear non-slip shoes as the ground can be slippery. Travel the scenic "snake pass" to reach Ba Be Lake where you'll stay in a Tay family homestay. Ask for a lake-view room if possible. The homestay food here gets excellent reviews from visitors.

    
  • Day 3

    Ba Be Lake to Hanoi

    Take an early boat ride on Ba Be Lake when morning mist creates perfect photo opportunities. You can choose between a rainforest hike to the prehistoric cave and An Ma temple or a relaxing boat trip. "The lake and national park were truly beautiful—I wish we had more time here. Consider swimming if weather permits." After lunch begin your 230km return trip to Hanoi (5-6 hours). Stop at a tea plantation to break up the journey. "Be prepared for 6-8 hours per day in a van," one reviewer notes. "Having good company makes the drives more enjoyable."

    

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• 3 Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Halong Bay

  Rich cultural heritage unfolds across 290km in three days. UNESCO site Trang An and Bai Dinh Temple start the journey, followed by Ha Long Bay's limestone karsts, featuring kayaking, caves, and cooking aboard a 5-star cruise.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hanoi to Ninh Binh

    Leave Hanoi's Old Quarter at 7:30 AM for the 2.5-hour drive to Ninh Binh. Your first stop is the Bai Dinh Temple Complex, Vietnam's largest Buddhist complex. You'll need comfortable walking shoes since there's lots of ground to cover. After lunch at a local restaurant take a relaxing sampan boat ride through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An. In the afternoon climb the 500 steps at Mua Cave for sweeping valley views. One traveler suggests: "Go early afternoon when the sun isn't directly overhead - the steps can get slippery when wet."

    
  • Day 2

    Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

    Start your day at 7:00 AM for the 4-hour drive to Halong Bay. Board your cruise ship around noon and enjoy lunch while sailing past stunning limestone karsts. The afternoon includes kayaking near Ba Trai Dao Beach and swimming in clear emerald waters. A previous guest noted: "The kayaking through caves was incredible - even if you're a beginner, the guides ensure you're comfortable." Your evening includes Vietnamese cooking demonstrations and beautiful sunset views from the deck.

    
  • Day 3

    Halong Bay to Hanoi

    Join the optional sunrise Tai Chi on deck at 6:00 AM. After breakfast you can either kayak at Ao Ech or explore Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island depending on your cruise itinerary. Other travelers say: "Don't miss the morning activities - the bay is especially beautiful in early light with fewer boats around." Head back to the marina around 11:30 AM and return to Hanoi by mid-afternoon.

    

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• 3 Day Halong Bay Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Lan Ha Bay

  Maritime adventures await in Halong Bay and Viet Hai Village. Bright and Dark caves offer kayaking opportunities, while cycling tours and Three Peach Islets provide active alternatives. Five-star cruise features morning tai chi and cooking classes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hanoi to Halong Bay

    Your journey begins with an early morning pickup from Hanoi's Old Quarter between 8:00-8:30 AM. The transfer takes about 4 hours with one rest stop. A helpful tip from a fellow traveler: "While it's good to have a toilet break, don't buy anything at the rest stop - the prices were outrageous compared to Hanoi." You'll board your cruise around noon and sail into Halong Bay's green waters. The afternoon includes kayaking near limestone karsts and swimming in quiet spots. If you have energy left, try the Light and Dark cave kayaking. At night you can try squid fishing. One excited guest shared: "I did squid fishing and actually caught a squid! I was so excited."

    
  • Day 2

    Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai Village

    Start your morning with sunrise tai chi on the sundeck at about 6:00 AM. After breakfast you'll take a day boat to visit Viet Hai fishing village. You can cycle through the village or take an electric car. A recent visitor noted: "The day trip to canoe through the caves and beach swim was a great highlight." Your afternoon includes kayaking around the Three Peach Islets and swimming at hidden beaches. It's smart to bring water shoes since beaches can be rocky. Pack reef-safe sunscreen too.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Morning and Return to Hanoi

    Watch one last sunrise over the bay from your private balcony if you're up early. After breakfast you'll have time for a final kayaking session at Ao Ech area. The cruise returns to port around noon and you'll be back in Hanoi's Old Quarter by 3:00 PM.

    

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