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Home/Destinations/Hanoi/Hanoi in 3 days
3 days · Hanoi itinerary

Hanoi in 3 Days: The Complete Itinerary

Three days based in Hanoi covers the north’s greatest hits: the city, the karsts of Ninh Binh and a Ha Long Bay cruise. Here is how to spend three perfect days, with the best-rated tours, day trips and cruises to book for each.

At a glance

  1. 1Day 1: city & street food
  2. 2Day 2: Ninh Binh day trip
  3. 3Day 3: Ha Long Bay cruise
  4. 4Kayaking & caves

Day 1: Hanoi city

Explore the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Temple of Literature and the Ho Chi Minh Complex, ending with a water-puppet show and a street-food tour.

Day 2: Ninh Binh

Take a full-day trip to Ninh Binh for a sampan ride at Tam Coc or Trang An, Hoa Lu and the Mua Cave viewpoint.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay

Cruise the karsts of Ha Long or Lan Ha Bay with kayaking, a cave visit and swimming — a day cruise fits, but an overnight cruise is even better if you can add a night.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Hanoi — prices per person.

Hanoi Old Quarter Private Daily Street Food Experience
Hanoi
Hanoi Old Quarter Private Daily Street Food Experience
5.0(45)·3 hours
from$5/ person
via Viator
Ninh Binh Day Tour Hoa Lu,Bai Dinh Trang An,Tam Coc, Mua Cave
Hanoi
Ninh Binh Day Tour Hoa Lu,Bai Dinh Trang An,Tam Coc, Mua Cave
5.0(38)·6–12 hours
from$26/ person
via Viator
Private Cruise from Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay
Hanoi
Private Cruise from Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay
5.0(50)·2 days
from$388/ person
via Viator
Private Evening Walking Tour - Cyclo & Water Puppet Show in Hanoi Old Quarter
Hanoi
Private Evening Walking Tour - Cyclo & Water Puppet Show in Hanoi Old Quarter
4.9(19)·3h 30min
from$38/ person
via Viator
Lost in Hanoi: Old Quarter Stories & Hidden Gems
−20%
Hanoi
Lost in Hanoi: Old Quarter Stories & Hidden Gems
5.0(43)·3 hours
from$34$43/ person
via Viator
Private Ninh Binh Full Day (Bich Dong -Tam coc -Mua cave- Biking)
Hanoi
Private Ninh Binh Full Day (Bich Dong -Tam coc -Mua cave- Biking)
5.0(32)·7 hours
from$139/ person
via Viator
Ha Long Bay 1-Night Cruise with Activities, Meals and Room Choice
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay 1-Night Cruise with Activities, Meals and Room Choice
5.0(116)·2 days
from$119/ person
via Viator
Hanoi city tour with water puppet show- small group tour
Hanoi
Hanoi city tour with water puppet show- small group tour
4.9(11)·6–10 hours
from$38/ person
via Viator

Hanoi in 3 days — FAQ

Is 3 days enough for Hanoi and Ha Long Bay?
Three days is ideal — a day for the city, a Ninh Binh day trip and a Ha Long Bay cruise. With a fourth day you could turn the cruise into an overnight for a more relaxed pace.
What is the best order for a 3-day Hanoi trip?
Do the city first to get your bearings, then Ninh Binh, then Ha Long Bay — or swap the day trips depending on cruise availability and weather.
Should I do an overnight Ha Long Bay cruise instead?
If you have the time, yes — an overnight cruise gives sunrise on the bay, quieter waters and more activities than a day trip, and is the classic Ha Long experience.

Explore more in Hanoi

Ha Long BayNinh BinhCity ToursFood ToursDay Trips