If you’re planning a trip to North Vietnam, chances are Ha Long Bay and Hanoi are already on your bucket list. After all, this region is home to one of the most famous cruises in the world, the Ha Long Bay cruise! You can easily fly to Hanoi, the capital city, and from there, it’s just a 2.5-hour bus ride to reach the breathtaking bay.
This guide will walk you through the best things to do and where to eat, so you’ll know how to make the most out of your trip!
Pro Tip: Check our 48-hour Hoi An guide here!
Best Things to Do on Ha Long Bay Cruise
I booked with Mila Cruises, and it was the perfect way to explore the bay’s beauty while relaxing at the same time! You can book the same cruise + use code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
Explore Limestone Islands
Once you board, the cruise takes you through the bay’s famous Limestone Islands. These towering rock formations rise out of the emerald-green water, and the views are breathtaking!
Visit Pearl Farm
If you’ve never been to Pearl Farm before, it’s worth checking out! It was super interesting to see how they cultivate pearls right there in the bay.
Explore Sung Sot Cave
Another must-see stop is the Sung Sot Cave, also known as the Surprise Cave. Trust me, it lives up to the name! It’s one of the most famous caves in Ha Long Bay, and exploring it was such a cool experience!
Enjoy the Sunset and Coffee
After a full day of exploring, enjoying the sunset while having a coffee is the perfect way to unwind before dinner!
Eat Dinner on Board
The Mila Cruises serves delicious local dishes that are super fresh and flavorful! Dinner on the cruise is such a treat!
Best Things to Do in Hanoi
Hanoi is a vibrant city full of history, culture, and good food. Here are some of the best things to do in the city:
Join a Bike Tour
A bike tour is one of the best ways to explore Hanoi like a local. You’ll pass by iconic spots like Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace, and passing through the small alleys, it’s the best way to catch a glimpse of everyday local life! Book a Hanoi bike tour here + use code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
Drink Coffee at Cafe B52
Cafe B52 is a small local spot that serves strong Vietnamese coffee with a bit of history behind it. It was named after the B-52 bomber that crashed nearby during the war. The vibe here is chill, and it’s the perfect spot to take a break!
Explore West Lake
West Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Hanoi and is surrounded by cafes where you can just sit, relax, and enjoy the view. It’s a nice break from the busy streets of the Old Quarter. You can also explore West Lake and other nearby spots by joining a guided tour here + use code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
Visit the Banana Plantations
About 10 to 15 minutes outside the city, you’ll find Hanoi’s Banana Plantations, which have a different vibe from the city. It’s peaceful and green, and it makes you forget how close you are to all the hustle and bustle.
Join a Coffee Tour
Go on a coffee tour and try local favorites like Hanoi White Coffee, Egg Coffee, Salt Coffee, and Coconut Coffee. You can join the tour here + use code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
Watch a Water Puppet Show
Catch the Thang Long Water Puppet Show in Hanoi and experience Vietnam’s unique art of water puppetry. You can book the show here + use code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
Eat Dessert at Kem Caramen Du’o’ng Hoa
If you’re up for trying something local, don’t skip Kem Caramen Du’o’ng Hoa for some authentic local sweet treat! Try the creamy caramel flan dessert that’s super popular with locals!
Day Trips from Hanoi
If you have extra time, there are amazing places just outside Hanoi that are worth exploring. These day trips offer a nice break from the city and give you a glimpse of Vietnam’s beautiful countryside and rich culture.
Visit Ba Vi National Park
Ba Vi National Park is about an hour and a half from Hanoi with beautiful mountain views and peaceful villages. The highlight for me was sharing tea with the locals and hearing stories from a Vietnamese war veteran, such a humbling experience! You can join a Ba Vi National Park tour here + use code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
Go to Incense Village
In Quang Phu Cau, the colorful Incense Village, you’ll see how incense sticks are made. You can also explore Chuong Village, known for crafting conical hats, and learn about Vietnam’s traditional handicrafts and lacquer art. You can book this activity here + use code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
Visit Moc Village
For a fun local experience, visit Moc Village where you can learn traditional Vietnamese cooking from the locals. It’s hands-on, tasty, and a must-try if you love food!
From cruising through stunning limestone islands to exploring Hanoi’s vibrant streets and peaceful countryside, North Vietnam truly has so much to offer. I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip!
If you’re planning to explore Indochina, I highly recommend the tour I joined. It made the whole trip so easy and hassle-free, so I could just relax and enjoy. Check it out here!