| Length | Suggested plan | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| 2 days | Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, mausoleum, Temple of Literature, water puppets | stopover or weekend |
| 4 days | 2 days in town + Ha Long cruise (1 night) | rushed first visit |
| 5 to 6 days | 2 days in town + Ninh Binh (day trip or 1 night) + Ha Long (1 night) | the northern classic |
| 8 to 9 days | same + Sapa (2 to 3 days) or Ha Giang (3 to 4 days) | nature lovers |
Day by day
- Days 1-2: Hanoi. Follow our 2-day plan; with 3 days, add the 3-day plan.
- Day 3: Ninh Binh. A day trip from Hanoi works (guide), or stay one night to avoid the road.
- Days 4-5: Ha Long. One night on board beats a day trip (less time on the road); compare in our cruise guide.
- Then: Sapa by night train or bus, or the Ha Giang loop.
Where to sleep for this itinerary. Stay in Hoan Kiem: it is the area that cuts the most travel time between the stops of this plan. Compare hotels with free cancellation in Hoan Kiem and see our where-to-stay guide (Hanoi) to pick the neighbourhood.
What to avoid
Do not put Ha Long, Ninh Binh and Sapa into a 4-day stay: you would spend most of the time in a vehicle. To choose where to sleep, see where to stay in Hanoi.
