Hey, I’m Felix — and in November 2024, I finally made my first trip to Vietnam. I signed up for a 5-day tour to Hanoi Halong Trang An Bai Dinh, not really sure what was waiting for me, just hoping to see a bit of everything. Those 5 days in Vietnam turned out to be so much more than I expected. From the chaotic charm of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the peaceful boat rides in Trang An, and the spiritual quiet of Bai Dinh Pagoda, every moment felt new and meaningful. Here’s how my first time in Vietnam unfolded — full of surprises, stories, and a strong feeling that I’ll be back someday.
My Hanoi Halong Trang An Bai Dinh 5 days trip started with a full day exploring the capital. When I landed in Hanoi, I felt both excited and a little overwhelmed. On the first morning, my guide picked me up from the hotel with a big smile and an easygoing vibe that instantly put me at ease.
We began at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. The atmosphere there was quiet and respectful, and my guide told me more about Uncle Ho’s life and why he’s such an important figure in Vietnam. Then we walked through peaceful colonial streets, stopped by the Tran Quoc Pagoda by West Lake, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, and checked out Bưởi Market, which was full of little trees and bonsai plants. It was a calm, beautiful part of the city I hadn’t expected.
Around lunchtime, we found a spot to eat and I tried bún chả for the first time in my trip to Hanoi — grilled pork, spring rolls, and noodles in this sweet and tangy sauce. It was seriously one of the best meals I had all week.
In the afternoon, we explored deeper into the Old Quarter. We passed through narrow alleys, saw markets packed with local life, and even had tea with a local family who invited us in. After that warm little pause, we made our way to the Temple of Literature — one of the best places I visited in Hanoi during the whole Hanoi Halong Trang An Bai Dinh 5 days tour.
The last stop of the day was Train Street. I grabbed an egg coffee at a small café, and just as I finished my drink, the train came rumbling through — so close I could’ve touched it. It was kind of wild but also weirdly relaxing.
The next day of my 5-day tour to Hanoi Halong Trang An Bai Dinh was all about culture. We left Hanoi early and visited Bút Tháp Pagoda, home to an incredible statue of Kuan-yin with countless arms and eyes — I lost track just looking at it.
After that, we headed to Dong Ho village, one of the best places to visit near Hanoi, known for its traditional woodblock paintings. This small village near the Đuống River has been making folk art for centuries. I walked through peaceful alleys and stepped into a local workshop, where an old artist was busy printing. Everything was handmade — from the carved woodblocks to the natural dyes made from leaves, flowers, and stones. It wasn’t just about art — it was a living tradition, still breathing through each brushstroke and carving. For a moment, I felt like I was understanding a small part of what makes it so rich in soul.
In the afternoon, back to Hanoi, I spent a quiet morning at the Museum of Ethnology — and it ended up being one of the most meaningful parts of my North Vietnam tour 5 days. Inside, I wandered through exhibits showing how Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups live, dress, and celebrate. But what I liked most was outside — full-size traditional houses you could actually walk through. From stilt homes to thatched roofs, it felt like stepping into another world.
To wrap up the day, I decided to check out a water puppet show at the Thang Long Theatre near Hoan Kiem Lake. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of those charming, only-in-Vietnam experiences. The stage was actually a pool of water, and the puppets — controlled by hidden puppeteers behind a screen — danced, fought, and fished to the sound of live traditional music. Although it might not be for everyone, I found it beautiful and unforgettable. If you're into Vietnamese culture and tradition, it's definitely worth seeing.
The next morning, after saying goodbye to Hanoi, we hit the road toward Halong Bay — a place that had been on my bucket list for years. As part of my 5-day tour to Hanoi Halong Trang An Bai Dinh, this was the day I’d been most excited about. I’d seen all the photos, but finally seeing those towering limestone cliffs in person felt almost unreal. Around midday, we boarded a small cruise boat just after lunch, and the view from the deck was everything I had imagined — calm, open water stretching toward endless islands.
In the afternoon, we explored Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in the bay. It was cool and massive inside, with dramatic rock formations that looked like something out of a fantasy movie. After that, I hiked to the top of Ti Top Island. The climb was short but steep, and the view from the top — the water, the green peaks, the little boats floating far below — was worth every step. I just stood there for a while, trying to take it all in.
Later that evening, back on the boat, we watched the sunset while the sky turned shades of orange and pink. I joined a cooking class and totally butchered my spring rolls, but laughed the whole time with the others. It was one of those moments that felt silly and perfect all at once — a little memory that summed up the fun and lightness of these 5 days in Hanoi Halong Bay Ninh Binh.
After a restful night on the boat, I woke up early to join a Tai Chi session on the top deck. Not something I usually do, but there was something peaceful about moving slowly in the open air, with the breeze and the water all around. After breakfast, I hopped into a small boat and drifted through Luon Cave. It was calm and quiet — just the sound of the oar brushing the water and echoing softly off the stone walls.
By late morning, the cruise ended, and I continued my Vietnam trip with a drive to Ninh Binh, the final destination of my Hanoi Halong Trang An Bai Dinh 5 days tour. The journey through the countryside was relaxing, with rice paddies and limestone peaks lining the way.
The last morning of my 5-day tour to Hanoi Halong Trang An Bai Dinh began with a peaceful boat ride through Trang An. Sitting in a small rowboat, I floated gently under low cave ceilings, sometimes needing to duck, then emerged into wide, green valleys surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. It was quiet, slow, and incredibly calming — like being inside a painting. For over two hours, we passed through several caves with beautiful names like Light Cave and Cooking Wine Cave, and every turn brought something new and surreal.
After lunch, I took a short nap back at the lodge. It was hot and quiet outside, and that little rest gave me just enough energy for the afternoon.
Around 3 PM, we headed to Bái Đính Pagoda, one of the best pagodas in Vietnam. Even though I’d seen pictures, nothing prepared me for its sheer size. The entrance gate alone was massive, and walking up the long corridors lined with hundreds of Arhat statues felt like stepping into a spiritual maze. We took an electric cart part of the way, but I made sure to walk the final stretch up to the top, where the Tam The Hall stood proud and majestic. From up there, I could see the entire complex, glowing softly in the late afternoon light.
As we left the pagoda and began the drive back to Hanoi, I looked out the window, replaying the last few days in my head. These 5 days in Vietnam had given me more than just places to see. They gave me stories, textures, and unexpected connections — moments that somehow stitched themselves into memory without trying too hard. It wasn’t just a trip. It felt like I’d brushed up against something real — something I couldn’t name, but wouldn’t forget.
This was my very first time in Vietnam, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction than this 5-day tour to Hanoi Halong Trang An Bai Dinh. From the lively streets of Hanoi to the magical landscapes of Ninh Binh, every stop felt special in its own way. It wasn’t just about ticking off famous spots; it felt like I was slowly being welcomed into a culture rich with warmth, history, and heart. I know for sure this won’t be my last visit. Vietnam has so much more to offer, and I’ll definitely be coming back. I booked the whole thing through Autour Asia, a local travel agency in Vietnam, and they made everything smooth and stress-free — I just had to show up and enjoy.
👉Request a free quote with Autour Asia™️
FR
ITA
