Hanoi & Halong Bay: Honest 5-Day Trip Review (2024)

Alright, so you’re thinking of doing a five-day jaunt to Hanoi and Halong Bay? Well, it’s almost like you’re reading my mind. I went a few months ago, and let me just tell you, it was very memorable. From the time that was spent slurping pho on the street to that cruise amidst Halong Bay’s stunning limestone karsts, it was certainly quite something. This isn’t really going to be just some itinerary rundown; this is like your travel buddy sharing exactly what went down, what blew my socks off, and maybe what you should consider tweaking to totally up the trip’s enjoyment factor. Let’s get into it.

First Impressions: Touching Down in Hanoi

Touching down at Noi Bai International Airport is really when things start to feel very real. The humidity basically greets you like a long-lost pal, which, after a long flight, is sometimes… refreshing? Maybe? Getting from the airport to the Old Quarter is often like a crash course in Hanoi’s chaotic, yet absolutely exhilarating traffic patterns. Be sure you negotiate that taxi fare beforehand or just get that Grab app ready; it’s usually very cheap and pretty drama-free. The Old Quarter, oh man, it is that beating soul of Hanoi. Its tiny streets are kind of overflowing with motorbikes, street vendors selling everything from banh mi to silk scarves, and that unmistakable aroma of Vietnamese coffee mixing with street food smoke. My initial impression? Hanoi is so a place that hits all your senses all at once, in a good way, mostly.

Hanoi City Tour: A Whirlwind of Culture

The Hanoi city tour that I was on, it typically jams a bunch of things into a pretty short amount of time, yet it gets the job done if you’re that kind of tourist. We went to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (seeing Uncle Ho is almost like a must, but be mindful of the dress code), the Temple of Literature (that first real uni of Vietnam, so it’s got gravitas), and the One Pillar Pagoda (pretty unique, that’s for sure). Truthfully, though, the best parts for you might be wandering around Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter. Honestly, I had a terrific time just getting a bit lost and discovering little coffee shops, trying egg coffee (a must-do!), and just people-watching. You, like your friends back home, might dig that more than those major tourist stops. Seriously consider a street food tour, too. Trying a bunch of different foods that way can really up your foodie game without the worry about where you’re eating. You get to sample dishes you’d probably never find, or dare to try, on your own. Food safety is pretty solid on these tours.

Halong Bay Cruise: Emerald Waters and Limestone Giants

Okay, that Halong Bay cruise. That really is what you come here for, right? The drive from Hanoi is often about three to four hours, but hey, it is almost always worth it. Waking up to that view of limestone karsts rising out of that water is sort of unforgettable. I’d actually suggest springing for a cruise that goes for two nights; that one night just feels way too short. My ship had a cooking demo (spring rolls!), kayaking trips to get super up-close with the formations, and some stops at caves. Tip, though, that Bai Tu Long Bay is a little less traveled than Halong Bay, and in some respects just might offer an experience that’s more serene, which can sometimes be better. And pro-tip: be sure you pack light. The cabins can be pretty tight, so bringing a huge suitcase might just cause you to feel claustrophobic.

Food Adventures: Slurping, Sipping, and Savouring

Vietnamese food, is that not worth the trip all by itself? Pho, banh mi, bun cha—you might already know these famous players. Yet seriously consider digging a little deeper. Try that that stuff you’ve never even heard of! Walk around and try and look for places where the locals are pigging out; that is typically a real good sign. Egg coffee in Hanoi is something you absolutely have to get; it sounds weird, but that taste? Dreamy. I had a killer meal at a tiny place on Nha Chung Street, so remember that, and you should try and find some places that are similarly authentic, which should give you more pleasure than going to a tourist trap that only caters to western palettes. Drinks-wise, you could also go try some bia hoi (freshly tapped beer) from a street vendor, but in some respects it’s not really going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I enjoyed the cultural feel, that much is true.

What I Learned: Tips and Tricks for Your Trip

After any sort of trip like this, you almost always come away with some tips you wish you’d known from jump street, alright? Here’s what I got. Firstly, haggling is actually the name of the game, really. At markets, starting prices, like your paycheck, are very inflated, so don’t feel weird about bartering down a little bit, alright? Secondly, the traffic really is as wild as everyone tells you it is, that much is clear. Just crossing that street might require some real bravery and a confident stride. Act like you know where you’re going, and for the love of Pete, don’t stop in the middle of the road! Thirdly, watch out for scams. Mostly, Vietnam is quite safe, but like virtually anywhere else, you do get that occasional overcharge or weird tour offer. Always double-check, or triple-check, that costs beforehand. Last thing: learn just a little bit of Vietnamese. Just knowing how to say xin chào (hello) and cảm ơn (thank you) really can go a super long way. The locals typically appreciate the effort, which makes the experience more rich.

So, Hanoi and Halong Bay? Extremely worth the hype. Plan, yet in some respects, leave space for those happy accidents and those random moments. Keep an open mind, and for sure an open stomach, and you’re almost guaranteed an experience that’s absolutely one-of-a-kind. Go get ‘em.

So, I have compiled all key aspects of a 5-day tour in Hanoi and Halong Bay:

• Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Is such a captivating introduction to Vietnam’s vibrant culture.
• Halong Bay Cruise: Often one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Make that that your priority!
• Food: Eat tons and try those crazy new things that you wouldn’t normally eat.
• Travel Savvy: Haggle when you need to. And keep aware.