Hanoi in 5 Days for Couples - Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum, Stilt House, Museum)
In Collaboration with Vietnam LVP Travel. Updated on February 23, 2026.
Classic 5-day packaged tour from Hanoi: arrival and time to relax in the Old Quarter, a full-day Hanoi city tour, a shared luxury cruise in Halong Bay, a full-day Hoa Lu & Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) trip, and departure transfer. Includes 4 nights accommodation, most meals as listed, private transfers and local guides.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Vietnam LVP Travel, inspired by the tour 5 Days 4 Nights Hanoi - Halong Bay - Peaceful Halong Bay Cruise, one of 7 world Wonders. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Ho Chi Minh Complex (Mausoleum, Stilt House, Museum)
- Full-day Halong Bay shared luxury cruise from Tuan Chau Harbour
- Tam Coc sampan ride through three caves
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital temples
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day: private pickup from Noi Bai Airport, transfer to central Hanoi hotel (Old Quarter). Afternoon/evening at leisure with a relaxed lakeside stroll in the Old Quarter to unwind after travel.
Airport pickup and private transfer to Hanoi (Old Quarter)
Driver meets you at Noi Bai International Airport arrivals and transfers you to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Transfer time varies with traffic (typically 45–75 minutes). Luggage assistance included.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your flight number and arrival terminal on the voucher so driver meets you at the correct arrivals hall.
- Expect the transfer to take 45–75 minutes depending on traffic; keep essentials (passport, phone charger, medications) in your carry-on.
- If you arrive late, ask the driver to drop you at the hotel entrance to avoid walking with luggage on narrow streets.
Relaxing evening walk — Hoan Kiem Lake & Old Quarter
Unhurried evening stroll in the historic Old Quarter, centred on Hoan Kiem Lake. Ideal time for a gentle walk after check-in and to enjoy the sunset by the lake as your first special moment of the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Hoan Kiem Lake is especially pleasant at sunset; bring a light layer as evenings in October can be cool.
- Watch for motorbikes on back streets in the Old Quarter and use sidewalks where available; main lakeside paths are pedestrian-friendly.
- Carry small change for bottled water or street snacks and keep valuables secure in a zipped bag when streets are busy.
Day 2
Full-day Hanoi city tour focusing on the Ho Chi Minh complex, historic pagodas and temples, lunch in the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Hotel pickup and transfer to Ho Chi Minh Complex
Pick up from hotels located within the Old Quarter area. Short transfer to the Ho Chi Minh Complex where you'll visit the Mausoleum area, Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House and the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Tips from local experts:
- Dress modestly for the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (no shorts or sleeveless tops) and avoid hats inside mausoleum grounds.
- Security checks are in place at the Mausoleum; keep bags minimal to speed entry.
- Carry a small bottle of water and arrive at the pick-up point 5–10 minutes early.
One Pillar Pagoda and Tran Quoc Pagoda (West Lake)
Short visits to Hanoi’s iconic pagodas: the compact One Pillar Pagoda near the Ho Chi Minh Complex, then Tran Quoc Pagoda at West Lake for a peaceful lakeside moment.
Tips from local experts:
- One Pillar Pagoda is a quick visit (10–20 minutes); keep shoes on until the small temple entrance if asked by attendants.
- Tran Quoc sits by West Lake—there is limited shaded seating; use light sun protection for mid-day visits.
- Take photos respectfully; many locals treat these sites as active places of worship.
Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu) visit
Explore Vietnam’s first university and its tranquil courtyards — a highlight for history and architecture lovers.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow 40–60 minutes for a relaxed visit and photography in the main courtyards.
- There are steps and uneven pavements; wear comfortable shoes.
- English signage is present but bring a compact guide or ask your guide for explanations of key buildings.
Lunch in Hanoi Old Quarter
Lunch at a central Old Quarter restaurant serving Vietnamese cuisine; time to rest and sample local dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Let the guide know of any dietary restrictions (vegetarian options are available across Hanoi eateries).
- Ask for less spicy preparation if you prefer milder food.
- Request a window or quieter table if you prefer a relaxed, intimate meal setting.
Hoan Kiem Lake — short visit
A brief stop at the heart of Hanoi to see the lake and Ngoc Son Temple from the outside; ideal for photos and a short, romantic pause.
Tips from local experts:
- Ngoc Son Temple requires a small entrance fee if you wish to enter; outside viewing is free.
- The area can be busy—hold hands and keep cameras ready for wide-angle lakeside shots.
- Public benches near the lake are good for a quick rest after walking the morning itinerary.
Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
Late afternoon visit to the Museum of Ethnology to learn about Vietnam’s ethnic groups and see outdoor traditional-house exhibits.
Tips from local experts:
- Allocate at least 90 minutes to see both indoor galleries and outdoor traditional houses.
- Some displays are outdoors and may have uneven paths—wear comfortable shoes.
- Museum labels are in English; ask the guide for highlights to prioritise if time is limited.
Return transfer to hotel
Short transfer back to the hotel in the Old Quarter area. Evening at leisure—consider a quiet riverside dinner or a rooftop cafe for a second special moment.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect a 20–40 minute transfer depending on traffic; a short rest before dinner is recommended.
- If you want a rooftop dinner suggestion, ask the guide for quieter, romantic options in the Old Quarter.
- Keep hotel vouchers and a printed pickup time for the following day accessible for staff.
Day 3
Early morning departure for Halong Bay. Board at Tuan Chau Harbour for a shared luxury cruise with seafood lunch, visits to Ba Hang fishing area (kayak or local rowboat) and Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) Cave. Return to Hanoi in the evening.
Hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter — depart for Halong Bay
Morning pickup from Old Quarter hotels. Scenic drive across the Red River Delta toward Halong Bay with a short rest stop en route.
Tips from local experts:
- Pickup is early; have a light breakfast at the hotel or prepare snacks for the drive.
- Bring a light daypack with sun protection, swimwear and motion-sickness medication if you are sensitive.
- There is a short restroom/break stop during the drive—keep valuables on you when leaving the vehicle.
Embark at Tuan Chau Harbour and Halong Bay cruise (includes lunch)
Board the shared luxury cruise at Tuan Chau Harbour. Cruise through classic Halong scenery, enjoy a seafood lunch on board and visit floating village area (Ba Hang) with option to kayak or transfer to a local wooden boat.
Tips from local experts:
- Embarkation and safety briefing are at the harbour—keep your boarding time and ID with you.
- Sea conditions vary; choose the calmer option (sampan vs. kayak) if you prefer a gentler experience.
- Wear non-slip shoes on deck and a hat/sunscreen for midday sun; crew will provide life jackets for water activities.
Visit Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) Cave — onboard excursion
Short guided visit to Thien Cung cave to see stalactites and stalagmites formations. This visit is scheduled as part of the cruise route.
Tips from local experts:
- Cave interiors can be humid and have steps; take care on wet surfaces and wear comfortable shoes.
- Lighting inside caves may be dim—use your phone camera with steady hands for photos.
- Follow the crew’s instructions for boarding the tender and re-boarding the cruise on time.
Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi
Return to the jetty at Tuan Chau, disembark and board the private vehicle for the drive back to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi typically around 20:00 depending on traffic.
Tips from local experts:
- Collect all personal belongings from the cabin before disembarking; cabins close shortly after docking.
- Traffic back to Hanoi can be heavy; allow flexibility for arrival time and plan a quiet evening after a long day.
- If you need snacks or water for the return journey, purchase or request them prior to disembarkation.
Day 4
Full-day trip to Ninh Binh: visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, then Tam Coc for a scenic sampan ride through three caves. Optionally visit Bich Dong Pagoda for elevated views before returning to Hanoi.
Pickup and transfer to Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh)
Morning pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter; scenic drive to Ninh Binh with countryside views. Arrival at Hoa Lu to visit the two ancient temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le.
Tips from local experts:
- The drive takes roughly two hours; use this time to rest or review the day’s plan with your guide.
- Temples at Hoa Lu have steps and uneven surfaces—comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Bring a hat and water for outdoor walking; October usually has pleasant temperatures but can be sunny.
Tam Coc sampan ride and lunch
Lunch in Tam Coc followed by a 2–2.5 hour sampan ride through the 'three caves' (boat is rowed by local boatmen) along quiet waterways framed by limestone karsts and rice paddies — a relaxing, scenic experience.
Tips from local experts:
- Sampan rides are seated and low to the water; wear sunscreen and bring a light layer in case of breeze.
- Boat duration can be up to 2–2.5 hours; motion is gentle but plan bathroom breaks beforehand.
- Local boatmen row with their feet in some cases; tipping is customary for long rides—prepare small local currency notes.
Bich Dong Pagoda (time permitting) and return to Hanoi
If time permits after the Tam Coc boat, visit the Bich Dong Pagoda complex and climb to a viewpoint for wide panoramas of the Tam Coc area. Transfer back to Hanoi late afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Bich Dong includes steps to reach viewpoints—take it slowly if you prefer to avoid climbing.
- Allow 30–45 minutes for the pagoda visit and photos if included in the schedule.
- Expect a 2-hour drive back to Hanoi; the guide will advise on expected arrival time and any dinner suggestions.
Day 5
Departure day: free morning in Hanoi, then private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for onward flight. Tour ends after airport drop-off.
Morning at leisure (hotel)
Free morning for packing, a final stroll in the Old Quarter, or a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. Check-out timing will depend on your flight schedule and hotel policy.
Tips from local experts:
- Confirm your hotel check-out time and ask reception if they can hold luggage after check-out if your flight is later.
- If you need a late checkout, request it in advance; otherwise store luggage with the hotel and enjoy a last short walk.
- Keep your flight details and passport handy for the driver and airport check-in.
Hotel pickup and transfer to Noi Bai International Airport
Private transfer from hotel to Noi Bai International Airport. The guide/driver will confirm pickup time based on your flight schedule to allow recommended airport arrival time for international flights.
Tips from local experts:
- Provide your flight number and departure time on the voucher so pickup is scheduled with adequate time for international check-in.
- Allow 60–90 minutes for transfer to the airport from the Old Quarter, and extra time for traffic during peak hours.
- Have boarding passes or mobile check-in ready if possible to speed up airport procedures.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 5 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 7 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 11 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Neighborhood, Culture, Attraction, Meal, Experience, Break |
