Top Hanoi Day Trips - page 4

No it’s not the same as Halong Bay, worth doing too! Both places are different and both special to do. This Ninh Binh experience was so comfortable as we travelled in a 9-persons group tour in a small van limousine that had massaging seats 😳 and the different places, activities and lunch was all very enjoyable. Boating down the river and through the caves was amazing to do amongst the picturesque limestone hills and padi fields. Hubby and I had a great time!

I went into this food tour hoping to experience something authentic, and it genuinely exceeded that expectation. It felt less like a “tour” and more like being guided through the city by someone who deeply understands and respects the culture, the food, and the stories behind it. Mai, our guide, was a huge part of what made the experience so meaningful. She brought a grounded, thoughtful presence to the tour—sharing context, history, and personal insight in a way that felt natural and never forced. You could tell she cares deeply about what she does, and that translated into every stop along the way. We moved through small, local spots I never would have found on my own—places that felt lived-in and real. Each dish had intention behind it, and Mai took the time to explain not just what we were eating, but how it connects to daily life in Hanoi. There was a really nice balance of structure and flexibility, which allowed space to slow down, notice, and actually enjoy the experience. What stood out most to me was how grounded and mindful the whole tour felt. It wasn’t rushed or overly polished. It honored the food, the people preparing it, and the environment we were in. I left feeling full, of course, but also more connected—to the city, to its rhythm, and to the experience of being present in a new place. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for something real, intentional, and quietly memorable.

A fun day at Ninh Binh with a lot to do. Nien was a great guide with lots of history and suggestions to share along the way. It was about 2 hours in each direction but we did make a stop each way for a bathroom break as well as an opportunity to shop for local crafts and snacks. There were nine on the bus which was very comfortable. Great opportunities for pictures, riding in the boat and cycling. Overall a wonderful day. My only disappointment was that my registration and all communication until the day before indicated we would be picked up at our hotel, the JW Marriott. The day before we were informed that we had to make our own way to the Old Quarter. While this was not a big issue, it would have been better for the Viator app to not allow me to select this hotel as the pickup location as is the case when booking other tours.