Hanoi travel package
Table of contents
Hanoi captivates with its blend of French colonial elegance, ancient temples and vibrant street life. A well-curated travel package takes the guesswork out of planning, bundling flights, accommodation, transfers and guided excursions into one seamless experience. From the labyrinthine lanes of the Old Quarter to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, every itinerary promises discovery. Register to unlock exclusive offers on handpicked tours and luxury stays across Vietnam, ensuring your journey is as effortless as it is extraordinary.
The most beautiful tours in Hanoi
Essence of Vietnam

This 10-night Vietnam tour sweeps you from Hanoi's bustling streets to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, then south to the imperial city of Hue and the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An. Choose between 4-star comfort or 5-star luxury, with options for 8–11 nights and an optional 3-night Ho Chi Minh extension. Transfers, select meals and a Ha Long Bay cruise are all included, making it ideal for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive introduction to Vietnam.
What we love: The flexible duration and hotel categories let you tailor the tour to your budget and schedule, while the classic route ensures you tick off Vietnam's headline sights in one elegant sweep.
5* Deluxe Vietnam

For travellers who prize comfort and curated experiences, this 12-day deluxe tour pairs 5-star accommodation with a Ha Long Bay cruise and beach relaxation in Nha Trang. Every stage is designed to balance cultural immersion—temples, markets, cooking classes—with downtime on white-sand shores. Select excursions and premium perks elevate the journey, ensuring you experience Vietnam's diversity without compromising on luxury or pace.
What we love: The inclusion of Nha Trang adds a coastal dimension often missing from city-focused itineraries, and the 5-star properties guarantee refined service and prime locations throughout.
Authentic Vietnam Tour 4*/5* with Optional Phu Quoc Extension

This 13-night authentic circuit ventures beyond the tourist trail, exploring Hanoi, the central highlands and lesser-known cultural pockets with the help of local guides. An overnight stay aboard a Ha Long Bay cruise adds romance and adventure, while an optional Phu Quoc beach extension lets you unwind on Vietnam's largest island. Choose 4-star or 5-star hotels to match your style, with domestic flights and transfers included for hassle-free travel.
What we love: The emphasis on authenticity and regional diversity, plus the flexibility to add a tropical finale on Phu Quoc's palm-fringed beaches.
7, 11 & 14 Night Tour of the Must Sees of Vietnam

Offering three duration options—7, 11 or 14 nights—this escorted tour focuses squarely on Vietnam's must-see highlights, from Hanoi's Old Quarter and Ha Long Bay to Hoi An's ancient town and beyond. Five-star hotel options ensure comfort at every stop, while included excursions and expert guides bring history and culture to life. It's a perfect choice for travellers who want a structured, comprehensive experience with the flexibility to choose their trip length.
What we love: The multi-length format suits both time-pressed visitors and those with a fortnight to spare, and the 5-star accommodation guarantees a premium experience throughout.

Why choose Hanoi for your next trip
Hanoi at a glance: culture, atmosphere and must-see neighbourhoods
The Vietnamese capital presents a study in contrasts, where motorbike-filled lanes of the Old Quarter give way to the serene, tree-lined avenues of the French Quarter. Ancient pagodas stand beside colonial mansions and modern rooftop bars, creating a living museum of Southeast Asian history. The Old Quarter's 36 streets—each named after a traditional craft—buzz with silk vendors, metal artisans and street-food cooks working from dawn until late evening. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, early risers practice tai chi beneath banyan trees, while the lakeside promenade becomes the city's social heart as dusk falls. Ba Dinh district houses the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the delicate One Pillar Pagoda, monuments to Vietnam's revolutionary past. Further west, Tay Ho encircles West Lake, an expat enclave dotted with lakeside cafés and international restaurants. The warmth of local hospitality matches the intensity of the street life, and every corner reveals another layer of discovery for curious travellers.
Key reasons travellers pick package trips to Hanoi
Ready-made packages eliminate the complexity of coordinating domestic flights, visa paperwork and language barriers by bundling flights, hotels, transfers and meals into one upfront price. Expert local guides unlock stories behind temples, markets and historical sites independent travellers might overlook, while skip-the-line access and pre-booked Ha Long Bay cruises save hours of research and queuing. Curated excursions—cooking classes, cyclo tours, water-puppet shows—are woven into the itinerary, freeing you to focus on experiences rather than spreadsheets. ATOL-protected packages offer UK travellers financial security, and most providers deliver 24/7 support alongside the ability to customise: add beach extensions, upgrade hotels or extend your stay in Hoi An or Phu Quoc. Packages suit both first-time visitors seeking structure and seasoned travellers who value hassle-free logistics, peace of mind and the confidence that every detail has been handled by specialists who know Vietnam inside out.
When to go: seasons and how weather affects activities
Hanoi's subtropical climate divides into four distinct seasons, each shaping the rhythm of your visit. Autumn (September–November) is peak season: mild temperatures, dry skies and clear visibility make it ideal for city walks and Ha Long Bay cruises, though higher prices and larger crowds are the trade-off. Spring (March–April) offers warm days, blooming flowers and occasional drizzle as humidity begins to rise. Summer (May–August) brings heat—30–35°C—and afternoon downpours, but fewer tourists and lower prices reward those willing to embrace indoor activities and early-morning excursions. Winter (December–February) can be cool and grey, with temperatures dipping to 10–15°C and drizzle settling over the city; pack layers, but the atmospheric mist lends itself to cosy cafés, egg coffee and museum visits. Ha Long Bay cruises operate year-round yet shine brightest in autumn and spring. Check festival dates—Tet, Mid-Autumn—for cultural immersion or potential closures. The best time depends on your priorities: weather perfection or budget and solitude.

Sample itineraries and how to choose the right length
1-day highlights: Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake and street food loop
A packed one-day itinerary suits transit visitors or those on tight schedules. Begin at Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple via the scarlet Huc Bridge, then plunge into the Old Quarter's maze—browse silk on Hang Gai, watch artisans hammer metal on Hang Thiec. Midday, refuel with pho or bun cha at a local spot; the restaurant where President Obama dined makes a fun photo stop. Afternoon brings a choice: the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university with serene courtyards, or Hoa Lo Prison Museum for sobering colonial history. Return to the Old Quarter at dusk for a street-food walking tour—sample banh mi, fresh spring rolls, egg coffee and bia hoi on tiny plastic stools. One day barely scratches the surface but delivers a vivid snapshot of Hanoi's energy, flavours and heritage. Booking a guided food tour navigates language barriers and uncovers hidden gems you'd never find alone.
3-day city + Ha Long Bay short cruise: logistics and timing
A classic short break balances city culture with iconic scenery. Day 1: Arrive at Noi Bai Airport (transfer 45 minutes to city centre), check in, afternoon walking tour of the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake, evening water-puppet show. Day 2: Full-day Ha Long Bay cruise—depart Hanoi early morning, reach the bay by midday (3.5-hour drive), board for a 4–5 hour cruise including kayaking, cave visit and seafood lunch, return to Hanoi by evening—or opt for an overnight cruise (sleep aboard a junk, wake to sunrise over karsts). Day 3: Morning visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and One Pillar Pagoda, afternoon at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or shopping for souvenirs, evening street-food tour or cooking class, late transfer to airport. Three days allows a taste of city culture plus the iconic bay experience. Overnight cruises require an extra day but offer a more immersive, romantic experience. Most packages include private transfers and English-speaking guides.
7–10 day classic Vietnam loop: what to expect and pace
The quintessential Vietnam circuit covers north, centre and south. Days 1–2: Hanoi city exploration (Old Quarter, museums, street food). Day 3: Ha Long Bay overnight cruise (sleep aboard, kayak, visit caves). Day 4: Return to Hanoi, fly to Da Nang, transfer to Hoi An. Days 5–6: Hoi An ancient town (lantern-lit streets, tailor shops, cooking class, optional day trip to My Son temples or An Bang Beach). Day 7: Fly to Ho Chi Minh City. Days 8–9: Explore Saigon (War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels day trip, Ben Thanh Market, rooftop bars). Day 10: Depart or add Mekong Delta extension. The pace is brisk yet manageable, with domestic flights (1–1.5 hours each) minimising travel fatigue. Ten-day packages often include most meals, all transfers and key excursions, delivering excellent value. Essence of Vietnam and Essential Vietnam 4* tours exemplify this classic route.

Top activities and experiences to include in a Hanoi package
Ha Long Bay cruises: what's different
Day cruises (6–8 hours on the water) depart Hanoi early morning, reach Ha Long Bay by midday, include lunch, kayaking or bamboo-boat rides, a cave visit (Sung Sot or Thien Cung), and return to Hanoi by evening—ideal for tight schedules but involve long road transfers totalling 12 hours door-to-door. Overnight cruises (1 or 2 nights) offer a slower, more immersive experience: board at midday, sail deeper into the bay or nearby Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long bays (fewer crowds), enjoy sunset on deck, sleep in a private cabin, wake to sunrise tai chi, explore hidden lagoons and floating villages, disembark next morning. Overnight cruises range from budget wooden junks to luxury vessels with spas and fine dining. Overnights suit honeymooners or anyone wanting iconic sunrise photos and a true escape. Most Hanoi packages include at least a day cruise; overnights are available as upgrades.
Street food, markets and culinary experiences in Hanoi
Hanoi reigns as Vietnam's culinary capital. Signature dishes include pho (beef noodle soup, best at dawn), bun cha (grilled pork with noodles and herbs), banh mi (baguette sandwiches), cha ca (turmeric fish with dill) and egg coffee (ca phe trung, frothy egg yolk whipped with condensed milk). The street-food ritual unfolds on tiny plastic stools, vendors cooking over charcoal, the theatre of watching spring rolls fried to order. Dong Xuan Market offers wholesale chaos and great souvenirs, while the weekend night market (Friday–Sunday evenings in the Old Quarter) delivers street snacks and crafts. Guided food tours cover 6–8 tastings and navigate language or hygiene concerns; cooking classes pair half-day market visits with hands-on lessons you can recreate at home. Many packages include at least one street-food experience or cooking class. Hanoi's food scene is accessible, affordable and unforgettable—often the highlight travellers rave about most.
Cultural visits: museums, temples, water puppet show and local tours
Hanoi's top cultural attractions reward curious minds. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & Complex features an imposing granite tomb, One Pillar Pagoda and the stilt house where Ho lived (closed Mondays, Fridays and afternoons). Temple of Literature, an 11th-century Confucian temple and Vietnam's first university, offers serene courtyards. Hoa Lo Prison, a French colonial jail that later held US POW John McCain, presents sobering exhibits. Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases 54 ethnic groups with traditional houses in an outdoor area; allow 2–3 hours. Water-puppet shows at Thang Long Theatre feature nightly performances of this unique art form—wooden puppets on water, live traditional orchestra—so book ahead. Cyclo tours (pedal-powered rickshaw rides through the Old Quarter) are atmospheric but agree price upfront. Hanoi Opera House, a French colonial gem, hosts occasional performances. Most packages include 2–3 cultural visits with skip-the-line access and English-speaking guides.

Practical information before you book
Visas, passport validity and entry rules for typical origin countries
Current entry requirements merit checking official sources before travel, as rules change. UK passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days (as of 2023 policy updates; previously 15 days). Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. Stays longer than 45 days or work-related visits require an e-visa (apply online, US$25, processed in 3 business days) or a visa on arrival (requires pre-approval letter, more hassle). Other nationalities (EU, US, Canada, Australia) have similar visa-free or e-visa arrangements; check the Vietnamese immigration website or your package provider. Some packages include visa support or application assistance. Photocopy passport pages and store digitally. Noi Bai Airport immigration is straightforward but can be slow during peak hours; e-gates are available for some nationalities. Confirm rules 4–6 weeks before departure.
Health, vaccinations and travel insurance recommendations
Consult a travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus-diphtheria) should be up to date. Recommended: Hepatitis A (food/water), Typhoid (food/water), Hepatitis B (longer stays or medical exposure). Consider: Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas, rainy season), Rabies (if trekking or handling animals). Malaria is low-risk in Hanoi and major cities but present in rural/forested areas; antimalarials may be advised for Mekong Delta or highland extensions. Dengue is present year-round; no vaccine exists, so use DEET repellent and cover up at dawn/dusk. Tap water is not safe to drink—stick to bottled or filtered water. Travel insurance is essential: ensure it covers medical evacuation, trip cancellation, lost luggage and any adventure activities (kayaking, motorbiking). Many package providers require proof of insurance. Private hospitals in Hanoi (Vinmec, Family Medical Practice) offer excellent care but are expensive without insurance. Pack a basic first-aid kit and prescription medications in original packaging.
Money, local transport, airport transfers and typical travel times
Vietnamese Dong (VND) is the local currency; US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas but change is given in dong. ATMs are plentiful in Hanoi; withdraw at bank-affiliated machines to avoid skimming and notify your bank of travel dates. Credit cards work in hotels, upscale restaurants and tour operators, but street vendors and local eateries are cash-only. Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated (10% in restaurants, small notes for guides/drivers). Noi Bai Airport sits 30 km north of central Hanoi; taxis cost 400,000–500,000 VND (£15–20), journey 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Most packages include private transfers. Grab (ride-hailing app) is cheap and reliable for local transport; traditional taxis (Mai Linh, Taxi Group) are metered. Cyclos and motorbike taxis (xe om) are atmospheric but agree price first. Hanoi to Ha Long Bay takes 3.5 hours by road; domestic flights (Hanoi–Da Nang, Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City) last 1–1.5 hours. Packages handle all logistics, but independent travellers should download Grab and carry small-denomination notes.
Choosing a Hanoi travel package transforms the complexity of multi-city logistics into a curated journey through one of Southeast Asia's most captivating countries. From the energy of the Old Quarter to the tranquillity of Ha Long Bay, from street-food adventures to cultural deep dives, every element combines to create memories that endure long after you return home. Register today to unlock members-only offers and start planning your Vietnamese adventure with confidence and ease.
Hanoi travel package
Prices vary by duration, season and hotel category. A 3-day Hanoi city break with Ha Long Bay day cruise starts around £600–900 per person (excluding UK flights). A 10-day Vietnam loop (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City) with 4-star hotels, domestic flights, transfers and some meals ranges from £1,200–2,000. Luxury 5-star packages or longer itineraries (12–14 nights) with beach extensions can exceed £2,500–3,500. Prices drop in summer (May–August) and rise during autumn peak (September–November) and around Tet (January/February). Always check inclusions—flights, visa support, excursions, meals—and compare like-for-like.
Most packages bundle accommodation (3-, 4- or 5-star hotels), airport and inter-city transfers, domestic flights (for multi-city tours), and select excursions (Ha Long Bay cruise, city tours, museum entries). Many include daily breakfast and some lunches or dinners, especially on cruise days. English-speaking local guides, entrance fees to major sites and sometimes visa-application support are common inclusions. Not usually included: international flights from the UK (though some packages offer add-on flight options), travel insurance, tips for guides and drivers, drinks and meals not specified, and optional activities (cooking classes, spa treatments, additional excursions). Always read the itinerary detail and "What's Included" section carefully.
1 day: Old Quarter walking tour, Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, street-food evening. 3 days: Day 1 Hanoi city highlights, Day 2 Ha Long Bay day cruise or overnight, Day 3 museums and markets. 7 days: Hanoi (2 days), Ha Long Bay overnight cruise (1 day), Hoi An (2 days), fly home or continue south. 14 days: Hanoi (2 days), Ha Long Bay (1–2 days), Ninh Binh day trip, fly to Hue (1 day), Hoi An (2–3 days), fly to Ho Chi Minh City (2 days), Mekong Delta (1 day), Phu Quoc beach extension (3–4 days). Longer itineraries allow relaxed pace, beach time and deeper cultural immersion.
Yes, day cruises are popular and feasible, though they involve long transfers. You'll depart Hanoi around 7:30–8:00 AM, reach Ha Long Bay by midday (3.5-hour drive), board a boat for a 4–5 hour cruise (lunch, kayaking, cave visit), then return to Hanoi by 8–9 PM. It's a full 12-hour day but lets you tick off Ha Long Bay without an overnight stay. However, overnight cruises (1 or 2 nights) are far more relaxing and rewarding: you sail deeper into quieter bays, enjoy sunset and sunrise on deck, sleep in a comfortable cabin and avoid the rush. If your schedule allows, an overnight cruise is worth the extra day.
As of recent policy updates, UK passport holders can enter Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days for tourism or business. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date. If you plan to stay longer than 45 days, you'll need to apply for an e-visa (available online, around US, processed in 3 business days) or arrange a visa on arrival (requires a pre-approval letter, more complex). Always verify the latest rules on the official Vietnamese immigration website or with your tour operator before booking, as visa policies can change. Some Hanoi travel packages include visa-application support or guidance as part of the service.
Autumn (September–November) is peak season: mild temperatures (20–25°C), low humidity, clear skies and vibrant festivals—ideal for sightseeing and Ha Long Bay cruises, though prices and crowds are higher. Spring (March–April) is also pleasant, with warm days and blooming flowers, though occasional showers occur. Summer (May–August) is hot (30–35°C), humid and rainy (afternoon downpours), but you'll find fewer tourists and lower prices; indoor activities (museums, cooking classes) and early-morning excursions work well. Winter (December–February) is cool (10–15°C) and sometimes grey or drizzly; pack layers, but it's atmospheric for exploring temples and cafés. For the best balance of weather, activities and value, aim for late September–November or March–early May.