3 Days, 2 Nights Budget Tour in Hanoi, Ha Giang, and Ha Long with 3-Star Hotel

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi & Explore the City

Morning:

• Arrival at Hanoi International Airport (Noi Bai).
  • Airport Transfer: A driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in Hanoi. The journey is approximately 40 minutes.
  • Check-in at a 3-star hotel in the Old Quarter (e.g., Hanoi Pearl Hotel or La Siesta Hotel). Freshen up and rest.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant. Recommended: Pho (noodle soup) or Bun Cha (grilled pork with noodles).
• Explore Hanoi's Old Quarter:
  • Wander through the charming streets of the Old Quarter, where you can find souvenir shops and local handicrafts. The area is perfect for easy shopping.
  • Visit Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take a leisurely walk around the lake.
  • Explore the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, and a symbol of Confucian education.

Evening:

• Dinner: Try local Hanoi delicacies like Cha Ca (grilled fish) or Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls).
• Night Market Visit: If you're in Hanoi on a weekend, the Hanoi Night Market (held on Friday to Sunday) is perfect for shopping. Otherwise, enjoy a stroll in the Old Quarter for souvenirs like silk, lacquerware, and local art.

Day 2: Ha Giang Tour

Early Morning:

• Breakfast at your hotel.
• Departure to Ha Giang: Early morning transfer from Hanoi to Ha Giang by bus or private car (approximately 6-7 hours).
  • Optional: If you're short on time, you could fly to Ha Giang via a connecting flight (subject to availability), but this requires a longer travel day.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Upon arrival in Ha Giang, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Recommended: Try local specialties such as Thang Co (a traditional Mong dish).
• Explore Ha Giang:
  • Visit the Ha Giang Market for local crafts and textiles.
  • Take in the majestic landscapes of Ha Giang, including views of the Dong Van Karst Plateau. While this is mainly a sightseeing area, you can also shop for handmade goods from the ethnic minority communities.

Evening:

• Check-in at a 3-star hotel in Ha Giang (such as Ha Giang Riverside Hotel or similar).
• Dinner: Enjoy a meal at the hotel or nearby restaurant, experiencing the local cuisine.
• Relax and enjoy the quiet evening in Ha Giang.

Day 3: Ha Long Bay Day Trip

Early Morning:

• Breakfast at your hotel in Ha Giang.
• Travel to Ha Long Bay: Start early with a transfer to Ha Long Bay (approximately 5-6 hours drive). You can opt for a guided transfer to make the journey more comfortable.

Afternoon:

• Lunch on a Cruise: Upon arrival at Ha Long Bay, take a day cruise to explore the bay's incredible limestone islands and emerald waters. The boat tour will typically include a seafood lunch.
• Explore Ha Long Bay:
  • Visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) or Ti Top Island for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.
  • You can relax on the deck, swim, or even try kayaking (optional).

Evening:

• Return to Hanoi: After the cruise, return to Hanoi by car or bus (approximately 3-4 hours).
• Dinner and Shopping: Have dinner in Hanoi, either at your hotel or at a local restaurant. If you have time before your flight, do some last-minute shopping in the Old Quarter.

Late Evening:

• Airport Transfer: After dinner, enjoy a transfer back to Hanoi's airport for your flight departure.