Do you offer private and/or customized trips?

Private trips can be arranged based on availability. This is ideal for families, large groups, or guests who don’t want to join with other travelers. An additional private trip fee will be charged (which is waived for groups of 8 or more). Simply contact us to book so we can check availability.We are happy to make simple customizations to private trips, such as the start time/date or the duration of the trip.Beyond that, we generally do not arrange customized tours. We work very hard to create our tour routes and build strong relationships with our vendors to ensure the quality and service they provide. It’s also important for us to share the stories of each destination and vendor that we visit. If your request involves visiting a destination or vendor that we don’t have an existing relationship with, we will politely decline.

Is this trip family-friendly and what is the price for children?

We generally recommend join-in tours for children aged 8+. With that said, we ask parents to use their own judgement to determine whether the itinerary of this trip is appropriate for their children without impacting the experience of other guests. Due to the schedule each day, it is important that we stay on time and there may not always be an opportunity for you to take breaks or go back to your hotel for rest.Due to the limited capacity on our join-in trips, discounts are not generally provided for children. This is always determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the size of your family, the ages of your children, and how many hotel rooms you will require.Booking a private trip for your family is always an option, based on availability. This allows you some added flexibility during the itinerary to make sure nothing starts too early/late and so you have time to rest when needed.Travelers with children should always contact us before booking so we can provide detailed prices for you and answer your specific questions.

Do you recommend this trip for elderly travelers?

We welcome all travelers, but ask that guests use their own judgement to determine whether the itinerary of this trip is appropriate without impacting the experience of other guests. We do not recommend this trip for anyone who is unable to be on their feet for 2-3 hours at a time, or requires mobility assistance such as a wheelchair or walker.Booking a private trip is always an option. This gives you some added flexibility during the itinerary to make sure you have extra time when needed during the day.

Can solo travelers join this trip and why do you charge a single occupancy fee?

Yes! Our join-in trips are perfect for solo travelers because it gives you the ability to travel with others and the advantage of being able to try a large variety of food. All of our join-in trips have a minimum of 4 people. Our website will accept your solo booking and we’ll keep in touch to let you know when the minimum number of people has been met. If it’s not met, and we are unable to reschedule you to another date that works for you, we will provide a full refund for your booking. The single occupancy fee for this trip is $165 USD. This is necessary because accommodation is the largest cost of the entire trip, and it is designed to be split between two people. While we do our best to make this reasonable (the single occupancy fee doesn’t cover the entire gap), it is necessary for us cover this cost.Feel free to contact us at any time if you’d like us to check your dates of interest and we’ll let you know if anyone else has booked the trip or if there are nearby alternative dates.

How much food and drinks will I get?

If you know anything about Lost Plate, you know that you’ll never go hungry. All meals are included on this trip. You can expect simple yet hearty breakfasts, plus lunches and dinners that offer a huge variety of dishes in large quantities. We often visit family-owned restaurants that specialize in one type of cuisine or dish, and there’s a reason why we visit every single place. Our goal is to make food the highlight of your trip!Meals include local beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.

What if I’m vegetarian or have special dietary requests?

All dietary requests must be communicated at the time of booking. When booking online, you will have the opportunity to let us know if you have any dietary requirements or special requests. Please use the following information to understand if this trip is right for you.While we will always do our best to accommodate dietary requests, this trip will be best enjoyed by those who are ready and willing to eat everything. If you can’t, we require your understanding that options will be limited during the tour. We visit small family-run eateries that often specialize in one type of food or regional cuisine and there will not always be direct substitutes for every dish that we try on the tour.This trip is great for pescatarians, but not vegetarians. Fish sauce is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine and replaces salt in almost every dish. This means that vegetarian substitutions are not always available. If you are able to eat fish sauce, then it will expand your options greatly.Please note that most restaurants we visit use meat in their kitchen. It is important for us to know how flexible your restrictions are (ie; are you able to have meat broth used for Pho).Since the carb of choice in Vietnam is rice and rice noodles, this tour is suitable for gluten free individuals. With that said, you will need to exercise extreme caution if you suffer from celiac disease, as soy sauce is used frequently. There will be some wheat-based dishes that don’t offer any direct substitutes.This tour cannot accommodate severe allergies as we do not have full control over the preparation for your food. Additionally, peanuts and shellfish are used heavily in Vietnamese cuisine and are present in most kitchens.If you have any questions not answered here, please contact us prior to booking.

Am I able to arrive early or stay late?

Yes! Feel free to arrive early or stay in Hanoi after the trip. We are able to pass on our special hotel rates to you so you don’t need to switch hotels as well. Just let us know your dates and we will check rates and availability for you. Please note that airport pick-up/drop-off is not available if arriving/departing outside of our itinerary.

How do I apply for a Vietnamese visa and is this a service you provide?

All nationalities need to apply for a tourist visa online prior to their arrival. This is a simple process, but generally takes 1-2 weeks for processing. We ask all travelers to independently apply for their tourist visa to Vietnam. We typically are not arranging your entire trip to Vietnam, so this gives you flexibility on the dates and duration for your visa application. We are able to provide documents such as your trip itinerary and hotel confirmations to aid with your visa application. The price of obtaining this visa is not included in the tour price.Visa policies change often and vary by nationality. You should do your own research to understand if your nationality will require a visa, and what the process and timeline is for your nationality.

What is not included in the price of this trip?

Your tourist visa for Vietnam.Transportation/flight tickets to and from Hanoi. This gives you the flexibility to arrive and depart when you would like, on the flights of your choice.Shopping and activities during your free time.Each guest should obtain their own health and travel insurance coverage.Optional gratuities for your guide.

How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy this trip?

We’ve rated this trip a level of 3 out of 3. While there is no strenuous activity required, you will be on and off your feet throughout every day as we sightsee and explore. This will be done during the day, when temperatures and humidity are high, and often on unpaved and/or uneven surfaces. Steep stair climbing will be part of the viewpoint hike at Mua Cave.With that said, activities are always optional and you can decide not to participate if you are uncomfortable.The itinerary also involves changing hotels during the trip, and the longest car ride will be approx. 4 hours. Due to the nature and logistics of this trip, we are not always able to make adjustments for individuals. Therefore, the trip will be best enjoyed for those who are physically fit and have an adventurous spirit.

What is the weather like?

Hanoi sits at low altitude with a true four-season climate. That means hot summers, chilly winters, and transitional spring and autumn seasons that can swing either way.In spring (March–April), the weather is mild and pleasant, with average highs between 23–30°C (73–86°F). Summer (May–August) is the hottest stretch, with highs often between 32–38°C (90–100°F), high humidity, and frequent afternoon downpours. Autumn (September–November) brings relief as the rains ease and temperatures drop to 25–32°C (77–90°F) with lower humidity. Winter (December–February) feels cool by regional standards, with daytime highs around 15–20°C (59–68°F) and nights that can dip below 10°C (50°F).Large temperature swings can occur, especially during winter and shoulder seasons, so it’s always best to check the forecast as your trip approaches.

Explore Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay

5 days / 4 nights

Start & End in: Hanoi (HAN)

Activity Level 3

From $900 USD per person

Activity Level 1:

These trips have a relaxed itinerary with modern and comfortable accommodations, have less time in the car, and require low physical fitness (ie; walking during sightseeing for 1-3 hours at a time).

Activity Level 2:

These trips require changing hotels/cities at least once. Locally owned boutique accommodations are comfortable with modern amenities. Some longer car rides exist. Activities like hiking or cycling may be included in the itinerary but are optional.

Activity Level 3:

These longer trips require an adventurous spirit and a moderate level of physical fitness due to the sights that we visit and the varying weather conditions we may experience. Longer car rides will happen due to remoteness or distances traveled.

You can review detailed itineraries for all of our multi-day trips on our website to gain a better understanding about each trip’s activities.

The Essentials:

From the buzzing streets of Hanoi’s old quarter to the tranquil peaks of Ninh Binh, this adventure blends Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes with its most authentic flavors. Pedal past grazing water buffalo, flip your own bánh xèo, and swap your hotel room for a private balcony on a Halong Bay cruise – sunrise tai chi included.

Price

Join-in trips start at $900 USD per person. A $300 USD per person deposit is required to secure your spot. Click here for more pricing details.

Group Size

Small group departures of 4-10 people, or contact us to ask about a private trip

Optional Add-on

Two nights on a live-aboard Halong Bay cruise, including all meals and activities, for an additional fee (see details below).

Inclusions

Highlights

Quick Links:

Day to Day Itinerary:

This itinerary is subject to changes and adjustments based on seasonality and local operations.

Hanoi

Arrival & Check-In: Airport pick-up is available from Hanoi’s airport (HAN). Flight arrivals should be at or before 2pm.

Lost Plate’s Evening Food Tour: Discover the backstreets of Hanoi’s old-quarter while visiting authentic eateries, trying over 10 dishes, and pass by some of the city’s most iconic sights including the Long Biên Railroad Bridge and Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Driving: Approx. 1 hour from the airport to your hotel.

Hotel: 4-star hotel located in the heart of Hanoi’s Old-Quarter.

Meals: Dinner

Hanoi

Morning Market & Food Tour: Start your day with breakfast favorites like Chicken Phở Gà, savory Bao, egg coffee, and fried rice balls coated in honey. Along the way, we’ll explore the historic B-52 Lake to reflect on Vietnam’s resilient past before continuing to a hidden café.

Hồ Chí Minh House & One Pillar Pagoda: Visit Ho Chi Minh’s House to discover the humble living quarters of Vietnam’s beloved leader, and see the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an architectural wonder perched over a peaceful lotus pond.

Train Street: Make a Vietnamese coffee or grab a cold local beer just steps from the tracks at Hanoi’s famous Train Street, where the train rushes by within arm’s reach.

Dinner: A local go-to for special gatherings, this restaurant focuses on family recipes passed down through generations. Each dish, from slow-cooked roast pork to comforting stuffed tofu to pork bone soup with taro, features flavors of traditional Vietnamese home-style meals.

Driving: Short drives of no more than 30 minutes at a time around town.

Hotel: Same as previous night.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ninh Binh

Cooking Class & Lunch: Learn to make Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese pancakes) at a laid-back spot with limestone peak views, then enjoy them alongside garden-fresh dishes like grilled beef wrapped in betel leaf, fragrant stir-fries, and sticky rice.

Sunset Cycling & Food Tour: Pedal along countryside lanes through quiet villages and rice fields to visit a local’s home for tea and a glimpse into everyday life, watch the sunset over handmade spring rolls, and end with dinner at a family-run restaurant with their signature grilled duck, stir-fries, and draft beer.

Driving: Approx. 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

Hotel: 4-star resort in Ninh Binh.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Ninh Binh

Boat Ride Through Caves: Float your way through Ninh Binh’s serene waterways, where towering limestone karsts rise dramatically above lush riverbanks. On this 3-hour journey, you’ll paddle through hidden caves, lush valleys, and discover stunning stalactite formations.

Lunch: In Ninh Binh, goat is the local specialty and this family-run spot serves it best, from lime-dressed carpaccio and lemongrass-fried ribs to crispy scorched rice with savory goat sauce and fresh local sides.

Cycle & Hike to Panoramic Views: Hop on bikes for a flat ride through the countryside to Mua Cave, then tackle nearly 500 stone steps to two jaw-dropping viewpoints over rice fields and dramatic limestone peaks.

Dinner: End the evening with tabletop BBQ and a spread of Vietnamese favorites, all enjoyed with sweeping views of Ninh Binh’s limestone peaks and a cold beer.

Driving: Short drives of no more than 30 minutes at a time around town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Option 1: For those heading back to Hanoi, you’ll depart for the airport (or a destination of your choice in the city). The drive from Ninh Binh to the airport is approx. 2-3 hours, and you will arrive by 12pm noon.

Option 2: For those heading to Halong Bay, the drive is approx. 3-4 hours, and you will arrive at the cruise terminal by 12pm noon.

Halong Bay (optional)

For those choosing to extend your trip to Halong Bay, we’ll hand you over to the excellent Mon Cheri Cruiseline staff for the next two nights.

Each meal and activity is arranged by Mon Cheri, and each room has a private balcony. The boat has a capacity of 40-50 guests which we find to be the perfect size (not too big, but big enough to offer an excellent variety of on-board activities and amenities).

Today’s Cruise Activities Include:

Lunch Buffet
Kayaking in Trau Bau Bay
Cooking Demo & Happy Hour
Dinner

Halong Bay (optional)

Today’s Cruise Activities Include:

Tai Chi Session
Breakfast Buffet
Day Trip to Lan Ha Bay and Viet Hai Village
Lunch
Kayaking & Swimming in the Lagoon
Dinner
Squid Fishing

Halong Bay (optional)

Today’s Cruise Activities Include:

Breakfast Buffet
Cat Ba & Trung Trang Cave
Lunch Buffet

Airport Drop-off: Will be provided to Hanoi’s airport. Flight departures should be at or after 6pm.

Driving: Approx. 3.5 hours from the cruise terminal to Hanoi’s airport.

Must-See Tour Highlights:

Pedal past grazing water buffalo and farmers finishing the day’s rice harvest as the sun dips behind Ninh Binh’s limestone peaks.

Paddle through caves carved by the river over millions of years, emerging into valleys crowned by limestone peaks.

Just one of many food adventures: flip your own bánh xèo before loading it with fresh vegetables and herbs.

Hike to the top of Mua Cave where Ninh Binh unfolds in winding rivers, golden rice fields, and towering limestone peaks.

Step onto the century-old Long Biên Bridge, built by the architects of the Eiffel Tower, and watch Hanoi’s railway weave through daily life from riverside tracks to Train Street.

Every meal is included and every bite is special, like the bánh mì you’ll make yourself on our evening food tour through Hanoi's old-quarter.

See Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, stroll through his humble home, and see historic sites like B-52 Lake and ancient temples to uncover Vietnam’s rich history.

Pedal past grazing water buffalo and farmers finishing the day’s rice harvest as the sun dips behind Ninh Binh’s limestone peaks.

Paddle through caves carved by the river over millions of years, emerging into valleys crowned by limestone peaks.

Just one of many food adventures: flip your own bánh xèo before loading it with fresh vegetables and herbs.

Hike to the top of Mua Cave where Ninh Binh unfolds in winding rivers, golden rice fields, and towering limestone peaks.

Step onto the century-old Long Biên Bridge, built by the architects of the Eiffel Tower, and watch Hanoi’s railway weave through daily life from riverside tracks to Train Street.

Every meal is included and every bite is special, like the bánh mì you’ll make yourself on our evening food tour through Hanoi's old-quarter.

See Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, stroll through his humble home, and see historic sites like B-52 Lake and ancient temples to uncover Vietnam’s rich history.

If Vietnam had a soundtrack, it would be clinking glasses of iced coffee, the buzz of motorbikes, and the splash of paddles on still rivers.

Hanoi’s historic old-quarter hides stories in egg coffee invented during a milk shortage, in narrow shopfronts owned by the same families for generations, and in train tracks that still run inches from people’s doorsteps.

Ninh Binh is another world entirely. Locals call its limestone peaks “the mountains that guard the land,” rising above golden rice fields, quiet villages, and rivers that slip through caves carved by ancient floods.

And Halong Bay? Hundreds of islands, each guarding its own secret, are best seen from your private balcony on an overnight cruise.

This trip ties it all together with authentic food and people who open their doors to you. Because Vietnam isn’t just about what you see – it’s about what you taste, hear, and carry home long after.

Where We'll Stay:

REY Hotel, Hanoi Old-Quarter

Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh

Mon Cheri Cruiseline, Halong Bay

Accommodations may change based on group size and availability. If so, an equivalent will be used.

Join-in trips require a minimum of 4 people to operate. You should only purchase your transportation to/from Hanoi after you receive a tour confirmation notice. Private tours (for an additional fee) are always an option.
A deposit of $300 USD per person is required to secure your spot. This deposit is non-refundable for any reason unless the trip is cancelled by Lost Plate or due to the minimum group size not being met.
Solo travelers not sharing a room will incur a single occupancy fee of $165 USD. See more details in our FAQ below.
For those joining the optional 2-night Halong Bay live-aboard cruise, rates depends on your room selection, which vary by size and level of the ship. Double occupancy rates typically range between $350-400 USD per person. We will arrange this individually for each party based on your requests and budget.
Payment of your remaining balance will be collected 14 days before the trip starts.
If you need to cancel, the amount you have already paid cannot be refunded. This is because spots on each trip is limited, and because we arrange accommodations when you reserve your spot. You are able to transfer your spot to someone else.
Payments can be made by credit card, WeChat, or Alipay.

If Vietnam had a soundtrack, it would be clinking glasses of iced coffee, the buzz of motorbikes, and the splash of paddles on still rivers.

And Halong Bay? Hundreds of islands, each guarding its own secret, are best seen from your private balcony on an overnight cruise.

Where We'll Stay:

REY Hotel, Hanoi Old-Quarter

Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh

Mon Cheri Cruiseline, Halong Bay

Accommodations may change based on group size and availability. If so, an equivalent will be used.

Join-in trips require a minimum of 4 people to operate. You should only purchase your transportation to/from Hanoi after you receive a tour confirmation notice. Private tours (for an additional fee) are always an option.
A deposit of $300 USD per person is required to secure your spot. This deposit is non-refundable for any reason unless the trip is cancelled by Lost Plate or due to the minimum group size not being met.
Solo travelers not sharing a room will incur a single occupancy fee of $165 USD. See more details in our FAQ below.
For those joining the optional 2-night Halong Bay live-aboard cruise, rates depends on your room selection, which vary by size and level of the ship. Double occupancy rates typically range between $350-400 USD per person. We will arrange this individually for each party based on your requests and budget.
Payment of your remaining balance will be collected 14 days before the trip starts.
If you need to cancel, the amount you have already paid cannot be refunded. This is because spots on each trip is limited, and because we arrange accommodations when you reserve your spot. You are able to transfer your spot to someone else.
Payments can be made by credit card, WeChat, or Alipay.

BEIJING

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LIJIANG

SHANGHAI

SUZHOU

XIAN

PHNOM PENH

SIEM REAP

BANGKOK

HANOI

PORTLAND, OR

CHENGDU

GUILIN/YANGSHUO

NINGXIA

XIAN

YUNNAN

CAMBODIA

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Explore Northern Vietnam: Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay

Price

Group Size

Optional Add-on

Inclusions

Highlights

Day to Day Itinerary:

Hanoi

Hanoi

Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh

Halong Bay (optional)

Halong Bay (optional)

Halong Bay (optional)

Must-See Tour Highlights:

Where We'll Stay:

REY Hotel, Hanoi Old-Quarter

Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh

Mon Cheri Cruiseline, Halong Bay

Where We'll Stay:

REY Hotel, Hanoi Old-Quarter

Emeralda Resort, Ninh Binh

Mon Cheri Cruiseline, Halong Bay

Our Trips Hit Different.

Guest Reviews:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer private and/or customized trips?

Is this trip family-friendly and what is the price for children?

Do you recommend this trip for elderly travelers?

Can solo travelers join this trip and why do you charge a single occupancy fee?

How much food and drinks will I get?

What if I’m vegetarian or have special dietary requests?

Am I able to arrive early or stay late?

How do I apply for a Vietnamese visa and is this a service you provide?

What is not included in the price of this trip?

How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy this trip?

What is the weather like?

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