Explore Hanoi and Halong Bay: Ultimate No-Tipping Travel Guide for Vietnam Adventures

Vietnam independent travel, including food, accommodation, transportation, and activities, with no additional expenses for tips
[Red Heart R] Step 1: Obtain a Vietnam visa:
Visa:
(1) Separate paper visa
(2) E-visa
(3) Approval letter + Visa on arrival, Note: For those applying for a visa on arrival, it is essential to obtain the approval letter in advance.

It can be processed as quickly as the same day, suitable for urgent trips.
[Red Heart R] Step 2: Choose your mode of travel (independent travel / group tour)
Select the appropriate mode of travel. Obtaining a Vietnam visa is guaranteed, with zero difficulty, so you can purchase air tickets or train tickets in advance.

[Red Heart R] Step 3: Start the journey
Hanoi is not large; if you are a special forces tourist, you can complete it in one day. We split it into two days, hoping to enjoy the process of traveling and relaxing.
[One R] DAY 1: Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon
[Two R] DAY 2: Hanoi – Leisure Life Tour: Yellow first day itinerary: (around Hoan Kiem Lake)
– Hoan Kiem Lake
– Coffee Street (5th floor)
– St.

Joseph’s Cathedral
– 36 Streets
– Water Puppet Show (the performance here is a must-experience)
– Hanoi Opera House (just take photos from the outside, there are no distinctive shows to watch)
– 60-minute Vietnamese SPA massage
[Three R] DAY 3: Hanoi – Historical Theme Tour – Red second day itinerary
If you do not like historical themes such as museums, temples, and the mausoleum, you can skip this second day’s itinerary and move the Train Street to the evening of the second day.

– Vietnam Train Street (must-visit)
– Military History Museum
– Thang Long Imperial Citadel
– Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
– Temple of Literature in Hanoi
[Four R] DAY 4: One-day trip to Halong Bay (must join a tour, do not go independently)
Halong Bay: Known as the “Guilin on the Sea”
Price: Prices range from $29 to $99.

All itineraries are the same, differing only in the type of boat and the buffet lunch. The highest recommendation is to book the $49 option (all pictures shown are from the $49 package).
– Beach Bar: Enjoy the cool sea breeze by the seaside, savor a signature cocktail, and experience the unique charm of the Vietnamese coast.

– Paradise Island: Known as the pearl of Halong Bay, with soft sandy beaches and clear waters, it is an excellent place to relax.
– Surprise Cave: Explore this cave full of surprises, admiring the natural wonders formed by stalactites and stalagmites.
– Fairyland Labyrinth: Navigate through the maze-like islands, experiencing the joy of adventure.

– Activities:
1. The $49 package includes one kayaking session (self-paddle) or canoe ride (paddled by others). Strongly recommend kayaking, which is simple, fun, and won’t get you wet.
2. Does not include a 15-minute speedboat experience ($20 per person), which is not thrilling and not recommended.

[Five R] DAY 5: Return
[Red Heart R] Notes:
1.

You absolutely must indulge in the local massage services; the staff are incredibly welcoming, and the prices are negotiable, with no expectation of tips.

Don’t miss out on the vibrant culinary scene, from the bustling street stalls and cozy roadside coffee shops to the sophisticated high-end restaurants—each offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

Navigating Hanoi’s traffic can be an adventure. The roads are chaotic and disorderly, so crossing them requires quick, precise, and confident movements. However, the locals are seasoned pros and generally manage to avoid collisions.

Air pollution in Hanoi is quite noticeable, largely due to the sheer number of motorcycles and cars that run on gasoline, contributing to a significant amount of exhaust fumes. When traveling independently in Vietnam, you’ll find that from the moment you land to your dining, accommodation, transportation, and entertainment, there are no hidden costs or tipping expectations.