Unexpected Turns in Vietnam: My Hanoi City Tour & Ninh Binh Storm Experience

Travel rarely goes 100% according to plan, and that is often what makes it an adventure. Following our first day landing in Hanoi from Kolkata, our second day in Vietnam was packed with incredible city lights, luxury transfers, panoramic skyline views, and an unexpected natural event—a major typhoon alert that completely turned our itinerary upside down.

Here is my firsthand story of exploring Hanoi by night, traveling down to the stunning karst landscapes of Ninh Binh, and how we managed an emergency travel shift on the go.

TL;DR & Key Takeaways

• Lotte Observation Deck (Hanoi): Head up to the 65th floor around 5:00 PM for panoramic sunset views over Hanoi city. Tickets cost 280,000 VND (~₹950) including a welcome drink.

• Double-Decker Bus Tour: A double-decker open-top night bus tour is the best way to see illuminated landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Hanoi Opera House.

• Hanoi to Ninh Binh Transfer: VIP Limousine vans cost roughly 210,000 VND (~₹700) per person and offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off.

• Weather Alert Lesson: Always track weather forecasts in Vietnam during typhoon season (September). When local authorities close attractions like Tam Coc or Bai Dinh Pagoda due to approaching storms, evacuate back to primary cities before transport routes shut down.

1. 65 Floors Above Hanoi: Lotte Observation Deck

We started our evening at the Lotte Center Observation Deck on the 65th floor.

Taking the high-speed elevator up to the top took only a few seconds. The 360-degree views of the sprawling Hanoi skyline during sunset were breathtaking.

Lotte Observation Deck Quick Info:

• Ticket Cost: 280,000 VND per person (~₹950 INR)
• Inclusions: Complimentary welcome drink at the sky lounge
• Best Time to Visit: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (to catch both golden hour & city lights)

Watching the sunset turn into a glowing sea of city lights from high above made this one of our favorite spots in Hanoi.

2. Hanoi Double-Decker Open-Top Night Bus Tour

After coming down from the observation deck, we walked over toward Hoan Kiem Lake and spotted the iconic red double-decker bus. We immediately bought tickets to take the evening city loop.

What to Expect on the Night Tour

• Continuous Sightseeing: Unlike the daytime hop-on-hop-off option where you can get off at each spot, the night bus runs a continuous loop. You sit back on the open deck and enjoy the cool evening breeze.

• Audio Guide: You get individual earphones to plug into your seat audio channel, available in multiple languages (English, Japanese, Korean, etc.) explaining the historical context of each landmark.

• Highlights Passed: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hanoi Opera House, and the vibrant Old Quarter streets.

3. Journeying from Hanoi to Ninh Binh

The next morning, we checked out of our Hanoi hotel to head towards Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”.

Transport & Accommodation Breakdown

1. The Limousine Van: We booked an 11-seater VIP Limousine van with a local operator (Duy Khang). They picked us up right from our hotel lobby in Hanoi and dropped us off at our homestay in Ninh Binh for 210,000 VND per head (~₹700 INR).

2. Breakfast on the Go: Before getting into the van, we grabbed authentic local Bánh Mì (crunchy Vietnamese baguettes stuffed with chicken, herbs, and sauces).

3. Where We Stayed: We checked into Mountain Side Homestay in Ninh Binh. It featured a swimming pool, mountain views, and clean rooms equipped with a mini-fridge and AC.

4. Facing Super Typhoon Yagi & Spot Closures

Our main reason for visiting Ninh Binh was to take the famous rowboat tours through limestone caves at Trang An or Tam Coc, followed by a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda.

However, travel often demands flexibility. Upon reaching the boating points, we learned that local government authorities had suspended all boat operations due to a severe incoming storm alert (Super Typhoon Yagi).

• Boating Suspension: Boating stations at both Trang An and Tam Coc were closed down to prevent boats from being caught in high winds.

• Monastery Closures: We drove over to Bai Dinh Pagoda, but it was also shut down as state emergency precautions came into effect.

• Local Comfort Food: To recharge, we stopped at a small eatery opposite the Tam Coc boating point for a warm bowl of fresh Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup.

5. Rushing Back to Hanoi: A Travel Decision

With intercity transport and roads scheduled to be temporarily halted the following day due to the typhoon, we made a quick decision to abort our overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

We rushed back to our homestay, packed up our bags, and booked a returning VIP Limousine to take us back to Hanoi immediately before services shut down completely.

Even though our Ninh Binh sightseeing was cut short, prioritizing safety gave us complete peace of mind, and we returned safely to Hanoi to continue our Vietnam journey.

Summary Overview

Hanoi’s city nightlife is vibrant, and even when weather disruptions happen, having a flexible mindset makes all the difference! Stay tuned for our next update where we explore Hanoi’s iconic Train Street and Beer Street!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time to visit the Lotte Observation Deck in Hanoi?

The best time to visit the Lotte Observation Deck (65th Floor) is in the late afternoon between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Visiting during this window lets you experience the golden hour sunset and watch the city transform into an illuminated skyline at night.

2. How much does a ticket to the Lotte Observation Deck cost?

Standard adult tickets for international visitors cost around 280,000 VND (~$11 USD / ₹950 INR), which includes access to the skywalk photo zones and a complimentary welcome drink at the lounge.

3. Is a Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi worth it?

Yes, a day trip to Ninh Binh (known as “Halong Bay on land”) is highly worth it due to its proximity to Hanoi (around a 1.5 to 2-hour drive). Visitors can explore limestone karst mountains, take picturesque rowboat tours through Tam Coc or Trang An caves, and visit historical temples like Bai Dinh Pagoda or Hoa Lu.

4. How do I get from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

The most convenient ways to travel from Hanoi to Ninh Binh are:

• VIP Limousine Van: Costs around 210,000 VND – 250,000 VND (~₹700 – ₹850 INR) per person and offers direct door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off.

• Local Train: Takes about 2 to 2.5 hours from Hanoi Railway Station to Ninh Binh Station and costs 180,000 VND – 260,000 VND.

• Private Taxi/Grab: Costs around $60 USD – $90 USD one-way, best suited for families or group travelers.

5. Which is better: Trang An or Tam Coc boat tour?

• Trang An: Ideal for travelers who want long, scenic routes through dramatic cave tunnels and heritage temples. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a structured, quiet boat experience (Route 2 is the most popular).

• Tam Coc: Best for open-air, countryside views along the river, famous for its golden rice fields (during harvest season) and local rowers using their feet to row the boats.

6. What happens if a typhoon or severe weather hits while traveling in Vietnam?

During typhoon season (typically July to October), local provincial authorities in coastal and river regions like Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, and Tam Coc immediately suspend boat tours and close outdoor attractions for safety. If a storm alert is issued, it is best to evacuate early back to major hub cities like Hanoi, as highways and intercity transportation services may freeze operations temporarily.

Hanoi to Ninh Binh Tour Guide Vlog in Bengali