My wife and I and two friends are on a cruise that includes, unfortunately, only a one day stop at Ha Long Bay - two hours plus from Hanoi. We are looking for a guide and driver who could meet us at the dock, take us into Hanoi, and then get us back to the dock. Any suggestions? We do have from 8am until 11pm - still rushed and obviously a LONG day for the guide - but we would appreciate any names of guides you might have found satisfactory - or maybe even terrific!

Frankly, you don't need a guide in Hanoi. But obviously you need a car (or in your case, a van) and driver. I would contact one of the well-regarded VN tour companies to arrange this. Many people here like Tonkin Travel.

Do your research ahead of time and decide what you want to do in Hanoi.

Hi Jessicate,

It would be no problem at all to hire the Van and the guide for that day trip to Hanoi. Pls note that it will normally takes between 3,5 to 4 hours driving time/each way so you will only have few hours in hanoi. Many people from Cruise ship do this as a big group tour but if you book it with a travel agent in hanoi it will be more convenient as a private trip. If you have the local it will be very handy and make the tour more interesting as you learn alot from the guide when you sit in the car for long driving.
Pls let me know should you need more advise for the trip.

enjoy your trip!
Hai

I just came back from Hanoi and I have to tell you that riding 7 to 8 hours round trip to see Hanoi is not worth it in my opinion. I would stay in Ha Long Bay and explore. Just saying.

We very much enjoyed Hanoi, but the drive from Halong Bay is both long and boring. Only you can decide whether a few hours in Hanoi is worth 7-8 hours on the road.