Explore the North Part of Vietnam
Duration
9 days, 1 country
Destination
Vietnam
Travel Type
Private | Customizable
Places You’ll Visit
Tour Overview
This 9-day Vietnam tour package will allow you to discover the heart of Northern Vietnam. Beginning in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, be guided to explore historic sites, bustling markets, and peaceful lakes. Next, embark on an adventure to Sapa for breathtaking mountain views, hill tribe cultures, and thrilling hikes. Then, continue to the ancient capital of Ninh Binh and tranquil riverine landscapes.
Last, dive into the enchanting world of Halong Bay, with its emerald waters and hidden caves. Savor local flavors on a street food tour. Throughout, interact with diverse communities, from the Black Hmong to the Red Dao. Your Northern Vietnam adventure is a blend of culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
Highlights of This Tour
- See ancient temples, tranquil lakes and local street life in the historic Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Marvel at the stunning Fansipan Mountain views from Sapa Heaven Gate.
- Discover the colorful hill tribe markets and embrace the warmth of the Black Hmong and Red Dao communities.
- Take a sampan boat through limestone karsts and visit the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda.
- Cruise the emerald waters of Halong Bay to explore hidden caves and limestone islets.
- Explore the Thien Canh Son Cave at sunrise.
- Savor diverse street food on a guided Hanoi tour.
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, your private driver will be waiting to greet you and then you will be transferred to your comfortable hotel. Check in and relax after your flight journey.
The rest of the day is yours. Explore the old streets of Hanoi on your own pace. Feel free to ask your private guide for some recommendations. Have a good rest for tomorrow’s Hanoi tour.
Meal: N/A
Accommodation: in Hanoi
Today is a full day of exploration in Hanoi, rich in history and culture. After breakfast, meet your Hanoi tour guide and he/she will lead you to several landmarks, including:
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum: Located in the middle of Ba Dinh Square, it was built to commemorate the great Ho Chi Minh.
Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House: This was the place where Ho Chi Minh worked and lived in Hanoi during his lifetime. Follow your guide to visit his bedroom, study, office and more to learn about his simple lifestyle.
One Pillar Pagoda: It was named after a large stone pillar built in the middle of a pool. The original temple was built in 1049 and was blown up in 1954 when France withdrew its troops, leaving only the stone pillar. What we see now was rebuilt on the same site in 1955 in its original form.
Tran Quoc Pagoda: It is the oldest and most historically significant Buddhist temple in Hanoi. You can go there to pay respects and visit. Remember to wear long pants as a sign of respect.
After these morning sightseeing, sample a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, your Vietnam tour in Hanoi continues to:
Museum of Ethnology: divided into two parts: indoor and outdoor. The indoor section has two floors and introduces all the ethnic groups in Vietnam. Outside, there are many aboriginal houses, burial chambers and bungalows.
Cyclo tour through Hanoi Old Quarter: Experience the energy of the Old Quarter when riding in a traditional cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi.
Hoan Kiem Lake: Enjoy a leisurely walk around this lake, known as the “Lake of the Restored Sword.”
Ngoc Son Temple: Located on an island in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake.
In the evening, watch the Water Puppet Performance, a traditional Vietnamese art form. A stage is set up over a pool and puppets are manipulated by actors hidden in the background using long strings or bamboo poles.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Hanoi
After breakfast at your hotel, we will drive for 315 km to the mountain town of Sapa in the northwest of Vietnam. The history of Sapa can be traced back to the French colonial period. At that time, the French discovered the cool climate here and built it as a summer resort. Nowadays, many French style buildings are still preserved in Sapa. On the way you can see lovely villages and glimpse the rural life in North Vietnam.
Upon arrival in Sapa, check into your local hotel and have a rest. Later in the day, your guided Sapa tour will begin at the Silver Waterfall, like a silver chain descending from the sky, incredibly spectacular. Splashing water, surrounded by greenery, the sound of flowing water harmoniously blends with nature, as if immersing oneself in a natural oxygen bar.
Then, we transer to visit the Heaven Gate to capture the breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam (3,143 meters /10,312 feet). It’s an ideal spot for take pictures and a connection with nature. After the tour, go back to your hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Sapa
Today in the morning, you’ll gain an insight into the heart of Sapa’s culture and natural beauty. After breakfast, your private guide will take you to visit to a bustling local market.
Then, take a memorable 3-hour hiking tour to the distinctive Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. The two villages face each other across a stream, which is very suitable for hiking. Along the way, you can witness beautiful terraced rice fields and have the opportunity to encounter the friendly Black Hmong minority people. Through your guide’s translation, you may see their traditions. After the Sapa hike tour, you will be escorted back to Sapa town.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Sapa
Today’s North Vietnam trip lead you to explore two villages to experience the local way of life and cultural traditions. They are home to ethnic minorities such as the Red Dao and Black Hmong.
In Ma Tra Village, you can attend weaving courses at your own expense to learn how the locals make traditional fabrics and textiles. In addition, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of rice paddies. In Ta Phin Village, you can learn how the locals use natural herbs to treat diseases. Also, optionally join in a cooking class to make local cuisine.
In the afternoon, your private driver will accompany you on the journey back to Hanoi. Stay an overnight in Hanoi’s hotel.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Hanoi
After breakfast, take a Hanoi day trip to Ninh Binh, featuring places of historic interest and scenic beauty. Your first stop is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the capital of Vietnam’s first dynasty, with a history of over a thousand years. Admire the remnants of ancient temples and royal palaces and learn about the past stories here.
Next, go to visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, built in 968 and one of the earliest Buddhist architectural complexes in Vietnam. After multiple renovations and expansions, it is still well preserved today. Vietnam’s largest bronze bell, Thousand-armed Guanyin Statue, and Shakyamuni Statue… tourists are allowed to shoot these statues.
After lunch, hop on a sampan boat along the beautiful Trang An River, a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site. This place is the filming location for the famous “The Painted Veil” and “King Kong”. During the 1.5-2 hours journey, you can see the karst caves, ancient temples, and lush greenery. After the Ninh Binh trip, drive you to the local hotel for the night.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch
Accommodation: in Ninh Binh
After breakfast, say goodbye to Ninh Binh and leave for the Halong Bay for a relaxing 2-Day 1-Night cruise. Ha Long Bay is a typical limestone karst bay, covering an area of 1,553 square kilometers, with beautiful mountain and sea scenery.
Upon arrival, follow the guidance of the staff to check into your cabin. Appreciate the beautiful emerald green waters standing limestone karst peaks while having your buffet lunch. After the meal, hike to catch a panoramic view of the bay’s landscape from a nearby summit.
Return to the cruise ship to spend some relaxing time on the deck. Besides, you can swim in a secluded bay.
Later in the afternoon, you will be guided to visit a local fishing village. Seize the opportunity to get a glimpse of the unique life way of the villagers. After the visit, go back to the ship to enjoy amazing sunset views over Halong Bay.
Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Accommodation: on the Ship
Wake up early to take a Tai Chi class on the deck. Tai Chi is a traditional martial arts program. People can exercise their bodies and hearts through slow, continuous movements and breathing exercises. After that, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee.
Your cruise continues with a visit to Thien Canh Son Cave, one of the most primitive islands in Ha Long Bay. In addition to marveling at the stalactites, this place also offers a superior location to enjoy the panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay. Afterward, go back to your cruise ship for a hearty brunch and sail back to the Halong Bay port. Then, you will be escorted back to Hanoi.
In the evening, join your knowledgeable guide in an interesting street food tour of Hanoi. Taste a variety of local dishes and street snacks while learning about the culinary traditions of Vietnam.
Meal: Breakfast + Dinner
Accommodation: in Hanoi
This is your final day in Vietnam. After breakfast, you’ll have free time to explore Hanoi at your own pace or relax at your hotel.
Your driver will escort you to Noi Bai International Airport by your flight schedule for your next destination or journey back home. Safe travels! Hope you had a great time with us on this 9 days Southeast Asia tour of Vietnam.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: N/A
What’s Included
Dates & Availability
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
Tuesday
15 Sep,2024
Wednesday
24 Sep,2024
Total price
$1,049
