Essence of Northern Vietnam 8 days

Morning/Afternoon

On our first day in Hanoi, visitors will join an exciting half-day tour that departs either at 08:00 or 13:30, depending on your availability.

You will stop at the Temple of Literature to immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark. Head to One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most unique architectures in Vietnam that illustrates the national flower Lotus. 

Next, pay a visit to Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, exploring the historical heart of Hanoi and paying respects to the great leader Ho Chi Minh. Afterward, visitors have the chance to enjoy scenic views of West Lake and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with a history line of more than 1,500 years.

NOTE: The mausoleum is temporarily closed on Mon and Fri every week & from Jun - Aug every year.

Have lunch/dinner at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. The rest of the day will be your free time to relax but you can join some optional night tours in Hanoi to learn more about the culture of people here: 

NOTE: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be viewed from outside, closed Mon & Fri and from Jun - Aug.

Morning

After having breakfast at the hotel, let’s get on the van for the drive to Mai Chau. Because the distance from Hanoi to Mai Chau is not long (about 140 km, 3.5 hours), you will have a short break along the way, and then arrive at the destination around midday.

Upon arrival, traditional Vietnamese lunch will be served in the village (the vegetarian option is available if you are a vegan).

Afternoon

After lunch, visitors will join an exciting bicycle tour with the local guide to witness the countryside life of Northern Vietnam. You will see the farmers working in the fields and regional people weaving scarves.

Then, you can wander around the surrounding peaceful villages and go shopping, buying some small souvenirs to bring home.

Following that, savor your dinner cooked in the native Thai style with local wine “Ruou Can” while enjoying the traditional dance show of Thai people.

NOTE: The dinner experience only applies to guests traveling in large groups.

Morning

After savoring your breakfast, you have free time this morning to relax and enjoy the serene beauty of Mai Chau. You can choose to join optional activities at your own expense such as cycling to have the chance to admire the terraced fields, as well as learn more about traditional culture and customs.

Around midday, back to the homestay for lunch and check out. Then you will have time for relaxing.

Afternoon

Around 15:30, get on the bus to take a private 3.5-hour drive back to Hanoi. Arriving in Hanoi Old Quarter, you will be dropped off at your hotel to have an overnight stay.

Morning

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel around 07:30 and get picked up for the transfer to Ninh Binh. Have a short break along the way, enjoying the fresh air in the middle of the giant rice fields.

After arriving in Tam Coc, which is also called the “Halong Bay on land”, you will get on the small boat rowed by a local along the Ngo Dong River for about 2 hours. 

This might be a memorable time to admire the breathtaking scenery of this Vietnamese jewel, including limestone mountains, rice fields, and temples along the way. Also, it is possible to witness the golden rice carpet along the river banks if you travel during the harvest season.

Get back to the mainland for lunch in a local restaurant.

Afternoon

After lunch and a short break, at 13:30, hop on a bicycle, go around the beautiful villages, and enjoy the fresh air in the rural area.

Travel to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the ancient capital city of Vietnam one thousand years ago, and learn more about Vietnamese history, which is fascinating and worth knowing.

Get back to Hanoi by bus and get ready for the night train.

Night

Around 20:00, you meet the tour guide at the hotel. You will be transferred to the Hanoi Train Station to have an overnight train to Lao Cai train station.

NOTE:

• The train departs around 22:00 and is a shared sleeping compartment (2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment).
• Our tour guide will not accompany you during the train trip. The train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at a surcharge.
• Train journeys are part of a great experience. Cabins are shared with other passengers (unless a private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages.

Morning

At 05:30 - 06:00, you will arrive at Lao Cai train station. The bus driver will pick you up from the train station to Sapa, which might take around 1 hour. Please note that early check-in is possible with an extra fee. 

After the check-in, relax to get ready for a full-day tour. At around 09:30, meet the local guide and start trekking to Y Linh Ho village, which is settled down by the Muong Hoa River. From here, you continue to travel to Lao Chai village, which is home to Black H’mong.

Afternoon

After reaching Lao Chai village in the morning, let’s head to Ta Van village, which is 1,200 meters above sea level, and see their unique culture and traditional clothes. 

Return to Sapa and free at leisure for the rest of the day. Overnight at your hotel in Sapa.

NOTES: This downhill trekkingway takes 13 km and is considered the easy level.

Morning

Enjoy your last breakfast in Sapa and check out, then have a trekking journey to Cat Cat Village. This is a place where you can enjoy wandering around the village and admiring the poetic beauty of this ethnic scenery.

Picnic lunch will be served by the side of the river.

Afternoon

Keep trekking to Sin Chai village, located at the foot of Fansipan Mountain - “the Roof of Indochina”. Come back to the main road to be transferred to Sapa town.

Around 14:30-15:00, the driver comes to pick you up at the hotel for a transfer back to Hanoi and you would spend the night at the hotel.

Morning

Get up and have your breakfast before the driver picks you up around 08:00 - 08:30 to head to Halong Bay, one of the world's seven natural wonders in North Vietnam. This is the must-visit destination with thousands of limestone islands, mysterious caves, and appealing emerald water.

Upon arrival, do the check-in procedures before getting on the cruise. Around 12:00, you will be welcomed by friendly crew staff with a welcome drink.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board with fresh seafood from Halong while the boat cruises in the bay. Relax in your cabin and have free time until the afternoon.

Afternoon

You would have various water activities this afternoon, such as visiting the caves, kayaking, or just swimming in the sea, based on the itinerary of each Halong Bay cruise.

After all, you are free to get on the boat to relax and enjoy your delicious dinner on the cruise.

NOTE:

• Our tour guide will not accompany you aboard the cruise in Halong Bay but the English-speaking guide on board is available.
• Each cruise will have a different program, you should contact our sales consultants for more information.

Morning

On this last morning, you can choose to set up early to join a Tai Chi lesson or just relax on the sundeck and witness the amazing sunrise on the bay. After breakfast, you will begin your last excursion to one of the famous attractions in Halong Bay.

Brunch will be served on the way back to the main dock at around 11:00 - 11:30. You will be transferred back to Hanoi after the cruise trip.

Afternoon

Have free time to explore Hanoi Old Quarter and try Vietnamese street food by yourself. You can consider joining some extra food tours below:

NOTE: If you want a drop-off service at the airport or extra nights in Hanoi, feel free to contact our travel consultant for helpful support.