8-Day Northern Vietnam Tour

Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, our driver will greet you and take you to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. After check-in, you’ll have the rest of the day free to relax or start exploring at your own pace.

If your visit falls on the weekend, don’t miss Hanoi Walking Street around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter ( from 6 pm on Friday to 12 pm on Sunday). It can get a bit busy, but the lively atmosphere is worth it. You’ll find:

• Traditional Vietnamese folk games like tug-of-war, bamboo jacks, or mandarin squares.
• Portrait sketch artists and live traditional music near Ba Kieu Temple.
• Street performances and lots of local fun around the lake.

The Old Quarter Walking Street and night market also come alive every weekend evening, offering:

• Souvenir and fashion stalls along Hang Dao and Hang Ngang streets.
• A buzzing street food scene with “Bia Hơi” (local draft beer) on Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets.
• Traditional music such as Ca Trù and Hát Xẩm is performed on Ma May and Hang Buom streets.

 Meals:  N/A

 Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Day 2 is dedicated to exploring Vietnam’s charming capital, Hanoi. The city captivates visitors with its wide tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes, and ancient pagodas. Hanoi is a vibrant mix that has something for everyone.

The morning introduces you to Hanoi’s key landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and stilt house) and the Temple of Literature.

The afternoon highlights include Train Street, a fascinating narrow alley where trains pass just meters away from tightly packed houses. This unique spot reflects the rhythm of local life in Hanoi.

The tour continues with a visit to one of Hanoi’s museums (choose one out of these options):

• Hoa Lo Prison Museum offers insight into life during the French colonial era, featuring original cells, leg irons, and exhibits that earned it the nickname “Hanoi Hilton” during the Vietnam War.
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology showcases artifacts, art, and reconstructed village houses, providing a vivid overview of Vietnam’s ethnic diversity.
• Vietnam Military History Museum presents weaponry, relics, and first-hand accounts from soldiers, covering the nation’s combat history from ancient times to modern conflicts.
• Vietnamese Women’s Museum honors the creativity and resilience of Vietnamese women, with displays of fashion, textiles, stories, and art across four curated floors.

 Meals:  Breakfast

 Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

07:00–07:45: The guide meets travelers at the hotel before starting a 110 km bus journey through the peaceful countryside landscape. A short break is taken along the way.

10:30: The journey reaches Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, where visitors explore the historic Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, both dating back to the 17th century.

11:30: The trip continues with a leisurely cycling route along rural paths, passing by canals, villages, and dramatic limestone mountains in the background.

12:00: A buffet lunch with a selection of local specialties is served at a nearby restaurant.

13:30: A small sampan boat ride on Tam Coc begins, lasting around 1.5 hours. Known as the “Three Caves”, Tam Coc is famous for its towering limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, calm streams, rice paddies, and open green fields. 

15:30: The Ninh Binh day trip continues with a visit to Mua Cave. Travelers trek up Ngoa Long Mountain, where a panoramic view of the rice valley and the surrounding limestone formations awaits.

16:30: Our group boards the bus for the return journey to Hanoi.

18:30: Arrival back in Hanoi, with drop-off at the hotel.

 Meals:  Breakfast , Lunch

 Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Breakfast at your hotel.

07:00: The driver picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a 4-hour scenic drive to Pu Luong.

10:00: The group stops for a 15-minute rest along the way and enjoys peaceful countryside views.

12:00: You arrive at Pu Luong Nature Reserve, have lunch at a local restaurant, and check in to your room (standard check-in 2:00 PM). You then relax before the afternoon walk.

13:30: The guide transfers you to Ban Cong, where you begin a 2.5 km trek. You cross a suspension bridge, walk through a charming village, and admire the traditional water wheels built by ethnic minority groups. (Difficulty: 2/5)

Then, we arrive at Chieu Lau Dam and join locals for a fun bamboo rafting experience on the stream.

15:00: You continue with a 2 km trek across rice fields and villages before meeting the driver at the main road. The driver then takes you back to the lodge around 5:00 PM.

19:00: You can join an optional cooking class before enjoying a delicious dinner at the lodge. You then spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the tranquil atmosphere of Pu Luong.

 Meals:  Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner

 Accommodation: Homestay in Pu Luong

07:00: You enjoy breakfast at the lodge and get ready for the morning exploration. The fresh mountain air and peaceful surroundings provide the perfect start to your day.

08:45: The guide takes you on a scenic walk down the valley towards Don Village, the cultural center of Pu Luong. You follow a winding path through terraced rice fields that stretch endlessly across the hillsides. 

09:15: You continue the walk to Uoi Hamlet, a picturesque village nestled at the foot of a towering limestone mountain. When viewed from above, the village looks like a painting with wooden stilt houses, green rice paddies, and misty peaks in the background. This is one of the most photogenic spots in Pu Luong, so you can take plenty of memorable photos.

09:45: We descend gently to Lan Village, often called the “Kingdom of the Thai People in Pu Luong”, home to nearly 100 Thai ethnic families. Here, you can choose to cycle around the village (optional) or stroll through quiet lanes. You see crystal-clear streams, wide fields of crops, ducks swimming happily in ponds, and farmers working in harmony with nature.

We’ll stop to observe local women weaving brocade by hand, a traditional craft passed down through generations. The guide helps you interact with the artisans so you can learn about their weaving techniques and the cultural meaning behind each pattern of the Thai ethnic community.

11:30: You return to your lodge for check-out and enjoy a hearty lunch. The meal is prepared with local ingredients and allows you to savor the authentic flavors of Pu Luong before leaving.

13:00: The driver picks you up for the journey back to Hanoi. On the way, you can look out the window and admire the changing landscapes, from rolling mountains to busy towns.

18:30: You arrive at your hotel in Hanoi, depending on traffic conditions. The evening is free for you to relax after the long but rewarding day.

 Meals:  Breakfast , Lunch

 Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

08:00–08:30: The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you head to the world-famous Halong Bay.

12:30: The receptionist warmly welcomes you at Tuan Chau International Harbor.

12:45: The captain greets you on board the cruise by tender. A welcome drink, a short safety briefing, and cabin check-in are waiting for you.

13:00: The cruise leaves the harbor and begins its journey through the magical Halong Bay, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A delicious buffet lunch with Vietnamese specialties will be served as you sail past iconic landmarks such as Ba Hang fishing village, Dinh Huong islet, Cho Da islet, and Ga Choi islet.

15:00: The cruise stops at Bo Nau Cave, located in the heart of Halong Bay’s heritage area. A tender will take you to Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave, famous for its stunning rock formations and giant chambers.

15:45: After exploring the cave, the tender brings you to Titov Island, named by Uncle Ho after Soviet astronaut Gherman Titov in 1962. You can swim in the emerald waters, relax on the sandy beach, or climb to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of the bay.

17:00: The cruise sets sail again. Relax on the sundeck and watch the magical sunset paint Halong Bay in golden hues.

18:00–07:00: Join the Happy Hour promotion – buy one drink and get another free (wine excluded).

18:30: Watch a Vietnamese cooking demonstration led by the chef and try your hand at making traditional spring rolls.

19:00: Enjoy a buffet dinner with a wide selection of local and international dishes.

20:30: Spend the evening your way. You can relax with a movie in the dining room, try squid fishing, or simply enjoy the peaceful night on the bay.

Please note: The schedule may vary slightly depending on the cruise you choose. An English-speaking guide will be on board throughout your trip.

 Meals:  Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner

 Accommodation: Overnight on the Cruise

06:00: The crew can give you a gentle morning call if you request.

06:30: A Tai Chi class is held on the sundeck. The instructor will guide you through light movements while you enjoy the peaceful sunrise over Halong Bay.

07:00: The restaurant serves a light breakfast with coffee, tea, fresh milk, pastries, bread, eggs, noodles, fresh fruit, and cereals.

07:30: A tender takes you to visit Luon Cave, one of Halong Bay’s most beautiful spots with unique limestone formations and lush vegetation. A local boatman will row you on a traditional bamboo boat through the serene waters and natural archways of the cave.

09:00: The cruise returns to the harbor. The crew helps you check out of your cabin and collects your luggage. You can then relax on board while waiting for disembarkation.

09:30: A farewell brunch buffet is served in the dining room. Guests can settle any additional bills after the meal.

10:45: A tender transfers you back to Tuan Chau Harbor. After disembarking, the bus takes you back to Hanoi. You are expected to arrive in Hanoi between 2:00 – 3:00 PM. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Note: The itinerary may change depending on weather conditions and the specific cruise you choose. An English-speaking guide will always be on board to assist you.

 Meals:  Breakfast

 Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel. After the meal, you have some free time to relax or do a bit of last-minute shopping in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The driver will meet you at the hotel lobby at the agreed time for your private transfer to the airport.

The team thanks guests for traveling with us. We hope that the journey through Vietnam has been full of unforgettable landscapes, cultural highlights, and warm memories.

 Meals:  Breakfast