This 7-day Northern Vietnam tour combines the cultural highlights of Hanoi with the mountain landscapes of Pu Luong, the limestone scenery of Ninh Binh and the spectacular seascapes of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Along the way, you will trek through rice terraces, visit traditional villages, explore rural landscapes and enjoy an overnight cruise among limestone islands.
The journey is designed for travelers who want to experience Northern Vietnam beyond the main cities, with a good balance of culture, nature and outdoor activities. From local life in Pu Luong to the waterways of Trang An and the peaceful bays of northern Vietnam, this itinerary offers a varied introduction to the region in just seven days.
With private transfers, local guides and carefully selected experiences, the tour can also be customized to match your interests, travel pace and hotel preferences.
Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Upon arrival, your guide and private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a relaxed walk around the Hanoi Old Quarter and discover its narrow streets, local markets and traditional shops. You can also try some of Hanoi’s famous local dishes and observe everyday life in the city.
Overnight in Hanoi.
The Huc Bridge and Ngoc Son Temple, Hoan Kiem Lake
After breakfast, leave Hanoi for Pu Luong Nature Reserve, an area known for its rice terraces, limestone mountains, forests and traditional villages.
After lunch, begin an eco-trekking experience in Pu Luong. Follow quiet rural trails through rice fields and bamboo forests while enjoying views of the surrounding valleys. The trek also takes you through traditional Thai ethnic villages, where you can see stilt houses and learn about local farming and daily life.
Continue to Kho Muong Village, a peaceful community surrounded by mountains. The area is ideal for travelers looking to experience rural Northern Vietnam away from busy tourist routes.
Stay overnight in a local homestay or lodge and enjoy a traditional dinner prepared with local ingredients.
Overnight in Pu Luong.
Kho Muong village in the harvest season.
Start the morning with another trek through Pu Luong’s rice terraces and villages. Walk along small paths used by local farmers and see traditional bamboo waterwheels that help move water to the rice fields.
The trek offers opportunities to observe local life and the natural landscape at a relaxed pace. After the walk, return to the lodge for lunch before transferring to Ninh Binh.
Arrive in Ninh Binh in the afternoon and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the surrounding countryside.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
The Thai’s bamboo waterwheels.
After breakfast, take a cycling tour through the Ninh Binh countryside. Ride along quiet roads and village paths surrounded by rice fields, limestone mountains and small waterways. This is a good way to experience local life while traveling at a slower pace.
Continue to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic limestone karst landscape and natural waterways. Take a traditional boat through caves and between towering karst mountains while enjoying the peaceful scenery.
The combination of cycling and a boat trip provides an easy way to explore Ninh Binh’s natural environment with minimal impact.
Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Trang An boat trip
After breakfast, transfer to Ha Long Bay and board your overnight cruise.
Continue towards Lan Ha Bay, known for its limestone islands, calm waters and less-developed scenery. After lunch, take part in outdoor activities such as kayaking and exploring the surrounding caves and small lagoons, depending on the cruise program and weather conditions.
Spend time on deck to enjoy the views and the natural landscape of the bay. The cruise provides an opportunity to experience Northern Vietnam’s coastal environment while following the responsible tourism practices of the cruise operator.
Enjoy dinner on board and spend the night surrounded by the limestone islands of Lan Ha Bay.
Overnight on the cruise.
Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
Wake early and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Lan Ha Bay. Depending on the cruise schedule and weather, take part in a morning activity or relax on deck while watching the sunrise over the bay.
Enjoy breakfast on board before continuing to explore the bay. After brunch, return to the pier and transfer back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi around midday. The afternoon is free for you to explore the Old Quarter, visit a local café or simply relax after your journey through Northern Vietnam.
If time allows, your guide can suggest additional cultural activities based on your interests.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Hanoi Old Quarter.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and have some free time in Hanoi before your departure.
Depending on your flight schedule, you may take a final walk through the Old Quarter or visit a local market to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the last moments of your Northern Vietnam eco tour.
Your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.
End of the 7-day Northern Vietnam eco tour.
One Pillar Pagoda in Hanoi
Looking for a different way to explore Vietnam? Browse our Vietnam Tours for more ideas and customizable journeys across the country. If you are planning a shorter trip, take a look at our 7 Days in Vietnam Itinerary for alternative routes and inspiration. You can also contact us to create a tailor-made Vietnam tour based on your interests, travel pace and preferred destinations.
Prices are in USD, per person.
This tour can be customized to fit your own demands. Best price and value guaranteed!
| Hotel / Group | 2 guests | 3~4 guests | 5~6 guests | 7~8 guests | 9~12 guests | Single surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Star | 757 | 651 | 538 | 487 | 458 | 235 |
| 4 Star | 968 | 837 | 747 | 695 | 664 | 410 |
| 5 Star | 1,347 | 1,214 | 1,122 | 1,067 | 1,033 | 725 |
Please note that some services such as flights, hotels and other bookings may have cancellation fees once they have been confirmed and paid. Any applicable supplier cancellation fees will be charged to the traveler.
The following are the maximum cancellation fees that may apply:
Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or change your trip. We will always do our best to minimize any cancellation costs where possible.
Please note: The child rates apply when children share a room and services with a full-paying adult. Additional charges may apply for extra beds, private rooms, special meals or other services requested for children. Child rates may also vary depending on the specific tour, hotel policy and services included.
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
Call our local experts: +84 98 939 1076
