Embark on a diverse and enriching journey through the heart of Northern Vietnam, where dramatic landscapes, rich cultures, and timeless traditions await. This immersive tour takes you on a scenic loop from the vibrant charm of Hanoi to some of the region’s most iconic and untouched destinations.
Begin in Hanoi, visiting Quang Phu Cau incense village, where vibrant red incense sticks dry in colorful arrays, filling the air with fragrant aromas and offering a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship. Explore Duong Lam village, a historic gem with ancient laterite houses, communal temples, and tranquil lanes, showcasing Vietnam’s rural heritage. Head south to Ninh Binh, where towering limestone karsts rise from tranquil rice paddies. Glide through Tam Coc’s emerald rivers and explore Hoa Lu’s ancient temples. Cruise Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where emerald waters and limestone islands create a breathtaking seascape. Kayak through hidden lagoons or marvel at glowing caves.
Journey north to Sapa’s misty mountains, home to vibrant H’mong and Dao communities. Trek through terraced hillsides and visit local markets. In Mai Chau, stay in White Thai stilt houses and cycle through lush valleys. Conclude in Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with cascading rice terraces, gentle treks, and authentic village encounters.
Returning to Hanoi, you’ll carry the unforgettable sights, sounds, and soul of Northern Vietnam, perfect for travelers seeking a deep connection with nature and culture.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, our driver will welcome and transfer you to Hanoi. Along the way you will see the vibrant life of Vietnam’s capital city. Check in hotel and relax.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Explore peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake’s magical charm
After breakfast at hotel, embark on a cultural excursion to Quang Phu Cau incense village (35 km from Hanoi center). Stroll through the village, watching artisans craft incense sticks and capture the picturesque scenes. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, journey to Duong Lam village, an ancient agricultural settlement in the Red River Delta. Walk along ancient paths to visit Mong Phu Temple, dedicated to national heroes, and pay respects at the temples of King Ngo Quyen and King Phung Hung. Join locals in crafting specialties like soft green-lentil cake or rice cake filled with brown onion (seasonal). Continue to Mia Pagoda, a 15th-century marvel with 287 statues of all sizes.
Ancient house in Duong Lam village.
Return as the sun sets and spend a night in Hanoi.
08:00 A.M.
After breakfast, depart 2.5-hour to Hoa Lu ancient capital. Explore the remaining Dinh and Le Temples honoring emperors Dinh Tien Hoang and Le Dai Hanh.
11:50 A.M.
Head to a local restaurant in Tam Coc for lunch
1:30 P.M.
Board a private sampan at Tam Coc wharf through three iconic caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba to marvel at their colorful stalactites. Afterward, cycle around Tam Coc’s town and villages, passing rice fields and locals tending their crops.
Cycle through lush rice fields in Tam Coc.
As the day winds down, check into your accommodation and spend a night in Ninh Binh.
08:30 A.M.
Enjoy breakfast, then depart for Halong Bay
12:15 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
From Tuan Chau wharf transfer by small boat to Calypso Cruise. Take welcome drinks while getting brief introduction, safety guidelines and check in. Have lunch on board, then anchor at Lan Ha Bay area.
3:00 P.M.
Join guide to explore hidden parts of the bay, Dark and Bright cave. Share a sampan with others or taking a kayak to row under limestone arches to a dragon eye lake. Return to Calypso Cruises and join swimming time.
Discover Lan Ha Bay on kayak.
5:30 P.M.
Enjoy happy hours with various drinks on discounts. Sun set can be seen from the sundeck.
6:00 P.M
Take part in a cooking demonstration with the Chef. Learn to craft Vietnamese dishes and décor.
7:00 P.M.
Join dinner at Calypso Cruises restaurant.
8:30 P.M.
Time of relaxation on sundeck, leisure in room for films, karaoke in restaurant or go to tender for squid fishing with cruise staff. Overnight in Lan Ha Bay.
07:30 A.M.
Wake up early and visit Sung Sot Cave. Climb the steep path to discover magnificent stalactites formed over millions of years.
Sung Sot cave.
09:30 A.M.
Back to the cruise ship. Check out and settle bill at the reception. Have brunch while cruising back and enjoy final views of Halong Bay’s karsts.
11:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina, then transfer back to Hanoi by noon.
12:15 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.
From Hanoi, board a bus to Sapa in Lao Cai Province, arriving in the evening.
On arrival, check-into your hotel. Spend the evening to relax, sip hot tea and gaze at twinkling lights in the valley.
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Sapa’s morning market, where local H’mong and Dao vendors in colorful traditional attire sell handmade textiles, fresh produce, and aromatic herbs.
Join a local guide for a trek to Ta Van Village in Muong Hoa Valley, home to the Day and Red Dzao tribes. Wander through the terraced rice fields. Engage with locals, learn about their weaving and daily life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, tasting regional dishes like smoked buffalo or sticky rice.
Muong Hoa valley.
In the afternoon, board the Muong Hoa mountain tram to reach Fansipan cable car station to admire Fansipan Peak, the “rooftop of Indochina”.
Return to Sapa and rest overnight.
Have breakfast at your hotel and enjoy free morning to explore at your own pace. Wander through Sapa’s colonial-era buildings. Visit the Sapa Museum to discover history of local tribes, their costumes and traditions. Take short hike to Ham Rong Mountain for panoramic view of valleys and terraced fields with colorful flower gardens along the path. Stop by a local café watching vendors in traditional headdresses pass by, or browse market stalls for handmade jewelry and brocades.
Around noon, check out of your hotel, and at 4:00 P.M., our driver picks you up for the bus journey back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi in the evening, check into your hotel, and unwind, enjoying a bowl of pho at a nearby eatery.
Overnight in Hanoi.
After breakfast, depart for Mai Chau at 7:00 A.M. Stop at Thung Khe Pass for a spectacular view of Mai Chau Valley. Try “Com Lam,” (sticky rice cooked in bamboo) at a local stand.
Arrive in Mai Chau, check into a traditional Thai stilt house, and savor lunch. Take a short rest by the pool or a quick walk in narrow alleys to admire local life.
In the afternoon, start a cycling tour through Mai Chau’s valley, through rice fields and White Thai villages. Visit a brocade production facility, watching artisans create vibrant patterns, and browse shops for unique souvenirs. Continue to Chieu Cave. Climb from the mountain’s foot to its peak for a fantastic view of the valley.
Rice fields in Mai Chau valley.
Return to your homestay for a tea break and spend night in Mai Chau.
7:00 A.M.
Enjoy breakfast at your homestay and pick up to Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
8:00 A.M.
Begin a trek through rice terraces and local villages. Reach Kho Muong Village. Engage with villagers and learn about their farming traditions. Continue to Bat Cave and explore inside its ancient rock formations.
12:00 P.M.
Return to Pu Luong Eco Garden for lunch. Spend time relax in the infinity pool, or take a leisurely walk around the village, greeting locals tending their fields.
Overnight in Pu Luong.
After breakfast at your homestay, spend a leisurely morning soaking in the reserve’s serene beauty. Wander through the village to discover the ingenius bamboo waterwheels of Thai people or watch locals working on their fields.
Thai people waterwheels.
Between 2:45 P.M. and 4:00 P.M., board a vehicle for the scenic journey back to Hanoi, passing rural hamlets and hills.
Arrive in Hanoi, check into your hotel, and enjoy a free evening to explore the capital’s vibrant offerings. Wander the Old Quarter’s bustling streets, where the scent of grilled pork and fresh herbs wafts from food stalls. Visit a rooftop bar for a panoramic view of the city’s twinkling lights.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Breakfast at hotel. Then driver transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
We thank you for traveling with us and warmly welcome you again!!!
Find the perfect journey for you – explore all our 10 days in Vietnam itinerary options.
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 | 1,227 | 1,058 | 870 | 787 | 740 | 345 |
| 4 Star | 1,571 | 1,356 | 1,211 | 1,125 | 1,075 | 630 |
| 5 Star | 2,216 | 1,998 | 1,848 | 1,758 | 1,703 | 1,165 |
– There may be cancellation fees charged by suppliers (hotels, airlines…) once these bookings are made and paid. These fee shall by paid by travelers.
– These are maximum cancellation fees to be flexible applied:
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
Call our local experts: +84 98 939 1076
