Highlights
Discover the charm of Northern Vietnam on an 8 day journey combining Hanoi’s cultural heritage, Ninh Binh’s limestone landscapes, colorful mountain communities and an overnight cruise through spectacular Halong Bay.
- Discover Hanoi’s heritage and Old Quarter, with a cyclo ride, water puppetry and local culture.
- Explore Hoa Lu and Trang An, combining ancient history with a scenic sampan journey through limestone landscapes.
- Experience a colorful ethnic highland market, meeting local communities of Northern Vietnam.
- Discover Cat Cat Village and the traditions of the Black H’Mong people.
- Travel through Sapa’s mountain scenery, terraced rice fields and traditional villages.
- Cruise overnight through Halong Bay, with kayaking, swimming and onboard activities.
Overview
Day 1-3: Hanoi & Ninh Binh
- Arrive in Hanoi for a traditional water puppet show and welcome dinner.
- Explore Hoa Lu and Trang An before discovering Hanoi’s major cultural landmarks and Old Quarter.
- Take the overnight train to Lao Cai for your journey into the northern highlands.
Day 4-5: Bac Ha & Sapa
- Experience a colorful ethnic market and explore the villages and local highland culture.
- Visit Cat Cat Village and discover Black H’Mong traditions before returning to Hanoi by overnight train.
Day 6-7: Halong Bay
- Spend a night cruising among Halong Bay’s dramatic limestone islands, with kayaking and onboard experiences.
Day 8: Hanoi Departure
- Enjoy free time in Hanoi before your private transfer to the airport.
Charming Northern Vietnam
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Detailed Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam, a blend of traditional and modern beauties.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, your local guide and driver will welcome and take you to your hotel to check in.
After relaxing, your guide will walk you to the theatre, and you will enjoy a Water Puppet Show, a traditional art performance in Vietnam. After that, you will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Hanoi.
08.00: After breakfast at your hotel, your tour guide and driver will pick you up and take a drive about 2.5 hours to Ninh Binh.
On Arrival, you will visit Hoa Lu, a historical place associated with the foundation of the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties in the 10th and 11th centuries. Within an area of 13 square kilometers, the Hoa Lu ancient Capital contains important parts of the history of Vietnam. Visit the Dinh-Le sanctuary, statues of the Emperors in their temples. Transfer to the restaurant for our lunch.
In the afternoon, take an amazing rowing sampan boat to visit the Trang An Eco-Tourism area. Trang An Eco-Tourism complex is home to 600 kinds of flora and over 200 kinds of fauna, many of them in the Red Book of Vietnam. It is also a gathering of 31 valleys, 48 cross-water caves, and we will visit 3 to 6 of them. On the boat, we can enjoy the fresh air, clean and clear water with underwater grass. Experience for yourselves the feeling and emotion when we are in the water caves…Disembark the sampan, get on the car, and drive back to Hanoi
Overnight in Hanoi.
08.00: After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide and driver and take a full-day city tour of Hanoi
You will start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, which houses the corpse of our Uncle Ho. Keep touring to the Presidential Palace – a nice French architectural building in the garden, and visit Ho Chi Minh House on stilts. Visiting the relic will help you learn more about the simple life of Ho Chi Minh, the first president and the founder of new Vietnam. You will finish this area at the One Pillar Pagoda, with its unique architecture, which is one of the most popular attractions in Hanoi.
Have lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue the tour to the Temple of Literature – Confucius Temple, which was the first university in Vietnam. Keep driving to the Museum of Ethnology, where you will learn more about Vietnamese culture and its different minorities. Go back downtown to explore Hanoi Old Quarter, the famous 36 ancient streets of Hanoi, on a traditional cyclo ride. This slow – speed tour will give you a great chance to fully enjoy the classic and modern sights of the capital. You will have free time to go shopping or relax on your own and return to your hotel
20.30: Transfer to Hanoi train station for a train trip to Lao Cai.
Overnight on the train.
05:30: Upon arrival at Lao Cai Railway Station, meet your local guide and driver before setting off on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to Bac Ha Market, the largest and most vibrant ethnic market in northern Vietnam, held exclusively on Sundays. Along the way, admire the spectacular mountain scenery, winding valleys, and picturesque rice terraces that characterize this remarkable region.
Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before exploring the bustling market, where members of various ethnic minority groups gather to trade livestock, fresh produce, handmade textiles, and traditional handicrafts. Dressed in their colorful costumes, local communities create a lively and authentic atmosphere, offering a fascinating insight into the cultural diversity of Vietnam’s northern highlands.
Continue to visit the historic Hoang A Tuong Palace, also known as the H’Mong King’s Palace. Built in the early 20th century, this unique residence blends French colonial architecture with traditional Chinese influences and reflects the prosperous history of the region.
In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle walk around Ban Pho Village, home to the Flower H’Mong people. Visit local families, learn about their customs and traditions, and sample a cup of freshly brewed green tea or the region’s traditional corn wine. Surrounded by rolling hills, terraced fields, and peaceful countryside, the village offers an authentic glimpse into daily life in Vietnam’s northern mountains.
16:00: Transfer to Sapa and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Sapa.
Important Notes:
Bac Ha Market is held every Sunday. If your travel dates do not fall on a Sunday, your itinerary will be adjusted to visit another authentic ethnic market in the region, depending on the day of the week.
Weekly Market Schedule in the area:
- Tuesday: Coc Ly Market
- Wednesday: Cao Son Market
- Thursday: Lung Khau Nhin Market
- Satuday: Can Cau Market
- Sunday: Bac Ha Market
09:00: After breakfast, meet your guide and begin a scenic trek to Cat Cat Village, one of the oldest villages in the Sapa Valley and home to the Black H’Mong people.
Follow picturesque trails through terraced rice fields, mountain streams, and cascading waterfalls while enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys. Along the way, discover the rich culture and traditions of the local community as you visit traditional wooden houses, observe daily life, and learn about centuries-old handicrafts, including weaving, embroidery, and silver jewelry making. You’ll also have the opportunity to browse locally made souvenirs and handcrafted products.
Return to Sapa town and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
The remainder of the day is at leisure for shopping, exploring the town, or relaxing at one of Sapa’s charming cafés before your departure.
In the late afternoon, your driver will transfer you to Lao Cai Railway Station to board the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Overnight on the train.
05.30 – 06.00: Arrive at the Hanoi Railway Station, meet your local guide and driver in Hanoi, and go to the local restaurant for breakfast.
08.30: Meet your guide and driver, then depart for Halong Bay – a World Natural Heritage recognized by UNESCO twice. Upon arrival, embark on the cruise and enjoy a welcome drink while having the tour briefing and safety instructions. A seafood lunch will be served on board while the ship sails out to the Bay, with time to admire its dramatic karst formations.
Take a rest at your leisure on the sundeck or relax in your cabin. In the afternoon, decide whether to swim in the warm, calm water or get on kayaks to discover the wonders. Our expert and experienced guides will surely instruct you on the basics of paddling before leading you to explore the extraordinary beauty of Halong Bay. After 01 hour exploring the bay, you will embark on the cruise again before attending a cooking class in the late afternoon.
Enjoy the superb dinner and stay overnight on board.
Please note: The final Halong Bay itinerary may vary based on the specific cruise selected at the time of booking
Enjoying Halong Bay in the early morning with a Tai Chi Class on the sun deck is a must-do that you should not miss on an overnight cruise. Then relax on the upper deck, enjoy the best sightseeing, and take photos of the magnificent beauty of the rocky islands rising from the emerald water.
After breakfast, you will explore Sung Sot cave, one of the finest and widest grottoes in Halong Bay. Go back to the boat and keep cruising through the fishing village, and witness its unique way of life.
10.30: The boat cruises back to the jetty. Enjoy your last time on the bay before having a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
11: 30: Disembark the cruise, get ashore, meet your driver, and transfer back to Hanoi
Overnight in Hanoi.
Please note: The final Halong Bay itinerary may vary based on the specific cruise selected at the time of booking
Today is your free time at your leisure to enjoy the last moment in the North of Vietnam. About 03 hours before your flight, get a transfer to the airport for your next flight.
With sincere thanks for traveling to Vietnam with us, we hope that you enjoyed your trip, and we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Includes
- Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast
- Two overnight train journeys between Hanoi and Lao Cai
- Overnight Halong Bay cruise
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Local English speaking guides
- Private air conditioned transportation
- Entrance fees, boat trips and activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Trang An sampan boat experience
- Airport and railway station transfers as specified
Excludes
- International flights
- Vietnam visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Tips and gratuities
- Early check in and late check out
- Services not mentioned under Inclusions
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Charming Northern Vietnam
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Watch Detailed Itinerary In Video
Vietnam Travel Tips & FAQs
Everything you need to know before planning your journey through Vietnam.
1. When is the best time to visit Vietnam?
Vietnam can be visited year round, but the best time depends on which regions you plan to explore. Northern Vietnam is particularly pleasant in spring and autumn, while central and southern Vietnam follow different seasonal patterns. For a multi region journey, March to April and October to November often provide a good balance of comfortable weather and rewarding experiences.
2. Where are the best places to visit in Vietnam?
Vietnam offers an exceptional variety of destinations, from the historic streets of Hanoi and the limestone landscapes of Halong Bay and Ninh Binh to the heritage towns of Hue and Hoi An. Further south, Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta reveal a different side of the country, while Sapa, Ha Giang and other northern regions are ideal for dramatic scenery and cultural encounters. The best places to visit depend on your interests, travel style and available time.
3. What are the best things to do in Vietnam?
Some of the most memorable experiences in Vietnam include cruising through Halong Bay, exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter, cycling through rural villages, discovering the heritage of Hue and Hoi An, tasting regional Vietnamese cuisine and travelling through the Mekong Delta. Nature lovers can explore mountains, rice terraces and national parks, while those seeking a slower pace can enjoy beach retreats and carefully selected resorts. A well designed itinerary combines iconic sights with meaningful local experiences.
4. What is the best way to experience Halong Bay?
An overnight cruise is one of the best ways to experience Halong Bay, allowing you to enjoy the scenery after many day visitors have departed. Depending on your interests, you can choose between classic Halong Bay routes or quieter areas such as Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. LuxeTravel Asia can help select the right cruise based on cabin quality, route, onboard experience and the amount of time available in your itinerary.
5. What is Vietnam famous for?
Vietnam is known for its remarkable landscapes, rich history, diverse regional cultures and distinctive cuisine. Highlights range from limestone bays, terraced rice fields and tropical coastlines to ancient towns, vibrant cities and traditional villages. The country is also celebrated for its warm hospitality and the strong local character that makes each region feel different from the next.
6. What food should I try in Vietnam?
Vietnamese cuisine varies greatly from north to south, making food an important part of any journey. Popular dishes include pho, banh mi, bun cha, fresh spring rolls and regional specialties such as cao lau in Hoi An or bun bo Hue in central Vietnam. Street food, family run restaurants and carefully selected local dining experiences are often some of the most memorable ways to discover Vietnamese culture.
7. Is Vietnam safe for travelers?
Vietnam is generally considered a welcoming and straightforward destination for international travelers. As with any trip, visitors should take normal precautions with personal belongings, traffic and unfamiliar areas. Traveling with reliable local arrangements, private transportation and experienced guides can make the journey more comfortable and allow you to focus on enjoying the destination.
8. How many days do I need to explore Vietnam?
For a first visit, around 10 to 14 days allows enough time to experience several of Vietnam’s major highlights without making the journey feel rushed. Travelers with two to three weeks can explore the country in greater depth, combining northern landscapes, central heritage, southern cities and the Mekong Delta. LuxeTravel Asia designs itineraries around your interests and preferred pace, so the ideal length depends on how deeply you want to experience each region.
When To Go
Vietnam’s climate is unique.
