The Essence of Northern Vietnam 9 days is a private customize tour to explore the local culture, landscapes and people of Nothern Vietnam. Keep off the hustle and bustle streets in Hanoi, we are coming to the peaceful land in Mai Chau with distinct cultures of Black Thai people or picturesque limestone mountain ranges in Tam Coc. We continue to soak up the rich and varied culture of Enthnic Minorities in Sapa and take a like trekking to their villages with breath- taking scenery. Finish the memorable Northern Vietnam Trip by relaxing on luxury and comfortable overnight junk in Halong Bay with many interesting activities: cave visitting, kayaking, swimming…

essence of northern vietnam

From 

US$ 750

Tour Code

ENV09

Transportation

Private

Travel

9 days, 5 cities & towns

Travel Type

Single, Couple, Family, Group

Tour Highlights

The most memorable experiences that you can have in Vietnam

Map & Itinerary

essence of northern vietnam

Day by day Itinerary

9 days itinerary trip visit Northern Vietnam, 5 main attractions: Hanoi, Halong, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Sapa

⊕ Noi Bai Airport – Hanoi Centre (38km): 40 minutes

authentic northen vietnamUpon your arrival, you are welcome and pick up by our friendly local guide and driver then transfer to your hotel. After checking in, you are free at your own leisure.

Hanoi is one of the most ancient cities in the world. This place offers examples of both contemporary and classical architecture right in the city center. A renowned destination for typical cuisine, home to fascinating attractions and hospitable people, and a diverse region with a combination of multi-communities.

Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi

Accommodation: Q hotel or similar

Meals: N/A

⊕ Route can change up to Client’s Interest

authentic northen vietnam9:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to visit Tran Quoc pagoda, the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi, then we move  to  visit the Thang long Imperial Citade ,which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site just in time for Hanoi’s millennial anniversary in 2010, visit Doan Mon (Southern Gate), the Kinh Thien Palace, D67 department, the Princess’s Pagoda (Hau Lau), and the North Gate (Bac Mon). Keep going to visit Temple of Literature which is dedicated to Confucius, built in 1070 as the first University of Vietnam.

Having lunch at local restaurant and we continue to visit Museum of Ethnology – the most interesting museum in Hanoi with many different things relating the 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. You can choose other museums as optional.

The last activity for today is Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter to see the local lives. You will go through the local market and very narrow, long building and enjoy a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee or some glasses or local beer for relaxing.

Overnight in Hanoi

Accommodation: Q hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast

⊕ Hanoi – Mai Chau (150km): 4 hours

mai chau valley

AM8.00: Pick up and transfer to Mai Chau, a small town nestled in the midst of a lush valley and surrounded by emerald-green rice fields. Mai chau is a beautiful valley amid the majestic Northwest moutains, not as famous as the nearby Moc Chau plateau, Mai chau stil express a hidden beauty that attract every visitor.  On the way, we will stop for a quick photos at Hoa binh Hydro Power Station and Thung Khe Pass with panoramic view of stunning moutain range and green rice paddies.

As arrive at Mai Chau, take a short walking tour to explore Lac and Pomcoong villages. Observe the traditional daily life of White Thai hilltribe while our local guide explain about their history and cultrure. Enjoy an authentic lunch with a local family at traditional Thai’s house on stilts, free time to acquaint yourself with the villagers.

Afternoon, start a cycling tour through narrow village path, see terraced rice paddies and small villages, discovering the natural beauty of the valley at Na Phon villages. After dinner enjoy a traditional dance and music performance of the villagers. 

Overnight in Mai Chau

 Accommodation: Mai Chau logde or private Bungalow

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

⊕ Mai Chau – Hanoi (150km): 4 hours

mai chau local crafts

In the morning, short drive to Na Meo village for a light trekking through terrace fields. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and scenery. After lunch with local host, time for relax and free shopping.

PM 3.00: Farwel local host and take a journey back to Hanoi. You will reach Hanoi at late afternoon. Check in hotel and free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

 Accommodation: Q hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • ⊕ Hanoi – Ninh Binh (100km): 2.5 hours
  • ⊕ Hanoi – Lao Cai (280km): 8.5 hours by train

authentic northen vietnamAM08. 00: Pick up and transfer to Ninh Binh province, enjoy beautifull landscapes with green paddy fields and stunning limestone moutains. Arrive Tam Coc, we take a short cycling tour through rice paddies along the mountain’s foot then visit Bich Dong pagoda, a unique and ancient pagoda built in a cave with three diffirent levels and learn about Budhism religion in Vietnam and local workship custom.

Explore the picturesque sightseeings at Thung Nang (Sunshine Valley) a non- touristic and untouch tourist site in Ninh Binh. With 2 hours on sampan trip, you have chance to take nice photos of  majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields

After lunch we drive to visit Hoa lu ancient citadel, the former capital of Vietnam before it was moved to Hanoi, visit 2 ancient temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh and admire the ancient architecture from 17th century. 

Drive back to Hanoi for dinner before taking a night train to Sapa. Overnight on train

Accommodation: Overnight on train

Meals: Breakfast

  • ⊕ Lào Cai – Sapa (40km): 1 hour

authentic northen vietnamAM05.30: Arrive at Lao Cai station, meet and greet by driver and local guide then  transfer to Sapa, a beautiful hill station city. The area as also referred to as “the Tonkinese Alps” and it’s culturally wealthy with totally different hilltribe minorities, lush mountain ranges, rice fields and an total, breathtaking views.

Upon room accupancy, early check in is available (surcharge applicable). Take a rest before departing for full day excursion.

At beginning, you are able to see a panoramic view of hilltop town before trekking down the small trails through the terrace rice fields to get Y Linh Ho hamlet, a small home village of Black H’mong enthnic.

Continue to visit Lao Chai village to learn about the local ‘s life and culture. Our professional tour guide will explain how they live daily, how to build a traditional house, fabric – clothes making techniques…

After lunch at local homestay, visit Ta Van village, where is habitant of Black H’mong, Red Dzao and Giay enthnic live together in peace. Enjoy yourself in the picturesque scenery of nature with the murmuring sound of streams and wild birds singging. Transfer back to Sapa town for dinner and relaxing.

Overnight in Sapa

Accommodation: Chau Long 2 hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  • ⊕ Sapa – Hanoi (320 km): 6 hour

authentic northen vietnamAfter having breakfast at the hotel, embark on a lovely trek to visit Cat Cat village and majestic Waterfalls. Cat Cat village is attractive not only by its unspoiled natural beauty but also by the unique cultural features of the Mong people. Besides cultivating rice on the terraced fields, the residents in this village still preserve and develop traditional crafts. 

PM3.30: We pick the Sa Pa Express Bus towarding the new highway back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at about PM8.30 – PM9.00. Check in and stay overnight in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Q hotel or similar

Meals: Breakfast

⊕ Hanoi – Halong (180km): 3.5 hours

halong cruiseAM8.30: After early breakfast and check out, our guide and driver will pick up then transfer to Halong Bay – the Natural World Heritage site, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Red River Deltar with Water buffaloes, Paddy fields and daily Vietnamese farmer life enroute. A comfort stop in the midway for photos and coffee time before arriving Halong.

Arrive Bai Chay Wharp around noon, follow the check in proceed before boarding Halong Cruise for a epxerience.  A dilicous seafoods lunch will be served on board while the ship sailing further to the Bay, make your time to admire its awesome limestone islands.

You can rest at your leisure on the sundeck or relax in your cabin. In the afternoon, you will visit Titop Island and Luon Cave, have time to swim in the warm and calm water or get on kayaks of your choice. Kayaking is very easy for all levels and ages to do. Our expert and experienced guide surely instruct you basic paddling steps before leading you to explore the extraordinary beauty of Halong Bay. After 01 hour exploring the bay, you will get back to the cruise for relaxation before attending Cooking class in the late afternoon.

Enjoy the superb dinner and stay overnight on board.

Accommodation: Bhaya Cruise 5*

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

⊕ Halong – Hanoi/ Noi Bai Airport (190km): 3.5 hours

supprising caveIn the morning, your breakfast will be served while floating on the sea to explore the beauty of Halong Bay before disembarking time. Getting off cruise to explore Sung Sot Cave (Suprising Cave), the biggest cave in Halong by before checking out cabin. The early lunch will be served before getting back to the main dock and you’ll then be transferred to Hanoi or Noi Bai Airport for your onward flight.

Accommodation: On your own

Meals: Breakfast, Brunch

Tour inclusions:

  • Private car transfer as intinerary
  •  Accommodation with Twin share/ Double room as itinerary
  • Twin-share/Double cabin on Halong Cruise as the itinerary
  • Private sampan trip in Trang An
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide 
  • (other language available upon request)
  • Entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the program
  • 02 bottle of mineral water per person per day

Tour Exclusions

  • Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses
  • Travel insurance

Customer Photos

essence of northern vietnam
essence of northern vietnam
essence of northern vietnam
essence of northern vietnam
bich dong pagoda
essence of northern vietnam

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