7-Day Authentic Northern Vietnam

Your journey into the enchanting landscapes of Vietnam begins as you touch down at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi. An eagerly awaited adventure awaits, and to kick-start it, our professional driver from AsiaTourAdvisor.com will be there to greet you. From the airport, you'll be whisked away to a charming mini-hotel in Hanoi where you can leave your luggage and unwind.

You'll have some free time to explore the city until approximately 5:30 PM when your mini-hotel provides you with a room for a refreshing shower. Your evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, so indulge in a delightful dinner and relish the sights and sounds of Hanoi.

Around 8:45 PM, our tour guide will make his appearance to escort you to Hanoi Railway Station, where you'll embark on an overnight journey to Lao Cai. Your train cabin, equipped with soft sleepers and air-conditioning, provides a comfortable and cozy haven for the night.

What’s included: Private car transfer, train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai, mini-hotel for short break in Hanoi

The train pulls into Lao Cai station around 6:00 AM, signaling the start of a new day filled with adventure. Look for the unmistakable “AsiaTourAdvisor’s Logo & Your Name” sign upon disembarking from the train, as our guide will be there to warmly welcome you. From Lao Cai, you'll be transferred to the picturesque former hill station of Sapa.

After a well-deserved breakfast at a local restaurant, you'll embark on a journey that unveils the stunning beauty of the region. A 20-minute walk through the town sets the stage for your trek to Ma Tra Village, home to the Black H'mong ethnic community. As you continue your trek, traversing verdant rice fields, you'll arrive at an ancient Catholic abbey, a remnant of the French colonial era.

Your journey extends further, covering 2 kilometers, until you reach Ta Phin Village, where the daily life of the Red Dzao tribe unfolds before your eyes. Here, you'll have the opportunity to purchase exquisitely woven and textile brocades, crafted by the local people. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst this captivating village, and then explore the village further, discovering Ta Phin Cave and the charming hamlet of the Black H'mong people.

As the day draws to a close, return to Sapa, and the remainder of the afternoon and evening are yours to savor at your own pace.

Approximate trekking distance: 8 km with approximately 4 hours of trekking, and over 30 km of driving from Lao Cai to Sapa.

What’s included: Private car, English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees, hotel in Sapa

As the early morning light bathes Hanoi, you'll arrive back in the capital. To ensure your comfort and convenience, our guide will be ready to welcome you and assist with your check-in at a mini hotel, where you can enjoy a day-use room to freshen up and relax.

After a rejuvenating breakfast at the hotel, our guide will collect you for the journey to one of Vietnam's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites: Halong Bay. Aboard a luxurious junk ship, you'll embark on an unforgettable overnight cruise through this natural wonder.

As you leisurely cruise through the emerald waters, you'll be entranced by the towering limestone karsts that pierce the sea's surface. Thousands of jungle-covered islands create a surreal and timeless seascape. Hidden grottoes and ancient caves, waiting to be explored, add to the enchantment.

A sumptuous seafood lunch will be served as you savor the breathtaking views. Your voyage will include a visit to a traditional fishing village where the inhabitants have ingeniously constructed their homes on boat decks. Explore Tien Ong Cave, a magnificent natural wonder, before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a mesmerizing sunset.

End your day on a romantic note with a candlelit dinner, immersing yourself in the magic of Halong Bay.

What’s included: Private car transfer, day-use room in Hanoi, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees, Halong Bay cruise

As the early morning light bathes Hanoi, you'll arrive back in the capital. To ensure your comfort and convenience, our guide will be ready to welcome you and assist with your check-in at a mini hotel, where you can enjoy a day-use room to freshen up and relax.

After a rejuvenating breakfast at the hotel, our guide will collect you for the journey to one of Vietnam's most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites: Halong Bay. Aboard a luxurious junk ship, you'll embark on an unforgettable overnight cruise through this natural wonder.

As you leisurely cruise through the emerald waters, you'll be entranced by the towering limestone karsts that pierce the sea's surface. Thousands of jungle-covered islands create a surreal and timeless seascape. Hidden grottoes and ancient caves, waiting to be explored, add to the enchantment.

A sumptuous seafood lunch will be served as you savor the breathtaking views. Your voyage will include a visit to a traditional fishing village where the inhabitants have ingeniously constructed their homes on boat decks. Explore Tien Ong Cave, a magnificent natural wonder, before returning to the cruise for cocktails, canapés, and a mesmerizing sunset.

End your day on a romantic note with a candlelit dinner, immersing yourself in the magic of Halong Bay.

What’s included: Private car transfer, day-use room in Hanoi, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees, Halong Bay cruise

As a new day dawns over Halong Bay, the tranquility of the bay is yours to enjoy. Begin your morning with a serene Tai Chi session on deck, where the early mist dances upon the water's surface. Alternatively, bask in the beauty of the bay as the sun casts its golden rays over the azure waters.

You have a choice of activities for the day: either embark on an excursion to a secluded island with a pristine sandy beach, perfect for a refreshing swim, or join the ship's chef for a cooking demonstration, delving deeper into the art of Vietnamese cuisine.

As you savor a leisurely brunch, your junk will gracefully navigate the mesmerizing seascape of Halong Bay, passing by scenic islets and mysterious caves. Your voyage will culminate with a return to the harbor.

Upon disembarkation, our guide will be there to meet you and facilitate your transfer back to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you'll check in at your hotel, and the remainder of the evening is yours to explore and unwind as you please.

What’s included: Private car transfer, Tai Chi session, brunch, Halong Bay cruise

After indulging in a delicious breakfast at your hotel, our guide will accompany you on a journey to Ninh Binh Province, affectionately known as "Halong Bay on land." A scenic drive lasting two and a half hours will bring you to Gia Vien District, your gateway to adventure.

Here, you'll embark on a boat ride to explore Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland area in northern Vietnam. This idyllic landscape is known for its captivating beauty and served as the backdrop for numerous scenes in the film "Kong: Skull Island."

Following the boat excursion, enjoy a delectable lunch before venturing to Hoa Lu, the Ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam. The 10th-century Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple are sites of historical significance, offering insights into the heroic tales of these two kings during the Chinese Wars.

As the day unfolds, your journey continues with a visit to Duc Thuy Son Mountain, perched at the confluence of the Van River and the Day River. Afterward, your return to Hanoi marks the end of another remarkable day.

What’s included: Private car transfer, boat ride in Van Long Nature Reserve, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees

Your final morning in Vietnam begins with breakfast at the hotel. Our guide will be on hand to accompany you as you embark on a captivating tour of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. A city steeped in history, it celebrated its 1,000-year anniversary in 2010 and boasts an abundance of cultural and historic treasures.

During your full-day tour, you'll encounter the grand and solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, although please note that it can only be viewed from the outside, as it is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as during October and November.

You'll visit the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, perched above a tranquil pond, and explore Tran Quoc Temple, which graces the shores of West Lake. The pagoda and temple serve as testaments to Hanoi's rich cultural heritage. Additionally, the fascinating Ethnology Museum will provide you with insights into Vietnam's diverse ethnic communities.

As the day concludes, our guide will escort you to the airport for your onward flight, bidding you farewell.

As you wrap up your unforgettable journey through Vietnam with Asia Tour Advisor, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for sharing this incredible adventure with us. Until we meet again on your next exciting voyage, we wish you safe travels.

Should you find that the above itinerary does not fully align with your expectations, please remember that Asia Tour Advisor specializes in crafting customized trips tailored to your unique preferences and desires. Explore more of our remarkable country with our diverse range of Vietnam tours.