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Trip Length: 8 days|Trip Code: TAAGVS112|Trip Style: Group tours|Trip Theme: Explore|Physical Rating: 
|Start/End Cities: Hanoi / Hanoi|Trip Price: USD $639
Places visited: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Binh Lieu - Ha Long Bay
Discover intriguing North Vietnam on an 8-day tour with the vast array of contrasts from the vibrant capital city to breathtaking mountains, mesmerizing bay, authentic country life, and spectacular karst landscapes. This tour design focuses on the must-sees of the land, allowing you to delve deep into beautiful north Vietnam at its best.
Starting from the Hanoi capital where you will be amazed by its colors and tastes. After a sightseeing tour of this historical city, you will spend a day exploring the rustic country and stunning karst landscapes of Ninh Binh where you take sampan rowing along undulating rice paddies and through the caves of Tam Coc. Then, travel up the mountains of Binh Lieu for wonderful trekking amongst terraced fields and jungles, and enjoy a local experience at a hill tribe farm stay. A cruise trip on the spectacular Halong bay is simply another highlight and a happy ending for your trip.
Highlights
Trip summary
Is this trip for you?
Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam!
Get picked up from the airport upon arrival and transferred to the hotel in Hanoi’s center. Today is your arrival day so just relax to recover from jetlag and get ready for the exciting days ahead. If you arrive early today, why not spend some time exploring around and get yourself adapted to the new environment of this hustling city.
The Old Quarter of Hanoi is really an amazing place with a labyrinth of small streets lined with colorful shops, stalls, cafés, restaurants, temples, and so on where you will easily get lost in the colors. This place is full of sights, sounds, and smells, and is busy from early morning till midnight.
At 6:00 PM, you'll meet your tour guide for an informative briefing, setting the stage for the exciting days ahead. Later, why not join your fellow travelers for an optional dinner? It's a great chance to bond, share stories, and enjoy a glass of fresh "Bia Hoi" at one of the lively street corners, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Accommodation
Meals included
No meal included on this day
Special notes
The group meeting today is important as you will have instruction and guidance for the trip as well as meeting up with your travel fellows. If, for any reason, you are unable to attend the meeting, please inform your travel agent or the hotel reception. You can also check with the hotel reception or look for a notice in the lobby for the meeting location.
The check-in time for the hotel room is from 14.00 so, if you arrive earlier and want to have a room before that time you can book a pre-trip accommodation when you make the trip booking. Extra activities can also be added before this trip. Please let us know so that we can arrange it for you.
For early risers, Hanoi’s parks and lakes are the perfect spots to join the locals for morning exercises. Try participating in Tai Chi, aerobics, traditional dance, or even a casual game of badminton. You might also be treated to a fun and unique back-flapping massage from the friendly locals!
After breakfast, embark on a half-day guided tour to discover Hanoi’s cultural and historical treasures. First, visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, which includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, Uncle Ho’s stilt house, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Within the complex, you’ll also find the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a nearly 1,000-year-old structure perched on a single stone pillar in a tranquil garden.
Next, head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1076. Admire the traditional architecture and stroll through peaceful courtyards, where stone stelae inscribed with the names of past scholars line the paths.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Stroll through the bustling Old Quarter, shop for souvenirs, or relax at one of the many local cafés. If you’re looking for more cultural experiences, consider joining an optional Hanoi cooking class or a motorbike food tour to dive deeper into the city’s vibrant street food scene.
Included activities
Meals included
Accommodation
Optional activities
- Cooking class: US$ 35
- Water puppet show: US$ 4
After breakfast, set out for Ninh Binh, a region famed for its ancient capital of Hoa Lu, picturesque countryside, and dramatic karst landscapes rising from lush rice paddies.
Upon arrival in Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, explore the historical temples dedicated to the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Built on the remnants of ancient palaces, these temples offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s royal heritage and architectural splendor. For a breathtaking panoramic view, take a short hike to the mountaintop, where the King’s grave rests, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
After visiting Hoa Lu, hop on a bicycle and enjoy a leisurely ride through the charming countryside. Pedal along peaceful village roads, past golden rice fields, limestone peaks, and quaint local homes. Feel the refreshing breeze as you weave through scenic paths, greeting friendly locals along the way and soaking in the tranquility of rural Vietnam.
Following a delicious local lunch, embark on a serene two-hour boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. Glide past verdant rice paddies, towering karst mountains, and hidden caves, witnessing locals farming and fishing with time-honored techniques.
Return to the quay and drive back to Hanoi, where the rest of the day is yours to unwind at your leisure.
Included activities
Meals included
Accommodation
After breakfast, leave Hanoi behind and journey along the scenic highway to Binh Liêu, a tranquil gem nestled in Northern Vietnam. This remote mountain district is home to ethnic groups such as the Tay, Dao, and San Chi.
Upon arrival, enjoy a local lunch before heading to Song Mooc village, home to the high-hat Dao minority. The villagers are known for their warm hospitality, eager to share their traditions and way of life. As you wander through the village, you'll have the chance to visit local homes, where artisans skillfully craft intricate textiles and traditional handicrafts. Interacting with the villagers will offer you insights into their rich heritage and the traditions that shape their daily lives.
Next, embark on a scenic trek through the terraced fields of Song Mooc. As you walk along the winding paths, take in the breathtaking views of lush, rolling hills and rice terraces that stretch across the landscape. Along the way, stop to interact with the local farmers, and learn about traditional agricultural practices that have been passed down through the generations.
After the trek, head to Khe Tien village, where you will check in for the night in a traditional rammed-earth farmhouse. In the evening, enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, complimented by homemade rice whiskey. Afterward, sit down with your hosts for a warm conversation, learning about their daily routines, traditions, and the stories that shape their lives. Finally, settle in for a restful night in the cozy, peaceful surroundings of your farm stay.
Included activities
Included meals
Acommodation
Awake to the tranquil sounds of nature as the sun rises over Khe Tiền. After breakfast, begin your trek along pristine trails, meandering through anise and cinnamon farms, terraced fields and tropical jungle toward the stunning Song Mooc Waterfall, a hidden gem surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, discover the diverse flora and fauna of the tropical forest, learning how the local communities have lived in harmony with nature for generations.
Return to your farm stay for lunch, and spend the rest of the day joining your local hosts in farming activities, such as tending to vegetable gardens, caring for rice fields, or venturing into the nearby jungle to collect herbal medicine. Alternatively, you can simply relax with a refreshing swim in the nearby stream.
End your day with a delicious dinner and a restful night in a cozy, traditional rammed-earth farmhouse.
Included activities
Meals included
Accommodation
Wake up to the stunning view of mist-covered mountains, inhale the fresh air, and take a moment to soak in the tranquil atmosphere.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the bus for your journey to the breathtaking Halong Bay Upon arrival at the pier, board your cruise and set sail through this mesmerizing seascape.
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Vietnam's most iconic natural wonders. It’s known for its thousands of limestone islands that rise out of the emerald-green water. Shaped by nature over millions of years, the bay is home to pristine beaches, floating fishing villages, hidden caves, and unforgettable vistas, making it a must-see destination.
Indulge in a delicious lunch on board as you cruise through the bay, admiring the towering karst formations and the serene beauty of the surroundings.
In the afternoon, relax on the deck or take a swim at a quiet beach.
As the sun sets, join happy hour on the top deck and watch the sky turn beautiful shades of orange and pink. The cruise will then anchor for the night, giving you a peaceful rest surrounded by the islands.
End the day with a lovely dinner on board and fall asleep under the stars, surrounded by the beauty of Halong Bay.
Included activities
Meals included
Accommodation
Start your day early to witness the beautiful sunrise as it lights up the stunning landscape of Halong Bay. After breakfast, take a peaceful rowing boat ride through a natural tunnel and exploring a charming floating village.
Return to the main boat and continue your relaxing cruise to uncover another scenic part of the bay while enjoying a delicious lunch on board.
Arrive at the harbor in the early afternoon (around 11:00 - 11:30, depending on the boat and tides). Disembark and make your way back to Hanoi.
As tonight is your last evening, why not join your fellow travelers for a farewell outing? It’s the perfect opportunity to share memories, try local delicacies, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the city one last time.
Included activites
Meal included
Accommodation
Today is departure day so there is no activity organized. Just relax and enjoy time at your own pace until check-out time then get transferred to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travel and see you again!
Meals included
Special notes
The hotel check-out time is 11.00 AM so, if your departure flight is later and you wish to keep the room longer, please let us know so that we can book the room for you, otherwise, you can leave your luggage in the hotel storage and use the public bathroom there. In case you have an extra stay in Hanoi we can arrange post-trip accommodation and activities for you. If you wish to explore other parts of the country or other countries in the region, you can have a look at our tour list and find a suitable set departure date to combine this with.
1. Booking information:Please provide your full name exactly as per passport when you fill the booking form as it will be used for travel procedures processing and any tickets bookings. Other information can be filled right away or will be requested later if needed.
2. Single travelers: Theoretically, on our joined group trips, you will share the room with another group member of the same gender. However, in case you travel alone and, depending on group configuration, if there is no one else to share the room with, you are subject to pay for single supplement. There is also the option to pay a single supplement in advance to ensure that you have your own room during the trip. Please note that single supplement is not available on overnight trains or at local home stay.
3. Season and travel conditions: While tropical sunlight and warm weather dominates the south Vietnam all year round, weather in the north Vietnam is more varied.
From December to February weather is cold with temperature ranges from 8 to 16 degree Celsius and it can be 5 or 8 degrees lower on the mountainous area such as Sapa. It is cool and mild from March to April but will get warmer during the summer time from May to September and then cool down from October. So, if you travel in the winter time, please make sure that you have proper warm clothes with you and, loose fitting clothes will be needed for summer time.
4. Travel documents: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the duration of the trip and, please ensure that you have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries you will visit during your trip.
5. Travel insurance: : It is your responsibility to get your own international travel insurance before your trip. The requisite level of cover should at least be including personal accident, medical expenses, baggage loss, and cancellation or curtailment of vacation etc.
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