North Vietnam 9 Day Tour

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our driver and tour guide will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in downtown Hanoi for check-in.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of the Old Quarter, or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Vietnam's historic capital at your own pace.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Hanoi West Lake

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

Hoan Kiem Lake

Spend a leisurely morning relaxing and enjoying Hanoi at your own pace. You might start the day with a cup of egg coffee near Hoan Kiem Lake or take a quiet walk along the city's tree-lined French boulevards.
In the evening, meet your local guide and set off on a street food walking tour through the lively lanes of Hanoi's historic Old Quarter. Along the way, discover some of the city's favourite street foods and the everyday food culture that has become such an important part of life in the capital.
Start the evening at the iconic Bia Hoi Corner, where you can enjoy a glass of fresh local draft beer and watch Hanoi's evening life unfold around you. Pull up a small stool and take in the lively street scene before continuing through the narrow lanes of the Old Quarter.
As the evening gets busier, sidewalk kitchens come to life with bubbling pots, fragrant herbs and sizzling woks. Stop along the way to try a selection of Hanoi's favourite noodles, savoury snacks and grilled dishes, each offering a different taste of the city's street food culture.
Finish the evening with a classic local dessert before returning to your hotel for a restful night.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Hanoi is a city of contrasts, where tree-lined boulevards, French colonial buildings, peaceful lakes and centuries-old temples come together. Today, discover some of the city's most iconic landmarks and get a closer look at its history and culture.
Begin with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, his traditional stilt house, the Presidential Palace and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda. Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you can learn more about the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam's ethnic communities.
After lunch, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university and one of Hanoi's most important historical sites.
Continue to Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of the city, and visit Ngoc Son Temple on a small island reached by the iconic red The Huc Bridge. In the late afternoon, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique Vietnamese art form with roots in the country's northern villages.
After the show, return to your hotel or enjoy some free time to explore Hanoi on your own.

Overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, leave the energetic city behind for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Mai Chau Valley. The journey takes you through winding mountain roads and scenic passes, with wide views of the surrounding mountains before descending into the peaceful green valley of Mai Chau.
Mai Chau is home to several ethnic communities, with the Thai people forming the largest group, followed by the Muong. In the traditional villages, Thai families have long lived in wooden stilt houses surrounded by rice fields and small streams, preserving their customs, weaving traditions and close-knit way of life. In the town area, homes are generally more modern, reflecting the changing lifestyle of the local community.
In the afternoon, set off on a refreshing cycling tour through the valley. Pedal along quiet country paths lined with lush rice paddies, streams and traditional homes. Along the way, see farmers working in the fields, observe traditional brocade weaving and catch glimpses of everyday life in the villages.
The gentle ride offers a wonderful way to experience Mai Chau beyond its scenery, with time to appreciate the landscape and the communities that call this peaceful valley home.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

In the morning, leave Mai Chau and drive into Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The scenic route winds over a mountain pass, offering sweeping views of green valleys, forested hills and rice terraces stretching across the landscape.
Arrive at your retreat in time for lunch. Afterward, take some time to unwind and enjoy the peaceful mountain setting, with wide valley views and cool mountain air.
In the afternoon, lace up your hiking shoes and set off on a 3–4-hour moderate trek through the reserve. Follow village footpaths, pass traditional wooden water wheels and walk through picturesque rice terraces as the trail leads towards the western part of Pu Luong.
Along the way, see the rural landscapes up close and catch glimpses of everyday life in the villages. The trail offers a wonderful mix of mountain scenery, rice fields and quiet countryside.
As late afternoon approaches, return to your retreat to relax before dinner and another peaceful evening in the mountains.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

In the morning, enjoy a gentle walk through the hillside communities around the retreat and experience village life up close. Stroll past working farmland and rice paddies, catch glimpses of daily life, and learn about local traditions such as traditional rice-wine making and colorful textile weaving.
Afterward, depart Pu Luong and drive towards Ninh Binh, often known as “Halong Bay on land.” Arrive in Tam Coc around noon and enjoy lunch featuring local specialties.
In the afternoon, explore the countryside of Tam Coc on foot or by bicycle, passing towering limestone karsts, green rice fields and quiet village paths typical of the Red River Delta. As late afternoon sets in and the crowds begin to thin, board a traditional hand-rowed sampan and glide along the scenic waterways, passing beneath natural caves and towering limestone cliffs. The warm light of the late afternoon sun casts a soft glow across the landscape, making this a particularly beautiful time to experience Tam Coc.
After the boat journey, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in Ninh Binh.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Please note: This is a sample Halong Bay cruise itinerary. The program varies by cruise, and we will provide the detailed itinerary for your selected cruise upon confirmation.

In the morning, depart Ninh Binh for a scenic drive towards the coast to board your overnight cruise through the iconic limestone karst landscapes of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Arrive at the harbor around noon and step aboard your overnight cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and a brief safety briefing from the Cruise Manager before checking into your private cabin. As the cruise sets sail, enjoy lunch while gliding past towering limestone islands rising from the emerald-green waters of the bay.

In the afternoon, visit Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), the largest and one of the most impressive caves in Halong Bay. Walk through its chambers to admire the dramatic limestone formations and natural stalactites shaped over millions of years.

Continue to Titop Island, where you can relax on the sandy beach or climb the steps to the viewpoint for a panoramic view across Halong Bay. The climb is optional, but the view from the top offers a wonderful perspective of the surrounding limestone islands and emerald waters.

Return to the cruise and enjoy some time at leisure as the boat continues through the bay. As the sun begins to set, join a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and learn how to make traditional spring rolls.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at the onboard restaurant, followed by a choice of activities such as squid fishing, movie night or simply relaxing on deck and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Halong Bay under the night sky.

Overnight on board in Halong Bay.

Start the day with sunrise views over the peaceful waters of Halong Bay. Join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the morning light falls across the limestone karsts, or simply relax with a cup of tea or coffee while enjoying the scenery.

After breakfast, explore Luon Cave by traditional bamboo boat rowed by a local, or paddle a kayak through the natural archway into a quiet lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Return to the cruise to pack your luggage and complete the check-out procedures. As the vessel cruises back towards the harbor, enjoy brunch at the onboard restaurant while taking in the final views of Halong Bay and its iconic limestone islands.

Disembark around noon and meet your private driver for the transfer back to Hanoi. Arrive in the capital at around 3:00 PM, check into your hotel, and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and spend your final morning in Hanoi at your leisure. You might like to pick up some last-minute souvenirs, take a gentle stroll around the Old Quarter, or simply savor one last cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee at a cozy sidewalk café.

At the appropriate time, our driver and tour guide will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

Thank you for exploring Vietnam with us. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to welcome you back for another journey to Vietnam.

End of the tour.