Vietnam Tour

Essence of Northern Vietnam 7 days

  • Discover Hanoi's vibrant Old Quarter and iconic landmarks.
  • Trek through the scenic landscapes and minority villages of Sapa.
  • Cruise through the breathtaking limestone karsts of Halong Bay.
  • Experience the unique culture of northern Vietnam through traditional activities.
  • Indulge in delicious local cuisine and warm hospitality.
Essence of Northern Vietnam 7 days
ITINERARY

Program description

Expand all
Day 1 Hanoi arrival

Arrive in Hanoi, a thousand-year-old capital located in the heart of northern Vietnam. Start your 7-day tour of northern Vietnam's essence with an English-speaking guide from Kampá Tour, who will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center. The day's activities will be adapted according to your arrival time. Begin your exploration with a visit to the city center to soak up the charm of this ancient capital:

  • King Ly Thai To square, discovery of the thousand-year-old history of the Vietnamese capital.

Ly Thai To is the founder of the Ly dynasty (1009-1225). It was he who transferred the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010

  • Lake of the Restored Sword with the temple of Mount Jade, the Turtle Islet, in the heart of Hanoi.
  • Explore the Hanoi Old Quarter with 36 corporation streets, where you can stroll through craft streets bearing the name of the goods that were produced and sold there. Don't forget to stop at Ma May Street and visit an old 'Tube' house, a characteristic feature of traditional Hanoi architecture.

This Old Quarter is located in the heart of Hanoi and is full of old houses, temples, bustling markets, artisan shops, and traditional restaurants. It is an emblematic place that testifies to the history and culture of the Vietnamese capital.

Discover the colonial heritage with French concessions: take a cycle rickshaw ride through the city to visit the Grand Théâtre, the Métropole hotel, the state bank, the Central Post Office… End your day with a relaxing night at the hotel.

Day 2 Hanoi city tour - night train to Sapa

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

Built 1000 years ago, this Confucian temple served as an institution where royal offspring and sons of mandarins received their education. It also hosted competitions for the country's most talented students, with the winners attaining the status of scholars and senior officials in Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

  • Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
  • Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
  • In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Colorful wooden puppets are skillfully manipulated by the artists using rods and bamboo shafts underwater. It is a unique and captivating art form unique to the Northern Vietnamese tradition.

Catch the overnight train to Sapa. Spend the night in a shared sleeper cabin.

Day 3 Sapa

Arriving early at Lao Cai train station, you will be greeted by a local English-speaking guide and transferred to a small hotel near the station for a shower and breakfast.

After having breakfast, you will get to some of the villages in the Muong Hoa Valley, where you can take in the scenery of terraced fields and enjoy the fresh air.

The first destination is Y Linh Ho, a tiny village offering beautiful scenery and cultural experiences. Head to Lao Chai Village of the Hmong ethnic people and witness their colorful traditional hand-weaving products, as well as admire one of the most beautiful terrace rice fields in the world here.

The Black Hmong are an ethnic group whose village lies within the tourist trekking network of the Sapa region of Vietnam. Known for their uncanny ability to learn conversational English and their great sense of humour, some Hmong villagers have found work as tour guides.

Pay a visit to Ta Van Village, which is home to the vibrant Giay ethnic community. Take a leisure stroll along the winding trails, observe the enchanting beauty of terraced fields, and experience the diversity of hill tribes.

Back to Sapa, overnight in hotel.

Day 4 VISIT SAPA - back to Hanoi

After breakfast, your journey continues with visits to the villages of Hang Da and Sa Seng.

While walking through the karst limestone formations of Hang Da, you'll pass through charming hamlets and observe various agricultural activities. Your exploration proceeds towards Sa Seng, a picturesque valley flanked by mountain ranges.

Along the way, you'll traverse lush forests and pristine waterways. Photo opportunities abound, allowing you to capture stunning views of rice fields, tomato and cabbage farms, and traditional houses. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi in a shared limousine.

Arrival in Hanoi around 8:30 PM, overnight at the hotel. Note: Possibility to conquer Fansipan Mountain by cable car and witness magnificent views instead of the hike in Hang Da and Sa Seng.

Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina, rises to an elevation of 3,143 meters above sea level. It is nestled in the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, approximately 9 kilometers southwest of Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province, Northwestern Vietnam.

DAY 5 HANOI - NINH BINH

Departure for Ninh Binh – land of limestone rocks, sugar loaves and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes all year round.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit Mount Mua. Climbing a white staircase of 486 stone steps to the summit, this bell-shaped mountain will offer you a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

A limestone mountain located near the rivers and sugar loaves of Tam Coc. In the past, it was famous for its dance performances offered to the kings of the Tran dynasty (13th-14th century).

Then transfer to Tam Coc, bike ride and relax to discover this fabulous region.

A vast landscaped area including sugar loaf rock formations, rice fields and rivers. Boat trips on the Ngo Dong River, through the sugar loaves, will allow you to fully enjoy the lush surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to explore the beauty of Tam Coc. This meandering river takes you through lush rice fields, past picturesque sugar loaf hills, and beneath the three enchanting caves nestled at the base of towering limestone peaks.

Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

DAY 6 NINH BINH - HALONG BAY

Head out on a journey to Halong Bay, often hailed as the most stunning bay in Vietnam and one of the most enchanting landscapes in all of Asia. Step aboard  a traditional junk/cruise upon arrival and receive a warm welcome from the crew. Set sail for an unforgettable cruise across the bay, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the northern part of Halong Bay, known as Bai Tu Long:

We provide shared junks, typically smaller in size with 10 to 12 cabins, suitable for hosting around twenty passengers. Alternatively, you have the choice of selecting a private cruise on a smaller junk, offering one or a few cabins, for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you're interested in this option.

  • Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the picturesque islands and islets, each with its unique shapes resembling sails, dogs, roosters, and incense burners.
  • Explore the stunning caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back several thousand years.
  • The cruise then continues to Cap La, where you can embark on a kayaking adventure and take a refreshing swim in the bay's pristine waters, weather permitting

End of the afternoon, relaxing on the upper deck of the junk.

Participation in a culinary demonstration on board, preparation of spring rolls or spring rolls.

Tasty seafood lunch and dinner.

Free evening for your personal rest and relaxation: card games, night fishing… Night on board.

Day 7 Halong Bay - Hanoi - departure

On the final day of your 7-day essential journey through Northeast Vietnam, Rise at dawn to savor a truly unique spectacle: the first rays of sunlight peering over the countless sugarloaf peaks of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Initiate on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the charming fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to meet local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi. free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

ACTIVITY

Optional activities

Tour price

$455per person
This price, calculated for four people staying in standard hotels, may vary based on: • Travel period • Number of travelers • Chosen services
The price includes
  • Accommodation for the entire circuit, in hotels or with locals
  • Travel according to the program by private car
  • English-speaking guide for the visits mentioned in the program
  • All activities mentioned in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites
  • Economy class domestic flights with airport taxes included
  • Meals mentioned in the program
  • Bottle of water during guided tours (2 x 500ml/traveler/day)
  • Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc.)
The price excludes
  • International flights from your home
  • Visa fees, payable directly at the airport customs (see VISA)
  • Bank fees related to payment
  • Personal insurance
  • Personal beverages during meals: beer, Coca-Cola, fruit juice, etc.
  • Other meals not specified in the program
  • SIM card and mobile plans
  • Tips, personal expenses, and other services not mentioned in the "Our Included Services" section
SERVICE

Services for this trip

Your accommodation:
Your cruise on Halong Bay:

Tailor-made enquiry

Please leave us a quote request, and our travel advisor will provide you with more detailed information and a quote.
Your travel plan
Number of participants
Your message
Your contacts
Name *
Nationality
Email *
Phone number
Add-on activities:
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

1. Is 7 days enough to see the highlights of North Vietnam?

Yes, 7 days can be enough to see the highlights of North Vietnam. You can explore a major city, enjoy scenic landscapes, and experience cultural sites such as Hanoi, Tam Coc - Ninh Binh, Halong Bay, Ha Giang or Sapa. It’s enough time to get a good sense of the region’s diversity and beauty, though your experience will depend on how you prioritize your destinations and activities.

2. Should we bring hiking shoes?

If your trip includes multiple days of hiking, you can bring hiking shoes. Otherwise, a good pair of sneakers will suffice.

3. What is the duration of the hikes offered in your tours?

The walks and hikes offered in our tours are of easy to moderate difficulty level and typically last for 3-5 hours per day. However, the duration and difficulty of the hikes depend on your fitness level. You can shorten or extend the duration of the hikes according to your preferences. This private program can be customized on-site.

4. Can we combine must-see sites and off-the-beaten-path excursions?

All our tours are private and tailor-made, and we can certainly customize the itinerary by combining must-see sites with off-the-beaten-path excursions. Feel free to let us know your preferences, and our advisors will be able to accommodate your every request.

5. What is the most beautiful region for hiking?

It's certainly the North, which comprises the Northeast and Northwest mountains. Located along the country's Laotian and Chinese borders, Northern Vietnam's mountains boast incredibly wild and breathtaking landscapes: limestone peaks and vast rolling hills as far as the eye can see, lush valleys with stunning terraced rice fields, winding roads and switchbacks on the mountain slopes. It's also the only region where the culture of minority ethnic groups remains strongly present: traditional villages, unique customs, colorful attire, and vibrant weekly markets. The region is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, those interested in ethnic culture, and travelers looking to venture off the beaten path.

6. Which are the must-visit sites for a first exploration of the region?

Among the country's three regions, the North, the Central, and the South, it's the North that is the most beautiful and interesting. For your first exploration, don't forget to visit the ancient capital of Hanoi, the land-based Halong Bay in Ninh Binh, and, most importantly, Halong Bay on a cruise. If time allows, take a detour to the Northern mountains, such as Sapa or Pu Luong, to discover stunning landscapes and diverse, authentic cultures.

7. When to go to see the terraced rice fields?

Terraced rice fields can be found in the Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, and Sapa regions.

In Mai Chau and Pu Luong, there are two rice seasons each year: the first season is from February to May, and the second lasts from June to October.

As for Mu Cang Chai and Sapa, there is only one rice season per year, from May to September.

During the rest of the year, even though the fields may be empty, visits are still possible because these destinations not only feature rice fields but also pristine forests and, most importantly, ethnic villages with their traditional houses.

8. When is the best time to visit Northern Vietnam?

In general, the best time to visit Northern Vietnam is from September to November and from March to May. During this range of months, temperatures remain very pleasant, and there is less rainfall.

12
Have more questions? Contact us
TESTIMONIALS
What our customers say about us

Comments

No comments yet - be the first to comment!
Leave a comment
captcha Refresh
OTHER
More tour ideas
Contact us Get a free quote
Contact WhatsApp