TOUR NAME: HIGHLIGHT OF THE NORTH (TOUR CODE: VIE-HON09)
Culture abounds on this custom tailored tour through North Vietnam. The hillsides are textured with unparalleled paddy fields creating terraces up the foothills. Ethnic tribes wear colorful textiles displaying intricate patterns. From the incredible towering karsts that decorate Ha Long Bay to the unique traditions of minority tribes within the mountains near the Chinese border, your time through the capital city and the countryside will show you the traditions of northern Vietnam within this one of a kind exploration.
- Style: Cultural tour through Asia
- Type: Coach/Bus tour in Vietnam
- Duration: 9 days
- Destination: 5 destinations in Vietnam
- Starts in Hanoi
- Ends in Hanoi
- Suitable: All ages
Cities: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Lao Cain, Sapa, halong
Highlights: Countryside of Red River Delta, Sapa hill tribal villages, local hill tribal market, cruising on the World Heritage Halong Bay.
What’s included: Land transfers, cruise, train tickets, accommodation, guide, entrance fees, bottled water and some foods.
Day 1: Hanoi
Upon arrival in Hanoi, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at one of Hanoi’s best restaurants.
Day 2: Hanoi cooking class and walking tour
Morning experience a fascinating culinary tour than to have the famous Mr. Corlou, former chef at the historical Sofitel Metropole hotel, personally take you for a stroll around the market to enjoy the tantalizing sights, smells and flavors of local produce.
In the afternoon, visit Ngoc Son and Ba Kieu temple then enjoy a guided walking tour through the bustling Old Quarter and sprawling Dong Xuan Market. Enjoy the popular Water Puppet performance.
Day 3: Hanoi- Hoa Lu- Trang An
Day trip to Trang An Nature Reserve, a scenic area of lakes created by the system of limestone mountains with spectacular scenery. Then, proceed to Hoa Lu, which is the ancient capital of Vietnam in 10th century. Visit the remainders of the site are Dinh & Le Temple.
Day 4: Ninh Binh- Cuc Phuong. Train to Lao Cai
Enjoy 1,5 hour Van Long Nature Reserve. Enjoy bamboo rowing before travel to Cuc Phuong National Park. Explore Vietnam’s most ancient forest. Visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man where locals still pay homage to prehistoric artifacts that have been found in the cave. Visit the Primate Rescue Center.
Take overnight train to Lao Cain. Sleep aboard the train.
Day 5: Market tour
On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai, transfer to a good 4 star hotel for breakfast.
Lao Cai is well-known for its colorful regular hill tribe markets in the region. Dependant on the dates of your travel we can take you to one of the following popular markets
( Coc Ly market on Tuesday – Cao Son market on Wednesday- Lung Khau Nhin market on Thursday-Can Cau market on Saturday- Bac Ha market on Sunday ( this is the biggest, most popular and colorful market in the region)
After we experience the local market, transfer to the former hill station of Sapa. Overnight in Sapa
Day 6: Sapa walking tour
Enjoy a full day walking tour to beautiful Muong Hoa Valley. Walking though the Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho and Ta Van Villages. Interact with friendly and hospitable locals.
Hiking: Approx 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Day 7: Sapa walking tour. Train to Hanoi
Following breakfast journey outside of Sapa Town to a traditional hill tribe village, where you will spend the night. This is a unique and charming experience and a great chance to interact with the local people of the region. Transfer to Lao Cai station for boarding overnight train to Hanoi. Sleep aboard the train.
Hiking: Approx 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Day 8: Hanoi- Halong Bay
Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, breakfast before departing for Halong Bay 160km to the east of Hanoi. Board a shared traditional wooden junk for a 2 day cruise among the islands, seafood lunch on board. Enjoy a couple of hours kayaking to a lagoon and watch the sunset over the bay. Dine and overnight on board.
Day 9: Halong Bay- Hanoi
The sound of the ocean wakes you for breakfast and a morning swim if you wish. Continue the cruise past rock formations named after their shape. Brunch is served on board. Transfer to Hanoi
Day 10: Departure
At leisure until transfer to airport for your onward flight.
Prices
Your dreams and our passion combine to create your perfect trip and a customized price. Please contact us for your personalized offer.
Travel starts daily. You will travel independently with your own personal tour guide. Joining a group is not possible.
