A Slice of Northern
This tour offers a captivating journey through some of northern Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes and cultural treasures. Begin your adventure with your arrival in Hanoi, followed by a scenic transfer to the picturesque mountain town of Sapa. Explore the breathtaking Muong Hoa Valley and the traditional Ta Phin Village, where you’ll encounter the rich cultural heritage of local ethnic minorities. After a free day in Sapa to relax or explore on your own, return to Hanoi for an exciting Jeep tour, taking you through the city’s charming streets and hidden gems.
In Hanoi, indulge in a half-day street food tour, tasting the city’s famous delicacies and immersing yourself in its vibrant culinary scene. Next, head to Ninh Binh for a full-day exploration of the stunning Tam Coc, Bich Dong Pagoda, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch amidst the scenic karst landscapes. From there, transfer to the famous Ha Long Bay, where you’ll spend the night on a luxurious cruise, sailing through the emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Your unforgettable journey concludes with your return to Hanoi, leaving you with memories of Vietnam’s natural beauty, rich culture, and vibrant city life.
Welcome to Vietnam!
Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your driver for an airport transfer with a private vehicle and English - speaking guide. The driving distance is approximately 45 minutes. Your visa should be pre-arranged, or be sure that your visa-on-arrival letter is in your carry-on luggage. Please go to custom desk as your first point of entry into the country and present these documents for visa upon arrival. Fast track service can be booked in advance.
Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities of Asia.
Meals: N/A
Stay overnight in Hanoi
You will take the motorway to Sapa after meeting your driver and guide in the hotel lobby. The new highway, which is Vietnam's longest motorway, has drastically shortened the time needed to drive from Hanoi to Sapa, taking only 4-5 hours. When compared to the train, it's a far faster, safer, and more comfortable option. Savour the picturesque journey and prepare to discover Sapa's breathtaking scenery and lively customs.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Sapa
Morning, pedal 6 kilometres to Muong Hoa Valley, which is well-known for its stunning beauty. The Hoang Lien Son and Den Thang mountain ranges border this valley, which is well-known for its vast terraced rice fields and attractive surroundings. It is really breathtaking to see these crops tumble down the slopes with the majestic mountains in the background.
You will then hike to Ta Phin Village, which is well-known for its brocade artistry. The Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups reside in Ta Phin, coexisting peacefully while maintaining their distinct cultures. You'll get to see their homes, talk to the folks, and discover more about their way of life. Following your visit, you'll be taken back to Sapa by car
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Sapa
Free at leisure, you can explore this beautiful town by yourself
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Sapa
A private, air-conditioned car ride back to Hanoi completes your adventure. You will have time to unwind and think back on your experience in Sapa during the roughly five-hour trip.
Night Food Tour: 18:00 - 21:30 (All food and drink included)
Pickup and Joseph's Cathedral: After picking you up from your hotel, the Hanoi Jeep crew will drive you to Joseph's Cathedral, a famous landmark that makes for great pictures. Before indulging in the delectable cuisine of Hanoi, you can discover the history of the cathedral and take in its lively ambiance.
Bun Cha at Hidden Gem Street: Climb into the Jeep and travel to this well-known eatery, which has been providing delectable fare since 1925. When former US President Obama dined here during his visit in 2016, this location became well-known worldwide.
Drive around the French Quarter in Hanoi to see the beautiful colonial buildings lit up at night. When the Jeep stops in front of the Hanoi Opera House, your guide will share some historical background information with you along with a stunning view.
Continue travelling across the lovely ceramic road and pause at Long Bien Bridge for a stroll and a breathtaking view of Hanoi at night.
Local Restaurants and Street Food: While dining at neighbourhood restaurants, take in the orderly chaos of Hanoi's traffic. Experience a variety of Pho meals, as well as other Vietnamese fare like Pho Cuon, Pho Chien Phong, and Pho Chien Trung, for a genuine experience of Vietnamese cooking.
Big Lake and City Tour: Savour a romantic ride around the city's largest lake while seeing the nighttime skyline of Hanoi. In order to get some nighttime shots, the trip will also drive past the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
Visit an Egg Coffee establishment to enjoy this distinctive Vietnamese coffee speciality as you wrap up your tour.
This Hanoi Jeep Tour promises an evening full of delightful food, captivating sights, and unforgettable memories. Enjoy your experience!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay overnight in Hanoi
Your culinary adventure through Hanoi's Old Quarter is set to begin at either 12:00 or 18:00, depending on your preference. Here’s a detailed rundown of what to expect:
Meet Your Guide: Begin by meeting your passionate food guide at your hotel. From there, you’ll be transferred to the heart of Hanoi for an immersive walking tour.
Wander about the Old Quarter's quaint, narrow roads, meandering backstreets, and secret passageways to get a sense of its layout. The lively ambiance and hustling street merchants of this region are well-known. While you explore, your guide will provide you with insights into the local way of life and the city's rich history.
Experience Pho: To sample this well-known noodle soup, stop by one of Hanoi's well-known pho restaurants. Your guide will share the secrets behind this well-loved national cuisine while you savour a warm bowl.
Local Picks: Take a culinary tour through more of the area's best dishes. Try the delectable fried spring rolls called nem chua run and the steamed rice paper rolls called banh cuon, which are packed with pork and mushrooms. Every meal has a distinct Vietnamese flavour.
Barbecue Delight: Savour a tasty barbecue lunch or dinner at a well-liked local restaurant. Savour succulently grilled meats and veggies, a mainstay of Hanoi's restaurant scene.
Wrap Up with Drinks: Visit a café or bia hoi, a local draft beer store, to round out your tour. As you take in the colorful street sceneries, sip on a cold beer or a cup of traditional Vietnamese coffee.
Return to Hotel: After a delightful food-filled experience, you’ll be returned to your hotel, full and satisfied.
This walking tour promises a comprehensive taste of Hanoi’s street food culture, offering both delicious dishes and a genuine glimpse into local life. Enjoy every bite and sip!
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Hanoi
Your day in Ninh Binh Province promises a blend of historical exploration and natural beauty. Here's what you can expect:
Morning:
- Pickup and Transfer: Meet your guide at your hotel in Hanoi and embark on a journey to Ninh Binh Province, located about 100 km south of the city.
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Start your exploration in Hoa Lu, the site of Vietnam’s first capital established in the 10th century by the Dinh Dynasty. This historic site served as a strategic stronghold against Northern invaders and later became the capital of the Le Dynasty. Visit the ancient temples:
- Temple of Dinh Tien Hoang: Dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang, the first Emperor of Vietnam.
- Temple of the Le Dynasty Kings: Honours the kings of the succeeding Le Dynasty. Despite their age, these temples preserve some valuable antique carvings and sculptures.
- Bich Dong Pagoda: Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda, an ancient three-tiered cave pagoda. The climb up the steep stone steps is rewarded with a charming pagoda and breathtaking views from the top.
- Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, savouring the regional flavours of Vietnamese cuisine.
Afternoon:
- Sampan Cruise in Tam Coc: After lunch, embark on a serene sampan boat cruise along the Hoang Long River through Tam Coc, known as “inland Ha Long Bay.” This area is renowned for its striking karst mountains and lush wetland paddy fields. The landscape here is incredibly picturesque, and you might witness local farmers engaged in rice harvesting or planting new crops.
- Explore the Caves: During your boat ride, you’ll pass through three significant caves, which give Tam Coc its name (meaning “Three Caves” in Vietnamese). These caves, along with the surrounding rocky formations and grottoes, add to the scenic splendour of the area.
Your visit to Ninh Binh will provide a deep dive into Vietnam’s historical heritage and natural wonders, offering both cultural insights and spectacular views. Enjoy your exploration!
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight in Ninh Binh
Our guide and car will pick you up at the hotel lobby and then transfer to Halong City. The distance is about 160 km, or approximately a 4-hour drive.
Your journey to Ha Long Bay is set to be a scenic and relaxing experience. Here’s how your day will unfold:
Morning:
- Departure from Ninh Binh: After breakfast, leave Hanoi for a drive to Ha Long Bay.
- Arrival and Check-In: Upon arriving at the jetty in Ha Long City, proceed with check-in formalities for your cruise.
Midday:
- Boarding and Lunch: Board your cruise ship and be welcomed by the crew. Lunch will be served as you set sail towards Ha Long Bay. Enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful scenery as the boat makes its way into the bay.
Afternoon:
- Exploration and Activities: Depending on the specific itinerary of your boat, you may have the opportunity to visit various attractions or participate in onboard activities. Options may include exploring grottoes, kayaking, swimming, or hiking to viewpoints. Alternatively, you can simply relax on deck and enjoy the breathtaking views of the bay’s iconic karst formations.
Evening:
- Anchoring and Dinner: As the day winds down, the boat will anchor among the stunning karst formations. Enjoy a delicious dinner served on board while you take in the serene beauty of the bay at twilight.
This itinerary allows you to start your Ha Long Bay experience with a relaxing cruise, offering ample opportunities to explore and unwind amidst one of Vietnam’s most famous natural landscapes. Enjoy your time on the water!
Meals: Breakfast
Stay overnight on Ha Long Bay Cruise
Enjoy the fresh morning in the middle of the bay, The sun rises on Ha Long in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi late in the afternoon, transferred by our driver to Noi Bai International Airport for flight departure
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch
- Accommodation in a twin or double room with daily breakfast
- One-night cruise on Ha Long Bay
- Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary
- Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers
- Experienced English-speaking guide during all tours and transfers
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private boat for sightseeing as mentioned in the programme
- Mineral water is available as complementary
- International & Domestic flight tickets
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc. All other services not specified in the itinerary
- Meals, if not specified in the itinerary
- Vietnam visa approval letter on arrival: USD 5 per pax
- Visa stamping fee at the airport (25 USD single entry to Vietnam paid by cash at the airport)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Travel insurance (we highly recommend that you purchase adequate insurance)
HOTEL LISTS
Destination | Superior packages | Deluxe packages | Luxury packages |
HA NOI | SILK PATH LUXURY HANOI HOTEL | MELIA HANOI HOTEL | SOFITEL LEGEND METROPOLE |
SA PA | BB HOTEL SAPA | SILK PATH GRAND SAPA RESORT & SPA | TOPAS ECOLODGE |
NINH BINH | NINH BINH HIDDEN CHARM | EMERALDA RESORT NINH BINH | JIVA HOA LU RETREAT |
HA LONG | LE JOURNEY PREMIUM CRUISE | VICTORY STAR CRUISES | INDOCHINE PREMIUM |