INTRODUCE:
Discover the very best of Northern Vietnam on this enriching 7-day journey, designed to showcase the region’s most spectacular landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic local experiences. From the vibrant streets of Hanoi to the breathtaking natural wonders of Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, and Sapa, this itinerary offers a complete picture of Vietnam’s northern charm.
Begin your adventure in Hanoi, Vietnam’s historic capital, where ancient temples, colonial architecture, and lively street food culture blend seamlessly. Cruise through the emerald waters of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, exploring towering limestone islands and the legendary Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave. Continue to Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” with its peaceful rivers, rice paddies, and dramatic karst landscapes.
This 7-day itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a well-balanced Northern Vietnam experience, combining nature, culture, soft adventure, and local life in a comfortable and thoughtfully paced journey.
Tour Highlights
• Explore Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and iconic historical landmarks
• Cruise through UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay with stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters
• Discover Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave, the largest and most impressive cave in Ha Long Bay
• Experience kayaking or swimming in the bay and enjoy fresh local seafood
• Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh with rivers, rice paddies, and limestone caves
• Visit the scenic mountain town of Sapa and immerse yourself in ethnic minority culture
• Trek to Cat Cat Village to experience traditional lifestyles and terraced rice fields
• Ride the Fansipan cable car to the “Roof of Indochina” for panoramic mountain views
• Enjoy a perfect balance of nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation
• Travel comfortably with professional English-speaking guides and well-organized transportation
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: HA NOI ARRIVAL - FREE TIME
Upon reaching Hanoi, complete the immigration and visa on arrival process at the airport. Meet our driver at the airport and board your transfers to reach the pre-booked hotel.
Complete the check-in procedure at the hotel and get ready to explore this capital city of Vietnam.
Free time for leisure to enjoy Old Quarter to enjoy the bustling local life.
Overnight in Ha Noi
DAY 2: HOA LU – TAM COC – MUA CAVE DAY TRIP
07h30 – 8h00: Get picked up by our friendly guide then depart for Ninh Binh province
09h15: Have a short break for 15 – 20 minutes to relax
10h30: Visit Hoa Lư ancient capital of Vietnam between 968 and 1010. You have a chance to learn about Vietnamese history in the feudal system under Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasty
11h45: Have a buffet lunch in the restaurant with many local foods such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice…Vegetarian foods are always available in the buffet lunch
13h00: Visit Tam Coc by 1.5-hour bamboo boat. You will be surprised by the charming beauty here with paddy fields, river, water, cloud, sky, and a stunning cave system during the boat trip. All make a masterpiece that the Vietnamese people called “Ha Long Bay on land”
14h30: Continue the tour for 45 mins - cycling around the village to discover the life of the local people.
15h30: Get back to Limousine Bus then leave for Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain & have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here
16h30: Get on the bus to return to Hanoi
18h30: Get dropped off at Hotel in Hanoi
DAY 3: HA NOI – HA LONG BAY
08:00 – 08:30 - Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and depart for Ha Long Bay by air-conditioned vehicle
(Approx. 2.5–3 hours via expressway).
11:30 - Arrive at the cruise lounge, check in, and enjoy a welcome drink while receiving a short safety briefing.
12:30 - Board the cruise and savor a delicious lunch on board while cruising through the stunning limestone formations of UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay.
14:00 - Afternoon activities, depending on cruise itinerary:
16:30 - Relax on the sundeck, enjoy a sunset party, and admire panoramic views of the bay.
19:00 - Enjoy a set menu or buffet dinner on board featuring fresh local seafood.
Evening - Free time to relax, join onboard activities such as squid fishing, or enjoy the peaceful night scenery on the bay.
Overnight on Ha Long Bay cruise.
DAY 4: HA LONG BAY – HA NOI (BREAKFAST, BRUNCH / 1 FREE MEAL)
06:00 – 06:30 - Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer to Sapa by expressway / limousine bus (Approx. 5.5 – 6 hours, including comfort stops).
12:30 - Arrive in Sapa town. Lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 - Check in at hotel (early check-in subject to availability).
15:00 - Visit Cat Cat Village, home of the H’Mong ethnic people:
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Explore traditional houses and daily village life
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Visit Cat Cat Waterfall & hydroelectric station
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Learn about local handicrafts and customs
17:30 - Return to Sapa town.
Evening - Dinner at local restaurant and free time to explore Sapa Night Market or relax at the hotel.
Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 5: HA NOI – SAPA – CAT CAT VILLAGE (LUNCH, DINNER)
06:00 – 06:30 - Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and transfer to Sapa by expressway / limousine bus (Approx. 5.5 – 6 hours, including comfort stops).
12:30 - Arrive in Sapa town. Lunch at a local restaurant.
14:00 - Check in at hotel (early check-in subject to availability).
15:00 - Visit Cat Cat Village, home of the H’Mong ethnic people:
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Explore traditional houses and daily village life
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Visit Cat Cat Waterfall & hydroelectric station
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Learn about local handicrafts and customs
17:30 - Return to Sapa town.
Evening - Dinner at local restaurant and free time to explore Sapa Night Market or relax at the hotel.
Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 6: SAPA – FANSIPAN MOUNTAIN (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)
07:00 - Breakfast at hotel.
08:00 - Transfer to Fansipan Cable Car Station.
09:00 - Ride the cable car to Fansipan Peak (3,143 m) – the “Roof of Indochina”, enjoying spectacular mountain views.
10:30 - Explore Fansipan summit area:
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Fansipan peak marker
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Spiritual complex, pagodas, and Buddha statues
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Panoramic views over Hoang Lien Son mountain range
12:30 - Descend by cable car.
13:30 - Lunch at a local restaurant in Sapa town.
Afternoon - Free time for personal exploration:
Dinner at own arrangement.
Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 7: SAPA – HA NOI – DEPARTURE
07:00 - Breakfast at hotel.
08:00 - Free time for last-minute shopping or relaxing in Sapa.
10:30 - Check out and transfer back to Hanoi by limousine bus.
16:30 – 17:30 - Arrive in Hanoi.
Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for departure
(flight time dependent).
End of Best of North Vietnam 7 Days Tour.
• Airport pick-up and drop-off as per itinerary
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers and sightseeing
• 2 days / 1 night Ha Long Bay cruise including meals and onboard activities
• Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
• Professional English-speaking local tour guides
• Included activities: boat trips, kayaking, cave visits, Cat Cat village trekking
• Fansipan cable car round-trip ticket
• Meals as specified in the program (daily breakfast, selected lunches and dinners)
• Bottled water: 1 bottle per person per day during tours
• All applicable taxes and service charges
TOUR EXCLUDED:
• Accommodation
• Drinks during meals
• International & domestic air tickets
• Vietnam visa & visa stamping fees
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Tips for guides, drivers, and service staff
• Personal expenses: laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.
• Meals not mentioned in the program
• Any services not clearly stated in Price Includes
• Peak season surcharges, compulsory gala dinners at hotels/resorts during Christmas, New Year & Tet Holidays