Northern Vietnam Ultimate Tour 9 Days

Arrive in Ha Noi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Begin your journey in the early evening with an exciting local street food tour in Hanoi. For the Hanoian, food is more than just a way of eating. It’s a way of life. With 3.5 hours combine walk and taxi with a real foodie, you will visit the crowded wet markets, taste the amazing authentic food and drink in a larger area for your memorable lunch/dinner, from the bustling Old Quarter, charming colonial corners and picturesque city’s lakes. All foods are showed to you is hygienically and symbolize for the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine. This is an ideal choice for all food lovers seeking to explore authentic local flavors and culinary traditions.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Start your day by a half-day Vespa countryside tour offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city of Hanoi. Ride across Long Bien Bridge for panoramic views of the Red River before exploring peaceful riverside villages and meeting a local elderly host to learn about traditional Vietnamese family culture. Continue through craft villages and visit the historic Co Loa Citadel, followed by a stop at an organic farm for hands-on agricultural experiences. The journey concludes with a home-hosted lunch in a traditional village, offering an authentic taste of rural hospitality.

Afternoon, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (Outside) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. A one-hour cyclo tour of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancient Ha Noi. Continue to the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to watch a traditional water puppet performance, which lasts approximately 50 minutes. After the show, you will be comfortably transferred back to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Depart Hanoi in the morning, leaving the rhythm of the city behind as you journey toward the serene valleys of Mai Chau. The drive unfolds through scenic mountain passes and lush countryside, setting the tone for a peaceful retreat into nature. Upon arrival in Mai Chau, check in to your eco-lodge thoughtfully designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Enjoy a refined lunch featuring locally inspired cuisine, served in a tranquil setting overlooking the valley.

Afternoon, take delight in biking through rice paddies in the Mai Chau Valley which is dotted with stilt houses. The ride offers opportunities for taking photos, visiting families and interacting with the locals. Have dinner at your hotel.

Overnight at Mai Chau.

Wake to the soft sounds of nature and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of the surrounding landscape. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Van Mai Valley, where you begin a full-day trekking adventure to explore traditional Thai ethnic villages. Starting from Cum hamlet, you will walk through scenic rice paddies, corn and sweet potato fields on your way to Mai Hich Village. Here, you will take time to visit the village and enjoy an authentic lunch at a local Thai family’s home.

In the afternoon, continue your trek along streams, across fields, and through more Thai villages to reach Xam Khoe Village and Buoc Village. Along the way, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet and interact with local people, gaining insight into their daily life and culture. A vehicle will pick you up at Buoc Village and transfer you back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Overnight at Mai Chau.

Leave Mai Chau and depart for Pu Luong. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation and enjoy lunch in Pu Luong.

In the afternoon, begin a guided walk along terraced rice fields to Uoi Village (approximately 6 km, 3 hours; difficulty level 1.5/5). The route offers an authentic introduction to the peaceful rural life of Pu Luong, home to the Thai ethnic minority, with opportunities to observe daily activities and traditional stilt houses set amid the natural landscape. After the walk, return by vehicle to your accommodation for rest and relaxation. Dinner is served at the lodge.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and enjoy the natural surroundings of Pu Luong. After breakfast, drive to the Cham Mountain Stream area for a short, easy walk along shaded paths, where traditional bamboo water wheels can be seen along the stream.

Following the visit, begin the return journey to Ninh Binh. En route, stop for lunch at a local restaurant (at guests’ own expense). Arrive in Ninh Binh in the late afternoon, concluding the program.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

In the morning, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, where you will explore the historic Dinh Temple and Le Temple. These sacred sites are dedicated to the kings of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties, offering insight into Vietnam’s early statehood and royal traditions.

The journey continues to Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.” Here, board a traditional sampan for a peaceful boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, gliding through rice fields and beneath towering limestone cliffs that rise majestically from the flat plain. The route passes through a series of natural caves, creating a serene and unforgettable experience amid unspoiled nature. Afternoon, transfer to Ha Long City.

Overnight in Ha Long City.

Enjoy your breakfast and morning relax until your car and guide pick up for a transfer to the Ha Long cruise terminal, complete embarkation procedures and step aboard your luxury cruise vessel. A refreshing welcome drink is served as the cruise gently sails into the heart of Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Savor a refined lunch at the elegant onboard restaurant while admiring the spectacular limestone karsts rising from emerald waters.

During the afternoon, participate in carefully curated activities such as visiting a magnificent limestone cave, kayaking among dramatic islets, or simply relaxing on the sundeck as the sun sets over the bay. As evening falls, indulge in a gourmet dinner in an intimate and sophisticated setting, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Overnight in Ha Long.

Begin the day with the gentle light of sunrise over the bay. Enjoy breakfast onboard as the cruise continues its scenic route through towering limestone formations and calm waters. Take in the final highlights of Ha Long Bay before disembarkation.

After leaving the cruise, return to Hanoi by expressway or Noi Bai airport for your departure.