+ A 30% deposit is required upon booking confirmation. + The remaining 70% must be paid at least 14 days prior to tour departure.

+ Cancellations made at least 14 days before the tour departure are eligible for a full refund. + Cancellations made between 14 -7 days before departure will incur a 50% cancellation charge. + Cancellations made less than 7 days or no show before departure will be subject to a 100% charge.

Northern Vietnam Ultimate Tour 9 Days

Transportation
Private car
Group Size
2-20
Accomodation
Hotel
Best season
All year round
Tour type
Private
Meals
As mention
Minimum Age
5
Maximum Age
80

Overview

Itinerary

Inclusion

FAQs

Review

Overview

Arrive in Hanoi and begin your journey with an exciting evening street food tour, discovering the city’s rich culinary culture alongside a local foodie. The next day, explore the peaceful countryside on a vintage Vespa ride before diving into Hanoi’s highlights on a half-day city tour, ending with a traditional water puppet show. Travel to Mai Chau, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing cycling trip through picturesque rice paddies and ethnic villages, followed by a full-day trek across stunning valleys and remote Thai communities, with an authentic homestay lunch experience. Continue to Pu Luong Nature Reserve for scenic hikes through terraced fields and bamboo forests, and experience a unique bamboo rafting adventure before heading to Ninh Binh to explore ancient temples in Hoa Lu and the breathtaking limestone karsts of Tam Coc. Your adventure concludes with an unforgettable overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, where you’ll sail through emerald waters surrounded by dramatic islands, before returning to Hanoi for departure.

Highlights

Street food adventure in Hanoi – Explore the vibrant Old Quarter and taste authentic local dishes with a foodie guide.
Vespa countryside experience – Ride through peaceful rural landscapes and discover traditional life around Hanoi.
Trekking & culture in Mai Chau and Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Hike scenic valleys, visit ethnic villages, and enjoy a local homestay experience.
Natural beauty of Ninh Binh – Discover ancient temples in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and cruise through the limestone karsts of Tam Coc.
Overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay – Sail among spectacular islands and enjoy one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

Day 01 :

Hanoi - Arrival

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.

Dinner

Day 02 :

Hanoi City Tour & Countryside Adventure

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.

Breakfast + Lunch

Day 03 :

Hanoi – Mai Chau – Cycling

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.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 04 :

Mai Chau – Mai Hich – Xam Khoe – Buoc – 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.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 05 :

Mai Chau - Pu Luong

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.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 06 :

Pu Luong – Bamboo Raft – Ninh Binh

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.

Breakfast + Dinner

Day 07 :

Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Ha Long

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.

Breakfast + Lunch

Day 08 :

Halong Bay Cruise

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.

Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

Day 09 :

Morning Cruise – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

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.

Breakfast

Overall Trip Rating:

Total Reviews 20

Average Rating

4.9

Based on 20 travel reviews

5 Excellent

4 Very Good

3 Average

2 Poor

1 Terrible

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By Jason Miller May 27, 2026 Discover the Best of Northern Vietnam
If you want to see the best of northern Vietnam, this tour is perfect. It includes all the major highlights along with some hidden gems. The pace was comfortable, and the accommodations were good. I would highly recommend it.
Date of Experience: May 19, 2026
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By Sophie Laurent May 27, 2026 A Perfect Mix of Adventure and Culture
This trip offered a great mix of adventure and cultural experiences. I especially enjoyed trekking and exploring local villages. Ha Long Bay was definitely a highlight. The whole journey was well planned and enjoyable.
Date of Experience: May 18, 2026
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By Melisa May 18, 2026 Highly Recommended for First-Time Visitors
If you are visiting Vietnam for the first time, this tour is an excellent choice. It includes all the must-see destinations while still allowing enough time to relax and enjoy each place. The customer service was outstanding from beginning to end.
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By Ken May 14, 2026 Fantastic Combination of Nature and Culture
This 9-day tour allowed us to experience both the natural beauty and cultural richness of Northern Vietnam. Ha Long Bay was absolutely stunning, and Hanoi’s Old Quarter was full of energy and charm. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting Vietnam.
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By Vicky May 14, 2026 An Unforgettable Adventure
Every day of this tour brought something exciting and unique. The mountain views in Sapa were breathtaking, and the boat trip in Ninh Binh was incredibly peaceful. I appreciated the attention to detail and smooth organization throughout the journey.
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By Niraj Kedia May 14, 2026 An Amazing 9-Day Journey Through Northern Vietnam
The Northern Vietnam Ultimate Tour 9 Days was perfectly organized and covered all the highlights of the region. From the busy streets of Hanoi to the peaceful landscapes of Sapa and Ha Long Bay, every destination was unforgettable. The guides were friendly, professional, and very knowledgeable.
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By Andrew Collins May 14, 2026 The Ultimate Way to Explore Northern Vietnam
This 9-day tour truly lives up to its name. I experienced everything from vibrant Hanoi to the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the mountains in the north. The itinerary was well-balanced and never felt rushed. A fantastic way to discover the region.
Date of Experience: May 02, 2026
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By KA May 13, 2026 A Stress-Free and Memorable Trip
Everything was handled professionally, including transportation, hotels, and activities. I could simply relax and enjoy the journey. The scenery throughout Northern Vietnam was incredible, especially the rice terraces and limestone mountains.
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By Melissa Turner May 12, 2026 A Complete Northern Vietnam Experience
I loved how this tour covered so many different aspects of northern Vietnam. From cultural sites to natural wonders, every day was exciting. The guides were knowledgeable and very supportive. It was a memorable and enriching journey.
Date of Experience: May 02, 2026
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By Clara May 10, 2026 Beautiful Destinations and Excellent Service
I truly enjoyed every part of this tour. The landscapes were spectacular, the food was delicious, and the people were very welcoming. The tour company did an excellent job creating a memorable
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By Swathi R May 9, 2026 Wonderful Scenery and Authentic Experiences
I had an incredible time exploring Northern Vietnam on this tour. The itinerary included beautiful natural landscapes, local villages, and cultural attractions. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Vietnamese traditions and daily life.
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By Niraj Kedia May 9, 2026 The Perfect Vietnam Experience
This tour offered the perfect balance of culture, nature, and relaxation. I especially loved the cruise in Ha Long Bay and the trekking experience in Sapa. Everything was well arranged, and the accommodations exceeded my expectations.
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By Elsaliza May 8, 2026 Excellent Guides and Great Itinerary
The tour guides made this trip even more enjoyable with their local knowledge and friendly personalities. The itinerary was well paced and never felt rushed. I loved trying authentic Vietnamese food and meeting local people along the way.
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By Celcelna May 7, 2026 One of the Best Tours I’ve Ever Taken
The Northern Vietnam Ultimate Tour exceeded all my expectations. The schedule was well organized, the accommodations were comfortable, and the activities were diverse and interesting. It was a great mix of adventure, sightseeing, and cultural discovery.
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By Daniel Perez May 7, 2026 Unforgettable 9 Days in Northern Vietnam
This tour exceeded my expectations in every way. The scenery was breathtaking, especially in the mountainous areas. I also enjoyed learning about local traditions and meeting people along the way. Everything was well organized and smooth.
Date of Experience: April 28, 2026
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By Serilda May 2, 2026 Nha Trang Was So Relaxing
After several active days in Sapa and Ha Long Bay, relaxing by the beach in Nha Trang was perfect. The coastline there was beautiful
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By Daniel Fischer April 22, 2026 Amazing Northern Vietnam
Very well organized tour with unforgettable views. I would definitely book again.
Date of Experience: April 03, 2026
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By Michael Jackson March 31, 2026 Enjoying Vietnam !
I had an amazing 9-day tour exploring Northern Vietnam. The journey took me through breathtaking mountains, picturesque villages, and vibrant local markets. Everything was very well organized, from accommodations to daily activities, making the trip smooth and enjoyable. I especially loved experiencing the rich culture, delicious local food, and stunning natural landscapes. Special thanks to Jenna from Vietnam Tourist for her excellent support throughout the trip. This tour was truly memorable, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to discover the best of Northern Vietnam.
Date of Experience: March 04, 2026
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By Daniel Lee March 20, 2026 Thank you Jenna
I recently completed a 9-day trip exploring Northern Vietnam, and it was an incredible experience from start to finish. The journey through Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa, and Ha Giang offered stunning landscapes and rich cultural encounters. Every destination was well-organized, and I truly enjoyed the mix of adventure, nature, and local life.A special thank you to Jenna for the excellent support and guidance throughout the tour, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable and smooth. I really appreciate all the effort put into this trip.
Date of Experience: March 04, 2026
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By Lucas
(Norway)
March 20, 2026 North Vietnam
I had an amazing experience exploring Northern Vietnam. The tour took me through breathtaking landscapes, from the mountains to the peaceful countryside. Everything was well organized, and the local culture made the journey even more special. I would like to thank Vietnam Tourist for arranging such a wonderful trip. It was truly a memorable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Vietnam.
Date of Experience: March 01, 2026
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