9 days
Specific Tour
Unlimited
English
You’re about to set off on a journey through Northern Vietnam, where each stop reveals its own rhythm and hidden beauty. From misty highland passes and mirror-like lakes to winding river valleys and jade-green bays, the landscape transforms gently as you go. You’ll be welcomed into stilt houses tucked between forested hills, sharing freshly cooked meals and heartfelt stories with local families. Whether paddling through the quiet backwaters of Ninh Binh, feeling the spray of Ban Gioc as it thunders across the border, or listening to folk tales under a sky full of stars, this tour invites you to slow your pace, look beyond the surface, and truly feel the soul of the north.
Brief itinerary
| DAY | ITINERARY |
| Day 1 | Hanoi Arrival – Short city tour |
| Day 2 | Hanoi – Ba Be Lake – Ba Be National Park ( B/L/D ) – local meals |
| Day 3 | Ba Be – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave ( B/L/D ) |
| Day 4 | Cao Bang – Lang Son – Hanoi ( B/L ) |
| Day 5 | Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong National Park ( B) overnight in NB |
| Day 6 | Trang An Scenic Complex – Mua Cave – Halong bay ( B) |
| Day 7 | Halong bay – Lan Ha Bay / Overnight on cruise |
| Day 8 | Halong bay – Hanoi |
| Day 9 | Hanoi Departure |
Welcome to Hanoi - our vibrant capital city!
As soon as you land at Noi Bai International Airport, your driver will be waiting to greet you and take you to your hotel in the city center. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to check in right away or leave your luggage at the reception before heading out for your first gentle introduction to Vietnam’s capital. You’ll take a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake (also known as Sword Lake), where your guide will share the legend behind its name. Continue across the bright red Thê Húc Bridge to reach Ngoc Son Temple—a sacred site built in the 19th century to honor the revered military leader Tran Hung Dao. From there, hop on a cyclo for a relaxed ride through the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where winding alleyways, traditional shopfronts, and the scent of sizzling street food capture the spirit of the city.
The evening is yours to unwind and settle in at your own pace.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Not included
Start your day by leaving the bustle of Hanoi and set out on a scenic drive north to Thai Nguyen (formerly Bac Kan Province), where tranquil rural landscapes and ethnic minority villages await. Your first stop is Ba Be National Park—a pristine expanse of forests, lakes, and limestone mountains. The crisp air and refreshing climate make it an ideal escape into nature’s embrace.
After a simple, hearty lunch of grilled river fish and sticky rice, explore the tranquil Ba Be Lake by boat, gliding past jungle-clad cliffs, visiting hidden caves, and admiring roaring waterfalls—all while breathing in the stillness of the lake. In the evening, settle into a cozy stilt-house homestay hosted by a Tay family, where you’ll share a home-cooked dinner made from fresh, local ingredients—served with warm stories and homemade corn wine.
Overnight at a homestay in Ba Be.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Departing Ba Be this morning, we travel deeper into Vietnam’s northeastern highlands toward Cao Bang, where dramatic landscapes unfold along the border with China.
Highlight of the day is the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, cascading over a wide limestone ridge into a jade-colored river below. A short distance away, descend into the magical world of Nguom Ngao Cave, where impressive stalactites and stalagmites have formed over thousands of years. Dinner then will be arranged accordingly.
Overnight in Cao Bang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As you make your way back south toward Hanoi, stop at several meaningful locations. First, visit the historic site of Dong Khe, where a decisive victory in the 1950 Border Campaign took place. When approaching Lang Son, visit the revered Mother’s Temple, a spiritual landmark for many northern Vietnamese. Later, explore Dong Dang Market, a lively border trade hub between Vietnam and China, where you can catch a glimpse of everyday commerce and culture.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, leave the city behind and journey south to Cuc Phuong National Park—Vietnam’s very first national park, known for its rich biodiversity and ancient jungle landscapes.
Walk beneath towering trees and tangled vines as you follow forest trails through the heart of this primeval landscape. Along the way, your guide will point out native plant species and, with luck, you may spot butterflies, birds, or shy forest creatures. At the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, you'll learn how conservationists care for some of Vietnam’s most threatened monkey and gibbon species—many of which have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade.
Lunch today is flexible—feel free to bring a packed meal or enjoy something simple at a local spot nearby before continuing your exploration.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast
Wake up in the middle of the serene nature, take your time to savor your breakfast at the hotel and ready to begin your day. You’ll get on a boat trip through Trang An Scenic Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As it meanders along Ngo Dong river, you’ll see the towering limestone mountains, cave tunnels as well as hidden valleys.
Later, climb to the viewpoint at Mua Cave, where panoramic views of rice fields and limestone peaks await after ascending nearly 500 steps.
In the afternoon, continue your journey eastward to the coastal city of Ha Long.
Overnight in Halong
Meals: breakfast
From your hotel, travel to Tuan Chau International Port to board your cruise and begin exploring the stunning waters of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Once you’ve settled into your cabin, lunch will be served as the boat glides past towering limestone islands. In the afternoon, take part in onboard activities such as kayaking, swimming, or simply unwinding on the sun deck and soaking up the scenery. Depending on your selected cruise and the weather, the program may also include visits to hidden beaches or caves, as well as a Vietnamese cooking demonstration. In the evening, enjoy a seafood dinner while the boat anchors in a peaceful cove.
Overnight on cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As the sun rises over the bay, the sundeck offers a serene space to start your day—perhaps with an optional Tai Chi session surrounded by gentle waves and limestone cliffs. After breakfast, you’ll visit a traditional floating fishing village to learn about life on the water.
Return to the cruise to check out and enjoy a leisurely brunch as the boat makes its way back to the harbor. From there, your driver will transfer you to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon. The evening is yours to relax, pick up last-minute souvenirs, or enjoy a farewell dinner in the city.
Overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight time, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure.
We hope this journey through Northern Vietnam has brought you unforgettable experiences and lasting memories. Thank you for travelling with Hello Vietnam!
Meals: Breakfast
Cruise important notes
- Program & activities:
The itinerary can be changed without prior notice.
The time line of this itinerary is not exact, actual timeline will be informed on cruise before departure.
All activities are included and optional. You can stay on the boat and relax instead of joining outside activities.
- Food & beverage on board:
All meals on board are included as clearly stated in the program.
Standard menus onboard are served for all customers. If there is a special food request, please inform us at least 48 hours before departure.
- Not to be missed: Valid ID card/Passport (necessary for check-in) - Light clothes for outdoor activities - Swimming suites, sunglasses, suncream - Comfortable shoes for walking, slippers for cruise activities - Waterproof phone case for kayaking or sampan boat ride - Modest attire when visiting historic and religious sites - Advise us if you have any special dietary requirements
Member Since 2025
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