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PRIVATE AND 100% TAILOR-MADE TOUR

THE BEST NORTHERN VIETNAM TOUR

  • Code: TBNVN

DURATION

9 days 8 nights

DESTINATIONS

Hanoi - Halong Bay - Legacy Yen Tu MGallery - Ninh Binh - Sapa

RECOMMENDATIONS

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Tour Highlights

  • Discover the best of Northern Vietnam on a 9-day journey combining culture, nature and authentic experiences
  • Explore the charm of Hanoi Old Quarter and Vietnam’s thousand-year heritage
  • Cruise through the breathtaking Halong Bay – UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Kayak among limestone karsts and enjoy stunning views over emerald waters
  • Experience an overnight cruise with cultural activities and scenic landscapes
  • Visit the sacred Yen Tu Mountain, the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism and spiritual heritage
  • Stay at the tranquil Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery, a unique wellness and cultural retreat
  • Explore the spectacular landscapes of Ninh Binh “Halong Bay on land”
  • Enjoy a boat journey through limestone caves and peaceful waterways
  • Trek through the iconic Sapa rice terraces and visit ethnic minority villages
  • Experience authentic local life and mountain cultures in Northern Vietnam
  • Enjoy diverse activities including trekking, kayaking, cultural exploration and local cuisine

Inclusions

  • Airport pick-up & drop-off by private transfer
  • Transportation as per itinerary:
    • Hanoi – Halong Bay by shuttle bus
    • Halong Bay – Yen Tu by private transfer
    • Ninh Binh tours & transfers by private vehicle
    • Hanoi – Sapa by sleeper bus
  • Accommodation at selected hotels/cruise (double/twin sharing, A/C)
  • Meals as mentioned in the program (B/L/D)
  • Professional, experienced English-speaking guide
  • All sightseeing tours and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Trekking experience in Sapa (rice terraces & ethnic villages)
  • Boat trips and kayaking/sampan in Halong Bay
  • Cooking class (on cruise and/or in Hoi An, if applicable)
  • Onboard insurance (Halong cruise)
  • Mineral water and wet tissues during touring days
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Exclusions

  • International airfare to/from Vietnam
  • Vietnam visa and stamping fees
  • Travel insurance (international coverage recommended)
  • Beverages and meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Early check-in or late check-out (subject to availability & surcharge)
  • Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the program
  • Personal expenses (laundry, minibar, telephone, etc.)
  • Tips & gratuities for guide, driver and service staff (recommended, not compulsory)
  • Bank transfer fees or credit card surcharges (if applicable)
  • Any services not clearly mentioned in the “Inclusions” section

Important Notes

  • Daily departures available
  • Special rates and added benefits are offered for groups of 10 adults or more (private tours, exclusive services, etc.)
  • Gala dinner surcharge on Halong cruises (24 December & 31 December) is subject to each cruise’s policy.
     
  • Group size:
    • Land tour: from 2 – 15 guests
    • Halong cruise: from 5 – 40 guests (depending on cruise capacity)
       
  • Hotels and cruises may be replaced by equivalent standards in case of full booking
  • Please inform us in advance of any dietary requirements or allergies
  • Itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, traffic or other unforeseen conditions
  • Fully customizable tour: we are happy to tailor accommodation, services or itinerary to match your preferences and ensure the best available rates

Children Policy

  • Children under 5 years old sharing bed and transport with parents: Free of charge (no extra bed)
  • Children from 5 – 8 years old:
    • 75% of adult price (sharing bed with parents)
    • 100% of adult price if an extra bed is required


Itinerary

Day 1 | Hanoi Arrival – Cultural Introduction (D) Show more +

Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel in Hanoi 

Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be warmly welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city center.

The rest of the day is at leisure to begin your exploration of Vietnam’s capital at your own pace. Hanoi is a city where timeless traditions blend seamlessly with modern life. With over a thousand years of history, it offers a rich cultural tapestry reflected in its charming Old Quarter, ancient temples, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street scenes.

From traditional water puppet performances to authentic Vietnamese cuisine enjoyed along bustling streets, Hanoi provides a captivating introduction to the country’s heritage and lifestyle.

Optional experiences (not included):

  • Hanoi Foodie Tour – a guided culinary journey through the Old Quarter
  • My Village Show – a unique bamboo circus performance showcasing Vietnamese culture

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2 | Hanoi – Halong Bay – Overnight Cruise (B/L/D) Show more +

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight onboard in Halong Bay

8:00 – 8:30: Hotel pick-up for trip on new highway to Tuan Chau International Marina, Halong City (if you book our shuttle bus).
11:30: Welcome to Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan Lounge at No.28B of Tuan Chau International Marina for refreshments before boarding for the cruise
12:30: Board the Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan boat and enjoy a welcome drink as you receive a cruise briefing, safety instructions, and check-in to your suite.
12:40: Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan takes you to contemplate the magnificent sceneries made from the limestone mountains of Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago. This bay is untouched and remote, as not many cruise boats use this route.
13:10: Lunch is served at L’indochine Restaurant


15:30: The cruise vessel approaches the Ba Trai Dao (Three Peach beaches) (upon the weather), or Tra Bau (during the period from May to September) in Lan Ha Bay, a natural frontier between the provinces of Halong and Haiphong. This secret hideaway has beaches, caves, and coves, plus the spectacular natural beauty of about 400 islands. Guests can try kayaking or simply swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the bay.
17:00: Return to Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite
18:00: Activities include afternoon tea and the chef will lead a Vietnamese cooking class
Join our HAPPY HOUR (from 17:00 to 19:00) while enjoying the amazing scenery while watching the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
19:15: A memorable dining experience will be offered at Le Tonkin Restaurant, with local food in an intimate and romantic setting.
19:45: Turn down service
21:30: Enjoy evening views of the bay at the bar on the top deck. Try your hand squid fishing on 1st deck or watching movie, sing karaoke on 3rd deck. The bars are open until late.

Overnight onboard

Day 3 | Halong Bay – Yen Tu – Legacy Yen Tu MGallery (B/L/D) Show more +

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight onboard in Halong Bay

06:15: Start the day with a session of Vovinam on the sundeck.
06:45: Have a light breakfast on board. Or you can choose a luxurious breakfast, especially served in the swimming pool on the 3rd floor (time from 6:30 – 8:30). Maximum for 2 groups of guests and maximum to 6 guests (with surcharge).
07:15: Head off in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave area to enjoy the sparkling stalactites on the ceiling and feel the soul of the surrounding nature.
9:00 – 9:30: Return to the boat for checkout
09:30: Enjoy brunch while cruising back to the mainland
10:30: Return to Tuan Chau Marina and disembark for your onward journey
11:30: Check out cruise. Our car will be at your disposal to pick you up then drive to Legacy Yen Tu - MGallery (50km)
13:00: Legacy Yen Tu - MGallery arrival, leave luggage at the Lobby and early check in subject to availability (Standard check in time 15h00)
13:15 - 14:00: Sleeping Meditation to recover the postive energy
16:00 - 16:30: Legacy Tour - Discover the ancient palace dating back to 13rd century
18:00 - 20:00: Dinner at Thọ Quang Restuarant - Legacy Yên Tử
20:00 - 21:00: Traditional performance show by DAO THANH Y ethnic people at Nuong Village, Commune House 
Overnight at Legacy Yên Tử - MGallery, Yên Tử

NotesItineraries may be subject to change without prior notice due to weather, pandemic conditions, or regulation of Port authorities. Wi-Fi is available in the restaurant/bar area, but internet connectivity is limited due to the geography of the bay. Thank you for your understanding.

Day 4 I Legacy Yên Tử - MGallery - Ninh Bình (B/L/D) Show more +

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel in Ninh Binh

07:00 – 07:45: Begin your morning with a peaceful yoga session, embracing the tranquil atmosphere of Yen Tu and setting a positive tone for the day.
08:00 – 09:00: Enjoy breakfast at Tho Quang Restaurant, surrounded by serene mountain views and a calm spiritual ambiance.
09:15 – 11:30: Embark on a guided exploration of Yen Tu Mountain - UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, visiting the Golden Stupa and Hoa Yen Pagoda. This sacred mountain, considered the cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, offers a unique blend of spiritual heritage and natural beauty, with breathtaking views along the way.
12:00 – 12:15: Check out of the hotel. Luggage will be stored at the lobby.
12:30 – 14:00: Enjoy lunch at local restaurant in Yen Tu, featuring local flavors in a peaceful setting.
14:30 – 17:30: Transfer from Yen Tu to Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” where dramatic limestone landscapes and tranquil countryside await. Arrival in Ninh Binh and check-in at your hotel.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 5 | Ninh Binh Nature & Cultural Discovery (B/L/D) Show more +

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel in Ninh Binh

07:00 – 07:30: Breakfast at hotel.
09:00 – 09:15: Meet your local guide and depart for a full day exploration of Ninh Binh.
10:00: Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam (968–1010), where you will gain insight into the country’s early dynasties under the Dinh, Le, and Ly rulers. Explore historic temples set against a backdrop of limestone mountains.
11:45: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, offering a variety of regional specialties such as goat meat, fresh fish, and traditional Vietnamese dishes.
13:00: Continue to Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular karst formations and peaceful waterways.
Embark on a scenic boat journey through caves and rivers, surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks, a landscape so unique it was featured in the film Kong: Skull Island.
15:00: Cycle through rural villages, offering a closer look at local life, rice fields, and the tranquil countryside.
15:45: Transfer to Mua Cave. Climb nearly 500 steps to reach the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Tam Coc and the surrounding landscapes.
17:00: Return to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 6 | Ninh Binh – Hanoi Free Day (B) Show more +

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel in Hanoi

07:00 – 08:00: Have breakfast at hotel then meet your guide for transfer back to Hanoi, enjoying a comfortable journey through the Red River Delta with scenic countryside views along the way.
11:30 – 12:00: Arrival in Hanoi and check-in at your hotel (subject to availability).
Afternoon: Free time at leisure to relax or explore Hanoi at your own pace, from charming cafés and boutique shops to cultural sites and hidden alleys of the
Old Quarter.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Day 7 | Hanoi – Sapa – Cat Cat Village Trekking (B/L) Show more +

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel in Sapa

06:30 – 07:00: After breakfast or take-away breakfast, depart Hanoi for Sapa via the Noi Bai – Lao Cai highway, offering a comfortable journey through changing landscapes from lowlands to mountainous scenery (approx. 5 hours with a short break en route).
13:00: Arrival in Sapa Town, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Begin your trekking experience to Cat Cat Village, home of the Black H’mong ethnic group, where you will explore traditional houses, visit a picturesque waterfall and the old hydroelectric station built during the French period, while learning about local customs, handicrafts such as weaving, silver carving and traditional farming tools.
Late afternoon: Return to Sapa town and enjoy free time to explore the town’s vibrant atmosphere, local markets or cozy cafés.

Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Day 8 | Lao Chai – Ta Van Trekking – Return to Hanoi (B/L) Show more +

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Overnight at Hotel in Hanoi 

07:00 – 07:30: Breakfast at hotel.
08:30: Start your trekking journey through breathtaking rice terraces, descending into the Muong Hoa Valley along scenic trails to Y Linh Ho hamlet and continuing to Lao Chai Village, one of the largest Black H’mong communities in Sapa, offering authentic insights into daily mountain life. Continue walking through rice paddies and along the Muong Hoa stream to Ta Van Village, home of the Dzay ethnic group, where you will visit traditional wooden and bamboo houses and learn about their unique culture and lifestyle.
12:30: Lunch at a local village house.
15:00: Transfer back to Sapa town then continue to the bus station for your return journey to Hanoi by sleeper bus.
21:00 – 21:30: Arrival in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 9 | Hanoi Free Day – Departure (B) Show more +

Meals included: Breakfast

07:00 – 08:30: Breakfast at hotel.
Morning & Afternoon: Free time to enjoy your last moments in Hanoi, whether relaxing by Hoan Kiem Lake, strolling through tree-lined boulevards, shopping for local handicrafts or visiting cultural landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature or the Fine Arts Museum.
At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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