7-Day Northern Vietnam Tour

We start our adventure in Hanoi’s Old Quarters at 8:00 AM. Rickshaw drivers will take us on a one-hour trip through Hanoi’s narrow streets and alleys to Hoa Lo prison, named by the American pilots “Hanoi Hilton”. Here we will learn who, why, and in what conditions were kept here. We continue our tour by visiting the Temple of Literature, a remarkable Hanoi landmark that serves as both Vietnam's first university and a temple dedicated to Confucius and other revered Confucian sages. Then lunchtime comes – and with it, one of the most famous, must-try staples of Hanoian cuisine – bun cha!

Our afternoon activities include a visit to Ngoc Son temple and learning about the role of a giant, golden turtle in the regaining of independence by Vietnam. Following this, we’ll also make a stop at Hanoi's Iconic Train Street, a unique spot where you can sip on Vietnamese coffee while the train passes by, offering a thrilling, up-close view of the city’s railway. Whether you're in the mood for sweet egg coffee or robust black iced coffee, this experience will provide the perfect opportunity to savor Vietnam's vibrant cafe culture.

At the end of the day, we have a variety of evening options for you to choose from. We always customize this part of the itinerary individually with each client to ensure a perfect end to your first day in Vietnam.

Let’s start the day with a 5-hour drive from Hanoi, watching the busy city turn into quiet villages and towering mountains. By early afternoon, we’ll reach Sapa, meet our guide, and settle into the hotel. After lunch, get ready for an epic ride—hop on a cable car up to Fansipan, the highest mountain in the region. A short funicular ride will give us stunning views of Muong Hoa Valley before we reach the top. There, we’ll visit a peaceful pagoda and take in the fresh mountain air. After enjoying the view, we’ll return to Sapa for a tasty dinner at a local restaurant.

On Day 3, a local Red Zao guide will take us on a 12-kilometer trek through beautiful valleys and hills. We’ll pass Ma Tra village before reaching Ta Phin, where we’ll stop for lunch at a local home. Afterward, relax with a warm herbal bath—perfect after a long walk! In the afternoon, we’ll explore the village, learn about local life, and enjoy dinner before staying overnight at our guide’s home.

On Day 4, choose your adventure - trek deeper into the stunning countryside or explore a hidden cave and visit handicraft workshops. This area is full of bamboo forests, green rice fields, and friendly locals, making it the perfect way to end our time in Sapa.

After your mountainous adventure, we will change the ambiance by going on a 2 days 1 night trip to Ha Long Bay, staying overnight on board of one of our hand-picked cruisers. The detailed itinerary and list of attractions depend on the ship. However, there are some common highlights, such as Ha Long Bay kayaking, visiting one of the beautiful limestone caves, and cruising through the magnificent Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vietnam's most iconic attractions.

Our last destination is the cradle of Vietnam – Ninh Binh province. After spending a night in our favorite eco-lodge, we will catch a glimpse of the sunrise over the vast plains, covered with rice paddies, and adorned with rocky mountains. We will then transfer to Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, for a 3-hour boat trip through the amazing system of valleys, engulfed by the rocky mountains, and caves leading through them. If you look carefully enough, you might even see some local goats jumping around on the slopes. After lunch at a local restaurant, we will depart back to Hanoi, ending our journey.

This 7-day Vietnam tour blends culture, nature, and adventure, showcasing the region's highlights. Whether you prefer luxury or small group travel, this itinerary offers an enriching journey through Vietnam's heart.