Colors of the North 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 – the first Vietnamese university and, at the same time, a temple, devoted to Confucius and other 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, and a 45-minute show in the Vietnamese Water Puppetry Theater. The less Vietnamese you speak – the more impressive the show gets!

At the end of the day, we have a variety of options for you to choose from, but we always agree upon them individually with each client.

The second part of our journey takes us to the northernmost province of Vietnam – the mountainous region of Ha Giang. During the two days spent here, we will trek through villages of various ethnic minorities, see the breathtaking scenery at Quan Ba Heaven Gate, arrive at the northernmost point of Vietnam – Lung Cu Flag Tower and visit the legendary H’Mong King’s Palace. Prepare your camera to take photos of the amazing terraced rice fields and gardens – one of the most beautiful sceneries in the country.

After your mountainous adventure, we will change the ambiance by going on a 2-day 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 kayaking, visiting one of the beautiful limestone caves, and cruising through the magnificent Bay.

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.