Meals

As per the tour program: B=breakfast L-Lunch D-Dinner

Guide

Experienced English-speaking guide French/German/Spanish/ Russian/ Chinese speaking guides are available upon request. The surcharge will be applied

Accommodation

3-STARS HOTELS: Hanoi: Mina Hotel or similar Halong Bay: Le Journey Cruise or similar Bac Ha: Homestay Ha Giang: homestay Dong Van: Homestay Bao Lac: Homestay Ba Be: Homestay Ninh Binh: Chez Hiep or similar 4-STARS HOTELS: Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar Halong Bay: Aquamarine Cruise or similar Bac Ha: Homestay Ha Giang: Homestay Dong Van: Hoa Cuong Hotel or similar Ba Be: Homestay Bao Lac: Homestay Ninh Binh: Hidden Charm or similar

Transport

- Door-to-door pick-up & drop-off services by private car - Air-conditioned bus between Hanoi and Halong Bay (2-way) - Private car for the excursions - Boat as per itinerary

Others

– All sightseeing tickets according to the itinerary – Tissues and water on coach – Service charges and government tax – 24/7 hotline support guaranteed

Not included:

Flights

Others

X International flights and departure taxes X Beverage, Personal expenses, tips, and gratuities X Early check-in and late check-out (If not mentioned) X Compulsory Gala Dinner on 24 Dec, 31 Dec and 21 Jan (Tet) X Public holiday surcharge (Christmas and New Year, Tet holiday) if applicable X Surcharge for airport cabs from 12:00 am – 05:00 am X Visa stamping fee on arrival at the airport (Vietnam: $25/person) X Services not mentioned above

Insurance

Travel insurance is not included.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Welcome To Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Welcome To Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 2 Full Day Traditonal Village (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Full Day Traditonal Village (B)

7:30 – 8:00: Get picked up by your tour guide then head to the destination.

9:15: Visit the beautiful Quang Phu Cau incense stick making village. You will have a chance to learn more about the techniques from local artisans as we walk through the village. We will be stopping at some jaw- dropping places in the village to take some awesome photos to change our Instagram profile pics!

10:30: Get back to the bus, we will be visiting our next destination which takes only 10 minutes driving away: The traditional conical hat making village!

This time will be exciting: Not only observe, we get you involve into the process of making the hat and paint it on your own! This could be an awesome souvenir to remember about Vietnam!

11:30: Have a family meal at the local artisan’s house or at a riverside restaurant, depending on how large our group will be.

12:30: Saying goodbye to the hat-making village, we depart for the last stunning village: The lacquer art making village.

13:00: After arriving to the village, you will have a chance to observe and learn the quintessence of local art work from the local artisans as we are visiting some of the largest family scale factory in the village. We will visit a few families and get to paint our own lacquer as well. This is your second souvenir in the day!

15:00: Saying goodbye to this village, we get to our comfy bus and head back to the city center. We will stop at an well known clothing export surplus shop to discover the clothing industry, as well as to buy some branded items if you want at a really good price compared to the original store!

16:00: Get drop off at your hotel in the old quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 3 Hanoi - Travel To Bac Ha - Trekking To Ta Van Chu (B/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi - Travel To Bac Ha - Trekking To Ta Van Chu (B/D)

In the morning, travel by private car from Hanoi towards Bac Ha in the Sapa region. The drive will take approximately 5 hours. Press on along the winding road before taking your first glimpse of Bac Ha village, sitting in a valley with cleared hillsides and rustic farmland. Stretch your legs as you walk off the bus, then begin a trek to your homestay in Ta Van Chu (approximately 10 km/6 mi). Arrive at the homestay, which is comfy, quiet, and surrounded by pristine farmland. The rest of the day is a relaxing time.

Overnight in Ta Van Chu.
Day 4 Bac Ha Village - Explore The Ethnic Market (B/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bac Ha Village - Explore The Ethnic Market (B/D)

After breakfast at your homestay, visit the Bac Ha fairground market. This is a great place to pick up locally dyed fabrics, hemp plants, and handmade textiles. Depending on the availability, you can witness the extraordinary atmosphere of the ethnic markets around this region:

Tuesday: Coc Ly market

Wednesday: Sin Cheng market

Thursday: Cao Son market Lun Khau Nhin market.

Saturday: Can Cau market

Sunday: Bac Ha market

Then trek approximately 5 to 6 hours to the hill tribe village and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way. Push on through terraced farmland and bamboo scrub for excellent views of emerald valleys, superb rice terraces, and spectacular mountains.

In the evening, settle into your homestay in Bac Ha for the night.

Overnight in Bac Ha.
Day 5 Bac Ha - Travel To Ha Giang (B/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bac Ha - Travel To Ha Giang (B/D)

In the morning, take a long drive to the Ha Giang province. This is a highland region of forests and terraced rice and corn paddies, with the mountains of Heaven’s Gate (Quan Ba pass) soaring in the background. The Ha Giang province also shares a border with southern China and is known as Vietnam’s final frontier. After relaxing and getting to know your surroundings, visit the local markets and shop fronts, which are relics of a bygone era. Afterwards, venture to the local museum and explore Cuom Village, witnessing the colorful traditional dress of the local people. The evening is free to spend as you wish.

Overnight in Ha Giang.
Day 6 Ha Giang - Travel To Dong Van (B/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ha Giang - Travel To Dong Van (B/D)

Today, leave for the first of many scenic mountain drives throughout Ha Giang province. Stop to browse Minh Tao Market before wandering through the village of Nam Luong. Afterwards, pass through Lung Tam textile village and the Vuong Family Palace in Sa Phin commune, built in the shape of a royal Manchu palace. This is known as the former palace of the Hmongs’ King before continuing to Dong Van where you’ll spend the night.

Overnight in Dong Van.
Day 7 Exploring The Beautiful Ma Pi Leng Pass - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (B/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Exploring The Beautiful Ma Pi Leng Pass - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (B/D)

This morning, we take the most spectacular road in all of Vietnam, which winds for 15 km to the top of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, a hulk of desert peaks and unique canyons in the world. We then descend on Meo Vac for lunch. Visit the Meo Vac market before setting off on a trekking loop that starts and finishes in Dong Van. The trek (approximately 4 hours in total) is moderate and suitable for those with an average fitness level. Wind your way through the spectacular landscape, where you can expect to witness glorious views and capture some amazing pictures of lush valleys and rice paddies. After that, drive past terraced rice farms on the road to Bao Lac (approximately 4 hours), a small town in the mountainous region of northern Vietnam. The area is home to the Black Lo Lo ethnic group, who are well known for their colourful attire and finesse in making bronze drums. The bronze drums hold a special place in Lo Lo customs, being used at funerals and important family events. In Lo Lo culture, only the sound of the drums can help the souls of the dead find their way to the birthplace of their ancestors.

Overnight stay in Bao Lac.
Day 8 Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake (B/D)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake (B/D)

Today you will travel to Ba Be Lake (approximately 4 hours). Once there, head down the river by boat on an exploration of Ba Be National Park, visiting the largest natural lake in Vietnam. Disembark for some light walks along the way, visit the impressive waterfalls that feed the lake and observe the natural flora and fauna. Return to land in the afternoon, and head to a family-owned guesthouse in Pac Ngoi village where you will spend the night. The family you’re staying with will prepare lunch for you, and the rest of the day is free to explore the surrounding area. In the evening sit down for a delicious dinner with your hosts. This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into their lives and culture.

Overnignt in Pac Ngoi.
Day 9 Ba Be - Back To Hanoi (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Ba Be - Back To Hanoi (B)

After breakfast, have a boat trip to explore the lake and the Nang river to the Dau Dang waterfalls. Stroll around to admire the waterfall, then embark on the boat to go up the river and cross the lake from north to south. Then head back to your homestay and get ready to transfer to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10 Immerse Yourself Into The Beauty Of Ninh Binh (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Immerse Yourself Into The Beauty Of Ninh Binh (B/L)

Today you will experience the ancient culture and history of Vietnam together with seeing the stunning landscape and beautiful scenery when we travel to the Ninh Binh Province. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel around 7:30-8:00 am and depart to Ninh Binh.

The first destination to visit is Hoa Lu ancient capital. Here you will explore the outstanding architecture of King Dinh and King Le temples, the first emperors of ancient Vietnam.

Then move to Tam Coc wharf, where you will have lunch with Vietnamese food. And then board the rowing boat and cruise along the river through the limestone caves. After the boat trip, you will take a cycling trip around the idyllic village through the rice fields to explore the surrounding sceneries.

Then come back to the shuttle bus to return to your hotel in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 11 Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Overnight On Cruise
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Overnight On Cruise

In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival at the pier, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.

The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Overnight on cruise.

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be canceled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.
Day 12 Cruising In Halong Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/L)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Cruising In Halong Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/L)

Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.

Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 13 Time To Say Goodbye - Hanoi Departure (B)
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Time To Say Goodbye - Hanoi Departure (B)

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.

Trip Ends.

+10

13 days tour

13-Day Journey Through Northern Vietnam - Private Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip 13-Day Journey Through Northern Vietnam - Private Tour

Welcome To Vietnam - Hanoi Arrival

Full Day Traditonal Village (B)

Hanoi - Travel To Bac Ha - Trekking To Ta Van Chu (B/D)

Bac Ha Village - Explore The Ethnic Market (B/D)

Bac Ha - Travel To Ha Giang (B/D)

Ha Giang - Travel To Dong Van (B/D)

Exploring The Beautiful Ma Pi Leng Pass - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (B/D)

Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake (B/D)

Ba Be - Back To Hanoi (B)

Immerse Yourself Into The Beauty Of Ninh Binh (B/L)

Hanoi - Halong Bay (B/L/D) - Overnight On Cruise

Cruising In Halong Bay - Back To Hanoi (B/L)

Time To Say Goodbye - Hanoi Departure (B)

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