Amazing view at resort in Mai Chau
Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi
Railway cross through Hanoi
Trekking in Mai Chau Valley
Nice view from a resort in Pu Luong
Water wheels in Pu Luong
Sampan cruise in Trang An (Ninh Binh)
Sampan cruise in Trang An (Ninh Binh)
Halong Bay Cruise, Vietnam
Halong Bay Cruise, Vietnam
Soul of Northern Vietnam Trip 7 Days 6 Nights
Tour code:
NVN7D
NVN7D
Duration
7 days 6 nights
7 days 6 nights
Start in
Hanoi
Hanoi
Finish in
Hanoi
Hanoi
Places to visit
Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Tam Coc - Halong Bay - Hanoi
Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong Nature Reserve - Tam Coc - Halong Bay - Hanoi
Highlights
Embark on an enriching 7-day in Northern Vietnam, immersing yourself in its captivating culture and history. The Soul of Northern Vietnam tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's landscapes, people, and heritage. Departing from Hanoi's elegant boulevards, we venture into the mountainous beauty of Mai Chau and Pu Luong. The highlight of the tour awaits at Halong Bay, where you'll spend a comfortable night aboard a junk boat, indulge in island visits, swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and savoring delectable cuisine. It's the perfect conclusion to a remarkable experience of Northern Vietnam's cultural and scenic charms.
Here's the points of interest in tour of 1 week in north Vietnam:
- Hanoi: Capital city known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks such as Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Old Quarter. View additional Things to do in Hanoi for 3 days
- Mai Chau: Scenic valley in Hoa Binh Province famous for its stunning landscapes, ethnic minority villages, and opportunities for trekking and homestays. Explore further What to do in Mai Chau ?
- Pu Luong: Nature reserve in Thanh Hoa Province renowned for its lush forests, terraced rice fields, and biodiversity. Offers hiking, cycling, and eco-tourism experiences. Discover more Things to do in Pu Luong!
- Tam Coc: Located in Ninh Binh Province, Tam Coc is known for its breathtaking karst landscape, limestone caves, and scenic boat tours along the Ngo Dong River. Check out Things to do in Ninh Binh!
- Halong Bay: UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands topped with rainforests. Visitors can explore the bay on cruises, kayak tours, or overnight junk boat stays. Find out more Things to do in Halong Bay!
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1: Hanoi - Arrival
Welcome to Hanoi airport, where our driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel (35km - 45 minutes). Take some rest to adjust to the time difference after a long flight.
Meals on your own. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, your day kicks off with a visit to the square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, honoring the nation's founder. Your guide will narrate the country's independence history before you capture memories in photos.
Next, head to the Defense Pagoda by West Lake, ending your morning with an insightful trip to the Hanoi Ethnography Museum, showcasing Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures.
Lunch awaits at a local eatery.
In the afternoon, a fascinating stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter awaits you. Start with the Long Bien Bridge - Paul Doumer Bridge (Trần Nhật Duật Street side) and continue to Cao Thắng Street, famous for its traditional spices. Then, explore the Đồng Xuân Market, the largest market in Hanoi, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Hàng Mã Street, known for its decorative items, Chinese toys, and colorful lanterns.
Continue your exploration through Lương Văn Can, Lãn Ông, and Hang Buồm streets, taking the time to visit the Bạch Mã Temple (76 Hang Buồm Street), the oldest temple in Hanoi. Take a well-deserved break at Café Market (Hanoi Coffee Station, 44 Hang Bè Street or another café boutique) to enjoy a complimentary coffee.
Capture the vibrant atmosphere by Hoan Kiem Lake before attending a mesmerizing Hanoi water puppet show in the evening.
Dinner is on your own, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi
Next, head to the Defense Pagoda by West Lake, ending your morning with an insightful trip to the Hanoi Ethnography Museum, showcasing Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures.
Lunch awaits at a local eatery.
In the afternoon, a fascinating stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter awaits you. Start with the Long Bien Bridge - Paul Doumer Bridge (Trần Nhật Duật Street side) and continue to Cao Thắng Street, famous for its traditional spices. Then, explore the Đồng Xuân Market, the largest market in Hanoi, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Hàng Mã Street, known for its decorative items, Chinese toys, and colorful lanterns.
Continue your exploration through Lương Văn Can, Lãn Ông, and Hang Buồm streets, taking the time to visit the Bạch Mã Temple (76 Hang Buồm Street), the oldest temple in Hanoi. Take a well-deserved break at Café Market (Hanoi Coffee Station, 44 Hang Bè Street or another café boutique) to enjoy a complimentary coffee.
Capture the vibrant atmosphere by Hoan Kiem Lake before attending a mesmerizing Hanoi water puppet show in the evening.
Dinner is on your own, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi
Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After a delightful breakfast, continue your journey to the northern region of Vietnam towards Mai Chau, a charming village nestled in a valley inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group at the foothills of the Hoang Lien mountain range. Travel along a winding road that meanders through breathtaking landscapes, where terraced rice fields and hills blend with wooden stilt houses. Take the opportunity to pause and capture memorable photos in the sugarcane fields.
Upon arrival, enjoy a homestay lunch to savor local specialties and share moments of camaraderie with the locals.
In the afternoon, embark on a short hike through the villages of Pomcoong and Lac to experience the daily life of the White Thai people. This minority ethnic group is one of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, with an estimated population of 300,000, primarily residing in the regions of Mai Chau, Lai Chau, and Dien Bien.
In the evening, have dinner with one of the locals to discover their local cuisine and traditions.
Overnight stay in a stilt house belonging to the White Thai ethnic group.
Day 4: Mai Chau - Pu Luong (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In the morning, continue your village exploration with a bike ride (or a hike depending on weather conditions) through the Thai villages and rice fields. You will also visit the local market in Mai Chau.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the entrance of Pu Luong to reach the starting point of the Pu Luong trek. Embark on an easy walk for 2-3 hours through beautiful villages situated on the hillsides, surrounded by magnificent rice terraces. You will also have the opportunity to observe handmade bamboo water wheels. Visit Kho Muong Cave, also known as the Bat Cave, which is one of the tourist attractions in the village of Kho Muong. The road leading to the entrance is steep and covered with forest. It only takes 100 meters to cross the cave, but it is much larger than it appears at first glance, with many deep alcoves. Limestone blocks have been deposited over millions of years.
Pu Luong is a relatively undiscovered nature reserve, perfect for those who want to explore the majestic mountain landscapes, vast Vietnamese terraced rice fields, and the daily life of ethnic minorities. This travel guide will provide you with all the necessary information and experiences to enjoy precious moments of relaxation with family or friends.
You will have the choice between two accommodation options: spending the night in a stilt house or in a more comfortable private room bungalow.
Overnight stay in Pu Luong.
Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Tam Coc (Breakfast, Lunch)
After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Tam Coc, a region also known as the "Halong Bay on land." Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes of karst mountains emerging from rice fields and winding rivers.
Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. After lunch, you will be checked into your hotel for some rest.
In the afternoon, embark on a mesmerizing two-hour rowboat cruise through a stunning rural landscape of limestone cliffs and rice fields, reaching the magnificent Thung Nham canal located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. The spectacular natural scenery and the limestone range surrounding the small valley create a charming and enchanting landscape.
As you glide along in the rowboats, you will be immersed in a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere, leaving behind the worries of daily life. Visitors can admire the diverse formations of stalactites, resembling long ribbons of ice and water, assigning unique names to each stone. Before you, a vast green valley unfolds with winding limestone bands wrapped around the shaded campus of trees and rural cottages.
Afterward, you will have free time to stroll around the village.
Dinner is at your own leisure.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Tam Coc.
Day 6: Tam Coc - Halong Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 am and transfer you to the Tuan Chau Port. From there, a speedboat or tender boat will take you to your cruise ship. While you enjoy a welcome drink, the cruise manager will provide a briefing on the cruise's safety measures. Upon arrival, you will proceed to check-in for your cabin.
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, recognized as the eighth wonder of the world. With its 1,969 unique karst islands, this exceptional site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.
It's time to indulge in a delicious lunch at the cruise ship's restaurant, offering either a delightful buffet or a set menu.
In the afternoon, explore the Hang Sang-Toi Cave (Dark and Bright Cave). This is the perfect spot for kayaking or taking a bamboo boat ride, rowed by the locals. You can also swim in the middle of Lan Ha Bay and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Return to the Indochine cruise ship for the evening, where it will anchor for the night. Take part in a culinary demonstration, where our chef will teach you the recipe for traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
At sunset, enjoy an incredible seafood dinner at the restaurant. After dinner, try your hand at squid fishing or play board games such as cards or Parcheesi. Alternatively, treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the spa.
You will spend the night on the boat, lulled by the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.
Day 7: Halong Bay - Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
Start your day with a light breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead. Recharge your batteries with a Tai Chi session on the terrace to awaken your body and mind.
Next, head to Trung Trang Cave, a natural wonder that exudes a heavenly atmosphere underground. Marvel at the breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Return to the cruise ship to pack your belongings and settle the check-out procedures. Before departure, enjoy a fulfilling brunch and settle any outstanding bills (if applicable).
Savor the final moments of Lan Ha Bay as the cruise ship returns to the pier.
In the afternoon, a shuttle will take you from Tuan Chau Port and bring you back to Hanoi.
You can expect to arrive in Hanoi around 4:00 pm, marking the end of your unforgettable journey exploring Halong Bay.
Dinner is at your leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi.
End of the itinerary 1 week in north Vietnam !
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What’s Inclusion
- Accommodation in a double or twin room with daily breakfast
- Overnight cruise on board a shared good-quality boat in Halong Bay (private boat upon request).
- Private air-conditioned vehicle during all tours and transfers.
- English-speaking guide during all tours.
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
- Lunch or dinner as specified in the itinerary
- Water & cool towels
- Government taxes & service charge.
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What’s Excluded
- International airfare and departure taxes
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks, tips… etc.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Vietnam Visa (If you are not exempt from the visa).
- All other services not specified in the itinerary
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Notes
- Surcharged for Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any
- Surcharged for Public holidays (30/4-1/5, Lunar New Year)
- The timing of check-in and check-out at the hotels: Check-in at 14:00, check-out at 12:00. (Early check-in/
- late check-out is upon your request).
- A single supplement is required if you are traveling alone.
- The triple room is possible upon your request.
Real Customer Experiences
Customer Reviews
It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable
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106 reviews
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5.0 Excellent
a wonderful combination of culture, nature, and adventure
Our North Vietnam 1 week itinerary was an unforgettable experience! We began our adventure in Hanoi before heading to Mai Chau, where the Kho Muong cave amazed us with its unique rock formations. The terraced rice fields in Pu Luong were simply breathtaking, and we loved observing the water wheels in the Cham stream, a true living picture of rural Vietnamese life.Next, we visited Ninh Binh, where the cruise in Tam Coc was one of the highlights of our journey. Navigating through the rice fields and karst formations was magical. The tranquility of the region really relaxed us.Finally, we ..View More -
5.0 Excellent
unforgettable moments in the northern Vietnam
Our 7 days in north Vietnam was an amazing adventure! We started in Hanoi and headed to Mai Chau, where we visited the Kho Muong cave. The terraced rice fields were simply stunning. We then explored Pu Luong, admiring the water wheels in the Cham stream. In Ninh Binh, the cruise in Tam Coc mesmerized us with its impressive landscapes and tranquility. The highlight of our trip was Halong Bay, where we explored Lan Ha Bay and the Hang Sáng-Tối Cave. Each day brought new discoveries and unforgettable moments. This tour is a must for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Northern Vietnam! -
5.0 Excellent
the beautiful terraced rice fields
We just returned from an incredible 1 week north Vietnam, and it was unforgettable! From Hanoi to Mai Chau, we explored the Kho Muong cave and admired the beautiful terraced rice fields. In Ninh Binh, the cruise in Tam Coc was a highlight, with stunning scenery. Halong Bay, especially Lan Ha Bay and the Hang Sáng-Tối Cave, was absolutely magnificent. This trip allowed us to discover the natural beauty of Vietnam and create unforgettable memories together. We highly recommend it!
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