"Northern Vietnam: Where Heritage Meets the Clouds"
REQUEST A QUOTENORTHERN VIETNAM GRAND LOOP: CAPITAL, HERITAGE & THE HIGHLANDS
Tour Code: HNM&T/2026 | Duration: 07 Days / 06 Nights
Experience the pinnacle of Northern Vietnam’s allure with this meticulously curated 7-day expedition. This journey offers a sophisticated blend of colonial elegance, mystical maritime landscapes, and the raw, breathtaking beauty of the northern highlands. From the bustling avenues of the Thousand-Year Capital to the mist-shrouded peaks of Sapa, guests will immerse themselves in an odyssey of cultural depth and natural grandeur.
DAY 01: ARRIVAL & HANOI CULTURAL CITY TOUR (LUNCH, DINNER)
• Morning: Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), our private transport and professional guide will ensure a comfortable transfer. We begin our cultural immersion at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex (including the viewing of President Ho Chi Minh’s preserved body, the Presidential Palace historical site, Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Museum). Continue to the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám), Vietnam’s revered first national university.
• Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in to your 4-star hotel for a period of relaxation.
• Afternoon: Visit Hoa Lo Prison (The Hanoi Hilton), a significant historical landmark built by the French in 1886. Afterward, delve into the timeless charm of the Hanoi Old Quarter, exploring the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple.
• Evening: Savor dinner at a high-quality local restaurant. The day concludes with a performance of the traditional Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 02: HANOI – HALONG BAY LUXURY CRUISE (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
• 07:00 – 07:30: Enjoy breakfast and complete check-out procedures.
• 08:00: Transfer by our private vehicle to Tuan Chau International Harbor for the Halong Bay cruise.
• 12:00: Board your selected 4-star luxury cruise. Enjoy a gourmet lunch while the ship sails into the magnificent core of Halong Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site), cruising past natural icons.
• 14:00: The cruise explores the UNESCO core zone, passing famous landmarks like the Incense Burner and Fighting Cocks Islets.
• 16:00: Explore one of the Bay’s prominent caves (Surprise Cave or Maze Cave). Following the excursion, you may join a fruit carving masterclass and enjoy a Sunset Party on the sundeck.
• 19:15: Savor a delightful Fine Dining Dinner (European-style) in the ship’s warm restaurant.
• 20:30: Free time for relaxation or an optional experience: Night Squid Fishing. Overnight on the cruise.
DAY 03: HALONG BAY – RETURN TO HANOI (BREAKFAST/BRUNCH, LUNCH, DINNER)
• 06:00 – 06:30: Start the day with a calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
• 07:30: Visit Titop Island. Guests can choose to swim or hike to the peak for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Bay.
• 09:30: A satisfying Brunch is served in the restaurant as the ship makes its way back to the harbor.
• 11:00: Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. The drive includes a stop for rest and shopping.
• 12:00: Enjoy lunch en route featuring regional specialties.
• 16:00: Arrive in Hanoi. Check in to your 4-star hotel and enjoy free time.
• 19:00: Dinner at a local restaurant. The evening is free to explore the capital at your leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
DAY 04: HANOI – ANCIENT CAPITAL NINH BINH (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
• 06:30: Enjoy breakfast. Check out of the Hanoi hotel.
• 09:30: Transfer to Ninh Binh (The Ancient Capital). We begin the tour at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visiting the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le.
• 11:30: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring local delicacies. Check in to your 4-star hotel and rest.
• 15:00: Visit the scenic Tam Coc – Bich Dong area, often celebrated as “Halong Bay on Land.” Enjoy a sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, gliding through caves and rice fields. Afterwards, explore Bich Dong, comprising a dry cave (housing the pagoda) and a water cave (Xuyen Thuy Dong).
• 19:00: Dinner at a restaurant. Free time to explore Ninh Binh at night. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
DAY 05: NINH BINH – TRANG AN & OVERLAND TRANSFER TO SAPA (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
• 06:30: Enjoy breakfast and check-out.
• 08:00: Visit the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Take a boat trip through this vast, stunning landscape of limestone karst peaks and river systems, often described as a “Fairyland on Earth.”
• 10:00: Commence the extensive overland transfer from Ninh Binh to Sapa.
• 12:00: Lunch at a restaurant in the Hanoi area.
• 18:00: Arrive in Sapa. Check in to your 4-star hotel.
• 19:00: Dinner featuring traditional Sapa cuisine. Free time to explore the Sapa Night Market and the Stone Church. Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 06: LAO CHAI – TA VAN & CAT CAT VALLEY TREK (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
• 06:30: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• 07:00: Guided trek to the ethnic minority villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. Experience the peaceful life of the local H’Mong, Giay, and Tay communities along the Sapa valley.
• 12:00: Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a short rest.
• 15:00: Visit Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’Mong people. Discover the local way of life, visit the Cat Cat Waterfall, and see the remnants of the French-built hydroelectric power station. Free time for photography.
• 19:00: Dinner is served. Free time for personal exploration. Overnight in Sapa.
DAY 07: SAPA – HANOI DEPARTURE (BREAKFAST, LUNCH)
• 06:30: Enjoy breakfast and complete check-out.
• 07:30: Depart for the final long-distance transfer back to Hanoi. Rest stops will be arranged.
• 12:00: Enjoy a final lunch near Noi Bai Airport area.
• 13:30: Transfer directly to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN). The 7-day tour concludes.
| CATEGORY | 6-7 Pax | 8-10 Pax | 10 Pax up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4* Accommodation | 960$ | 850$ | 825$ |
| 5* Accommodation | 1,010$ | 910$ | 885$ |
* Prices are subject to availability and group size. Please submit a request for the most accurate quote.
Vietnam's weather is highly diverse as you travel through its three distinct regions: North, Central, and South. Each area offers its own unique climate patterns, contributing to the country's rich geographical tapestry.
As you embark on your adventure, we strongly recommend checking the specific temperatures and weather conditions of each region for your travel dates to ensure you pack appropriately and enjoy the full experience.
Documentation Responsibility:
As a traveler, you are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary travel documents for your trip, including:
Please consult the relevant embassy/consulate and your healthcare provider for specific requirements. As regulations can change, we advise checking current requirements well before your departure date.
Note: We are not liable for any disruption or loss incurred due to inadequate documentation or failure to comply with health requirements. You will be responsible for reimbursing any penalties or costs we incur as a result of your non-compliance.
Vietnam Visa Information:
Depending on your nationality, you may require an eVisa for entry into Vietnam. Please apply through the official immigration portal here: https://evisa.gov.vn/
Insurance:
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance immediately upon booking your tour. For assistance in arranging insurance, please contact your travel agent or Hanoi Int. Media & Travel Booking Office for guidance.
Throughout your journey, our qualified English-speaking guides will accompany you on all sightseeing tours and excursions.
When visiting traditional temples and pagodas, we kindly ask that you show respect for local customs and practices.
For your safety and best experience, please remain with your guide and follow their instructions at all stops along the way.