Essence of Northern Vietnam 7 days

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, a symbol of feudal education and one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.

Built 1000 years ago, this Confucian temple served as an institution where royal offspring and sons of mandarins received their education. It also hosted competitions for the country's most talented students, with the winners attaining the status of scholars and senior officials in Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Colorful wooden puppets are skillfully manipulated by the artists using rods and bamboo shafts underwater. It is a unique and captivating art form unique to the Northern Vietnamese tradition.

Catch the overnight train to Sapa. Spend the night in a shared sleeper cabin.

Arriving early at Lao Cai train station, you will be greeted by a local English-speaking guide and transferred to a small hotel near the station for a shower and breakfast.

After having breakfast, you will get to some of the villages in the Muong Hoa Valley, where you can take in the scenery of terraced fields and enjoy the fresh air.

The first destination is Y Linh Ho, a tiny village offering beautiful scenery and cultural experiences. Head to Lao Chai Village of the Hmong ethnic people and witness their colorful traditional hand-weaving products, as well as admire one of the most beautiful terrace rice fields in the world here.

The Black Hmong are an ethnic group whose village lies within the tourist trekking network of the Sapa region of Vietnam. Known for their uncanny ability to learn conversational English and their great sense of humour, some Hmong villagers have found work as tour guides.

Pay a visit to Ta Van Village, which is home to the vibrant Giay ethnic community. Take a leisure stroll along the winding trails, observe the enchanting beauty of terraced fields, and experience the diversity of hill tribes.

Back to Sapa, overnight in hotel.

After breakfast, your journey continues with visits to the villages of Hang Da and Sa Seng.

While walking through the karst limestone formations of Hang Da, you'll pass through charming hamlets and observe various agricultural activities. Your exploration proceeds towards Sa Seng, a picturesque valley flanked by mountain ranges.

Along the way, you'll traverse lush forests and pristine waterways. Photo opportunities abound, allowing you to capture stunning views of rice fields, tomato and cabbage farms, and traditional houses. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi in a shared limousine.

Arrival in Hanoi around 8:30 PM, overnight at the hotel. Note: Possibility to conquer Fansipan Mountain by cable car and witness magnificent views instead of the hike in Hang Da and Sa Seng.

Fansipan Mountain, the highest peak in Vietnam and Indochina, rises to an elevation of 3,143 meters above sea level. It is nestled in the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, approximately 9 kilometers southwest of Sapa Town in Lao Cai Province, Northwestern Vietnam.

Departure for Ninh Binh – land of limestone rocks, sugar loaves and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes all year round.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit Mount Mua. Climbing a white staircase of 486 stone steps to the summit, this bell-shaped mountain will offer you a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

A limestone mountain located near the rivers and sugar loaves of Tam Coc. In the past, it was famous for its dance performances offered to the kings of the Tran dynasty (13th-14th century).

Then transfer to Tam Coc, bike ride and relax to discover this fabulous region.

A vast landscaped area including sugar loaf rock formations, rice fields and rivers. Boat trips on the Ngo Dong River, through the sugar loaves, will allow you to fully enjoy the lush surrounding nature.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to explore the beauty of Tam Coc. This meandering river takes you through lush rice fields, past picturesque sugar loaf hills, and beneath the three enchanting caves nestled at the base of towering limestone peaks.

Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

Head out on a journey to Halong Bay, often hailed as the most stunning bay in Vietnam and one of the most enchanting landscapes in all of Asia. Step aboard  a traditional junk/cruise upon arrival and receive a warm welcome from the crew. Set sail for an unforgettable cruise across the bay, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the northern part of Halong Bay, known as Bai Tu Long:

We provide shared junks, typically smaller in size with 10 to 12 cabins, suitable for hosting around twenty passengers. Alternatively, you have the choice of selecting a private cruise on a smaller junk, offering one or a few cabins, for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you're interested in this option.

• Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the picturesque islands and islets, each with its unique shapes resembling sails, dogs, roosters, and incense burners.
• Explore the stunning caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back several thousand years.
• The cruise then continues to Cap La, where you can embark on a kayaking adventure and take a refreshing swim in the bay's pristine waters, weather permitting

End of the afternoon, relaxing on the upper deck of the junk.

Participation in a culinary demonstration on board, preparation of spring rolls or spring rolls.

Tasty seafood lunch and dinner.

Free evening for your personal rest and relaxation: card games, night fishing… Night on board.

On the final day of your 7-day essential journey through Northeast Vietnam, Rise at dawn to savor a truly unique spectacle: the first rays of sunlight peering over the countless sugarloaf peaks of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Initiate on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the charming fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to meet local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi. free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.