Northern Vietnam highlights 7 Days
- Hanoi
- Pu Luong
- Ninh Binh
- Halong Bay
Embark on a 7-day North Vietnam adventure to explore the magnificent landscapes of Halong Bay, Ninh Binh (Halong bay on land), and the breathtaking northern rice terraces. Immerse yourself in high plateaus, valleys, and villages of exotic beauty. Capture stunning shots on the photographer's dream route.
- Explore the must-visit sites of northern Vietnam, the country's most beautiful region
- Enjoy diverse activities such as boat trips, cycling, and hiking
- Immerse yourself in local culture with a night spent with a Thai ethnic family
- Experience a less crowded Halong Bay cruise
- Hanoi
- Pu Luong
- Ninh Binh
- Halong Bay
Day 1 Hanoi - Arrival
Arrival in Hanoi, a thousand-year-old capital located in the heart of northern Vietnam. Welcome by the English-speaking guide from Kampá Tour at the airport, transfer to the hotel in the center of the city and day adapted according to your arrival time. Departure for the first visits to the city center to soak up the charm of the thousand-year-old capital:
- King Ly Thai To square, discovery of the thousand-year-old history of the Vietnamese capital.
Ly Thai To is the founder of the Ly dynasty (1009-1225). It was he who transferred the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010
- Lake of the Restored Sword with the temple of Mount Jade, the Turtle Islet, in the heart of Hanoi.
- Explore the Hanoi Old Quarter with 36 corporation streets, where you can stroll through craft streets bearing the name of the goods that were produced and sold there. Don't forget to stop at Ma May Street and visit an old 'Tube' house, a characteristic feature of traditional Hanoi architecture.
This Old Quarter is located in the heart of Hanoi and is full of old houses, temples, bustling markets, artisan shops, and traditional restaurants. It is an emblematic place that testifies to the history and culture of the Vietnamese capital.
Discover the colonial heritage with French concessions: take a cycle rickshaw ride through the city to visit the Grand Théâtre, the Métropole hotel, the state bank, the Central Post Office… End your day with a relaxing night at the hotel.
Day 2 Hanoi - City Tour
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.
Night in Hanoi.
Day 3 Hanoi - Pu Luong
Travel to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a 4-hour drive southwest of Hanoi, covering 1,700 hectares and boasting the largest karst forests in northern Vietnam. The area is inhabited by the Thais, who live in stilted houses and cultivate rice in the valleys and on mountain slopes.
Upon arrival at Tý’s house in Bản Lác village, you'll meet family members and explore the surrounding village. Pu Luong, a cultural and natural paradise, offers breathtaking rice fields and charming ethnic villages nestled at the base of majestic mountains.
In the evening, join in the dinner preparation and dine with fellow guests.
Experience a night in a stilted house.
Day 4 Pu Luong trekking - Ninh Binh (Halong bay on land)
After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and embark on a day of hiking in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Begin with a transfer to Hieu Waterfall, a small cascade originating from a karst mountain in the Pu Luong range. You'll follow the waterfall to a higher village and then traverse hills, tropical teak and bamboo forests, and Thai villages. Along the way, you'll encounter Thai people working in the forests and gardens.
As you climb stairs, the path gradually descends into valleys adorned with rice fields, waterways crossed by quaint wooden bridges, fish farms, and duck farms. This journey offers a deep exploration of beautiful rural landscapes and the authentic lives of the local population.
In the afternoon, continue your journey to Ninh Binh, a 3-hour drive away.
Day 5 Ninh Binh Full-day
Enjoy boat trips on the Ngo Dong River to discover Tam Coc. This long river winds between rice fields, limestone karsts, and passes under three caves at the foot of the peaks. Local rowers will gently guide your boat through these magical landscapes.
Explore a vast landscaped area featuring limestone karst formations, rice fields, and rivers. Boat trips on the Ngo Dong River, winding through the karsts, will immerse you in the lush natural surroundings.
After disembarking, take a relaxing bike ride or ox cart journey through villages and karsts, allowing you to soak in the serene atmosphere of this rural region.
The program continues with a visit to Mount Mua, historically known for its dance performances for the Tran kings. Ascend 486 stone steps along a white staircase to reach the summit. This bell-shaped mountain offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.
Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.
Day 6 Ninh Binh - Halong bay (3.5 hours drive)
Depart for Halong Bay, one of the most mesmerizing landscapes in Asia. Upon arrival, board a traditional junk to embark on a magnificent cruise through Bai Tu Long, the northern part of Halong Bay.
Our options include collective junks with 10 to 12 cabins, accommodating around twenty passengers, as well as the possibility of a private cruise on a small junk with one or a few cabins for an unforgettable experience. Please contact us for this option.
- Marvel at the picturesque islands and islets, each with its unique shape (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
- Explore the stunning caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
- Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay, weather permitting.
- In the late afternoon, unwind on the upper deck of the junk.
- Lunch and dinner will be served on board.
- Enjoy a leisurely evening for personal relaxation, which may include card games or night fishing.
Overnight on board the junk.
Day 7 Halong Bay - Hanoi - Departure
Wake up at dawn to savor a moment of unparalleled beauty: witness the first rays of sun peering over the countless limestone karsts of the bay and partake in a Tai Chi session on the terrace.
Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
More tour ideas
- Accommodation for the entire circuit, in hotels or with locals
- Travel according to the program by private car
- English-speaking guide for the visits mentioned in the program
- All activities mentioned in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites
- Economy class domestic flights with airport taxes included
- Meals mentioned in the program
- Bottle of water during guided tours (2 x 500ml/traveler/day)
- Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc.)
- International flights from your home
- Visa fees, payable directly at the airport customs (see VISA)
- Bank fees related to payment
- Personal insurance
- Personal beverages during meals: beer, Coca-Cola, fruit juice, etc.
- Other meals not specified in the program
- SIM card and mobile plans
- Tips, personal expenses, and other services not mentioned in the "Our Included Services" section
Our Happy Customers
Mr. Patrick and Mrs. Marie Perou
The rest of the journey went very well until Pu Long, largely thanks to Thien who quickly understood what we wanted to see (amazing hikes) and what we wanted to experience in our interactions with the minority ethnic groups. Thanks to our guide, we had many warm exchanges and shared beautiful emotions over tea, fruits, and bong gao in their humble homes. Unforgettable experiences in the villages of tiles, knives, incense, and weaving.
An opportunity for great happiness to experience the Than Minh festival proposed by Thien.
Thank you for the foot massage, which was a pure moment of relaxation... It made us want to book a full body massage upon our return from Pu Long.
We are truly delighted with our journey in the North, although we missed the good weather a bit.
A word also about our driver, who was extremely careful on the mountain roads and always provided valuable assistance with a smile for his passengers.
Looking forward to continuing towards Halong Bay tomorrow.
The adventure of traveling to Vietnam with the Kommer family
Xenia Kommer's Family Travel Diary
[29/3/24]: Tony and the driver are great! And everything we've seen and done too 😊
[1/4/24]: Hello! We are back from the boat in Halong Bay. It was very beautiful! I didn't tell you that we ate crickets last 😁 week In Tam Coc the boys played football with children from there 😉
[3/4/24]: Hello, we arrived safely in Hoi An today. Everything is great, the hotel is very nice. Yesterday the boys swam in the Hue😉 River
[5/4/24]: Hoi An diving, I don't do it but the boys love it 😃
The Alzarral family with their friends
To begin with, thank you for this wonderful trip that you organized for us. Thank you to Huan, Kien and Ms. Chau for conveying the love of their country to us. Bus drivers were also safe in this traffic.
After the discussion among all the participants in the trip, we send you these observations:
Guide: 5/5⭐
Drivers 5/5⭐
Bus:4/5⭐
Hotel: 4.9/5⭐ (slightly small breakfast room at the Sanouva Hotel in Saigon).
Choice of restaurant by guides: 5/5⭐
Transfer by plane: 5/5⭐
Choice of visits:5/5⭐
Organization of the agency: 5/5⭐
Thank you, Mrs. TRANG VU, for your warm welcome at the agency and for your willingness to organize our trip. We also thank Bao for his kindness and for the short documentary on YouTube. You can count on us to really appreciate your skills.
Thanks again for everything 😘😘
Mrs. Silvia and her husband
Greetings from Lima, guys! We just got home and we don't even feel tired! I still have the energy to keep going, haha!
Now, let's talk about the North. In February, from Hanoi to Ha Long, there is a lot of drizzle. I suggest other visitors always carry a fine raincoat when they go. Luckily, it didn't alter our plan much. We enjoyed the coffee with egg and the bun cha. Ms. Nhung knew all the perfect places to eat, without worrying about finding available places, and at good prices! I'll send you some great photos from Hanoi!
But, the most amazing thing was the experience on the Mekong! Just perfect. We loved Mr. Nguyen; He had an in-depth knowledge of the place, which made us enjoy it to the fullest. He also shared a lot of interesting things about the Vietnamese and their current and current culture, not just theory.
The hotels were ok, no complaints. This trip makes us think of Cambodia and Thailand with our friends in the future (still wishes)
I think that's enough for now. See y
Chantal & Daniel
Hello Mrs. Huyen and all her team,
We had dreamed it, we had prepared our trip with the guides, and now we are back, with the images still fresh in our minds.
Thank you and congratulations for this perfect organization, despite the fact that a flight was delayed a day at the last minute. We found our guides and drivers as planned, the guides were friendly, spoke perfect Spanish, the "busy" program was respected.
Recounting our journey could become a real novel, so we will talk about the main points. Now, worry before leaving because the guides said that we should avoid the Tet period, that for the lunar new year everything was closed, anyway what joy, flowers, decorations, events everywhere.
👉Hanoi, staying in the center, after a tour of the city, and a visit to Kampa Tour, a well-deserved siesta, we set off on foot (without a guide) through the narrow streets (thanks to the GPS to find the hotel).
👉The next day, visits to museums, great water puppet show.
👉Day 3:
The Le Boucher family
February 15-28, 2024 -
"Hello, the trip is going very well. Yesterday I grew rice. A symbol and a source of pride for me, I would even say one of the goals of this trip. Thank you"
"The work in the rice paddies is already well underway...we are lucky to see the peasants in full activity, it is really enriching to learn about your way of life. A 12km walk today was an intense moment. "
The Diego Family
January 2024
We're on the flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok. I'm writing these lines because I'm eager to share more details about the trip, in addition to praising the services (hotels, restaurants, etc.) that I mentioned during the call in Vietnam.
Visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex is worth it. When we entered, we felt like we were becoming tiny people. It was a very surprising experience. On the second day, when we arrived at the lakeside village of Kompong Khleang, the scenery isn't beautiful, but it showcases the culture of the people, which is very interesting. The tour guide in Cambodia is very good, has a good sense of humor, and is always willing to explain everything coherently. So we didn't respond to the message immediately.
The continuity between the visit to Cambodia and the conclusion of the trip in Vietnam is certainly very reasonable. The number of days for visiting is also appropriate. In addition to following our itinerary, we also made use of our free t
Mr. Sebastian Rodriguez and his friends
January 2024 - The trip went well. We had memorable experiences in Asia with your team, the guides, and even the driver. Everything went smoothly, from the weather to the services (meals, accommodations) you arranged for us. Here are more details:
The first week in Vietnam was very good. We loved the egg coffee. Vietnamese cuisine is very diverse, and it was great because we had time to try most of the typical dishes: pho, bun cha, cao lau, and banh mi. The Old Quarter of Hanoi has an ancient beauty, but it's still a bit noisy. The cyclo experience was very reasonable and helped us not get bored while going to Hoi An, also to the Old Quarter, but to explore it by bikes. Ha Long Bay is very beautiful. The cruise was excellent.
The next part of the trip was in Cambodia, where we had truly amazing moments in front of the ruins of Angkor Wat. The tour guide in Cambodia was very detailed in everything we wanted to know. A few days in Cambodia are enough.
The end of the trip was in
Mrs and Mr SCHAMP
Dec 23, 2023 - We came back enchanted from our trip to Vietnam as a couple. Vietnam is a magnificent and endearing country.
The inhabitants are very welcoming and kind. As soon as we got back, we were already looking forward to going back. This was our first trip to Asia. Thanks to Kampá Tour and above all to its highly competent team, and in particular Madame Thom Doan, we set off with great confidence, and we haven't regretted it. The organization is impeccable, the hotels are top-quality and the activities varied (visits, trekking, kayaking, cycling, etc.).
The program was heavy, but we were able to split the tour into 17 days instead of 15, to take advantage of each region.
What a pleasure it was to be accompanied in each region by a guide who spoke perfect French and knew the country very well. We were able to travel with complete peace of mind, letting ourselves be guided and driven without worrying about a thing.
The family of Mr. GEIGER
Dec 6, 2023 - What a superb trip! Complete satisfaction! Discovery of the NORTH and CENTRAL VIETNAM. A very well-organized journey by VIETNAM DISCOVERY; competence and kindness of our guide LUNA; We were warmly welcomed at the agency (beautiful structure) by Mrs. THOM DOAN. The circuit and hotel services were fully in line with the program. We return with lots of beautiful memories and stunning images in our minds. Landscapes, temples, rice fields, Hmong villages, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An. We wholeheartedly recommend. BERNARD
[See more]Mrs Gisele Denaes and friends
28 Octobre 2023 - Hello, we had good feedback. All my friends were satisfied with your services. I will come back to you if we decide to go back.
Thanks again. I hope to see you soon.
Gisele Denaes.
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Hello, yes, the return trip went well. We appreciated the beauty of your country, its authenticity and the kindness of the inhabitants.
Thank you for your warm welcome. Our guide Duc and the driver were excellent, very professional and very kind.
Sincerely Agnès and Gilbert STRAUCH.
The Patricia Ait family
November 13, 2023 - Our trip was simply extraordinary and wonderful. It was a lesson in life. It would not have been possible without Mrs. Duong Lan, our Vietnam découverte correspondent, who was always available and very attentive, and who proposed a personalized tour according to our needs, guiding us in our choices.
The hotels were chosen with great care, and we really appreciated the home-stay accommodations, which gave us the chance to share special moments with the families.
Our driver, Phong, young and careful, was wonderful and very kind. Our guide, Hiep, "a walking encyclopedia of Vietnam", knew northern Vietnam and its history inside out. He was very committed, a good listener and had great human qualities to match his skills.
Recognition by travel guides
Most frequently asked questions
1. Am I exempt from the visa? If not, how can I obtain it?
You will be exempt from the Vietnamese visa if you are from countries like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the duration of your stay does not exceed 45 days. You just need to present a valid passport upon arrival in Vietnam and a return flight ticket reservation. Here is the list of European countries exempt from the Vietnamese visa: France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway.
A visa is mandatory for those who are not mentioned above. There are three options to obtain a visa: an E-visa, issued online on the Vietnamese Immigration website; a visa on arrival; or a regular visa provided by the Vietnamese Embassy (or Consulate) in your country. We recommend choosing the E-visa or visa on arrival as they are easier to obtain and less expensive. Please contact us for more information on visa procedures.
2. What type of vehicle is planned for my trip?
3. Can I make changes to the itinerary?
4. How can I make payments on-site? Which currencies are accepted?
5. When and how is the balance of the trip paid?
6. What are the payment terms?
7. What budget should I plan for a trip to Vietnam?
- Tour: Northern Vietnam highlights 7 Days
- Duration: 7 days 6 nights
- Type: The Essentials
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