Vietnam’s North to South Highlights in 2 Weeks

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 sleeper cabin

Each compartment is divided into small cabins, equipped with 2 to 4 berths. Amenities are located outside the cabins and are shared. If you are traveling as a couple, you have the choice between a cabin with 2 berths or privatizing a cabin with 4 berths for more privacy.

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.

From there, you'll journey to Bac Ha, a charming and peaceful town located approximately a hundred kilometers northeast of Sapa. Upon arrival, you'll embark on hiking adventures to explore the mountains, hills, valleys, and ethnic villages in the Bac Ha region. You'll trek through pine forests to reach Ngai Phong Cho, a village inhabited by the Flower Hmong and Phu La ethnic groups, where traditional thatched houses can still be found.

If time allows, you can continue the hike to Thai Giang Pho, known as the "Valley of Flowers," and visit the rarely-touristed villages of Thai Giang Pho and Na Lo, which are inhabited by the Tay and Black Hmong minorities. There is also an opportunity to visit a local family that specializes in rice wine production, a regional specialty, to learn about the local techniques.

At the end of the day, finding comfort and warmth with a welcoming Tay ethnic family.

Homestay accommodations typically consist of a single room within a traditional house, which can be either wooden or on stilts, depending on the host family's setup. You can expect to find mosquito nets, mattresses, and clean sheets provided on-site. The bathroom, equipped with hot water and towels, along with shared toilets, are usually situated outside the main house.

In the evening, enjoy a shared dinner with the host family—a special opportunity to delve into their way of life and experience the customs of the Tay minority.

Depending on the day, you may have the opportunity to visit a weekly market frequented by local minority communities around Bac Ha. This is a chance to encounter vibrant ethnic groups who gather at the market to trade goods and share news from their respective communities.

Afterward, you'll transfer to Sapa, a former French colonial resort, known as the homeland of the Hmong, Dzao, and Dzay minorities.

In the afternoon, 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.

As the day draws to a close, you'll return to town and spend the night at the hotel.

A day of hiking amidst the breathtaking and exotic landscapes of the Muong Hoa Valley.

Explore the ethnic villages scattered across the valley, including Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai inhabited by the Black Hmong, and Ta Van home to the Dzay minority.

Encounter local residents as they labor in the rice fields, offering insights into their daily routines and way of life.

As the day comes to a close, embark on a scenic drive back to Hanoi (approximately 5.5 to 6 hours).

Spend the night at the hotel.

Set out for Ninh Binh, known as the land of limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.
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).

Afterward, 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.

Return to Hanoi by the end of the day and spend the night at the hotel.
For a shorter drive, there's an option to stay in Ninh Binh on this day and spend the night there (without returning to Hanoi during the day). Then, you can depart for Halong Bay the following morning with a guide and private car. Please contact us for this option.

Embark 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 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.

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.

Tai Chi, the art of deep relaxation, involves performing a series of slow, flowing, and circular movements.

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.

In the evening, catch a flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in the heart of the country.

Spend the night in Hue

Departure for a city tour of Hue (Hue being the last imperial capital of Vietnam 1802-1945)

• The Imperial City served as the residence and workplace for the 13 Nguyen kings for 143 years.
• Explore the mausoleum of Minh Mang, the Emperor renowned for fathering 142 children with 43 concubines.
• Visit Phu Mong village with its garden houses, an integral part of Hue's imperial heritage.
• Discover the Thien Mu Pagoda, renowned as the most beautiful and frequently visited pagoda in Hue, or experience the serenity of Tu Hieu Pagoda, where the tombs of eunuchs from the Nguyen dynasty are located. Depending on the timing, you may have the opportunity to witness a monks' prayer session.
• Explore Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest market in Hue, where you can purchase local specialties such as conical hats and tunic dresses. 

Night at the hotel.

Departure by road for Hoi An, an ancient small town located 150 km south of Hue. Several stops are planned along the way:

• Take in the serene, less-visited stretches of coastline at Thuan An and Lang Co beaches, where extensive lagoons host various fish farms supporting the local community.
• Ascend the Cloud Pass, the highest pass in central Vietnam, situated strategically between Hue and Da Nang.

This pass acts as a natural climatic divide between the northern and southern regions of the country. From its summit, you can behold the breathtaking bays of Lang Co and Da Nang, stretching as far as the eye can see.

• Visit small-scale melaleuca oil factories
• And encounter picturesque roadside cemeteries known as 'Ghost Towns.' These cemeteries boast tombs resembling castles, adorned with diverse Asian architectural styles, creating a truly luxurious cityscape visible from a distance.

In the afternoon, arrive in Hoi An, complete the check-in process at the hotel, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Completely free day for an independent discovery of the old town of Hoi An with: the Fujian sanctuary dedicated to the protective goddess of fishermen and sailors; Phuc Thanh Pagoda, the oldest in Hoi An (1454); the Japanese Bridge built in 1593; the old streets, the museums, and the old wooden houses dating back hundreds of years...

Relaxation on the beautiful beaches of the Eastern Sea (Cua Dai, An Bang, etc.) or a walk to the surrounding countryside where there are several traditional villages (vegetables, pottery, carpentry, etc.).

Night at the hotel.

Take a flight to Ho Chi Minh city, the southern capital (formerly Saigon). Upon arrival, embark on a visit to:

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the country's largest city, home to around 10 million people. The city is also the access point to the Mekong Delta, the coastal coast and the southern highlands.

• Ben Thanh Market - a symbol of the city.
• Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel).
• The Headquarters of the Popular Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Marie Centrale, is considered the most beautiful colonial building in the city.
• The Museum of Traditional Medicine of Vietnam, where you'll discover traditional Vietnamese medicine with a history of more than 3000 years.
• The Chinese district of Cho Lon (Chinatown) with the Temple of the Heavenly Lady Thien Hau.

Night at the hotel.

Departure for the Mekong Delta, a half-land, half-aquatic territory in the far south of the country.

Arrival at Ben Tre, the large town located in the heart of the northern arms of the river. Boat trip on the rivers to reach Mo Cay, a small rural region with little tourism, well known for its coconut trade and the manufacturing of coconut products: coconut, coconut thread, activated coconut carbon, etc.

Bike ride or Xe loi (motorized cycle) on the green island abundantly covered with coconut plantations. The route, away from mass tourism, takes you along small paths, under the shade of coconut trees, which offer a particularly poetic landscape. Stop at farms to observe the manufacture of sweets and coconut brooms.

Continue with a trip in a small rowing boat through the arroyos surrounded by water palm trees, to immerse yourself in the daily life of the delta. Visit to Mr. Van's traditional house, tasting of local specialties made by his wife: coconut jam, tea with honey and pollen... and great encounters with the local population.

Afternoon, transfer to Vinh Long and arrive at the island of An Binh (“peace”) located in the middle of the Mekong. Installation at Mme Thuy’s, a peaceful guest house with a beautiful garden. Free time to relax in a very calm and relaxing environment.

In the evening, participate in the preparation of the meal then have dinner with your creations.

Night at Madame Thuy’s.

Wake up early, greet the guests, then transfer to Can Tho, the capital of the delta, located on the right bank of the southern arm of the Mekong.

On arrival, board a boat for a trip on the Mekong. Visit the Cai Rang floating market, which looks like a lively show bringing together numerous boats loaded with fruits, vegetables... and all other types of goods. Discovery of the very original 'river trade' of the inhabitants of the Mekong region.

Taking its source in the gigantic Himalayan range, the Mekong crosses five countries upstream in Southeast Asia (China, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos) before emptying into the Pacific Ocean on the territory of Vietnam. This river has shaped a vast and fertile delta in the southern part of the country known as the 'Mekong Delta.'

Disembark for a visit to the An Binh land market located opposite Cai Rang, an opportunity to make an interesting comparison between the floating market and the land market. Transfer to Phong Dien, visit an orchard, then bike ride through small hamlets along the So Dua River. In the afternoon, return to Ho Chi Minh City.

You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Please note that it is also possible to complete this circuit in the south-to-north direction. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in this option.

Thank you for choosing our Vietnam 2-week itinerary from North to South with Kampá Tour! We hope you had a fantastic experience. Safe travels!