Explore North Vietnam

Explore North Vietnam
Overview
  • Travel style: Family Holiday
  • Duration: 06 Days
  • Start from: Hanoi
  • End at: Hanoi
  • Visit: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Highlights

The Explore North Vietnam itinerary offers you the chance to discover the highlights of North Vietnam in the most comfortable way. Enjoy a journey through breathtaking landscapes, with visits to tribes and villages that showcase the region's unique culture. This tour is designed for those who love nature, culture, and explore local experiences.

  • Mountain escape with Thai minority people in Mai Chau
  • Sampan boat in Tam Coc 
  • Typical countryside in Ninh Binh 
  • Romantic Halong Bay Cruise
Itinerary Expand All
  • Day 1 : Hanoi Arrival

    Upon landing at Noi Bai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your tour guide and driver in the pickup lobby. Transfer for around 45 minutes to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) for check in hotel and recover from jet lag.

    Note: Standard hotel check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to availability.
  • Day 2 : Hanoi City Tour

    Meet tour guide after breakfast for a full-day exploration of Hanoi. First visit the renowned Temple of Literature and the Quoc Tu Giam—Vietnam's first university, was founded within the temple to educate the royal family, mandarins, and elite members for an impressive 800 years.

    Afterward, you can choose between museum options (to be decided on the tour day):

    Option 1:Vietnam Women’s Museum. This highly regarded museum showcases the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam and highlights the vital role women play in society.

    Option 2:Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). A must-visit for those interested in Vietnam's cultural diversity, this museum features a vast array of interactive exhibits representing the 54 ethnic groups of the country.

    Option 3: Hoa Lo Museum - The "POWS" Known as the "Hanoi Hilton", this historic site was built by the French and served during both the French colonial period and the Vietnam War. It offers documentaries of Vietnamese history in 20-21 centuaries. 

    Have a break for lunch. 

    Once refreshed, head to Ho Chi Minh complex ( Ho Chi Minh Mousoleum, Presidental Palace, House on stilts and One Pillar pagoda). This fascinating site involves considerable walking, so be prepared (note that the Mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, as well as every afternoon and annually from June 12th to August 14th).

    Then enjoy some coffee at Train Street. The century-old train tracks that run through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Town have recently transformed into an intriguing attraction known as Hanoi Train Street, especially popular among travelers and foreigners. Sitting at a café adjacent to the railway and observing the daily lives of local residents can be somewhat risky, yet it continues to draw many curious visitors eager for the experience.
    In the mid to late afternoon, explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter on the cyclo. This labyrinth of alleyways is filled with hidden gems, offering a glimpse into local life in the ‘36 guilds’ as you navigate the bustling streets.

    To wrap up the day, travel back to the 11th century with an enchanting performance of the ancient art of water puppetry at the famous Water Puppet Theater.

    After this captivating introduction to Hanoi’s highlights, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel.

  • Day 3 : Hanoi - Mai Chau

    Leave Hanoi in the morning for a romantic escape to the beautiful Mai Chau Valley. Capture stunning photos of the majestic mountains and visit a small market at Thung Khe Pass. You might want to enjoy a cup of coffee at the flagpole while taking in the peaceful views of Mai Chau Valley.

    Arrival to Mai Chau, enjoy lunch at homestay and check in your overnight accomodation.

    In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk to Pom Coong Village, crossing rice fields to reach Van Village, or cycle gently to the Cha Long community. This program offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the serene landscapes and interact with the friendly Thai people.

    Return to your hotel for a peaceful evening. You can enhance your night with a traditional music performance (available for an additional charge).

  • Day 4 : Mai Chau - Ninh Binh

    Enjoy breakfast then say farewell to Mai Chau and head to Ninh Binh to explore "Halong on land".  On arrival, visit Hoa Lu ancient capital with the temples dedicated to the Kings of Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and the Le Dynasty (980-1009) who played a vital role in gaining the country’s independence from Chiness for a thousand years.

    After lunch at local restaurant, short transfer to Tam Coc which has been appeared in the famous movie "King Kong”  You will enjoy a relaxing sampan boat which is gently rowed by local people along the Ngo Dong River. Pass through three caves and witness a stunning landscape interleaved by small communities, rice fields, cemetery and temples.

    Late in the afternoon, set a lightly hike to visit Bich Dong, a typical pagoda in the countryside of the Red River Delta, built in the 15 century. You not only have the chance to learn about Buddhism but also get to experience incredible countryside views. 

    Check in your hotel, relax at a peaceful countryside. 

  • Day 5 : Ninh Binh - Halong Bay

    7:30 AM: Depart from your hotel for a comfortable three-hour drive through the scenic Red River Delta.

    Upon arrival, be warmly welcomed to a romantic journey to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay.

    Check in your comfortable private carbin before enjoying a delightful lunch with sea food choices.
    Take some leisure time to admire the breathtaking scenery before setting off afternoon excursions. You can visit the famous Sung Sot cave, enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat rowed by fishman or try hands on kayaking. 
    As the sun sets, participate in a cooking class while the bar's Happy Hour is opened, the perfect view of Tonkin Bay.

    The fine dining experience for dinner, featuring a delectable tasting menu, promises to create unforgettable moments.

    Afterward, relish a romantic night on the bay from the top deck with your favorite drink. You can also try your luck at squid fishing.

    Note: Cruises' departure time is from 11:30-12:00 at noon. Program activities may change depending on weather conditions and selected cruise.
  • Day 6 : Halong Bay - Hanoi

    Start your day early with a Tai Chi session on sun deck, breathing in the fresh air, and witness the sunrise over the bay.

    Enjoy a light breakfast complemented by a good cup of coffee or tea, preparing for a new-day adventure exploring the bay's rocky islands and natural beauty. If the weather is favorable, you’ll have the chance to swim at a hidden beach or hike to the top of TiTop island grab the stunning bay view on your photos. 

    Afterward, return to the cruise to complete the check-out process. Savor a delightful brunch at the restaurant while cruising back to the harbor. 

    Your private vehicle transfers you back to Hanoi or the airport to continue your holiday (up on request).

Inclusions
  • Service of a private driver and air-conditioned vehicle.
  • Service of an English-speaking guide.
  • Entrance fees for all mentioned sights
  • Bottled drinking water and wet tissue
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Hotels in Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh
  • Boat trip in Tam Coc
  • Halong Bay Cruise
Exclusions
  • Flights into and out Vietnam.
  • Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Tips for tour guide and driver.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Vietnam Visa.


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  • We traveled to Vietnam from September 25 to 30 and used Asia Life Travel for our trip. We were extremely happy with their service! The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and...
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    Nov 20, 2025
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  • We were on a tight schedule from Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay - to the airport.. and we didn't have time to muck about and make timely mistakes..so...
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