10-Nights Journey through Northern Vietnam A Cultural Exploration from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - Explorations – Small Group from $2,499

Collette

OFFER ID 1641697

Journey through Northern Vietnam A Cultural Exploration from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
Set out on a journey revealing the best of Northern Vietnam, immersed in the near mythic beauty of the country and connecting with its people. From the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to the limestone labyrinth of Trang An, uncover Northern Vietnam’s natural wonders and storied past. Connect with locals over home-hosted meals, learn the art of sticky rice, and witness water puppetry in a master’s home. Ride on the back of a Vespa through Hanoi’s buzzing night markets, kayak past floating villages, and unwind in a mountain eco-lodge in Mai Chau. This immersive adventure blends cultural encounters, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes into one unforgettable adventure.

10 nights from $2,499 per person

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

Day 1 Overnight Flight
Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Northern Vietnam. From the peaceful rice paddies of Mai Chau to the towering limestone peaks rising from the waters of Ha Long Bay, and from the warm-hearted locals of Ninh Binh to the vibrant pulse of Hanoi, prepare for a cultural adventure.

Day 2 Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotel: Hotel du Parc
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. With its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial facades, and a street food culture that hums with energy, Hanoi offers a rich and layered introduction to the country. Since arrival times vary, today is yours to explore at your leisure. You might stroll through a local market, unwind at a lakeside café, or simply take in the rhythm of the city. Tonight, dinner is on your own — perhaps sample a steaming bowl of pho or crispy bánh xèo from a nearby eatery.

Day 3 Hanoi
Hotel: Hotel du Parc
Step into the heart of Vietnamese tradition with a visit to the home of a master water puppet artist, where you’ll experience this centuries-old art form. Then, hop aboard a cyclo — a three-wheeled bicycle taxi — for a guided ride through the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This evening, stroll down lively Beer Street to sample local brews, and cap off the day with a welcome dinner.(B, D)

Day 4 Hanoi
Hotel: Hotel du Parc
This morning, it’s your choice! Head into Hanoi’s narrow backstreets to visit the famed Train Street, where homes and cafés sit inches from the railway line -OR- sit down to a bowl of bún cha at Huong Lien Restaurant, the very spot where President Obama and Anthony Bourdain once shared this staple dish. After, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature. Enjoy lunch at a social enterprise restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth through culinary training. This evening, hop on the back of a Vespa for a guided food tour through the Old Quarter, sampling local favorites like pho and egg coffee while weaving through the city’s lively night scene.(B, L, D)

Day 5 Hanoi - Mai Chau
Hotel: Mai Chau Ecolodge
Leave the buzz of Hanoi behind as you make your way into the lush hills of Mai Chau, a peaceful valley framed by misty mountains and dotted with stilt houses. Upon arrival, take a walk through the surrounding rice paddies, catching glimpses of daily life in the local villages. Tonight, unwind at your eco-lodge, surrounded by soaring mountains and unbridled forests.(B, L, D)

Day 6 Mai Chau: Hich Village & Lac Village
Hotel: Mai Chau Ecolodge
This morning, connect with the living history of Mai Chau during a visit to Hich Village. Meet a Vietnam War veteran and their family, hearing firsthand stories that offer a personal lens into the region’s past. Experience an Impact Moment in Lac Village with a visit to Hoa Ban, a social enterprise that uplifts women from the White Thai minority through vocational training. Later, be welcomed into a local home for a traditional dinner. Share a meal of regional dishes and enjoy warm hospitality as you learn more about the customs of the White Thai ethnic group.(B, D)

Day 7 Mai Chau - Ninh Binh
Hotel: Emeralda Ninh Bình Resort and Spa
Leave the hills on Mai Chau for the dramatic landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land” for its towering limestone formations and winding rivers. Your first stop is Hoa Lu (UNESCO), Vietnam’s ancient capital dating back to the 10th century. Marvel at the temple and fortress ruins as you explore this historical site. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Hike to Hang Mua viewpoint, climbing over 500 steps to be rewarded with spectacular views -OR- indulge in a relaxing massage back at the hotel spa.(B, L)

Day 8 Ninh Binh: Trang An Grottoes
Hotel: Emeralda Ninh Bình Resort and Spa
This morning, step into a rowboat and glide through the serene waterways of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its labyrinth of limestone caves and jungle-covered peaks. As you paddle through Bright Cave, Dark Cave, Ba Giot, and Nau Ruou, the quiet beauty of this hidden world unfolds around you. This evening, connect with locals over a home-hosted dinner that begins with a visit to the market for fresh ingredients and continues with a hands-on cooking class before sharing the meal together.(B, D)

Day 9 Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay
Hotel: The 'Au Co' Ship
Travel to Ha Long Bay and board a cruise boat for two spectacular nights. Pass through Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet, and Con Coc Islet before arriving at a coastal village. Choose to explore by bicycle or electric cart, winding through the village and learning about daily life in this peaceful corner of Northern Vietnam. Later, take part in an Impact Moment at the Bhaya Community Farm, where you’ll learn about sustainable farming as well as the Save the Langurs conservation project. From Bhaya’s café, enjoy views of verdant fields dotted with wandering buffalo, and try your hand at crafting some local delicacies. Back aboard the ship, unwind as the sun sets over the bay.(B, L, D)

Day 10 Ha Long Bay
Hotel: The 'Au Co' Ship
Greet the day with a Tai Chi session on the deck as the sun rises over Ha Long Bay. Then, take the chance to further explore the Trinh Nu area by kayak, paddling through quiet coves and beneath towering limestone cliffs. After lunch onboard, visit Cua Van Floating Village, considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, drifting past colorful homes and fishing boats by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Finish the day with another spectacular sunset over the bay.(B, L, D)

Day 11 Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
Hotel: Hotel du Parc
This morning, it’s your choice! Explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest in Ha Long Bay, following the 500-meter paved passageway that threads through it -OR- visit Titov Island for a swim in the calm waters, sunbathing on the pristine beach and – if you’re up for it – a hike up the mountain for a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Then, bid the bay farewell as you travel back to Hanoi. Enjoy one last free afternoon to revisit your favorite spots or simply relax before gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.(B, D)

Day 12 Hanoi - Tour Ends
Your adventure through Northern Vietnam comes to a close today.(B)

Featured Destinations

Halong Bay (Hanoi)

Meaning “Bay of the Descending Dragon,” Halong Bay’s water is calm and undisturbed despite the jutting limestone mountains that soar out of the water and toward the sky. As if a tail of a Dragon plunged into the earth, the mountains are craggy, sharp, and barren, and are dotted with thousands of small caves of various depths and heights. At dusk, they all take on mysterious shades of gray, mauve and olive, lending credence to the local legends.

Excursions

Ha Noi City Tour & Street Food Tour – 12 hours - Hanoi

Halong Bay Cruise (5 Hours)

Halong Bay Cruise (7 Hours)

Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Halong City

Ninh Binh

The provincial capital of Ninh Binh, 62 mi/100 km south of Hanoi, is worth a two- or three-day visit on its own, rather than the usual day trip from Hanoi. It is a bit off the trodden tourist trail, and there the life of contemporary Vietnam is visible without the prepackaged spin that most resorts put on the traveler's experience.

The haunting landscapes of Tam Coc are 6 mi/9 km from Ninh Binh. In scenery reminiscent of classic Chinese scroll painting, tiny wooden rowboats will take you on a river journey through brilliant green rice fields farmed by men and women wearing the traditional Vietnamese conical straw hats and country dress. Rising from the fields are sheer-sided limestone karsts very similar to those found in Halong Bay, but hung with tropical vegetation and home to darting cliff swallows. Three of the karsts are so large that naturally occurring caverns pass through them, and the effect of the vibrant landscape framed by the arched openings of the tunnels is breathtaking.

This is no commercial conceptualization—it is the real, rural life of Vietnam happening alongside the narrow river. At the end of the journey, your oarsman will most probably offer you examples of the high-quality local embroidery on tablecloths, napkins or T-shirts—at amazingly low prices, though as always, a certain amount of bargaining is expected.

Cuc Phuong National Park is 28 mi/45 km from central Ninh Binh, measures 106 sq mi/275 sq km, spans three provinces and protects some of the oldest forests in Vietnam. An hour's trek takes you to the Big Tree, an ancient forest giant with roots so widespread, 16 people must join hands in order to circle it.

Up several steep flights of stairs is the vast Cave of Prehistoric Man, where an estimated group of 25 protohumans lived together at the edge of the sea. Dinh May Bach (Silver Cloud Peak) has rugged hiking trails up its 2,125 ft/648 m height.

The Endangered Primate Resource Center near the entrance is a kind of mental and physical rehabilitation center for gibbons, several kinds of languars and lorises, all of which have been rescued from cages or illegal traders. The center's breeding program has been a great success, and infant monkeys are a common site as they cling to their mother's fur. The park has basic cabins for rent within the grounds, where visitors can experience the vibrant, complex life of the jungle at length.

Mai Chau Village

Hanoi

Hanoi is a city with a history that dates back to the 7th century. In 1954 Hanoi was declared the capital of the Democratic Republic of North Vietnam, and in 1976, following the Vietnam War, it became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. This political history has made Hanoi one of the country's most fascinating cities to explore. The most renowned of all the monuments is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. It is dedicated to Vietnam's most well-respected President, who in 1945, led his country to independence. Other highlights include the Museum of History, containing ancient artifacts from Cambodia, Thailand, Japan and China, the 11th century One Pillar Pagoda and legendary Sword Lake.

Excursions

Hanoi - Hon Gai / Hai Phong Port

Hanoi Full Day Tour (10 Hours)

Shore Excursion Hai Phong - Hanoi

Shore Excursion Halong - Hanoi

SHORE EXCURSION HALONG - HANOI

Destination: Ha Noi
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Code: MDHANSE004

Tour Description:
Disembark at the Port of Cai Lan where your guide will be waiting to take you on a 3.5hr drive into Hanoi to explore this charming capital city, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’, with its yellow ochre colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards and scenic lakes. Begin your tour of the highlights of Hanoi with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century. The picturesque temple is an example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture and is featured on the back of the 100,000 Vietnamese dong banknote. Continue to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, offering broad insights into the people of Vietnam, including its 54 ethnic groups, through the lens of women’s topics. Walk through diverse exhibitions showcasing everything from street vendors and marriage to family life and traditional fashion. Enjoy lunch at Cau Go Vietnamese cuisine restaurant - located on the top floor of old building which was built 90s with amazing view overlook to Hoan Kiem lake. Conclude with a cyclo tour through the famed Old Quarter known for its ‘36 streets of 36 wares’ named after the original 36 artisan guilds that date as far back as the 13th century. Explore the fascinating maze of back streets, fronted by narrow houses known as “tunnel” or “tube houses”, built to avoid taxes based on the width of their frontage onto the street, a wonderfully eclectic glimpse into Hanoi street life. Drive back to the Port of Cai Lan and board the ship.

Notes:

There is an extra charge for transfer from other ports.

Inclusions:

Private transfer
Port pick-up and drop-off
Sightseeing with Local English Speaking guide
Entrance fees
Meals as specified (meals only, no drinks/ waters)
Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

Exclusions:

Visa (Please contact your cruise for the visa details)
Other meals where not mention in the program
Drinks/ waters on meals
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Tips and Gratuities
Other services not listed

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

09/24/2026 - 10/05/2026

from $2,499 per person

10/15/2026 - 10/26/2026

from $2,999 per person

11/05/2026 - 11/16/2026

from $2,999 per person

11/12/2026 - 11/23/2026

from $2,999 per person

12/03/2026 - 12/14/2026

from $2,999 per person

12/26/2026 - 01/06/2027

from $2,999 per person

01/07/2027 - 01/18/2027

from $2,999 per person

01/21/2027 - 02/01/2027

from $2,999 per person

01/28/2027 - 02/08/2027

from $2,999 per person

02/11/2027 - 02/22/2027

from $2,999 per person

02/18/2027 - 03/01/2027

from $2,999 per person

03/04/2027 - 03/15/2027

from $2,999 per person

03/18/2027 - 03/29/2027

from $2,999 per person

04/08/2027 - 04/19/2027

from $2,999 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $2,499 per person

Length

10 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Deluxe

Remarks

Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability and change without notice. Prices reflect land only accommodations, airfare is additional. Blackout dates/seasonal supplements may apply. Itinerary and map subject to change. Prices subject to availability and changes without notice. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1641697

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