Northern Vietnam Highlights
Itinerary
Days 1-3 – Flavours of Hanoi
Hanoi is a capital city crammed with character. Motorbikes zip through tangled streets, food hawkers serve up steaming bowls of pho and fruit stalls spill onto shady boulevards. You’ll stay in the heart of the atmospheric Old Quarter and during your stay you’ll embark on a culinary and cultural journey through Hanoi with your private guide. You’ll learn all about local legends, admire the ancient architecture and taste a range of delicacies from grilled pork to vermicelli dumplings as you wander the streets of the Old Quarter.
Days 3-6 – Lakes and waterfalls of the North
Just a few hours’ drive from Hanoi, Ba Be National Park offers the perfect escape from the busy streets of the capital. You’ll be surrounded by stunning natural scenery – soaring mountains, sparkling waterfalls and vast lakes where you can kayak, swim, cycle and trek your heart out! You’ll sleep in a traditional homestay near the largest lake in Vietnam, the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
Days 6-7 – Drift between limestone peaks
This morning you’ll have an early start ready for your journey to the limestone islands of Bai Tu Long Bay. You’ll be picked up from your hotel by minibus and transferred to Hon Gai harbour, about 4 hours outside of the city. A turquoise bay peppered with tropical outcrops, Bai Tu Long Bay is every bit as beautiful as neighbouring Halong, but with fewer crowds. Rich in stunning views, you’ll drift between emerald karst islets and laze on tiny beaches. You’ll stay aboard a traditional Chinese junk boat, rocked to sleep by the rhythm of the water.
Days 7-9 – At home with the Hill Tribes via Hanoi
At the harbour you’ll board the minibus back to Hanoi. En route you’ll make a stop at a local farming village. You’ll spend another night in the same hotel in Hanoi. The next day you’ll travel 4 hours to Mai Hich where you’ll spend the next couple of days engrossing yourself in Vietnamese minority culture. Stay with a tribal family tucked away in the misty hills of rural Vietnam and hike through a plunging green valley. As house guests, you’ll experience genuine hill tribe hospitality and get a feel for authentic mountain ways. The accommodation might be simple, but it’s huge on heart. Nestled in the bright green countryside, Mai Hich is home to the White Tai people, known for their dancing, singing and punchy Can wine.
Days 9-12 – Classic Hoi An
Today, you’ll fly from Hanoi to Danang – a quick 90-minute journey. On arrival, a private transfer will take you to Hoi An, which is about 45-minutes south. Known for its charming lantern-lit streets, Hoi An is a mix of historic Chinese shop houses, artist studios, and riverside eateries. The town’s laid-back vibe and delicious food make it a national treasure. While there, you’ll join a small group for a cooking class, starting with a visit to the vibrant local market to pick up fresh ingredients. After learning to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes, you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch of your creations, leaving the afternoon free for you to explore.
After three nights in Hoi An, it’s time to wave goodbye to Vietnam as you’re transferred to Danang airport for your international flight home.
Accommodation
For this itinerary we offer the following options
Northern Vietnam Highlights - In Style accommodation
For the locations included in this itinerary we have alternative options available in terms of comfort. Our In Style options can be more luxurious, offer something unique or offer a more comfortable transport option – all with that local flavour! If you would like to upgrade your itinerary select our In Style option below.
