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The Quintessential Journey: The Best Northern Vietnam Tour
Embark on a grand 6-day, 5-night adventure that captures the entire spectrum of Northern Vietnam’s breathtaking beauty. This is the definitive journey for those who want to experience it all: the ancient soul of Hanoi, the emerald waters of Halong Bay, the poetic landscapes of Ninh Binh, and the mist-clad mountains of Sapa. This comprehensive Northern Vietnam tour is a seamless tapestry of culture, nature, and adventure.
Day 1: Hanoi’s Historical Welcome
Embark on a grand 6-day, 5-night adventure that captures the entire spectrum of Northern Vietnam’s breathtaking beauty. This is the definitive journey for those who want to experience it all: the ancient soul of Hanoi, the emerald waters of Halong Bay, the poetic landscapes of Ninh Binh, and the mist-clad mountains of Sapa. This comprehensive Northern Vietnam tour, thoughtfully designed by Wigo Tourist, is a seamless tapestry of culture, nature, and adventure.
Day 2: The Majestic Wonder of Halong Bay
An early start takes you on a journey to a UNESCO World Heritage wonder. After a comfortable bus ride, you’ll arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and board the Hercules Cruise. A welcome drink is served as you set sail into the heart of Halong Bay, enjoying a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch amidst the stunning scenery. You’ll cruise past iconic limestone karsts like Dog Rock and the famous Fighting Cocks.
The afternoon is filled with incredible excursions. You’ll explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), the largest and most beautiful grotto in the bay. Then, you’ll head to Luon Cave, where you can choose to kayak or take a bamboo boat through the serene water tunnel. The final stop is Titop Island, offering a chance to swim in the bay’s emerald waters or hike to the peak for a stunning panoramic view. As the sun begins to set, you’ll relax on the deck with tea and snacks before cruising back to the harbour and returning to Hanoi for the night.
Day 3: Ninh Binh, the “Ha Long Bay on Land”
Today’s journey takes you south to the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh. Your first stop is the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where a gentle bicycle ride takes you to the historic temples of King Dinh and King Le. After a hearty buffet lunch, you’ll board a small sampan boat for a mesmerizing two-hour trip through the Trang An Landscape Complex. As you glide silently through emerald waterways and under limestone grottoes, you’ll understand why this area was chosen as a filming location for “Kong: Skull Island.”
The day’s adventure culminates with a visit to Mua Cave. A climb up 500 steps is rewarded with one of Vietnam’s most spectacular views—a sweeping panorama of the Tam Coc valley’s rice paddies and winding river. You’ll return to Hanoi in the evening, rich with memories of this stunning region. Exploring Ninh Binh reveals another side of the region’s beauty on this Northern Vietnam tour.
Day 4: The Journey to Sapa’s Mountain Highlands
The next chapter of your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Hanoi on a comfortable sleeping bus. The 5-hour journey is a visual treat as the scenery transforms from the flat Red River Delta to the dramatic mountains of the north. Upon arrival in the charming town of Sapa, you’ll check into your hotel and have lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll take a scenic walk to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic group. Here, you’ll gain insight into their unique culture, see the beautiful Cat Cat Waterfall, and learn about the old French-built hydroelectric plant. After a day of travel and exploration, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and settle in for an overnight stay in Sapa.
Day 5: The Roof of Indochina
After breakfast, an unforgettable experience awaits: ascending Fansipan Peak, the “Roof of Indochina.” A modern cable car will whisk you over the stunning Muong Hoa Valley, which, in the golden light of September, is a patchwork of ripe rice terraces ready for harvest. From the summit, you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views and the serene atmosphere of the mountain-top temple complex.
Following this peak experience, you’ll have lunch and check out of your hotel. There’s free time in the afternoon to wander through Sapa town or shop for souvenirs at the local market before boarding the bus for your return journey to Hanoi, arriving in the evening for your final night. Reaching the ‘Roof of Indochina’ is an unforgettable moment on this grand Northern Vietnam tour.
Day 6: Fond Farewells
On your final morning, enjoy one last Vietnamese breakfast at your hotel. After checking out, a private taxi will transfer you to the airport for your departure, concluding your epic journey through the north. This comprehensive 6-day Northern Vietnam tour truly has it all, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Included/Exclude
Tour Amenities
Tour Plan
12:30AM – 05:30PM: Half Day Hanoi City Tour
- The car will pick you up for lunch.
- The half-day afternoon itinerary will include visits to the following sites:
Tran Quoc Pagoda, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison. These are prominent cultural
landmarks of Vietnam, known for their beauty and solemn atmosphere.
- Around 5:30 PM, the itinerary will conclude. You can freely explore the Old Quarter,
have dinner, and optionally watch a water puppet show at Hoan Kiem Lake.
8:10 - 8:50: English speaking guide will pick you up at your hotel.
9:00 - 11:30: Start two and a haft hours road journey to Quang Ninh Province via express way. Quick stop over for stretching your legs on the way.
11:45 - 12:15: Arrive to Ha Long Bay - Embark from Tuan Chau Marina onto Hercules cruise. A complimentary welcome drink will be served. The boat starts cruising.
12:30: Enjoy Buffet lunch with Vietnamese traditional food while cruising though thousands of limestone islands such as: Dog Rock, Insence Bunner and especially Fighting Cock – a symbol of Ha Long Bay.
13:30: Explore Sung Sot Cave - The longest, biggest and the most beautiful grotto of Ha Long Bay.
14:45: The boat will move to Luon Cave area - a water cave for kayaking or rowing bamboo boat or just stay on board for relaxing.
15:45: Visiting Titop island for swimming or hiking to the Titop peak for taking photos with panoramic view of the bay.
16:30: It is time for a rest after activities and capture the sunset on the bay. Complimentary Vietnamese tea, fresh juice, fruit, ang little cake will be served. Enjoy the return sail back.
17:45-18:00: Back to Ha Long harbor. Disembark to get on the bus, moving back Hanoi.
20:30 – 21:00: Arrived in Hanoi and take a rest
07:15 – 08:00: Pick up in Hanoi, depart for Ninh Binh
10:15: Bike to visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – temples of King Dinh & King Le
12:00: Lunch at Cozy Vietnam Restaurant and have buffet lunch
13:00: Boat trip to Trang An (~2 hours) – UNESCO site, filming location of “Kong: Skull Island”
16:00: Visit Mua Cave, climb 500 steps for panoramic view of Tam Coc
19:00: Return to Hanoi
21:00: Arrived in Hanoi and take a rest
06:00–06:30: Sleeping bus picks you up in Hanoi Old Quarter, depart for Sapa via highway (~5 hours)
12:00–12:30: Arrive in Sapa, transfer to hotel & have lunch
14:00–14:30: Walk to Cat Cat Village – explore H’mong culture, visit Cat Cat Waterfall &
old French-built hydroelectric plant
18:00–18:30: Dinner at local restaurant
Overnight stay at hotel in Sapa Town
07:30: Have breakfast at the restaurant. Then, You can conquer Fansipan peak by the most modern cable car system
in Southeast Asia or rent a motorbike by yourself to visit the remaining beautiful scenes in the
dreamy town of Sapa such as visiting Love waterfall, the valley. Muong Hoa...
12:00 – 12:30: Have lunch, check out procedures. Free to visit and shop at Sapa market.
15:00: Delegation gets on the bus back to Hanoi.
21:00: Arrived in Hanoi and take a rest
Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel.
Then check out to your hotel. And our taxi will pick up you to go to the Airport.
End the 6 days 5 nights. See you again!
Note Tour
CHILDREN POLICY
– The price for children is applicable for one child sharing a twin or double cabin with 2 adults.
– The children under 5 years old are FOC (not included domestic flight ticket)
– 5-8 years old without bed: 75% adult rate
– From 9 years old: Adult rate
CANCELLATION POLICY
– Before 30 days: free of charge
– From 30-15 days before departure day: 30% of the total rate
– From 7-14 days before departure day: 50% of the total rate
– Less than 7 days before departure day or no-show: 100% of the total rate
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FAQ
What type of visa do I need to enter Vietnam?
Tourists need to apply for a tourist visa (visa D1) to enter Vietnam. The visa application can be done online or at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate.
What are the entry procedures for Vietnam?
Upon arrival at the airport, tourists need to present their passport, visa, and entry declaration form. This process is usually quite quick.
What is the currency of Vietnam and what are the exchange rates?
The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Exchange rates can vary, so tourists should check the rates before exchanging money.
Where can I use my credit card?
International credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for use in places that do not accept cards.
Do locals speak English?
Locals in major cities often speak English, especially in tourist areas. However, English may not be widely spoken in rural areas.
Which areas are safe to travel to?
Tourist areas like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are generally safe for visitors. However, tourists should avoid isolated areas at night.
What are the signature dishes of Vietnam that I should try?
Some signature Vietnamese dishes that tourists should try include pho, banh mi, bun cha, and nem ran (spring rolls).
What is the most convenient mode of transportation within the city?
In major cities, public transportation options like buses, taxis, and ride-hailing services such as Grab are convenient.
Where can I rent a motorbike or bicycle?
Tourists can rent motorbikes or bicycles at rental shops or hotels. However, they should carefully check the rental terms and always wear helmets while riding.
