Highlights of Northern Vietnam in 8 days and 7 nights

Admin
Nov 1, 2023
6 min read

Updated: Sep 12, 2024

This tour is specifically crafted to explore the top attractions in Northern Vietnam, such as the stunning natural wonder of Ha Long Bay, the diverse cultural and natural UNESCO heritage of Ninh Binh, and the ancient capital of Hanoi. During the journey, you will spend two nights immersing yourself in Hanoi's culture, history, and hospitable locals; enjoy one or two nights on a serene and enchanting Halong Bay cruise; and experience two nights in Ninh Binh, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of limestone mountains, beaches, and ethnic group villages, away from the hustle and bustle.

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi

Dinner

Upon your arrival in Vietnam, the driver will pick you up at the airport, drive you to the hotel for check-in, and allow you to rest after a long flight.

Spend the night in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8:00 Hoan Kiem Lake

(Schedule is flexible) Our tour guide will pick you up, and we will commence our Hanoi City Tour. Our first stop will be at Hoan Kiem Lake, which is known as the heart of Hanoi. Here, you can observe locals engaging in various activities such as playing badminton and exercising.

8:30 Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Next, we will proceed to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex. This area is free of traffic and features botanical gardens, monuments, memorials, and pagodas. Within the complex, you will find Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House and the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the One Pillar Pagoda.

9:30 Visit to the Temple of Literature & National University

The Temple of Literature & National University was established as a university in 1070 to honor Confucius, scholars, and sages. The structure is remarkably well-maintained and showcases authentic Vietnamese architectural style. Exploring the Temple of Literature allows you to admire ancient buildings from the Ly and Tran dynasties, situated in a respected location where numerous scholars have graduated, now serving as a tribute to education and literature.

10:30 Visit Hoa Lo Prison

Although known as the ‘Hanoi Hilton’ by American prisoners of war (POWs) during the American War, Hoa Lo Prison showcases exhibits mainly from its use until the mid-1950s, highlighting Vietnam's struggle for independence from France.

11:30 Explore the Vietnam National Museum of History

This museum houses a collection of over 200,000 objects and materials representing Vietnamese history from pre-history to the present, including numerous Vietnamese antiquities and 18 items designated as Vietnam’s national treasures.

12:30 Enjoy lunch and relax at the hotel.

15:30 Board the bus to attend a Water Puppet show

Water puppetry, a renowned traditional theater art form in Vietnam, is a must-see for many visitors to Hanoi who wish to appreciate the beauty of our country's enduring traditional culture.

17:00 Join our tour guide for a culinary journey through Hanoi Street Foods (you may opt to visit Hanoi Train Street)

Day 3: One-Day Tour of Ninh Binh

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

6:00 Your driver and tour guide will pick you up at the meeting point and head to Ninh Binh. Along the way, you can make a stop in Ha Nam for breakfast to savor the local specialty, Banh Cuon, and freshen up. (Breakfast expenses are on your own)

8:00 The driver will then take you to Trang An wharf, where you will board a boat to explore the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex - a captivating space where limestone formations, valleys, and rivers blend together. You will have the chance to visit four of the most stunning natural caves in Trang An: Hang Lam, Hang Vang, Hang Thanh Slide, and the final cave, Hang Dai. Additionally, you will visit spiritual landmarks like Suoi Tien temple and Vu Lam palace.

12:00 Enjoy local specialties for lunch at the restaurant.

13:30 Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, including King Dinh Temple dating back to the 17th Century.

14:45 Begin an exciting trek up Ngoa Long mountain at Mua Cave to witness the breathtaking rice valley and stunning natural views.

16:15 Return to the car and head back to Hanoi for dinner.

19:45 Be dropped off at your hotel/accommodation.

Day 4: Exploring Surprising Cave and Titop Island in Halong Bay from Hanoi

07:45 - 08:30 If you have booked the Limousine Bus or shuttle bus, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and taken to Ha Long.

11:30 - 12:00 Upon reaching Tuan Chau International Cruise Port, our cruise staff will warmly welcome you in the waiting lounge and assist with the check-in process.

12:30 Once aboard Le Journey Premium Cruise, our crew will greet you with a refreshing drink and cold towel before you settle into your cabin. The cruise will depart from Tuan Chau Marina, embarking on a captivating journey through the stunning Ha Long Bay. As you sail towards Surprising Cave, you can marvel at the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay with its thousands of limestone islands.

Indulge in a luxurious lunch at our onboard restaurant as the cruise continues towards Surprising Cave.

14:45 Explore the magnificent Surprising Cave, known as the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay.

Following this, we will take you to Titop Island, where you can swim and climb to the island's summit for the best view of Ha Long Bay during the summer.

17:30 - 18:00 Join a Sunset Party & Cooking Class on board as the cruise heads towards the shore. Relax on the sundeck with a cup of traditional Vietnamese tea or coffee, enjoying the serene sunset over the bay. While Ha Long Bay is tranquil during the day, it becomes even more peaceful and enchanting as the sun sets.

Our chef will guide you in making delicious Fresh Spring rolls, which you can then enjoy.

17:30 - 18:30 Happy hour - BUY 2 DRINKS, GET 1 FREE (cocktails, mocktails...)

19:00 - 20:00 Have your dinner on the Sundeck (weather permitting)

After dinner, unwind on the deck while enjoying the peaceful night view of the Bay. Listen to music and have some drinks at the Sky Bar while taking in the breathtaking night scenery of the Bay or try your hand at squid fishing.

The cruise ship will anchor in a quiet area for your peaceful overnight stay.

Day 5: Explore Lan Ha Bay, visit Dark Light Cave, and discover Tra Bau/Ba Trai Dao Island

06:45 - 07:30 Begin your day with breakfast on the second floor.

At 8:30, we will transfer to a smaller boat to explore Lan Ha Bay.

10:00 - 10:30 Our next stop is the Dark and Bright cave, renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and picturesque seascape of Lan Ha Bay. Here, you can capture the romantic and poetic local scenery, enjoy bamboo boats or kayaking - an engaging way to discover the true charm of the Limestone Mountains and the azure sky of Lan Ha Bay.

11:30 Lunch will be served on the boat.

12:30 Spend an hour swimming at Ba Trai Dao Island/Tra Bau.

13:30 Return to Ha Long Bay.

14:45 Explore a floating Pearl Farm Village and discover the process of creating high-quality pearls.

15:25 Head back to your cruise, where you can freshen up, relax, and join our Sunset Party.

19:00 Enjoy dinner on the Sundeck.

Day 6: Exploring Luon Cave in Ha Long Bay before heading back to Ha Noi

06:45 - 07:30 Breakfast will be served on board as the boat commences its journey towards the Natural Preservation Area.

07:45 - 09:00 Embark on a kayaking adventure to explore Luon Cave. With luck, you may capture wonderful photos of playful monkeys frolicking around the cliffs.

09:30 Time for check-out. Please place your luggage outside your cabin and return the room key to the reception desk. Our staff will move your luggage to the designated waiting area. While waiting, feel free to browse through the products at Le Journey Premium Cruise.

10:00 Enjoy an early lunch at the restaurant on the 2nd floor and settle any outstanding bills.

11:00 Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, marking the end of the trip.

11:30 Your driver will accompany you back to Hanoi.

Day 7: Bat Trang

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

07:45 - 08:30 Your tour guide will pick you up to take you to Bat Trang ceramic village.

09:00 Upon arrival at Bat Trang, you will first visit Bat Trang Pottery Museum, then proceed to the pottery and glaze workshop. Along the way, you will encounter numerous stores selling pottery and porcelain, and you will have the opportunity to admire the walls adorned with drying pottery. Upon reaching the pottery workshop, you will witness the pottery-making process, gain insights into glazing techniques and pottery production, and eventually create your own preferred pottery items with the guidance of the skilled artisans present.

11:30 Head back to the nearby restaurant for lunch and relax.

14:00 Return to the hotel.

You have some free time to explore Hanoi. Here are a few suggestions:

Visit West Lake, the biggest lake in Hanoi
Indulge in the street food of Hanoi's Old Quarter

Day 8: Leaving Hanoi

Breakfast

Your personal chauffeur will be ready at the hotel after breakfast to accompany you to Noi Bai International Airport, from where you can catch your flight back home or continue your journey to new adventures.

What is included in the tour:

Professional English-speaking tour guide on days 2, 3, and 7. Please note that a tour guide from Ha Long Bay Cruise will be provided on days 4, 5, and 6.
Private transfers as per the itinerary. However, a shuttle bus to Tuan Chau Marina is not included.
All meals as specified in the itinerary.
All entrance tickets to tourist attractions.
Souvenirs from Fly High Travel Vietnam Company.