Authentic Northern Vietnam Tour 6 Days

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, a professional tour guide and driver will warmly greet you at the pickup lobby. Enjoy a pleasant 45-minute drive to the city center, specifically Hanoi Old Quarter, where you’ll receive insightful information about the city’s prominent attractions, cultural nuances, traffic dynamics, and culinary delights. Upon reaching your hotel, complete the check-in process and take some time to rest.

Note: Hotel check-in time is at 14:00.

Later in the day, your tour guide will accompany you on a leisurely stroll around the serene Hoan Kiem Lake, leading you to the Opera House. During this exploration, you’ll pause at significant landmarks such as the statue of King Ly Thai To, the Vietnamese Government Guest House, and the renowned Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Afterward, meander back to the Old Town, exploring key streets before returning to your hotel.

Option: In the event of a late flight arrival or jet lag from a lengthy journey, the walking tour may be rescheduled to the subsequent day of the city tour.

At 8:00 AM, our guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby to provide a safety briefing, marking the commencement of our exciting adventure!

During the initial segment of the journey, we unveil the authentic Hanoi through a series of day-in-the-life experiences. Explore the lesser-known facets of the city, navigating through labyrinthine backstreets, narrow alleyways, local residences, schools, eclectic markets, and even the clandestine black market. Immerse yourself in the daily routines of locals, gaining insight into how they live, work, and play.

Moving on to the second phase, we’ll pass by and make stops at iconic landmarks in our beautiful city. Highlights include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a revered site for the Vietnamese, the ancient Buddhist and Taoist Temples of Tran Quoc, the Temple of Literature, the historic training track, the captivating French Quarter, the vibrant Old Quarter, and the picturesque lakes of Hoan Kiem, West Lake, Hanoi Opera House, Hanoi Train Street and the famous Long Bien Bridge.

In the third part of our journey, we’ll venture into the peaceful and charming outskirts villages around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, offering a glimpse into the harmonious contrast between the city center and its surrounding areas.

Last but not least, along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to stop at various authentic restaurants, eateries, and food stalls. Indulge in the most delectable dishes of Hanoi, including family heirloom recipes, secret specialties, and local delicacies.

The tour concludes by dropping you back at your hotel. Please note that an afternoon tour is available at 12:30 PM, while the sunset and night tour kicks off at 17:00 PM. The duration of the tour is approximately 4.5 hours, and be sure to bring along sun cream, sunglasses, and comfortable sandals or walking shoes.

Commencing at 8:00 AM, meet your tour guide and driver for an exciting journey to Mai Chau. Along the way, make a stop at a charming Muong village, immersing yourself in the local culture. Continue the scenic drive to Thung Khe Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the valley, before reaching the enchanting Mai Chau town. Nestled 145 km away from Hanoi, Mai Chau captivates with its harmonious landscapes, featuring verdant mountain ranges, picturesque rice terraces, and villages inhabited by the White Thai ethnic community.

Upon arrival in Poom Coong village, check in to your accommodation and savor a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, consider exploring Pom Coong by bike (optional) or take a leisurely walk along trails and concrete roads. The mesmerizing landscapes, including villages, rice fields, mountains, and streams, create a perfect harmony. Don’t miss the chance to engage with the welcoming local residents, who are always eager to invite you into their homes for a cup of tea. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

Note: A private traditional music and dancing show by local performers is available for an additional cost of $35 per group. If interested, please inform our guide to make reservations.

After breakfast, embark on a drive to Xam Khoe. Explore the town market, where vibrant scenes unfold as Kinh and Thai minorities engage in trading various handicrafts and agricultural goods, including pigs, chickens, ducks, fishes, and vegetables. Continue your journey with a trek along the Ma River, passing through lush rice fields and small communities en route to Buoc village—an off-the-beaten-path Thai village that remains untouched by tourism. Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of natural beauty and rich human culture. Along the way, engage with the welcoming Thai locals who are eager to invite you into their homes. Conclude the trek at Cun Pheo People’s Committee, where your driver awaits to take you to lunch.

Trekking distance and time: 12 km, 3h30.

In the afternoon, make the return journey to Hanoi. Check in at your hotel, marking the end of our services.

Commencing at 8:00 AM, your day kicks off with a convenient pick-up from your hotel located in Hanoi Old Quarter. Embark on a scenic three-hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay, traversing through charming villages and picturesque rice fields in the Red River Delta. Take a break for refreshments and restroom use before continuing your journey. Arrive at the harbor around noon, where a warm reception awaits you at the cruise check-in.

If you opt for the shared transfer, our driver will pick you up at our Shuttle Bus stop instead.

12:15: Reach Sunworld Harbor, allowing a brief relaxation period before boarding the Garden Bay Classic Cruise.

12:30: Transfer to the Garden Bay Classic Cruise Boat via tender (5-10 minutes). Receive a warm welcome with drinks, listen to a safety briefing, and then check into your cabin.

13:00: Delight in a delectable Vietnamese Set Menu as the boat leisurely cruises to the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay, specifically the Cap La area.

15:30: Embark on an enchanting kayaking adventure to explore the captivating natural scenery of limestone islands and islets. Alternatively, indulge in swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.

17:30: Join the Sunset Party on the Sundeck while the boat sails to the Cong Do area to anchor for the night (Happy Hour offer from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm).

18:30: Participate in a cooking class, where you can learn the art of crafting traditional Vietnamese cuisines.

19:30: Savor a sumptuous BBQ dinner on the Sundeck (available from October onwards).

21:00: Enjoy free time to relax on the Sundeck or try your hand at squid fishing. Board games are also available for those interested.

Begin your day at 06:30 with an invigorating Tai Chi exercise as the morning unfolds.

07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast featuring Western-style delicacies while the boat gracefully cruises towards the most picturesque fishing village in Ha Long Bay.

07:30: Transfer to Vung Vieng Fishing Village by tender.

08:00: Embark on a rowing boat, skillfully navigated by a local fisherman, to explore the enchanting Vung Vieng fishing village and gain insights into the local fishing lifestyle.

09:00: Return to the main boat as it charts a course back to the harbor along a different route.

09:30: Check out from your cabin.

10:00: Delight in a Fusion-style lunch onboard.

11:00: Disembark at Sunworld Harbor. Our driver will be ready to pick you up at the port, initiating your journey back to Hanoi. Anticipate reaching Hanoi at approximately 3:00 PM.

Upon arrival at the harbor, you’ll be warmly greeted by the driver for a comfortable trip back to Hanoi, with a brief rest stop midway. Your drop-off location will be at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter.

End of authentic Northern Vietnam tour 6 days.

For those with international departures, a private driver will pick you up directly from your hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for a 45-minute journey to Noi Bai airport. Be mindful of the recommended check-in times: 3 hours prior to departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights.