Off the beaten path North Vietnam 6 Days

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by a professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Embark on a 45-minute drive to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter), during which you’ll receive informative insights into the city’s highlights, culture, traffic, and cuisine. Upon reaching your hotel, check in and take some time to relax.

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

Later in the day, kick off your exploration with a leisurely walking tour. Begin at the serene Ba Da Pagoda, tucked away in a quiet alley just a few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral—a structure with roots tracing back to the 19th century during French colonial rule. Your tour guide will lead you through the charming streets of Hanoi, including Lan Ong Street known for traditional medicine, and Lo Ren Street, a hub for metal production. Pause to visit the Dong Xuan Central Market, the largest market in Hanoi. Continue strolling through the vibrant streets of Ta Hien, renowned for its night activities and street food scene. Here, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and sample some of the incredible local delicacies and beverages for an unforgettable experience.

The walking tour concludes back at your hotel.

Note: In the event of a late flight arrival or jet lag after a long journey, the walking tour may be rescheduled to the city tour day.

At 9:00 AM, your tour guide will pick you up to commence the exploration of Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage. Begin at the Temple of Literature, constructed during the 11th century under the Ly dynasty for the veneration of Confucius and the education of royal offspring. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque garden to reach Khue Van Cac, the city’s iconic symbol. Continue the journey to the World Heritage “stone steles,” displaying the names of exceptional students. Explore the historic Quoc Tu Giam, recognized as Vietnam’s first national university.

The next destination is the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday), providing profound insights into Vietnamese culture through its extensive collection of traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments, and traditional dwellings from various ethnic groups. To fully appreciate the museum’s treasures, allocate approximately two hours for your visit.

In the afternoon, venture into the French Quarter, often likened to a “little Paris” in Hanoi, adorned with tree-lined boulevards, governmental edifices, and a spacious square. Pay an exterior visit to Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, followed by a leisurely stroll through the botanical gardens to explore the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, his former residence and workplace. Conclude the French Quarter exploration with a visit to the distinctive One-Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of the city, requiring 1 to 2 hours for a comprehensive exploration, depending on the group size.

Return to the city center for some relaxation before indulging in the unique water puppet show, a traditional performance dating back to the 11th century. These captivating shows vividly depict the daily life, culture, and beliefs of the Vietnamese people through water puppetry, accompanied by traditional music performances.

Embark on your journey to Ba Be National Park at 8:00 AM, accompanied by your tour guide and driver. The route takes you through Thai Nguyen, meandering through the countryside adorned with rural villages. Feel free to request stops for picturesque moments along the way. En route, make a meaningful visit to a Tay community, engaging with villagers to gain insights into their rich cultural heritage.

As you approach Ba Be, be captivated by the breathtaking natural scenery where mountains gracefully embrace the terraced rice valleys. Take advantage of opportunities to capture the beauty on film or in photographs. Upon reaching Ba Be, check in at your accommodation in Pac Ngoi Village. Embark on a cycling adventure through the picturesque villages inhabited by the Tay ethnic groups. Follow the path along the river and traverse part of the national park to reach Hua Ma Cave, located 5 kilometers from the village. This cave boasts stunning formations of stalactites and stalagmites, providing a truly enchanting experience. Return to the village in the late afternoon, concluding a day filled with exploration and natural wonders.

Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll from the village to the pier, where an enchanting boat excursion awaits on the lake (with the option to swim). Pause to explore the Fairy Pond nestled in the heart of the pristine forest. Following the lake adventure, proceed to the Nang River, walking along its scenic banks to encounter the mesmerizing Dau Dang Waterfall.

Continue the boat journey in the opposite direction along the Nang River, heading towards Puong Cave, a habitat for thousands of bats within its depths. Glide through the cave, emerging at Buoc Lom pier. Here, meet your driver for a comfortable transfer back to Hanoi.

Arriving in Hanoi in the late afternoon, check in at your hotel and savor some leisure time after your mountain retreat. Enjoy the tranquility and amenities of your accommodation, reflecting on the captivating experiences from your time in the scenic mountains.

At 8:00 AM, our team will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Set out on a scenic three-hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay, traversing through picturesque villages and expansive rice fields in the Red River Delta. Along the way, there will be a brief stop for refreshments and restroom facilities. Arrive at the harbor around noon, where a warm reception awaits you.

12:45 PM: Receive a heartfelt welcome with refreshing drinks from our attentive staff. Listen to a brief safety presentation on board and proceed to check in to your cabin.

1:30 PM: Indulge in a delectable Vietnamese lunch as you leisurely cruise towards the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay.

3:00 PM: Embark on an excursion to Cap La Island, a stunning area in Bai Tu Long Bay. Revel in kayaking through the captivating karst landscape, take a refreshing swim, and simply unwind amidst the breathtaking nature.

5:30 PM: Return to the boat to enjoy the enchanting Sunset Time, accompanied by tea and fresh fruits. This special time is dubbed as “Happy Hour” with a “buy two get one free” offer as the cruise glides towards its overnight anchorage. Additionally, our guide will conduct a cooking class during this period, giving you the opportunity to try your hand at creating Vietnamese cuisine.

7:00 PM: Savor a sumptuous set dinner served on board.

8:30 PM: Unwind with free time on the sundeck, where you can listen to music or try your luck at squid fishing. If you’re interested in karaoke, please inform our tour guide for assistance.

Overnight on board in Bai Tu Long Bay.

6:30 AM: Greet the new day by refreshing your senses with a Tai Chi session.

7:00 AM: Enjoy a breakfast spread that combines Western-style dishes with traditional Vietnamese fare, accompanied by tea and coffee.

8:00 AM: Embark on an exploration of Thien Canh Son Cave, where your guide will unravel the captivating history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and the cave itself—an exquisite creation by Mother Nature.

9:30 AM: Return to your boat via tender and commence packing. Kindly ensure all personal belongings are removed from your cabin; heavier luggage can be left outside the cabin for direct transfer to the pier by the staff.

10:30 AM: Participate in a delightful fruit carving activity, showcasing your creativity.

11:00 AM: Delight in a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

12:00 PM: Disembark at Hon Gai Pier, where a driver will be waiting to accompany you on the journey back to Hanoi. Take a brief rest midway.

Upon reaching Hanoi, you will be dropped off at your hotel in the Old Quarter. A private driver will then pick you up from the hotel lobby for a 45-minute transfer to Noi Bai Airport (either international or domestic hall based on your preference).

Note: Please be aware that international flights necessitate arriving at the airport 3 hours prior to departure, while domestic flights require 2 hours of lead time before departure.