Wonders of Northern Vietnam: All Private Escape from Delta to Highlands

Enjoy a full breakfast and meet your guide and begin a full-day journey to uncover Hanoi’s history and culture

Start at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the final resting place of Vietnam’s revered leader, then walk through the peaceful garden to see his simple stilt house and the grand Presidential Palace where he once lived and worked.

Continue to the One Pillar Pagoda, a lotus-shaped icon of spirituality, before moving on to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, with shaded courtyards and ancient pavilions that reflect the nation’s centuries-old scholarly tradition.

Having lunch on your own.

This afternoon, continue to follow the historical landmarks of Hoa Lo prison, which American prisoners of war ironically named the "Hanoi Hilton". Originally built by the French to detain political prisoners, it was later used by North Vietnam to hold prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, leaving behind powerful stories etched into its walls. From here, wander the lively streets of the Old Quarter, pausing at Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake to hear tales of emperors, a magical sword, and a legendary turtle. Later in the afternoon, enjoy the Water Puppet Show, an 11th-century Vietnamese art show where colorful puppets dance on water, telling timeless tales of village life and legends, accompanied by live folk music.

Cap off your Hanoi exploration with the Old Quarter street food tour tonight. Eat as you go, walking through the maze of bustling streets. Try iconic options include pho (noodle soup with beef or chicken) or the famed Hanoi dishes such as Bun Cha (a grilled pork and noodle dish) and local but world famous desserts such as banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), sweet treats like che (dessert soup) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and watch as the skilled chefs demonstrate how this tasty dish is put together. Back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

NOTE:

• The Ho Chi Minh Complex is closed on Mondays to Fridays, and from June to August. Only exterior photography is allowed during these periods
• Alternative dishes may be served depending on the restaurant’s availability.

Fully charge your energy and finish the check-out process, you will set off to serenity Ninh Binh, taking around a 2-hour drive, offering you a place as “Halong Bay on land” for its striking limestone peaks rising above emerald rice paddies and winding waterways.

The journey begins in Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. Wander through ancient courtyards and visit the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, surrounded by a dramatic backdrop of forested mountains. Hear stories from the nation’s early dynasties and take in the calm beauty of the rural setting.

Lunch is at your arrangement at a local restaurant, where you can savor signature dishes of the Ninh Binh region.

At around 13:00, continue to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its serene waterways and dramatic limestone karsts. Drift along peaceful canals on a traditional sampan, gliding through hidden caves and past verdant rice paddies. Pause at ancient temples tucked within the cliffs, each revealing a slice of Vietnam’s spiritual and natural heritage.

By late afternoon, arrive at your hotel in Ninh Binh for check-in. The evening is yours to relax, explore a nearby restaurant for a local dinner, or simply unwind amid the tranquil countryside.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Ninh Binh and transfer by private car to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival, step aboard your overnight cruise where the crew welcomes you with a refreshing drink. As the boat sets sail, enjoy a delicious lunch while passing dramatic limestone pillars and emerald waters.

In the afternoon, join activities such as kayaking through hidden lagoons, swimming in crystal-clear bays, or visiting mysterious limestone caves. You may also learn to cook Vietnamese spring rolls in an onboard class or simply relax on the sundeck with panoramic views of the bay. As twilight colors the horizon, sip a cocktail while watching the sunset before indulging in a freshly prepared dinner under the stars. Overnight on board, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Rise with the dawn and take in the serene morning light over Ha Long Bay. After breakfast, your cruise continues through some of its most iconic formations before returning to port. Enjoy a farewell brunch on board, then disembark and travel back to Hanoi, arriving mid-afternoon.

Spend your free time at leisure before boarding the overnight train to Lao Cai in a comfortable 4-berth air-conditioned cabin, ready for your highland adventure ahead.

Suggested train: Hanoi (22:00) – Lao Cai (05:55 AM, next day)

Early morning, your train pulls into Lao Cai station, where you’ll head straight to one of the province’s famous weekly ethnic markets. Each day of the week, a different market comes alive with colorful scenes of trading and gathering. Depending on your travel date, you may visit:

• Monday: Ban Phiet Market (Bat Xat District)
• Tuesday: Coc Ly Market (Bac Ha District)
• Wednesday: Sin Cheng Market (Si Ma Cai District)
• Thursday: Lung Khau Nhin Market (Muong Khuong District)
• Friday: Chau Market (Si Ma Cai District)
• Saturday: Can Cau Market (Bac Ha District)
• Sunday: Bac Ha Market – the largest and most vibrant of all.

Here, you’ll see Hmong, Dao, Tay, and other ethnic groups in their traditional attire, exchanging goods from livestock to handicrafts and you have chance to taste local highland flavors like thắng cố and corn wine. The markets are not just about trade but also about connection, where families and friends gather, making it one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Northern Vietnam. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant (own expense) before continuing to your accommodation in Sapa.

Begin the day with a scenic trek through the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley, visiting the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai and the Giay village of Ta Van. Walk along terraced rice fields, bamboo groves, and mountain streams as your guide shares stories of these ethnic communities. This moderately difficult 5–6 km trek offers a great experience with breathtaking views and authentic encounters with local ethnic communities.

After a short rest and lunch (at your own expense), return to Sapa town and depart by shared limousine back to Hanoi, arriving in the evening.

Today is yours to explore Hanoi at your own pace. You may choose to stroll the labyrinthine alleys of the Old Quarter, sip strong egg coffee at a hidden café. For a deeper cultural immersion, visit the Fine Arts Museum, the Women’s Museum, or browse contemporary galleries showcasing Vietnam’s vibrant art scene.

If you prefer something more relaxing, take a cyclo ride through tree-lined boulevards of the French Quarter, stop at boutique shops for unique souvenirs, or join a half-day craft workshop such as pottery or cooking class. In the evening, consider enjoying a traditional music performance or simply watching the city lights while dining on a rooftop terrace.

Soak up the last moments in Hanoi with a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, a driver will transfer you to the international airport for your journey home or onward destination. Your room is available until noon. Meals are in your own arrangement. This marks the close of your Vietnam adventure, with memories to carry long after you’ve left.