Spirit of Northern Vietnam Trip 7 Days 6 Nights

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you embark on a discovery of Hanoi, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and explore its must-visit sites.

Firstly, admire the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (do not enter), an impressive monument standing at 21.6 meters tall across three levels, which you can appreciate from the outside. This mausoleum, built in the shape of a lotus flower in just two years with the assistance of the Soviets, was inaugurated on August 29, 1975, only four months after the reunification of the country.

Next, visit the former residence of the Governor's Palace of Indochina, now known as the Presidential Palace.

Be amazed by the One Pillar Pagoda, built on a single stone pillar with a diameter of 1.25 meters, situated in the middle of a lotus pond. This famous wooden pagoda, constructed in 1049, is a unique architectural marvel.

Continue your city tour by discovering the Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the capital. Its name, which means "Pagoda of the Defense of the Homeland," is perfectly evocative. It is located on the shores of West Lake, a beautiful place for a peaceful stroll.

Before lunch, make sure not to miss the renowned Temple of Literature, also known as the first national university. This original 11th-century architecture is dedicated to the worship of Confucius and the Scholars. Today, this temple has become a symbol of Hanoi.

After lunch, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn more about the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam, especially those from the northern region. This museum, inaugurated in 1997 by French President Jacques Chirac on the occasion of the 7th Summit of La Francophonie, is an essential place to understand the cultural richness of this region.

Next, take the time to visit Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, located in the heart of the capital. Here, you can discover Ngoc Son Temple - the Jade Mountain, situated on an islet in the middle of the lake. According to historical documents preserved in the temple, it was built in 1841 and later restored in 1865 by Nguyen Van Sieu, a prominent scholar from the ancient capital of Thang Long.

Finally, to conclude this remarkable day, attend a water puppet show in Hanoi and discover the legends of the Vietnamese capital through an art form that has a history of over a thousand years. This traditional art form is a unique cultural treasure that embodies the essence of Vietnamese culture.

Dinner will be at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

After a delightful breakfast, continue your journey to the northern region of Vietnam towards Mai Chau, a charming village nestled in a valley inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group at the foothills of the Hoang Lien mountain range. Travel along a winding road that meanders through breathtaking landscapes, where terraced rice fields and hills blend with wooden stilt houses. Take the opportunity to pause and capture memorable photos in the sugarcane fields.

Upon arrival, enjoy a homestay lunch to savor local specialties and share moments of camaraderie with the locals.

In the afternoon, embark on a short hike through the villages of Pomcoong and Lac to experience the daily life of the White Thai people. This minority ethnic group is one of the 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam, with an estimated population of 300,000, primarily residing in the regions of Mai Chau, Lai Chau, and Dien Bien.

In the evening, have dinner with one of the locals to discover their local cuisine and traditions.

Overnight stay in a stilt house belonging to the White Thai ethnic group.

In the morning, continue your village exploration with a bike ride (or a hike depending on weather conditions) through the Thai villages and rice fields. You will also visit the local market in Mai Chau.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the entrance of Pu Luong to reach the starting point of the Pu Luong trek. Embark on an easy walk for 2-3 hours through beautiful villages situated on the hillsides, surrounded by magnificent rice terraces. You will also have the opportunity to observe handmade bamboo water wheels. Visit Kho Muong Cave, also known as the Bat Cave, which is one of the tourist attractions in the village of Kho Muong. The road leading to the entrance is steep and covered with forest. It only takes 100 meters to cross the cave, but it is much larger than it appears at first glance, with many deep alcoves. Limestone blocks have been deposited over millions of years.

Pu Luong is a relatively undiscovered nature reserve, perfect for those who want to explore the majestic mountain landscapes, vast Vietnamese terraced rice fields, and the daily life of ethnic minorities. This travel guide will provide you with all the necessary information and experiences to enjoy precious moments of relaxation with family or friends.

You will have the choice between two accommodation options: spending the night in a stilt house or in a more comfortable private room bungalow.

Overnight stay in Pu Luong.

After an early morning breakfast, you will be transferred to Tam Coc, a region also known as the "Halong Bay on land." Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes of karst mountains emerging from rice fields and winding rivers.

Next, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant to savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. After lunch, you will be checked into your hotel for some rest.

In the afternoon, embark on a mesmerizing two-hour rowboat cruise through a stunning rural landscape of limestone cliffs and rice fields, reaching the magnificent Thung Nham canal located in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. The spectacular natural scenery and the limestone range surrounding the small valley create a charming and enchanting landscape.

As you glide along in the rowboats, you will be immersed in a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere, leaving behind the worries of daily life. Visitors can admire the diverse formations of stalactites, resembling long ribbons of ice and water, assigning unique names to each stone. Before you, a vast green valley unfolds with winding limestone bands wrapped around the shaded campus of trees and rural cottages.

Afterward, you will have free time to stroll around the village.

Dinner is at your own leisure.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Tam Coc.

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 am and transfer you to the Tuan Chau Port. From there, a speedboat or tender boat will take you to your cruise ship. While you enjoy a welcome drink, the cruise manager will provide a briefing on the cruise's safety measures. Upon arrival, you will proceed to check-in for your cabin.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay, recognized as the eighth wonder of the world. With its 1,969 unique karst islands, this exceptional site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994.

It's time to indulge in a delicious lunch at the cruise ship's restaurant, offering either a delightful buffet or a set menu.

In the afternoon, explore the Hang Sang-Toi Cave (Dark and Bright Cave). This is the perfect spot for kayaking or taking a bamboo boat ride, rowed by the locals. You can also swim in the middle of Lan Ha Bay and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Return to the Indochine cruise ship for the evening, where it will anchor for the night. Take part in a culinary demonstration, where our chef will teach you the recipe for traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

At sunset, enjoy an incredible seafood dinner at the restaurant. After dinner, try your hand at squid fishing or play board games such as cards or Parcheesi. Alternatively, treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the spa.

You will spend the night on the boat, lulled by the tranquil waters of Halong Bay.

Start your day with a light breakfast to fuel up for the adventure ahead. Recharge your batteries with a Tai Chi session on the terrace to awaken your body and mind.

Next, head to Trung Trang Cave, a natural wonder that exudes a heavenly atmosphere underground. Marvel at the breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

Return to the cruise ship to pack your belongings and settle the check-out procedures. Before departure, enjoy a fulfilling brunch and settle any outstanding bills (if applicable).

Savor the final moments of Lan Ha Bay as the cruise ship returns to the pier.

In the afternoon, a shuttle will take you from Tuan Chau Port and bring you back to Hanoi.

You can expect to arrive in Hanoi around 4:00 pm, marking the end of your unforgettable journey exploring Halong Bay.

Dinner is at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.