Experience Northern Vietnam’s Landmarks, Daily Life, Cuisine, and Scenic Beauty
This tour immerses you in the culture, daily life, and landscapes of Hanoi and Northern Vietnam, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites and authentic local experiences.
Begin by exploring Hanoi’s historic streets, tasting local dishes, and visiting notable locations like Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
Journey to Duong Lam Village, a well-preserved traditional village with over 1,000 years of history, known for its ancient architecture and local markets. Alternatively, visit Bat Trang Pottery Village to see artisans at work, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s craftsmanship.
Continue to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise, experiencing one of Vietnam’s most iconic UNESCO-listed natural wonders.
After returning to Hanoi, engage in local experiences or visits based on your preference, such as exploring Bac Ninh for its rich cultural heritage, being introduced to traditional instruments and music by a university lecturer, or joining a cooking class to learn traditional Vietnamese dishes.
The day after, depart for Ninh Binh, where you will spend 2 nights exploring the area, visiting UNESCO-listed sites like Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and the Trang An Landscape Complex, famous for its limestone caves and rivers; you’ll also explore Thung Nham Bird Park before returning to Hanoi.
This itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, local life, UNESCO sites, and natural beauty, providing a complete overview of Northern Vietnam.
All our tours are private, customizable, and can begin on any date.
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival & First Stroll Through the City
Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer (driver only) from the airport to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, have your first experience of the city with a leisurely stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, guided by your private guide.
Along the way, taste local dishes such as Pho (Noodle Soup-usually with beef or chicken), Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles), Chả Cá Lã Vọng (Grilled Fish with Noodles, Hanoi-style), Bun Thang (Chicken and Pork Noodle Soup), and Egg Coffee.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 2: Hanoi Full Day Tour (with options)
Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, followed by the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a break to enjoy a traditional Northern Vietnamese meal, made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
In the afternoon, visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple, both located near the scenic West Lake.
Afterward, explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, which provides insight into the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam.
For the evening, consider attending a traditional water puppetry show at the Thang Long Puppet Theater.
End the day with a visit to the unique Hanoi Train Street, where you can relax at a local café and watch the trains pass by just inches from your seat. If you’d like, a Jeep tour through the city or a visit to the night flower market at Quang Ba Market can be arranged.
We can also organize an evening Vespa tour, featuring street food tastings and visits to local bars and pubs.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 3: Hanoi Surroundings – Local Village Markets & Craftsmanship
Today, you have two options for exploring local markets and experiencing traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Option 1: Visit Duong Lam Village, a well-preserved traditional village located about 50 kilometers west of Hanoi. A visit to Duong Lam offers an authentic glimpse into the agrarian way of life, with its communal houses, ancient banyan trees, and lively local market where villagers carry on their daily routines. The village is also the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings, adding to its historical significance.
Option 2: Explore Bat Trang Pottery Village, a village with a history dating back to the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty. Bat Trang has been a preeminent center for ceramic production for centuries. Situated along the Red River, the village’s access to quality clay has fostered a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship. Visitors to Bat Trang can witness artisans skillfully shaping and decorating pottery and explore the extensive market showcasing a wide variety of ceramic wares, from traditional to contemporary designs.
After the visits, return to Hanoi for free time.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 4: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Depart from Hanoi for Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning emerald waters and towering limestone karsts. Enjoy an overnight cruise to fully experience the bay, with opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and exploring caves.
Note: If you prefer a few hours boat trip, it is possible. The next day’s program will be adjusted accordingly.
Day 5: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Return to Hanoi from Ha Long Bay and make a stop at Le Mat Snake Village, where you’ll have the opportunity to try a traditional meal featuring snake meat.
Afterward, head back to Hanoi and enjoy free time.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 6: Hanoi – Visits and Local Experiences
Options:
- A day trip to Bac Ninh province includes visits to historic sites such as Do Temple, which honors the Ly Dynasty kings, and the 17th-century But Thap Pagoda. The experience also features a private performance of Quan Ho folk singing, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, set in a traditional village.
- Meet a university lecturer and artist at her home or university to learn about traditional instruments and enjoy a musical performance.
- Visit a local restaurant where a chef prepares spring rolls and bun cha, or join a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese dishes.
Afternoon:
Visit and try tea at Lotus tea village or enjoy free time to explore Hanoi.
Alternatively, visit Dong Xuan Market to shop for local souvenirs.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 7: Depart for Ninh Binh. Arrival & Tam Coc Immersion
In the morning, depart from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, arriving around 10:30-11:30 AM. Check-in and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, take a Tam Coc Boat Trip, a scenic journey through Ninh Binh’s breathtaking karst landscape, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.”
This area is known for its stunning natural beauty and is part of the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
After the boat trip, visit Bich Dong Pagoda (Lower Pagoda), a peaceful site nestled against the backdrop of limestone cliffs, offering a tranquil spot to explore and take in the surrounding nature.
Overnight in Ninh Binh at traditional resorts or hotels, depending on your preference.
Day 8: Trang An, Bird Park
In the morning, enjoy a Trang An Grottoes Boat Trip, a scenic journey through a labyrinth of limestone caves and rivers, surrounded by lush greenery.
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers some of the most stunning natural landscapes in Vietnam, with dramatic cliffs, caves, and tranquil waters.
In the afternoon, visit Thung Nham Bird Park for a boat trip.
This is a great time for bird-watching as you approach sunset, when the park’s many species of birds return to their nests.
Overnight stay in Ninh Binh.
Day 9: Hoa Lu, Tuyet Tinh Coc, Hanoi
Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where you can explore the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties, key to Vietnam’s early history. Continue to Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tiem Cave), a unique site of great scenic beauty.
The Am Tiem Cave (250 steps) can be reached and visited, containing several stone statues, along with the nearby ancient Pagoda, offering spectacular views of the mountains and lake.
For those who prefer not to climb, a pleasant boat ride on Ao Giai Lake is also an option.
After lunch, head back to Hanoi.
On the way, stop at Dia Tang Phi Lai Tu Temple, a historical site with notable architecture.
Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Day 10: Departure
Transfer to Hanoi International Airport with a personal driver.
Oriental and Beyond. Exclusive Destinations Designer in Asia since 2006.
Private Tours
This Private Tour Offer:
- Exclusive, private, and tailored travel services
- Private car or van with personal driver
- Licensed guide
- Carefully selected hotels and resorts
- 24/7 support for a smooth travel experience
- International flight bookings available upon request
- Trusted by thousands of travelers since 2006
Get Your Quote
Contact us for a personalized quote based on your travel dates and preferences.