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9 Days Northern & Southern Vietnam
9 Days Northern & Southern Vietnam
9 Days Northern & Southern Vietnam
9 Days Northern & Southern Vietnam
9 Days Northern & Southern Vietnam
9 Days Northern & Southern Vietnam
9 Days Northern & Southern Vietnam

North Vietnam Itinerary 9 Days

9 days
4.9 (8)
370+ booked
Start Hanoi
Destination +6 Destinations
End Hanoi

Tour Overview

Explore the essence of Vietnam in 9 days with the Asia Links Travel tour package. You'll kick off in Hanoi, diving into the city's hustle and bustle before heading off the beaten path to Ba Be National Park. Get cozy with homestays, chat with locals, and soak in the serene beauty of Ba Be Lake. 

Then, engage with local communities through authentic homestays, sail amidst the iconic karsts of Halong Bay, and delve into Vietnamese heritage in ancient villages and vibrant markets. And we can't forget about Hanoi! Wrap up your trip with a leisurely exploration of the city's highlights, from historic landmarks to the buzzing Old Quarter.

Get ready to make memories that'll last a lifetime – Vietnam cultural holidays!

Tour Highlights

●    Explore the stunning natural beauty of Ba Be Lake, Puong Grotto, Nang River & Bac Son Valley.
●    Stand in awe at the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, straddling the border between Vietnam and China.
●    Experience authentic Vietnamese in traditional villages & unique cultural traditions in Cao Bang.
●    Hop on a Halong Bay cruise tour to marvel at limestone karsts, kayak & witness breathtaking sunsets.
●    Take a cyclo tour to explore the vibrant culture of Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (-)

Greetings and welcome to Hanoi! Asia Links Travel driver will be eagerly waiting to receive you upon your arrival and accompany you to your hotel. Take some time after checking in to relax and explore the city. (Please note that the standard check-in time is 2:00 PM. Early check-in is not guaranteed, accommodate based on the hotel availability.) 

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ba Be (B/L/D)

This morning, depart from Hanoi for a 5-hour drive to Ba Be National Park. On the way, you can visit the Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam's Ethnic Groups in Thai Nguyen City. Here, explore the various objects, photographs, and exhibits that give a better understanding of different ethnic groups and their agricultural tools, handicrafts & traditional costumes worn for worship. After that, stop in Bac Kan Town for lunch before continuing your Vietnam tour package to Ba Be Lake.

Upon arriving at Ba Be Lake, you will be greeted by your host of the homestay. Then, enjoy some tea drinks and relax around the Tay's traditional stilt house. 

In the evening, you will be treated to a delicious and authentic home-cooked dinner while chatting with your host about the daily life of the locals.

Distance: ~ 230km (5 hours).

Day 3: Ba Be – Ban Gioc (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the homestay, hop on a boat and set sail across the Ba Be Lake. As you glide along waters, soak in the stunning views of the karst formations with lush vegetation, home to various creatures. Your boat journey will take you along the Nang River to explore the Ba Be Lake & the caves of Puong Grotto, where you can explore the stalactites and stalagmites formed by the river's erosion of the karst and keep an eye out for the thousands of bats.

Then, it's time to hit the road again towards Cao Bang, Vietnam's northern border province with China. Along the way, we'll make a stop at Phuc Sen Village to meet the Nung ethnic people, known for their craftsmanship in producing farming tools. If luck is on our side, we might even visit bustling hill tribe market if it's open.

Enjoy the dinner and spend the night at the homestay.

Distance: ~ 210km (5 hours).

Day 4: Ban Gioc – Nguom Ngao Cave – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang (B/L/D)

Wake up to the crisp mountain air and start your Vietnam adventure tour with a hearty breakfast. 

Explore the ancient village by the Khuoi Ky stream, marveling at the unique houses-on-stilts of the Tay people, built from marble stone over a hundred years ago.

Next, venture into the mystical Nguom Ngao Cave, known as Tiger Cave in Tay dialect, where legends of fierce tigers once roamed. Then, prepare to be awe-struck by the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, the 4th largest in the world, fed by the Quay Son River marking the China-Vietnam border.

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Ban Gioc Pagoda for a breathtaking view of the waterfall. Wrap up your day with a visit to Angle’s Eye Mountain which has a through hole (Thung Mountain) before heading back to Cao Bang City for an overnight stay.

Enjoy the dinner and overnight at the hotel in Cao Bang.

Day 5: Cao Bang – Bac Son (B/L/D)

After breakfast, take a scenic drive to Bac Son Valley via Lang Son. Reach the summit of Na Lay Mountain and soak in the panoramic views of the breathtaking Bac Son Valley. Marvel at the picturesque rice fields, rivers, and traditional Tay stilt houses dotting the landscape.

Descend from the mountain and hop back into your private transport, which awaits you at the foot. Head to your local homestay in Bac Son, where warm hospitality awaits.

Day 6: Bac Son – Halong City (B/L)

Leave Bac Son for a scenic 4-hour drive to Halong City. 

Upon arrival, explore the unique architecture of Quang Ninh Museum (closed on weekends) to delve into the city's rich history and culture. Don't miss the chance to visit the local market for a taste of authentic Vietnamese life! 

Dinner on your own and overnight stay at hotel in Halong City.

Day 7: Halong Bay - Overnight on Cruise (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time until 10:30 AM, when you'll check out and head to the harbor to board your Halong Bay cruise tour. 

Around 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM: Upon arrival, be warmly welcomed by the crew and enjoy a short briefing while sipping your welcome drink.

12:45 AM: Check into your cabin and refresh yourself while transient waiting time for leaving Gia Luan harbor.

1:00 PM: Enjoy a buffet lunch served in restaurant onboard as you cruise towards Halong Bay.

3:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Spend the afternoon exploring the Ao Ech area of Lan Ha Bay, perfect for kayaking and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Enjoy a sunset tea or coffee break on the sundeck

5:30 PM - 6:30 PM: Happy Hour (5:30-6:30 PM - The Golden Time, buy 2 get 1 free drink of the same one) with free drinks, cakes, and fruit.

6:00 PM: Learn how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls during a cooking demonstration

7:00 PM: Indulge in a delicious seafood dinner in restaurant.

9:00 PM: After dinner, treat yourself to cocktails at the panoramic bar or choose from onboard activities like squid fishing, spa treatments, or movies in your cabin. Spend the night onboard, surrounded by the beauty of Halong Bay.

NOTE: Cruise schedule may vary depending on your preferences at the time of booking.

Day 8: Halong Cruise – Yen Duc Village - Hanoi (B/Br)

06:15 AM: Wake up early for a Tai Chi session on the Sunrise sundeck

06:45 AM: Enjoy a light breakfast (tea, coffee, cookies, bread,...).

07:15 AM: Embark on a bamboo boat ride to explore the stunning Bright Cave and its surrounding lagoon.

08:30 AM: Return to the cruise.

09:30 AM: Pack up your luggage before checking out of your room.

09:45 AM: Enjoy a brunch on board as you cruise back to the harbor for bill settlement.

10:45 AM: Return to Tuan Chau Island.

11:30 AM: Depart for Hanoi.

On the way back, stop at Yen Duc village for a water puppet show and cultural experiences including cycling, visiting local houses, and participating in farming activities. 

Arrive back in Hanoi Old Quarter around 5:30 PM, where you'll have free time to enjoy your evening at the hotel.

NOTE: Cruise schedule may vary depending on your choice at the time of service confirmation.

Day 9: Hanoi City – Departure (B)

This morning, hop on a Hanoi tour, including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (closes on Monday and Friday), his Traditional Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. Afterward, savor a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a renowned cafe in the heart of Hanoi.

Enjoy a one-hour Cyclo Tour around the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. 

In the afternoon, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.

Ends of tour services. Wrap up your unforgettable journey with Asia Links Travel, thank you for choosing our service!

What's included

Accommodation in a double room with daily breakfast.
Tours and transfers as mentioned by air-conditioned vehicle.
Tour and Boat trip in Halong Bay as mentioned by shuttle bus transfer.
Local English-speaking guide.
Meals were mentioned (B: breakfast; L: lunch; D: dinner)
Entrance fees.
Water for activities (1 bottle per person per day)
International & domestic flight tickets.
Other meals than mentioned.
Other services than mentioned.
Drinks, other than water on activity days.
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, recommendation tip for guide and driver at 3-5USD/person/day)
Travel insurance.
Visa fees for Vietnam.

Trip Notes

Time travel: Possible to travel all year around however July to Sept will be rainy season. The wet season witnesses the country at its most lush and vibrant.

Rooms are available from 14.00 on arrival day until 12.00 on departure day, room supplement charge will be added for request of early/late check in/out.

Price for infants and children will be quoted as follow:

  • Children under 2 years old: Free of charge (Maximum 1 child under 2 years old travels with 2 adults; from the second child, 50% of the regular fare will be applied) 
  • Children from 2 to 5 years old: 50% of the regular fare will be applied
  • Children from 5 to 11 years old: 75% of the regular fare will be applied
  • Children from 12 years: 100% of the regular fare will be applied

During Peak Season and special occasions, surcharges may be added to the price:

  • Christmas and New Year’s Eve: Compulsory meals would be added during these times of the years, depends on hotels or resorts you will stay overnight.
  • Vietnam Lunar New Year: 24 January – 27 January: Extra fee will be applied during holiday.

Visa requirements:

For Vietnam: You must have a valid passport and a visa (or pre-approval letter for a visa on arrival) to enter Vietnam. Our consultant will be happy to advise you on visa requirements.

Your passport must be valid for six months beyond your planned stay, and you must have at least one blank page for each visa stamp.

Customer Reviews (8)

Incredible Value!

(5.0)
“Honestly, I didn’t expect to cover so much in just over a week. Between temple visits, boat rides, and city tours, we still had free evenings to explore on our own. Hanoi’s egg coffee was a revelation, and I lost count of how many bowls of pho I had. By the last day in Ho Chi Minh, I felt like I’d seen Vietnam’s big picture – and loved every part of it.”
Review Incredible Value!
Paige
France

Romantic Cruise and City Lights.

(5.0)
“We traveled as a couple and loved how the itinerary flowed. Starting in Hanoi gave us time to adjust before heading to the busier south. The overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay was romantic and peaceful, while Ho Chi Minh City gave us a burst of nightlife. The Cu Chi Tunnels were an emotional stop, but I’m glad we experienced it.”
Review Romantic Cruise and City Lights.
Audrey
Sweden

The Perfect Mix of Scenery and Energy

(4.5)
“The north had the scenery, the south had the energy – and together it made the perfect balance. The limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay were unreal, and the Mekong Delta’s floating markets gave me my favorite photos. The guides were knowledgeable without overloading us with facts, and their stories made Vietnam’s history come alive.”
Review The Perfect Mix of Scenery and Energy
Quinn
Great Britain

The Ideal 9-Day Vietnam Itinerary.

(5.0)
“If you’re short on time but want a true taste of Vietnam, this 9-day route is perfect. My favorite part up north was Ninh Binh – less crowded than Ha Long but equally stunning. In the south, the energy of Ho Chi Minh City hit me right away. Our Mekong Delta visit felt like stepping back in time. Hotels were clean, comfortable and in great locations.”
Review The Ideal 9-Day Vietnam Itinerary.
ARIEL
Denmark

An Unforgettable Adventure

(4.5)
“I’ve done group tours before, but this one stood out because of how personal it felt. Our guide in Hanoi remembered everyone’s names and went out of his way to find a vegetarian option for me. The variety was amazing – cycling through rice paddies one day, exploring war history the next. It’s the kind of trip where every day has a new highlight.”
Review An Unforgettable Adventure
MILA
United States

A Trip My Parents Still Talk About

(5.0)
“Traveling with my parents, I was worried the itinerary might be too packed, but it was just right. Enough sightseeing mixed with downtime. Ninh Binh’s boat trip through the caves was magical, and my dad still talks about the fresh coconut we had in the Mekong Delta. The history at Cu Chi was sobering but important to see. The whole trip felt seamless from start to finish.”
Review A Trip My Parents Still Talk About
Taylor
Canada

North and South – Two Sides of a Fascinating Country

(5.0)
“I’ve traveled in Asia before, but this was my first time in Vietnam and it completely exceeded expectations. The contrast between the north and south is fascinating – Hanoi’s calm temples and lakes compared to Ho Chi Minh’s buzzing streets. My highlight was waking up on the Ha Long Bay cruise to sunrise over the water. The guides were friendly and always ready with local food tips.”
Review North and South – Two Sides of a Fascinating Country
Rihanna
India

A Perfect Snapshot of Vietnam in Just 9 Days!

(5.0)
“This 9-day trip was the perfect way to see both ends of Vietnam without feeling rushed. Hanoi’s Old Quarter was full of life, Ha Long Bay’s limestone cliffs were even more beautiful in person, and Ninh Binh was like stepping into a painting. Down south, the Cu Chi Tunnels were eye-opening, and the Mekong Delta boat ride felt so peaceful. Every transfer, hotel, and guide was well-organized – I never had to worry about a thing. ”
Review A Perfect Snapshot of Vietnam in Just 9 Days!
Sarah
United Kingdom

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Vu Giang
Sam Christina
Ngoc Dang
Truc Ngan

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