Your Vietnam & Indochina DMC
Tour Overview
This itinerary is a great way to unveil the best of North Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Northern Vietnam travel with this 14-day adventure! Traverse bustling Hanoi, trek through breathtaking rice terraces sculpted by hand in Sapa and Ha Giang, and delve into the rich history etched into the battlefields of Dien Bien Phu.
Cruise amidst the emerald waters of Halong Bay, dotted with limestone pillars, and discover hidden villages in Mai Chau where time seems to stand still. This handcrafted itinerary promises an unparalleled journey with a mix of cities, villages, mountains, and beaches - there is something for everyone on this trip.
Let Asia Links Travel be your guide as you uncover the magic of the dreamy north Vietnam!
Tour Highlights
- Explore Hanoi the capital of Vietnam with a city tour with locals.
- Visit Mai Chau, a traditional ethnic village near Hanoi.
- Discover the historical Dien Bien Phu before hiking the rice terraces of Sapa.
- Immerse in the natural beauty of Ha Giang’ Lung Cu, Ma Pi Leng,…
- Get to know local lifestyles in Cat Cat Village and Dong Van.
- Take a scenic cruise through Halong Bay and kayak to famous islets.
Itinerary
Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam. On the morning arrival, meet your driver at Noi Bai Airport for a transfer to the hotel in Hanoi.
Please note that the standard check in to the hotel is 02:00 PM. Early hotel check in is upon request and depends on hotel availability.
Rest of the day is your leisure time to explore the city. Lunch & Dinner on your own account.
Overnight at the hotel.
Pick-up time: 08.30 AM
You have a whole day to enjoy a Hanoi city tour: prevailing spots in the bustle and hustle city of over 1000 years of history. We first pay a visit to Ho Chi Minh Complex to learn more about the beloved Father of Vietnamese and visit the nearby attractions: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Still House, Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda.
Then, we set foot in the Temple of Literature, known as the first university of Vietnam constructed in the 11th century.
Cheer up the afternoon with one of the most famous museums in Hanoi: Museum of Ethnology to learn about 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. Then, move to Hanoi Old Quarter - a mixture between its nostalgic ambience of old-styled narrow streets and the dynamic atmosphere of the modern city. Street foods, clothing, jewelry, souvenirs and more await you.
Optional: 04:00 PM – Watch the special water puppet show to understand more about local culture. The skillful puppeteers will stand in water all the show, using the puppet together with water to tell you the drama or tales about the traditional life in Vietnam. (With extra fee)
Stay overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.
Time to kick off your Vietnam tour to the north with a trip to the northwest highlands of Mai Chau, set amongst some of northern Vietnam's most stunning scenery.
Your adventure begins the moment you hop in the car.
Cruise along Highway 6, Vietnam's national road, until a hidden gem unfolds before you: Mai Chau. Imagine a charming town cradled in a verdant valley, carpeted with emerald rice paddies that shimmer under the sun. But that's not all! We'll make a pitstop to meet the Muong tribe, a chance to peek into their unique culture. Then, get ready to be wowed as we reach Thung Khe Pass. Brace yourself for a panoramic vista of the entire Mai Chau Valley, a view so breathtaking it will leave you speechless.
Afternoon, trek off the terraced rice paddies and small villages of White Thai people, immerse yourself in the tranquil nature and hospitality of locals.
Overnight in Mai Chau.
* Distance: 170 km or 100 miles.
Farewell Mai Chau and take the drive to Son La. Make a stop en route to visit villages of various tribes including the H’mong, Thai, Muong and Dzao and orchard, tea farm in Moc Chau plateau – Vietnam’s premier tea-growing region, before reaching Son La (200km from Mai Chau) and have lunch at your own expense.
In the afternoon, continue the trip through North Vietnam’s stunning countryside and admire the Pha Din Pass.
The Pha Din Pass is well-known as a historical site during the 1st Indochina War ended in 1954. It is a charming and dangerous pass at an elevation of 1,300m with a breathtaking view. Local lore whispers that "Pha Din" isn't just a mountain pass, it's a mystical crossroads where the heavens kiss the earth.
On arrival at Dien Bien Phu, check in your hotel and spend rest of day at leisure.
* Distance: 320 km or 200 miles.
Start the day early with a visit to the local market where the charming Thai tribes, in their traditional costume, purchase their farm products.
Next, you will visit Dien Bien Phu Museum and Dien Bien Phu Cemetery to learn more about this battleground, where the Vietnamese successfully defeated the French, marking the end of French colonial occupation.
Continue our trip with Old Muong Thanh Bridge, General De Castries’s Bunker and a boat on Nam Rom River. Then drive to Muong Phang Village to trek about 1 hour to visit the historical relic site of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Headquarters.
Return to the hotel for relaxing.
This morning, leave Dien Bien Phu for Sapa. As you wind your way towards Sapa, brace yourself for a climb up Tram Ton Pass – Vietnam's undisputed champion of high roads. This scenic ascent will bring you face-to-face with Fansipan Peak, the mighty "roof of Indochina," for a truly unforgettable panorama. Visit the nearby Silver Waterfall en route.
Upon arrival in the misty town of Sapa, check in to your hotel.
Sapa is Northwest Vietnam’s premier travel destination. Forget the Eiffel Tower, this hidden gem whispers forgotten French charm. Step back in time to 1922 and explore a town born as a French colonial retreat. Now, lace up your boots! This haven for trekkers boasts emerald rice terraces that snake through the hills, leading you to the heart of enchanting hill tribe villages.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore the colorful town as you wish. Dinner on your own and stay overnight in Sapa.
Breakfast at hotel with a refreshing view of the mountains. Your guide and driver from Asia Links Travel will take you to Sapa vicinity where the ethnic minorities live. En route, stop for magnificent landscapes and waterfalls.
The first stop of today is Can Ho B which is a home for Red Dao people. When walking in this hamlet, you will be so much welcomed by the locals on the way. Visit their home to learn how the traditional costumes are made from hemp and dyed by indigo plants. Then, proceed further to Ta Giang Phinh, a Hmong village for a four to five-hour trek.
As you walk through the authentic village, meet and greet local people who love to share with you about their life and so. Transfer back to Sapa and the rest of the day is for you to explore freely.
* Trekking: 5 hours downhills.
Morning, enjoy your breakfast and then take a trip to Cat Cat village, the home of the Black H’Mong people. Visit the Cat Cat Waterfall nearby and the French hydrofoil constructed during the 19th century. You can visit a local H’Mong family and learn about their culture and customs.
Afternoon, drive about 5 hours towards Ha Giang Province to extend your Vietnam adventure travel. Stop enroute for some rest before reaching Ha Giang. Check-in at the hotel and relax.
After breakfast at the hotel, the driver and tour guide will transfer you to Yen Minh. We will enter Dong Van Geopark in the afternoon.
Dong Van is a paradise for the photographer in you! Here you will find stunning landscapes and the colorful traditional costumes everywhere. One interesting experience here is asking ethnic children to braid your hair. They will happily do it and tuck little flowers into your hair. You will look like the princess in Tangled!
About 14km from Dong Van District center, you will stop by the Vuong family house. The architecture of the building bears highly artistic value and clearly reflects ancient Chinese architecture (Man Thanh Dynasty). It was not only a home, but also a fort in the middle of a rocky highland valley.
Lunch and dinner at your own account. Overnight in Dong Van.
Today, we will enter the highest mountains of Dong Van with the Lung Cu Flag Tower pole, "the forehead of the motherland" which marks the northernmost point in the country. Then drive back to Ha Giang city with some stops on the way like Ma Pi Leng and some Hmong sites.
Lunch & Dinner at your own account. Overnight in Ha Giang.
During the 2-day trip in Ha Giang, you will also visit ethnic midwife project on the way.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then we drive about more than 6 hours back to Hanoi.
Arrive back in Hanoi, check-in hotel and freshen up.
Lunch & Dinner on your own account.
08:30 AM: Pick-up by bus from hotel to Halong Bay. Short break half way.
12:00 AM: Arrive at Tuan Chau marina, get to the Halong Bay cruise by tender. Refresh with our welcome drink. Meet the captain, hear the cruise briefing and safety instruction.
01:00 PM: Savor special lunch in Vietnamese cuisine of fresh seafood while sailing through Islets of Con Vit.
03:30 PM: The cruise sails through Lan Ha Bay. Imagine towering limestone giants guarding a hidden paradise. We'll navigate towards the secluded Ong Cam area, a lesser-known gem within Lan Ha Bay, where tranquility reigns supreme.
Enjoy kayaking and/or swimming in this lesser known paradise of the bay.
05:30 PM: Back to the cruise, drop anchor for staying overnight. Enjoy the Sunset Party on the sundeck with local wine and fresh fruit.
07:00 PM: Dinner is served in the restaurant. Enjoy delicious local food prepared and served for you by our onboard catering staff.
After dinner, retire to your cabin or join the squid fishing, watch a movie, have a drink at the bar or play exciting games. Overnight on board.
7:00 - 7:45 AM: Have breakfast. Morning view of Halong Bay's landscape with a cup of tea or coffee.
08:00 AM: Explore the famous Frog Pond. You can freely kayak or swim in the cove and explore the landscape!
09:15 AM: Back to your cabin, relax and carefully check all the luggage before checking out.
9:30 AM: Seize the last moments of Halong Bay’s view on the sundeck. Complete check-out procedure and enjoy your brunch on cruise.
11.00 - 11.30 AM: Return to Tuan Chau Harbor to get on the bus back to Hanoi.
03:30 PM: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi, check-in and relax.
Free time exploring until your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for the departure flight. Ends of tour services. Thank you for choosing our services.
What's included
Trip Notes
Time travel: Possible to travel all year around. March to June and September to November are best time in Sapa when the weather is warmer and days are mainly sunny.
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.
We can customize this tour just for you
We'll get back to you within 6 - 12 business hours
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