Majestic Northern Vietnam – 8 Days

Wake up to a delightful breakfast before embarking on a full-day exploration of Hanoi. Begin with a scenic drive through Ba Dinh Square, where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam’s independence in 1945. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and admire the blend of Confucian traditions and Vietnamese architecture. Continue to the Old Quarter, a maze of 36 historic streets bustling with local life, stopping by Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. After a gourmet lunch, head to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you’ll gain insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through interactive displays and full-scale traditional houses. Conclude your cultural immersion with a traditional Water Puppet Show, an ancient art form that originated in the Red River Delta. Return to your luxury hotel for a relaxing evening.

 

This morning, depart for Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” due to its breathtaking karst landscape. Your first stop is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former political center of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Explore the King Dinh and King Le temples, which showcase intricate architecture and tell the stories of Vietnam’s early dynasties. Continue your journey to Mua Cave, where a short but rewarding climb offers panoramic views over Tam Coc’s lush rice paddies and limestone formations. After a delicious local lunch, visit the Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene Buddhist complex nestled in the mountains. The highlight of the day is a tranquil sampan boat ride through Thung Nham Bird Valley, where you will see thousands of birds returning to their nests at sunset. Spend the night in a charming retreat surrounded by nature.

 

After breakfast, head to Cuc Phuong National Park, one of Vietnam’s last remaining tropical rainforests. Start your visit at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where you will see rare species such as the Delacour’s Langur, rescued from illegal poaching. Then, continue to the Turtle Conservation Center, an important rehabilitation project for endangered turtles. After lunch at the park headquarters, take a short trek to the Prehistoric Cave, where traces of ancient human habitation have been discovered. In the late afternoon, return to Hanoi for dinner before boarding the luxury overnight train to Sapa in a private sleeper cabin. Drift to sleep as the train makes its way through the misty mountains of northern Vietnam.

 

Wake up early as the train arrives at Lao Cai station, where your private driver will take you on a scenic 90-minute drive to Sapa. Enjoy breakfast before heading to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. The ride takes you over the clouds, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Upon reaching 2,800 meters, spend time exploring the spiritual pagodas and temples, then climb the final 600 steps to reach the Fansipan summit (3,143m), the highest peak in Indochina. After descending, return to Sapa town for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy a leisurely evening exploring Sapa’s charming town center, with dinner at a cozy French-Vietnamese fusion restaurant before retreating to your accommodation.

 

After breakfast, embark on a scenic trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, passing through terraced rice fields and traditional ethnic villages. Walk downhill to Cat Cat Village, home to the Black H’mong ethnic group, and visit a hydroelectric station built during the French colonial era. Continue trekking through the valley until you reach Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai Villages, where you can observe daily life and participate in a traditional Batik dyeing class with a local artisan. Enjoy lunch with a H’mong family before returning to Sapa town. In the evening, transfer to Lao Cai for the overnight train back to Hanoi, where you’ll rest in a luxury sleeper cabin.

 

Arriving in Hanoi early in the morning, freshen up at a day-use luxury hotel before departing for Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Board your 5-star luxury cruise and settle into your private suite with a sea-view balcony. Begin the journey with a welcome cocktail on the sun deck while cruising through the stunning limestone karsts. Explore Cua Van Floating Fishing Village by kayak or bamboo boat, followed by a visit to Tien Ong Cave, which holds evidence of prehistoric human habitation. In the evening, participate in a cooking class led by the onboard chef, learning to prepare authentic Vietnamese dishes. After a multi-course à la carte dinner, enjoy optional activities like squid fishing or stargazing from the deck. Overnight in a luxury cruise suite, surrounded by the serene waters of Ha Long Bay.