Vietnam's Northern Gems: A 7-Day Journey Through City, Highlands & Sea

Today is dedicated to exploring Hanoi’s most significant landmarks. We begin at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university, built in the 11th century. Walk through its tranquil gardens and admire the "stone steles" that honor the country's brightest scholars.

Our next stop is the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), a treasure trove of information about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The outdoor section, with its life-size replicas of traditional homes, offers a fascinating glimpse into diverse cultures.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the elegant French Quarter, a "little Paris" with its tree-lined boulevards and grand colonial buildings. We'll see the exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, take a leisurely walk through the botanical gardens, and visit the Presidential Palace and Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House. We'll also see the iconic One-Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Hanoi.

The day culminates with a mesmerizing Water Puppet Show, a traditional Vietnamese art form dating back to the 11th century. Watch as puppets dance on water, telling stories of Vietnamese daily life and folklore. After the show, you'll have free time for dinner before our guide transfers you to the train station for your overnight journey to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, transportation, all entrance fees, Water Puppet Show, 2 bottles of mineral water, overnight train to Lao Cai in a Deluxe Cabin (4 berths).

Wake up to the cool mountain air as you arrive at Lao Cai train station. Our private guide and driver will greet you and take you on a scenic one-hour drive up to Sapa. The journey offers breathtaking views of terraced rice fields and glimpses of local H'mong and Red Dao people. After a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant, you'll begin your full-day trek.

Our trek starts at Y Linh Ho Village. Follow a downhill path, where you can interact with friendly H'mong villagers. We’ll cross a scenic cable bridge and continue our hike towards Lao Chai Village. Here, you’ll have a unique opportunity to meet a local artisan who is a master of the traditional H'mong craft of using beeswax to decorate indigo clothing. This is a chance to truly immerse yourself in their daily life and vibrant culture.

Finally, we’ll continue to Ta Van Village, home to the Dzay people. This charming village is beautifully located on a hillside, offering spectacular views of the Muong Hoa River and the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. As you walk, villagers may invite you into their homes, offering a glimpse into their simple but rich lives. In the late afternoon, we'll return to Sapa town for a well-deserved rest.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, transportation, all entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water, accommodation at Sapa Elegance Hotel (or similar).

After breakfast, we embark on another memorable trek from Ma Tra Hamlet to Ta Phin Village. This journey takes you through superb rice terrace valleys, offering more opportunities to interact with the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups. These communities, who settled in Vietnam in the 11th century, have preserved their unique traditions and way of life. We'll make a stop to visit a Hmong family and a local school in Ma Tra Village. After a 3-hour trek, we'll reach Ta Phin, a village known for its traditional Red Dao crafts. You can learn about their culture firsthand by chatting with the locals.

In the early afternoon, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Sapa for the return journey to Hanoi. The scenic 6-hour drive on the new highway offers comfortable travel, with a few stops for a break. We anticipate arriving in Hanoi in the early evening.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, transportation, all entrance fees, 2 bottles of mineral water, shuttle bus from Sapa to Hanoi, accommodation at Palago Boutique Hotel (or similar).

Today, we escape the city for a day trip to Ninh Binh, often called "Ha Long Bay on land." After a scenic drive, we'll arrive in a world of stunning limestone karsts and serene landscapes.

Our journey begins with an optional 15km bike ride (or walk) through picturesque villages. You'll cycle along a peaceful dyke, capturing gorgeous photos of rice fields and mountains. We'll visit Thung La Temple, an ancient site dating back to the 11th century. Here, you'll meet the temple guardian, Mr. Tuong, who will treat you to an authentic 20-minute drum performance, a truly unique experience.

Next, we take a traditional sampan boat trip along the stream in Van Long Nature Reserve. As you glide through the water, keep an eye out for rare white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. After the boat trip, we'll visit a local embroidery village and even take part in an embroidery class with local craftswoman Mrs. Lam, learning the traditional techniques of this beautiful art form.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, transportation, all entrance fees, boat trip, optional bike ride, 2 bottles of mineral water, accommodation at Palago Boutique Hotel (or similar).

Get ready for the highlight of your trip! After breakfast, our shuttle bus will pick you up for a comfortable 2.5-hour drive to Hai Phong, the gateway to Lan Ha Bay. The journey takes you through the beautiful Red River Delta with its endless rice fields.

Upon arrival at the harbor, you'll be welcomed aboard the luxurious Peony Cruise. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and a special lunch featuring fresh local seafood as the cruise sails into the spectacular Lan Ha Bay, a serene and less-crowded alternative to Ha Long Bay.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Tra Bau area, an unspoiled paradise. Here, you can enjoy kayaking to explore hidden grottoes and lagoons, or simply swim in the emerald-green waters. As the sun begins to set, join a cooking demonstration to learn how to make Vietnamese spring rolls or relax on the sundeck with a Happy Hour drink. The day concludes with a delightful dinner and optional evening activities like squid fishing or a relaxing spa treatment.

• Included: Shuttle bus from Hanoi to Hai Phong, English-speaking guide on board, breakfast, lunch, dinner, entrance fees, kayaking, swimming, cooking class, squid fishing, 2 bottles of mineral water, overnight on Peony Cruise (or similar).

Start your final day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the stunning limestone karsts. After a light breakfast, we’ll visit Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, one of the most impressive caves in the area with its thousands of stalactites and unique ecosystem.

Upon returning to the cruise, you will check out of your cabin and enjoy an early lunch as the boat makes its way back to the harbor. After disembarking, our driver will be waiting to take you on a comfortable 2.5-hour drive back to Hanoi.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, our driver will transfer you to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your departure flight. We hope you leave with incredible memories of Vietnam's stunning northern gems!

• Included: English-speaking guide on board, breakfast, lunch, transportation, entrance fees, morning Tai Chi, 2 bottles of mineral water.