Best 15-Day Northern Vietnam Tour

Northern Vietnam is bursting with life, and there is no better destination to begin your adventure than the vibrant city of Hanoi. Hanoi is teeming with riveting, cultural experiences, and you will explore them from your opulent base in the city, which will be an exquisite hotel with a panoramic view of the Red River and Hoan Kiem Lake. The gorgeous views are only half of the charm of this lavish accommodation. You can enjoy seclusion within your private suite and delight in world-class amenities throughout your stay. A professionally-run gourmet restaurant sits on top of the hotel, serving exceptional cuisine alongside sweeping cityscape views.

The city bustles in the morning, and you will wake to the exuberant energy that resonates from the lively streets below. Wafts of traditional cuisine will fill your senses, guiding you out of your hotel in search of delectable delicacies. Stop off at a high-spirited market and peruse the endless stream of stalls. Amid eager locals and foreigners, you will discover the endearing flavors of authentic Vietnamese cuisine and will explore more of the rich cultural highlights of Hanoi as you transfer to the famous Old Quarter. Here, you can stroll the streets that are lined with French-colonial architecture and colorful shops that sell unique souvenirs. You will fully immerse yourselves in the local lifestyle as you discover the enthusiastic nature of Old Quarter, Hanoi. The zestful location delivers on all expectations, capturing your attention on every corner. In the evening, you will visit a premier restaurant for intricate meals that are prepared by an award-winning chef. Set amongst traditionally-inspired decor, you will thoroughly enjoy the luxury of this authentic experience.

While the city retains an element of traditional charm, it is best experienced beyond its borders. Accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide the following day, you will set off in a private coach to Duong Lam Ancient Village. Being a UNESCO-awarded location, the peaceful age-old city shares enchanting architectural displays, cultural complexes, and scenic sights. Positioned off of the beaten track, you will delight in the calm and laid-back ambiance as you encounter cultural sites and capture unforgettable images of the mostly untouched surroundings as you cruise along the winding roads. You will witness old water wells, century-old residential buildings, and ancient banyan trees along the way. You will also experience a traditional tea ceremony that will be conducted by a friendly local for complete immersion. Then, you will transfer to Hanoi later this afternoon for an evening at your leisure, and you can conclude your stay with a delightful dinner at a revered restaurant.

Just a short trip from Hanoi lies the stretching waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, which is a collection of untouched limestone islands that are covered in emerald foliage. You will transfer via luxury vehicle to the pier in the morning. From here, you will board a regal cruise liner that is bound for the natural beauty of the bay. You will spend three days and two nights exploring the pristine islands that are dotted around the crystal waters of the bay from the comfort of this lavish cruise liner. Your journey will kick off in full swing with welcome drinks and a delicious lunch spread. Charter the bay and witness remarkable vistas from the open-air deck, and revel in complete relaxation as you unwind in fashionable style. Your spacious room highlighted with its Vietnamese design, exquisite décor, and first-class amenities will keep you thoroughly enthused.

The afternoon will bring with it surreal views of the karst mountains, and you will soon arrive at a premier kayaking location, where you will be whisked away as you enjoy an isolated kayak cruise along the calm bay. Breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sun as you encounter the natural beauty of the surrounding environment, swim in the warm Bai Tu Long Bay water, and capture memories together that will last a lifetime. You will return to the liner after a thorough exploration of your surroundings and indulge in an expert spa treatment that will be performed by professional staff on board the boat, and you can spend the rest of your afternoon lounging around the pool and enjoying the scenic views. Your evening will culminate with an elegant dinner and delectable cocktails, and you will continue your captivating journey the following day at a traditional floating fishing village. Here, you will connect with the friendly locals and brave a beautifully rugged cave. You will be treated to a BBQ lunch on a secluded beach for the perfect midday break. Kayaking and swimming in the vast bay water will share further vistas of the riveting environment. You can bask in seclusion within the comfort of the cruise liner and conclude your expedition with gourmet meals that are accompanied by an unforgettable sunset view.

You will disembark the boat on the following day, however, your journey will not end here. You will transfer to a nearby agricultural village shortly after the liner has docked and familiarize yourselves with the culture and tradition of this peaceful village as you meet the welcoming locals. You will be completely immersed in their way of life as you encounter traditional performances by artists of the village, and your luxury sea voyage will share valuable insight and leave you feeling rejuvenated.

Away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi lies a peaceful city that lines the Red River: Ninh Binh. The diverse landscape that is complete with meandering rivers, karst mountains, and immense rice paddies, will be a sight to behold. Furthermore, there is a wealth of cultural discoveries for you to uncover as you explore the highlights of this less-traveled gem. You will transfer within a well-kept, comfortable vehicle to a gorgeous, boutique resort that will be located amid the luscious greenery. A selection of renowned, international wines can be found at the resort’s wine bar, and you may enjoy a refreshing treatment at the top-tier spa. Your stay will leave nothing for you to desire as you luxuriate in stylish seclusion from the over-visited tourist hubs.

The surrounding Ninh Binh area is full of character. There is a rustic simplicity and laid-back ambiance that will seem to emanate from the picturesque landscape on which the city was founded. Dotted around the city are beloved cultural landmarks that you will explore on your first full day. You will encounter the majesty of Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is a sacred, spiritual complex that perfectly captures old, architectural charm. The surreal site is home to gorgeous Buddhist images that are set amid endearing wildlife. The sprawling complex is nestled below a striking mountain, and the natural views will fill you with great admiration for Vietnam’s environment. Your journey will continue to the world-famous Mua Caves, where you will witness the most enchanting vistas of North Vietnam from the heights of the mountain’s viewpoints. You can capture images of cascading rice paddies and rolling green hills that encompass the unspoiled environment.

Explore more of the districts that surround Ninh Binh the following two days as you travel to Tam Coc and Hoa Lu. Tam Coc is a mesmerizing rural destination that has been made famous by the Oscar-winning movie Indochine. Though visitors find their ways here more frequently, there is still an atmosphere of untamed beauty within the location. Dirt roads on which locals traverse via bicycle are surrounded by towering karst mountains, fascinating caves and grottos are in abundance across the rugged region, rice paddies stretch far into the distance, and you will find yourselves flying through memory cards as you capture incredible, scenic shots. A trip to the ancient city of Hoa Lu will reveal intriguing monuments and artifacts. You can encounter distinguished temples and grand pagodas that were built centuries ago, and as you are accompanied by a private tour guide, you will learn a great deal more about Vietnam’s engrossing past.

Your final destination highlight on this Northern Vietnam tour is Sapa, which is a mountainside town that is near the country’s northern border. Said to be one of the most beautiful locations in Vietnam, Sapa is not a city that can be omitted on a vacation through Vietnam, especially Northern Vietnam. You will leave on the evening of your tenth day onboard a luxurious train from Hanoi. Your trip will be spent in complete luxury as you settle into a comfortable private cabin with professional staff that ensures that all your needs are met. Vietnamese style and decor will be highlighted on this regal railway journey, and you will witness the sprawling countryside along the way. Vistas of the greenery and limestone cliffs will provide an enthralling backdrop for your idyllic images. You will disembark your cozy cabin early in the morning and comfortably transfer to a local cafe for breakfast, where you will indulge in a deliciously prepared Vietnamese breakfast among the natural splendor of this mountainous region. You will feel worlds away amid the secluded beauty before making your way to your chic resort and checking into your luxury suite with sweeping mountain views. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, basking in a reviving spa treatment with ancient Vietnamese wellness practices.

The flourishing town boasts wildlife hikes to postcard-worthy lookout points. You can spend your day venturing to these picturesque views as you traverse the forest settings. You will capture images of the rugged cliff faces and cascading rice paddies that sweep down into the emerald valleys. Untamed wildlife will circle the paths, and you will hear the whistle of birds as they soar overhead. In the afternoon, you can visit an ethnic market and peruse the exuberant stalls that sell local trinkets and gems. Locals dressed in colorful garments will make you feel completely welcomed as you connect with the traditional lifestyle and explore the authentic culture at an inspiring museum, where you will witness relics of the past and learn about the northern post’s dramatic heritage. Your evening will be spent in style as you fine dine with panoramic countryside views of the towering mountains.

Today, you will journey to more of the destinations wilderness highlights. Amid the untamed jungles lie pounding waterfalls and bamboo plantations. Traverse the environment in search of these gorgeous locations and immerse yourselves in nature along the way. Your tour will culminate with a trip to a local ethnic hill tribe. Accompanied by a private tour guide, you will have the opportunity to meet the people who call this serene destination home. Share a meal with a friendly family and listen to stories about their fascinating past. You will witness traditional performances and discover what makes their lifestyle so unique. There is a humble ambiance that exudes from this destination you will rarely find anywhere else. Make your way, in the comfort of the same luxury train, back to Hanoi for one last evening and day in the vibrant city.

You will arrive at your stellar hotel in the heart of Hanoi for your final evening in Northern Vietnam. Check into your lavish suite and head out for a fine dining experience that will be worth bragging about once you return home. You will meet an award-winning chef and share in tantalizing meals throughout the evening. The coveted, multiple-course meal will take you on a flavor journey as you discover the unique tastes of authentic Vietnamese dishes. The evening will culminate with elegant cocktails and sunset vistas atop a leading rooftop bar in the city.

You will further delve into the rich flavor profile of Vietnamese cuisine on your final day in this magnificent country. Early in the morning, you will transfer to a prestigious culinary school, where you will be accompanied by professional chefs who will select essential ingredients for you at a local market. You will return to the school where you will begin preparing a selection of endearing dishes. With the help of your expert chef, you will learn the intricate details behind these unique meals and bring out the exceptional flavor in your own creations. You will share your meals to bring the experience to an end and delight in the fruits of your labor. A certificate will be awarded to you to showcase your newfound culinary skills, and you will bid your farewells and meet your private transfer. Finally, you will transfer to the airport with exceptional memories and lifelong images of this diverse expedition through Northern Vietnam. You will soar into the sky, ebullient with the exciting adventures that you have had. Until next time, Northern Vietnam will eagerly await your return.