Two-Week Handcrafted Seniors Tour to North Vietnam

The epicenter of Northern Vietnam is Hanoi, which is a gateway into the surreal cultural traditions that constitute the Vietnamese way of life and also captures the modern extravagance of some of the world’s premier destinations. It is a historical hub that will share an in-depth look into the country's dramatic past while providing endless educational entertainment as you wander across its bustling cityscape. Your vacation will begin in stylish fashion as your knowledgeable guide, sporting a lavish limousine, collects you from the airport and leads you to your luxurious hotel. You may exploit the laid-back afternoon atmosphere as you relax around the infinity pool or revitalize your jetlagged bodies and minds at your accommodation’s world-class spa. You can bask in the aromatic fragrances that emanate from the enlivening essential oils and allow the ancient wellness practices to soothe your stress before dining at a prestigious restaurant for your very first taste of Vietnamese food.

In the early hours of the morning, before the sun has peaked over the horizon, the markets will begin to burst with life. The tantalizing wafts of Nem Nuong Xa, which are lemongrass skewers of grilled meat, will drift through the air, and the sights of colorful hand-woven garments will catch the attention of your eager eyes. The sounds of locals as they move from stall to stall will bounce around the market walls. This will prove to be a satisfyingly exhausting experience that will leave you yearning for more Vietnamese flavor. Your experienced guide will then take you on a behind-the-scenes food tour to revered restaurants and celebrated eateries for a complete culinary immersion. You will sit down with chefs to learn what about local cuisine, which will allow you to discover the lengths that these passionate individuals go for their vocations. You will be amazed by the contrast of those who wish to retain traditions and those who hope to break new ground with their interpretations. Each captivating conversation and each mouth-watering bite will immerse you deeper into the culture of Vietnamese cuisine. The country’s history will unravel itself as you continue to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which is a landmark destination that will seemingly take you back in time to the zenith of French influence. You will peruse the district and visit renowned museums and heritage sites to capture both the colonial architecture in all its magnificence and ancient artifacts that serve as lenses into the country’s tumultuous past.

Before you set off for your next destination, you will discover Vietnam’s beloved coffee culture and taste a cup of your favorite brew to enjoy amid the peaceful gardens that surround the famous West Lake. You will spend your final morning in Hanoi at your own pace, soaking in the sights and sounds that surround you under the shade of the towering trees and greenery.

Once the capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu holds a special place in the country’s history and is a highlight that you will cherish for all its age-old majesty. The former kingdom is flanked by imposing limestone mountains and luscious landscapes, which served as natural borders to keep it hidden from unwelcomed invaders of bygone days. Today, these pristine sights form a part of the ancient city’s environmental charm, and you will explore them during your stay with the help of your experienced tour guide. From the comfort of your royal hotel, which adds a trace of traditional design to its imperial suites, you will have stupendous views. After you have unpacked your belongings, you can venture to witness the ornate temples that commemorate Emperors of the medieval era. Ancient Nghe carvings, which are images of archaic animals, adorn the royal bed that lies just beyond the first entrance of Dinh Bo Linh Temple. You will then continue to the marvelous spectacle that is the palace of Emperor Dinh. Impressive displays of grand designs in the form of a beautiful lotus flower pond and decorated spiritual sanctuaries await your historical discovery. These are only a few of the exhibits that you will uncover as you venture to the admired temples of Hoa Lu.

The sun will greet you with warm embrace the following morning, while a cool breeze that lifts off the Hoang Long River, which runs through the citadel, will keep the temperatures tolerable for your outdoor adventures. Today, you will delve deeper into the province of Ninh Binh as you transfer to the Trang An Landscape Complex, which is a spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a traditional rowing boat that will glide across the calm river, you will encounter the forest-covered mountains and dimly lit cliffside caves from a vantage point like no other. Your lengthy tour across the winding waterways will highlight the rural beauty of Northern Vietnam in which the cities simply cannot compete. Your authentic environment encounter will be elevated by a sumptuous supper at a renowned restaurant that shares breathtaking vistas of the rolling valleys and golden rice paddies.

Many travelers find access to Ha Giang difficult, and for this reason, the mountainous region provides an ideal escape into the emerald topography of Vietnam’s diverse landscape. You will board a regal train that is bound for Sapa before you transfer within the comfort of a luxurious vehicle to the sprawling province of Ha Giang. Though a somewhat lengthy expedition, your journey will not fail to share astonishing sights to keep you thoroughly enthused throughout. You may catch some sleep within the secluded repose of your cabin and marvel at the sparsely inhabited countryside as you approach your historically-inspired hotel in Ha Giang. Upon your arrival, check-in and relax in your stately suite before tucking into immaculate Vietnamese meals that will be prepared by your professional resident chef. The evening will bring with it undisturbed views of the glistening stars above as delicate dishes are served under candlelight to your white-linen-coated table. You will bask in this truly intimate experience amidst the crisp, fresh climate at the apex of Northern Vietnam.

As you venture away from your cozy accommodation in Ha Giang the following morning, you will be chaperoned by your knowledgeable guide, and the scenery will showcase its postcard allure. Canyons will cascade towards flowing rivers in the valleys, mountains will be blanketed by evergreen forest, and golden, yellow rice paddies will stretch off endlessly into the distance as you traverse the Don Van Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geopark Plateau. During which, you will hear the crescendo of the wilderness come to life as birds sing lullabies and mountain goats bleat from the cliff tops. Your excursion will culminate at Heaven’s Gate, which is a luscious paradise off the roads of Ma Pi Leng Pass, which shares surreal, scenic imagery that you can capture in great detail. Afterward, you will be welcomed by the friendly smiles of native villagers at one of Ha Giang’s beloved ethnic tribes. Invited into the home of a family, you will share stories with the locals and learn more about their timeless traditions over a gorgeously cooked Vietnamese meal and an exuberant display of ancient dance. Your guide will translate for you throughout the experience, which will allow you to lose yourselves completely in the splendor of it all.

You will be enveloped in the wondrous wilderness on your final day as you tour more of the surrounding settings. The striking peaks of Tay Con Linh and the sacred spiritual grounds of Hmong King Palace will further enrich your experience of Ha Giang. Here, you will capture breathtaking vistas and uncover the culture of the Hmong people. Your journey will be colorful and pleasant in every regard as your expert guide leads you to these prominent landmarks that should not go unvisited.

You will transfer back to Lao Cai province this morning in search of the elegant green fields that encompass Sapa, which is a magnetic destination that is enriched with geographical grace. Sapa is a significant travel location because of these environmental highlights, and many seek out the scenic beauty throughout the year. As a result, exquisite hotels lie alongside the Red River and offer an opulent experience unlike any other among the enchanting, emerald surroundings. An afternoon at your own pace, a relaxing bath in the lavish pool, and a gourmet Vietnamese meal with panoramic views will give you the perfect opportunity to completely absorb the uplifting ambiance.

Sapas appealing landscape is best experienced on foot, and you will enjoy a walking tour across the terraced rice paddies and up to remarkable viewpoints the following day. The fresh air will be invigorating, and the lack of crowds will make this brisk hike a truly delightful treat. Your immersive exploration will be set to the soundtrack of valley rivers that flow in the distance and the rustle of the rice paddies against the gentle winds. The scent of cut grass and morning dew will wrap around you and pleasantly flow in and out of your lungs as you breathe deeply. You will also feel worlds away as you peer down toward the depths of the canyons and up toward the peaks of the looming karst mountains. This immersive and exclusive hike will reveal the humble, natural environment in its purest form, which has remained largely untouched by man and features virtually no commercial-triggered destruction. Finally, you will weave your way toward a local eatery, where you will dine on intricately curated meals that have been made with great care and love, giving you a taste of the locals’ dedication to culinary tradition.

A ravishing overnight train ride in an exemplified cabin will bring you back to Hanoi, which will serve as a pit stop to reach the expansive, emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, which is a less-traveled location in the greater Ha Long Bay area. Rising from the waters of the Gulf of Tonkin is a collection of thousands of limestone islands that spread out in all directions, and these inspiring landmarks form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Ha Long Bay. You will discover their grandeur from the utmost comfort of a luxury cabin within a magnificent cruise liner as you delight in an endearing voyage across the tranquil cove of Lan Ha.

Throughout your trip, you will be spoilt for choice of activities, and you can personally tailor your overnight experience to suit your desires once you embark. You may hop in a kayak and traverse the bay for close encounters with the expansive wilderness, meander the rising paths that lead to spectacular viewpoints of the islands or relax under the sun on the pearly white shores of the spotless beaches. Your trip is yours to curate and will be complete with delightful dishes that will be prepared by the prestigious culinary staff. In the evening, you can sip on a few cocktails on the deck as the sun fades beyond the horizon and the stars embellish the night sky.

You will disembark your regal cruise liner on Cat Ba Island, which is a staggering destination that is complemented by sweeping beaches and concealed coves. It is also the home of The Cat Ba National Park, which is a luxuriant forest that blankets the entire island. Your prestigious resort awaits your arrival and offers an experience that is unlike any other. You will be shown to your first-class villa, which will overlook the endless breadth of the sea that you will have the pleasure of swimming in once you have unpacked your things. You may totally submerge yourselves in the secluded luxury while watching the world go by from the serenity of your poolside lounger. You can also spoil yourselves to one last spa treatment before you bid your farewells.

Cat Ba Island boasts many glorious snorkeling destinations along its limestone walls that protrude from the sea. You will be collected by your private guide the following morning in a speed boat that will lead you a resplendent tour of the colorful coral reefs that lie just beneath the surface of the calm water. With professional gear on deck and an underwater camera for photographs, you will capture unforgettable moments as you wade alongside the vibrant sea life that calls these waters home. Emerging from the water, you will feel the soft sand beneath your feet before retreating to the cool shade under palm trees for a morning of sublime relaxation. As your adventurous tour of Northern Vietnam slowly comes to an end, you will reminisce on the enthralling experiences with glowing smiles on your faces. You will transfer back to Hanoi later this morning before checking in at the airport and boarding your departing flight.