Hanoi & Northern Highlights tour
Is this trip for you?
Trip length: 8 days | Trip code: VHAP-03
Trip Style: Explore | Physical Rating: 3/5 | Trip Price: Upon request
Places visited: Hanoi - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive in Hanoi (Hotel in Hanoi)
Day 02: Hanoi city sightseeing (Hotel in Hanoi)
Day 03: Pu Luong mountains discovery and trek (Ecolodge in Pu Luong)
Day 04: Pu Luong explore - Ninh Binh (Hotel in Ninh Binh)
Day 05: Ninh Binh discovery - Hanoi (Hotel in Hanoi)
Day 06: Halong Bay cruise (Overnight on board)
Day 07: Halong Bay cruise - Hanoi (Hotel in Hanoi)
Day 08: Hanoi - Departure
Highlights
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Hanoi street food tasting tour
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Pu Luong trekking & local culture experiences
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Spectacular karst landscapes of Ninh Binh with boat rowing thru caves
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Sail on the emerald waters of Halong Bay, spending a night on board amidst its towering limestone islands.
TRIP MAP
Day 01: Hanoi - Arrival
Xin Chào! Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam!
Upon your arrival, you will be picked up at the airport and transported to your hotel in downtown Hanoi for check-in.
Hanoi, celebrated as one of Asia's most lively and charming cities, boasts a rich thousand-year history. It seamlessly blends deep-rooted traditions with the dynamic energy of a rapidly growing metropolis. The city features tree-lined boulevards adorned with yellow colonial buildings, the bustling Old Quarter with its labyrinth of narrow streets, vibrant shops, traditional guilds, ancient temples, food stalls, and street cafes.
The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the city's central area at your own pace.
Inclusions: Private airport transfer, Accommodation
Day 02: Hanoi city sightseeing
Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning, you will explore some of Hanoi's most captivating sights. Your tour begins with the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Complex, which honors the father of modern Vietnam and includes his Mausoleum, the Presidential Palace, and Uncle Ho’s house on stilts. Next, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of Hanoi dating back to 1049, and the ruins of the ancient Imperial Citadel of Thang Long. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university established in 1076, where stone steles on turtle backs commemorate the country's Doctor Laureates from royal examinations.
In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's intriguing museums, followed by a trip to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Ngoc Son Temple, which is home to a legendary turtle. Later, enjoy a leisurely walking tour of the Hanoi Old Quarter, where you can indulge in a food tasting tour featuring some of Hanoi’s specialties. Conclude your tour with a cup of Hanoi's famous egg coffee at a century-old family shop.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Tour activities, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 03: Pu Luong trekking
07:30 AM: Depart from your hotel for a scenic 4-hour drive through the countryside to Pu Luong.
Arrive at Pu Luong Nature Reserve around noon. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then proceed to the starting point for your trek. Embark on a 10km hike along small trails winding through hills and valleys. Discover Kho Muong, a secluded village nestled in a valley, and visit the largest cave in Pu Luong, navigating off-road paths, streams, and mountains.
During the trek, you'll have opportunities to sightsee, take photographs of the natural landscapes, and interact with local farmers tending their fields. You might also visit a local home for a cup of tea.
Arrive at the lodge around 5 PM. Check in and relax.
Dinner and overnight stay at an eco-lodge in Pu Luong.
Notes: The difficulty of the trekking activities varies and can be adjusted to fit your physical level and expectations.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Tour activities, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 04: Pu Luong further explore - Ninh Binh
Savor the fresh morning air and clouds while watching the sunrise over the mountains.
After breakfast, transfer to Ban Cong commune to begin a light morning trek. Walk along the river, enjoying stunning landscapes, rice fields, and village life. Cross a suspension bridge to reach one of Pu Luong's most picturesque villages, where the largest stream flows. Look for the giant water wheels, an iconic symbol of mountain terraced farming.
Arrive at Chieu Lau dam for a bamboo rafting experience. Paddle the raft upstream with locals and enjoy the adventure.
Continue with another 2km trek through rice fields and villages, completing a loop trail. Meet your transfer at the main road and return to your accommodation to check out and have lunch.
After a short break, drive through mountain and rural landscapes to Ninh Binh.
Check into your hotel, and if time permits, take a short bicycle ride around the country village for sightseeing and photographs.
The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Tour activities, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 05: Ninh Binh Karst landscapes - Hanoi
rewrite to avoid plagiarism:
After breakfast, transfer to the pier and embark on a serene rowing boat ride along a peaceful stream amidst towering mountains and lush rice paddies. Glide through the three natural caves of Tam Coc, where the stunning scenery will undoubtedly be a highlight of your day.
Following, take a bicycle ride along little rural paths thru quaint villages and captivating rice paddies to Hoa Lu ancient capital. Along the way you will have a stop to visit Mua Cave. Conquer steps up to the top of mountain for breathtaking panorama view of the landscapes below and surroundings.
In the afternoon, you will visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which dates back to the 10th century. Surrounded by towering limestone mountains, this historical site features temples dedicated to national heroes and the kings of the Dinh and Early Le Dynasties.
Drive back Hanoi. Check in hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Notes: The order of today's activities can be changed depending on where you stay the last night.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Tour activities, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 06: Hanoi - Halong Bay cruise
Breakfast is at the hotel.
9.00AM: Get picked up from hotel and take a transfer along the highway thru the Red Rive Delta to Halong City. Upon arrival, board your vessel around noon and indulge in a delectable lunch as you leisurely cruise amidst the myriad of dramatic limestone islets dotting the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy kayaking amidst the karsts and breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay, or opt for a refreshing swim at one of its pristine beaches.
As the day ends, enjoy a sunset party and happy hour on the top desk while the boat sail smoothly to where it will stay for the night, surrounded by beautiful islands.
Dinner and overnight on board amongst islands and under star live sky.
Inclusions: Bus, Boat cruise, Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Entrance fees, Private cabin
Day 07: Halong Bay cruise - Hanoi
Get up early in the morning if you wish to see the sunrise over the beautiful scenery of the bay while having a cup of tea or coffee.
After breakfast, go on a rowing boat tour to explore a natural tunnel and a floating village in Halong Bay. Then, return to the main boat, check out, and enjoy brunch as you cruise through another part of the bay back to the pier.
Get off the boat around midday, between 11:00 and 11:30, depending on the boat and tide. Then, you'll be driven back to Hanoi and dropped off at your hotel. Trip ends. See you again!
Inclusions: Boat cruise, Bus, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 08: Hanoi - Departure
Breakfast is at the hotel.
Enjoy your free time to unwind or wander around for sightseeing and last minute shopping.
Check out (12.00) and take a transfer to the airport for your departure flight or continue another adventure with us. Safe travel!
Inclusions: Private airport transfer, Breakfast.
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Hanoi Travel FAQs
Is it safe to walk around Hanoi at night?
Hanoi is generally safe to walk around at night, but it's always wise to take common precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas and being aware of your surroundings.
Hanoi which part of vietnam?
Hanoi is located in the northern part of Vietnam.
How much is it from Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter?
The distance from Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter is approximately 21 kilometers (about 13 miles), and the cost can vary depending on the mode of transportation, but a taxi ride or a private 4-seat car transfer usually costs around 300,000 to 400,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong).
How many days in Hanoi and Halong Bay should I spend?
A typical itinerary would include 2-3 days in Hanoi to explore the city and its surroundings, and 2-3 days in Halong Bay for a cruise experience.
Which is better, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
It depends on your preferences. Hanoi is known for its rich history, culture, and charm, while Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is more modern and bustling with activity.
Which is better, Hanoi or Danang?
Again, it depends on what you're looking for. Hanoi offers a cultural and historical experience, while Da Nang is known for its beautiful beaches and modern amenities.
What is Hanoi famous for?
Hanoi is famous for its centuries-old architecture, vibrant street life, delicious street food, rich history, and cultural heritage.
