7 Days North Vietnam: The Highlights

After landing at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, a private driver will be waiting to bring you to your hotel in the city center. In the evening, dive straight into Vietnam’s culinary culture with a guided street food tour through the Old Quarter. You’ll walk past bustling markets, hidden alleys, and lively corners of Train Street, tasting local favorites like bún chả, bánh cuốn, and egg coffee. It’s a flavorful introduction to life in northern Vietnam.

Leave the city behind and head towards the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay, a lesser-known but equally stunning extension of Halong Bay. After boarding your boutique cruise, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as you pass limestone islands and floating villages. In the afternoon, explore the bay by kayak or relax on a secluded beach. End the day with a sunset view, a cooking demonstration, and dinner on board.

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck and enjoy breakfast with views of the bay. Then, cruise towards the remote Viet Hai Village, where you’ll explore by bicycle or electric car. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful mountain scenery, this small village offers a glimpse into rural island life.

After returning to the boat and checking out, enjoy lunch onboard before disembarking. A short transfer brings you to your next stay on Cat Ba Island. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps take a walk along the beach or explore the relaxed island town.

Enjoy a free morning on Cat Ba Island—perfect for some beach time or a relaxed stroll through local markets. In the early afternoon, you’ll board a comfortable bus to Ninh Binh, a scenic region known for its dramatic limestone landscapes and peaceful rural life. After checking in at your resort, the rest of the evening is free to relax.

Today you’ll explore the best of Ninh Binh on a guided group tour. Start with a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and learn about the country’s early dynasties. Then, hop in a small boat for a peaceful ride through Trang An’s stunning cave systems—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was also featured in the film Kong: Skull Island.

After lunch, cycle through a quiet village surrounded by rice fields, then hike the 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of Tam Coc. In the evening, you’ll return to Hanoi to freshen up before boarding an overnight train to Lao Cai, heading deeper into the mountains.

Arriving early in Lao Cai, a driver will bring you to Sapa town for breakfast and to prepare for a full day of trekking. Your journey takes you through Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai, and Ta Van—each village home to different ethnic minority groups like the Hmong and Giay.

Walk across suspension bridges, through bamboo forests, and along some of Vietnam’s most beautiful rice terraces in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Enjoy lunch with a local family and learn about traditional customs and daily life. After the trek, return to Sapa for a well-earned rest.

Enjoy a leisurely morning in the cool mountain air. You might take a walk to Sapa’s local market or enjoy coffee with a view of the misty mountains. In the afternoon or morning (your choice), board a luxury limousine bus back to Hanoi, a comfortable 6.5-hour journey with short rest stops. This marks the end of your unforgettable 1 week Northern Vietnam tour.