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Arrive in Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital nestled in the heart of Northern Vietnam. Your 7-day journey through the highlights of the region begins here. A friendly English-speaking guide from Kampá Tour will greet you at the airport and escort you to your centrally located hotel. Depending on your arrival time, the day’s itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.
Begin your discovery of Hanoi with a stroll through the city center, where the charm of the ancient capital unfolds:
Visit King Ly Thai To Square and learn about the deep historical roots of Vietnam’s capital.
Wander around Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Restored Sword) to see Ngoc Son Temple and the iconic Turtle Tower right in the heart of the city.
Dive into the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter, famous for its 36 guild streets—each once dedicated to a specific trade. Be sure to stop by Ma May Street to explore a traditional ‘tube’ house, a unique example of local architecture.
Admire Hanoi’s colonial legacy with a leisurely cyclo (cycle rickshaw) ride past French architectural landmarks, including the Grand Opera House, the historic Métropole Hotel, the State Bank, and the Central Post Office.
End the day with check-in and rest at your hotel, ready for the adventures to come.
Spend the day uncovering Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage and historic treasures:
Begin with a visit to the Temple of Literature, a revered symbol of Vietnam’s ancient educational system and one of the capital’s most celebrated landmarks.
Continue to Ba Dinh Square, where you’ll see the former residence of the Governor of Indochina, the imposing Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the humble stilt house where the revolutionary leader once lived.
Delve into the cultural diversity of Vietnam at the Museum of Ethnology, which showcases over 25,000 artifacts offering a deep understanding of the country’s many ethnic groups and their traditions.
In the evening, experience the charm of a traditional water puppet performance—an art form unique to Vietnamese culture.
Later, board the overnight train to Sapa and settle into your shared sleeper cabin for the journey north.
Arrive early at Lao Cai train station, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by a local English-speaking guide. You’ll be transferred to a nearby hotel for a refreshing shower and breakfast before starting your day.
After breakfast, set off to explore the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley, known for its breathtaking terraced landscapes and crisp mountain air.
Your first stop is Y Linh Ho, a small, serene village offering stunning views and rich cultural encounters. Continue to Lao Chai Village, home to the Hmong people, where you can admire intricate handwoven textiles and some of the world’s most striking rice terraces.
Next, visit Ta Van Village, where the Giay ethnic group resides. Enjoy a peaceful walk along winding paths through the terraced hills, taking in the natural beauty and the cultural richness of the local hill tribes.
Return to Sapa for the evening and relax with an overnight stay at your hotel.
After breakfast, continue your adventure with visits to the villages of Hang Da and Sa Seng.
As you walk through the dramatic karst landscapes of Hang Da, you’ll pass through peaceful hamlets and witness the daily rhythms of local farming life. Your journey continues toward Sa Seng, a stunning valley embraced by towering mountain ranges.
The route takes you through verdant forests and crystal-clear streams, offering countless opportunities for photography. Capture sweeping views of layered rice terraces, thriving tomato and cabbage fields, and traditional ethnic homes scattered across the hills.
In the afternoon, return to Hanoi aboard a comfortable shared limousine. You’ll arrive in the capital around 8:30 PM and settle in for the night at your hotel.
Optional: For those seeking a different experience, you may opt to ascend Mount Fansipan—the “Roof of Indochina”—by cable car. From the summit, enjoy panoramic views of the mountain ranges, offering an unforgettable alternative to the hike.
Depart for Ninh Binh, a stunning region often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” known for its dramatic limestone formations, lush rice fields, and waterways that wind through the countryside year-round.
Upon arrival in Ninh Xuan, begin your visit with a climb up Mount Mua. Ascend the 486 white stone steps to reach the summit of this bell-shaped hill, where you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view over the Tam Coc landscape.
Continue on to Tam Coc for a leisurely bicycle ride, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the region at your own pace.
In the afternoon, embark on a traditional rowboat journey along the Ngo Dong River. Drift through verdant rice paddies, marvel at the sugar loaf-shaped hills, and pass beneath the three captivating caves carved into the base of towering limestone cliffs.
Spend the night in Ninh Binh, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature.
Set off for Halong Bay, often regarded as Vietnam’s crown jewel and one of Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Upon arrival, board a traditional wooden junk or cruise ship, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by the friendly crew. Your journey begins with a scenic voyage through the northern part of Halong Bay, known as Bai Tu Long.
Marvel at the spectacular seascape dotted with countless limestone islands and islets, each uniquely shaped—some resembling sails, animals like dogs or roosters, and even incense burners.
Visit the magnificent Thien Canh Son Cave, home to ancient stalactites and stalagmites formed over thousands of years.
The cruise continues toward Cap La, where you’ll have the chance to kayak through the tranquil bay and take a refreshing dip in its clear waters, weather permitting.
As the afternoon winds down, unwind on the sundeck and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Later, join a cooking demonstration on board where you can learn how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls.
Enjoy delicious seafood meals for both lunch and dinner.
In the evening, relax at your leisure—play cards, try night fishing, or simply soak in the calm of the bay. Spend the night onboard, lulled by the gentle waves.
On the final day of your 7-day essential journey through Northeast Vietnam, Rise at dawn to savor a truly unique spectacle: the first rays of sunlight peering over the countless sugarloaf peaks of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.
Initiate on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the charming fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to meet local residents.
Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi. free time until transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
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This rate, based on a group of four staying in standard accommodations, is subject to change depending on:
• The time of travel
• The total number of participants
• The selected level of services
Yes, a 7-day itinerary is sufficient to discover the key highlights of Northern Vietnam. Within this timeframe, you can experience a dynamic mix of urban life, natural beauty, and cultural heritage—visiting iconic destinations such as Hanoi, Ninh Binh (Tam Coc), Halong Bay, and either Ha Giang or Sapa.
While it won’t allow for in-depth exploration of every region, seven days is enough to capture the essence of Northern Vietnam’s charm, provided your route is well planned and your priorities are clear.
If your itinerary involves several days of trekking—such as in Sapa or Ha Giang—hiking shoes are recommended for comfort and support. However, for lighter walks or short village trails, a sturdy pair of sneakers will be perfectly adequate.
Our hikes are generally easy to moderate in difficulty, with walking times ranging from 3 to 5 hours per day. The exact duration and level of challenge can vary depending on your fitness and preferences. As this is a private tour, the itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted on-site to shorten or extend the hikes to suit your comfort and interests.
Absolutely. All of our tours are private and fully customizable, allowing you to blend iconic landmarks with more authentic, lesser-known destinations. Simply share your interests and travel preferences with us, and our travel advisors will tailor the itinerary to ensure a perfect balance between highlights and hidden gems.
Without a doubt, the North is Vietnam’s top region for hiking, encompassing both the Northeast and Northwest mountainous areas. Stretching along the borders with Laos and China, this region offers some of the country’s most untouched and dramatic landscapes—towering limestone peaks, sweeping green hills, winding mountain roads, and valleys carved with breathtaking terraced rice fields.
Beyond its natural beauty, Northern Vietnam is also home to a rich mosaic of ethnic cultures. You’ll encounter traditional villages, time-honored customs, colorful clothing, and bustling weekly markets that offer a rare glimpse into local life. It’s a paradise for hikers, culture seekers, and anyone eager to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Of Vietnam’s three regions—North, Central, and South—the North stands out for its natural beauty and cultural richness. For a first-time visit, be sure to explore the historic charm of Hanoi, cruise through the iconic limestone cliffs of Halong Bay, and visit Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” with its peaceful rivers and karst landscapes.
If your schedule allows, extend your journey to the northern highlands—such as Sapa or Pu Luong—where you’ll find breathtaking scenery, terraced rice fields, and vibrant ethnic cultures. These destinations offer a perfect blend of nature, tradition, and authenticity, making them ideal for an immersive Northern Vietnam experience.
Terraced rice fields are most famously found in regions such as Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, and Sapa.
In Mai Chau and Pu Luong, there are two rice-growing seasons each year: the first runs from February to May, and the second from June to October, offering two chances to admire the lush green fields.
In contrast, Mu Cang Chai and Sapa have just one rice season, which takes place from May to September. This period is ideal for witnessing the fields in their most vibrant and picturesque state—especially around late September, during harvest, when the terraces turn golden.
Outside these peak seasons, the landscapes remain worth visiting. Though the fields may be fallow, these areas still captivate with pristine forests, peaceful valleys, and the rich cultural presence of ethnic minority villages and traditional stilt houses.
The ideal time to explore Northern Vietnam is typically from September to November and March to May. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, with moderate temperatures and minimal rainfall—perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and enjoying the natural landscapes at their best.
