Discover the hidden treasures of North Vietnam on this private 8-night tour, where each day offers a new cultural experience, from the bustle of Hanoi to the spectacular karst landscapes of Ninh Binh. Immerse yourself in the history of ancient capitals and explore picturesque villages. After exploring the lush mountains of Pu Luong and the serene valleys of Mai Chau, continue your adventure to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site.

Choose to extend your stay by 5 or 7-nights and set off for the island of pearls, Phu Quoc. Escape to this island paradise, where pristine beaches and tropical forests offer the ideal setting for relaxation, trekking and diving. Finish on a high note in Saigon, where you can discover its modern vibrancy and rich history.

8-night itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Tam Coc - Hoa Lu

Day 4: Ninh Binh - Pu Luong

Day 5: Pu Luong - Hieu Falls

Day 6: Pu Luong - Mai Chau - Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi - Halong

Day 8: Halong - Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi - Departure

5-night extension:

Days 1 to 8: Itinerary reflects the 8-night tour

Day 9: Hanoi - Phu Quoc

Day 10 to 11: Phu Quoc

Day 12: Phu Quoc - Saigon

Day 13: Saigon

Day 14: Saigon - Departure

7-night extension:

Days 1 to 8: Itinerary reflects the 8-night tour

Day 9: Hanoi - Phu Quoc

Days 10 to 13: Phu Quoc

Day 14: Phu Quoc - Saigon

Day 15: Saigon

Day 16: Saigon - Departure

Please note that the itinerary of your tour is subject to change without affecting the interest of the programme.

Welcome to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam and a vibrant city known for its rich history, charming streets, and cultural heritage. It blends French colonial architecture with traditional Vietnamese influences, offering visitors a unique mix of old and new. The city's picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake and bustling Old Quarter are among its most famous landmarks.

• Airport transfer accompanied by your guide
• Hotel check-in
• Rest of the day at leisure 
• Overnight stay

Note: If your flight arrives during the night, we advise you to take out the ‘early check-in’ option (at extra cost) at the next stage of your booking. This service gives you access to your room first thing in the morning. Otherwise, your room will not be available until 2pm.

DAY 2: HANOI

• Breakfast
• Take advantage of this day to explore the city at your leisure (or opt for one of the optional excursions at an additional cost)
• Overnight hotel stay

DAY 3: HANOI - NINH BINH - TAM COC - HOA LU

• Breakfast
• This morning, enjoy a 2-hour drive from downtown Ha Noi to Ninh Binh province
• Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu for an insight into Vietnam's first three centralised feudal states
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Continue your journey to Bich Dong Pagoda, a tranquil 15th-century Buddhist temple complex with 3 tiers built into the caves
• This afternoon, a qualified local rower will take you on a magnificent waterway lined with rice fields in Tam Coc
• Disembark the boat and follow a village path to reach the Thai Vi temple
• Overnight hotel stay

DAY 4: NINH BINH - PU LUONG

• Breakfast
• Early morning departure for a 3 hour 30 minute drive through lush mountain landscapes and rice paddies to the Pu Luong nature reserve
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• This afternoon, you'll get up close to the rural life of the local people as you walk downhill and uphill, past lush terraced fields and breathtaking mountains. Chat with locals to get an insight into their daily farming activities
• Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure
• Overnight hotel stay

Hiking level: Easy, 5km (uphill and downhill)

• Breakfast
• This morning, you set off early to descend into the beautiful valley opposite your hotel and ride along the beautiful winding mountain roads to the hidden village of Uoi, set at the foot of a towering mountain and surrounded by forest
• Visit the village of Lan where you pick up your bike for a relaxing ride through farmland, villages, wild fields, ponds, rivers and mountains
• End your day at the Hieu waterfall, which stands out for its hidden character in the nature reserve
• Return to your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure
• Overnight hotel stay

Hiking level: Easy with 5km on flat ground
Cycling level: Medium with 12km on flat terrain

DAY 6: PU LUONG - MAI CHAU - HANOI

• Breakfast
• Drive towards the Mai Chau valley
• Stop at the remote village of Mai Hich and take a walk to explore the surrounding area
• Lunch at a local's home
• Return to your car and drive back to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon
• Overnight hotel stay

DAY 7: HANOI - HALONG

• Breakfast
• Between 7:30am and 8am, the boat company's shared bus will pick you up at your hotel, before setting off for Ha Long Bay
• On arrival, board the boat, enjoy a welcome drink, check into your cabin
• Have lunch as the boat slowly sails into the bay (Ha Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay)
• Visit the Dark and Light Caves by kayak or rowing boat
• Return by boat and enjoy a swim in the bay
• Towards the end of the afternoon, enjoy a cooking demonstration on the upper deck while admiring the sunset
• Dinner on board
• In the evening, night fishing is available on request
• Overnight stay on board

Please note: This itinerary is subject to change and may be adjusted to suit weather conditions and boat availability. There is no private guide for the Ninh Binh - Halong - Hanoi trip and on board the boat.

DAY 8: HALONG - HANOI

• Breakfast
• Watch the sunrise and practice Tai Chi on the terrace
• Sail across the bay until you reach Gia Luan
• You will then leave for a visit to the Trung Trang caves, one of the most impressive caves on the island of Cat Ba in Vietnam
• Return to the boat for brunch
• Disembark around 10:30am - 11:00am
• Shared transfer to Hanoi
• Overnight hotel stay

DAY 9: HANOI - DEPARTURE

• Breakfast
• Free time to relax until your transfer (without guide) to the airport for your return flight
• Your hotel check-out time is 12pm. It is possible to have the room until you leave the hotel at an additional cost, subject to availability (please make a request upon arrival in Hanoi if you wish to book the room for a late departure).

We've specially selected both 4* & 4/5* hotels for you, depending on the package you choose, to guarantee you a relaxing stay.

4* hotels:

• Hanoi: The Q Hotel 4* in a Deluxe Room

• Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat 4*+ in a Deluxe Room

• Ninh Binh: Ninh Binh Hidden Charm in a Superior Room

• Ha Long: La Regina Grand Cruise 5* in a ROH Cabin

• Phu Quoc: Chen Sea 5* in a Sea View Villa

• Ho Chi Minh: Silverland Jolie 4* in a Premier Room

4/5* hotels:

• Hanoi: Melia 5* in a Deluxe room

• Pu Luong: Pu Luong Retreat 4*+ in a Deluxe Room

• Ninh Binh: Emeralda Ninh Binh 4*+ in a Superior Room

• Ha Long: Indochine Cruise 5* in a Junior Suite Cabin

• Phu Quoc: Chen Sea 5* in a Sea View Villa

• Ho Chi Minh: Mai House 5* in a Premier Room

The hotels, which comply with local standards, are indicative and may be changed locally for hotels of a similar category.

Stay connected on your travels with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your complimentary eSIM and stay connected wherever you go. Share your hotspot, keep in touch with home, and explore without worrying about roaming charges. Check that your phone is eSIM compatible here.

Discover Hanoi with a guide! Meek into the city's highlights such as the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, Thang Long imperial citadel, the Temple of Literature, the so-called ‘36 Streets, Hoan Kiem Lake, Hang Be market, Dong Xuan market and the Long Bien Bridge.

Discover the true essence of Hanoi on this excursion, admiring the sights, smells and tastes of this vibrant city. The tour takes you off the beaten track, beyond the usual tourist spots, to explore the real Hanoi.

Lined with white sandy beaches and wide paths still covered in dense tropical jungle, Phu Quoc has quickly gone from being a sleepy island to a favourite destination for nature and sea lovers looking for a place to relax.

Vietnam is a country where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. From the ancient temples in the north to the bustling cities of the south, it offers a rich tapestry of cultural and natural treasures. Hanoi, the historic capital, stands as a testament to the nation's layered past, while the dramatic landscapes of Ha Long Bay and the tranquil Mekong Delta provide an escape into nature’s splendour. The energy of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) contrasts beautifully with the serenity of rural life, making Vietnam an alluring destination for every traveller.

Must-sees:

• Ha Long Bay: A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its towering limestone pillars rising from the emerald waters.
• Hoi An Ancient Town: A charming town where traditional wooden houses and ancient streets showcase Vietnam’s rich heritage.
• Mekong Delta: A network of rivers and canals that offer an intimate look at rural life, with vibrant floating markets and lush landscapes.

Culinary culture:

Vietnamese cuisine is a celebration of flavour, balance, and fresh ingredients. Renowned for its diverse street food culture, dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwiches), and fresh spring rolls highlight the nation's ability to blend herbs, spices, and textures seamlessly. Regional specialities, such as Hanoi's bun cha and Ho Chi Minh's com tam, offer a unique insight into the local way of life. Meals are often a communal affair, reflecting Vietnam's deeply ingrained culture of sharing and hospitality.

Dive deeper:

For those seeking a more profound connection with the country, explore lesser-known treasures such as the ancient temples of Ninh Binh or the quiet beauty of Sapa's terraced rice fields. Take part in a traditional cooking class to gain hands-on experience with local ingredients and techniques, or visit the quieter rural areas to witness traditional crafts and the slower pace of life. Exploring Vietnam beyond the main cities unveils its rich and diverse culture, offering a truly immersive experience.

Good to know:

Vietnam's currency is the dong (VND), and most places accept cash payments, though credit cards are commonly used in cities. The climate varies depending on the region, with the ideal travel times being between October and April, avoiding the summer heat and rain. For local transport, taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are reliable, and trains or buses connect the major cities. Be prepared for some traffic in larger cities, but the local transportation system is generally efficient.