12 Days Northern Vietnam Adventure

Hanoi, Sapa Ha Giang, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay

Tour Code: TAT-Vietman-09

Tour Type: Private Tour+Sharing

Price from: US$886 Free Inquiry

Tour Feature

  • Stay away from the bustling and hustling of convenient large cities.
  • -Take an adventure to explore the off-beaten villages in Northern Vietnam.
  • Trekking around villages in Northern Vietnam, savoring the authentic life of the ethnic groups.
  • Visit the new wonders of the world in Ninh Binh and experience the relax on a cruise of Halong Bay

Tour Itinerary Expand All

Day 1 Arrival Hanoi

Transfer service to Hanoi

Meals: No meal
Overnight: In Hanoi

 

Your trip begins with an arrival in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Our driver will meet and greet you at the airport. You will be escorted to the hotel by private transportation. Check in to the hotel and get over the jet lag. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Hanoi city view

Day 2 Hanoi - Bac Ha

Drive to Bac Ha, Trekking around, Overnight at Ta Van

Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Overnight: In Ta Van Homestay

 

In the morning, travel by a private minibus from Hanoi towards Bac Ha in the Sapa region. The drive will take approximately 5 hours. Press on along the winding road before taking your first glimpse of Bac Ha village, sitting comfortably in a valley with cleared hillsides and rustic 
farmland. Stretch your legs as you walk off the bus, then begin a trek to your homestay in Ta Van (approximately 10 km/6 miles), enjoying a picnic lunch stop on the way (prepared by yourself in advance). Your homestay is comfy, quaint, and surrounded by pristine farmland.

Sapa sightseeing

Day 3 Bac Ha

Bac Ha fairground market, Trekking around to the hill tribe village

Meals: Homestay breakfast, Picnic Lunch
Overnight: Bac Ha Homestay

 

After breakfast at your homestay, visit the Bac Ha fairground market. This is a great place to pick up locally dyed fabrics, hemp plants, and handmade textiles. Depending on your availability, you can witness the extraordinary atmosphere of the ethnic markets around this region:

• Tuesday: Coc Ly market

• Wednesday: Sin Cheng market

• Thursday: Cao Son market Lun Khau Nhin market.

• Saturday: Can Cau market

• Sunday: Bac Ha market

 

Then trekking approximately 5 to 6 hours to the hill tribe village and enjoy a picnic lunch on the way (prepare by yourself in advance). Push on through terraced farmland and bamboo scrub for excellent views of emerald valleys, superb rice terraces, and spectacular mountains in the evening, settle into your homestay in Bac Ha for the night. 

Day 4 Bac Ha - Ha Giang

Take bus to Ha Giang, Cuomo Village and a local museum

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: In Ha Giang

 

In the morning, embark on a long bus journey (approximately 7 hours) to the province of Ha Giang. This is a highland region of forests and terraced rice paddies, with the mountains of 
Heaven’s Gate (Quan Ba pass) soaring in the background. The Ha Giang province also shares a border with southern China. After relaxing and getting to know your surroundings, visit the local markets and shop fronts, which are relics of a bygone era. 
Afterward, venture to the local museum and explore Cuomo Village, witnessing the colorful traditional dress of the local people. The evening is free to spend as you wish.

Day 5 Ha Giang - Dong Van

Minh Tao Market, Village of Nam Luong, Lung Tam texitile village, Vuong Family Palace

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: In Dong Van Homestay

 

Today, leave for the first of many scenic mountain drives throughout Ha Giang province. Stop to browse Minh Tao Market before wandering through the village of Nam Luong. Afterward, pass through Lung Tam textile village and the Vuong Family Palace in Sa Phin commune, built in the shape of a royal Manchu palace. This is known as the former palace of the Hmongs’ King before continuing to Dong Van where you'll spend the night.

Day 6 Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac

Meo Vac market, Bao Lac

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: In Bao Lac Homestay


This morning, we take the most spectacular road in all of Vietnam, which winds for 15 km to the top of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, a hulk of desert peaks and unique canyons in the world. We then descend on Meo Vac for lunch. Visit the Meo Vac market before setting off on a trekking loop that starts and finishes in Dong Van. The trek (approximately 4 hours in total) is moderate and suitable for those with an average fitness level. Wind your way through the spectacular 
landscape, where you can expect to witness glorious views and capture some amazing pictures of lush valleys and rice paddies. After that, drive past terraced rice farms on the road to Bao Lac (approximately 4 hours), a small town in the mountainous region of northern Vietnam. The area is home to the Black Lo Lo ethnic group, who are well known for their colorful attire and finesse in making bronze drums. The bronze drums hold a special place in Lo Lo customs, being used at funerals and important family events. In Lo Lo culture, only the sound of the drums can help the souls of the dead find their way to the birthplace of their ancestors.

Meo Vac Market Vietnam Ha Giang

Day 7 Bao Lac - Ba Be

Ba Be Lake, Ba Be National Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: In Ba Be Homestay

 

Travel on to Ba Be Lake early in the morning (approximately 4 hours). Once there, head down the river by boat on an exploration of Ba Be National Park, visiting the largest natural lake in
Vietnam. Disembark for some light walks along the way, visiting the impressive waterfalls that feed the lake and observing the natural flora and fauna. Return to land in the afternoon and head to a family-owned guesthouse in Pac Ngoi village where you will be spending the night. The family you’re staying will an offer lunch and the rest of the day is then free to explore. In the evening sit down for a delicious dinner with your hosts. This is a great opportunity to gain an insight into their lives and culture.

Ba Be Lake Vietnam

Day 8 Ba Be - Hanoi

Babe National Park, Back to Hanoi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: In Hanoi

 

After breakfast, boat trip to go up the lake and the Nang river to the Dau Dang waterfalls. Small stroll to admire the waterfall then embark on the boat to go up the river and cross the lake from north to south. Then back to your homestay and be ready to transfer to Hanoi. 

Ba Be National Park Trekking

Day 9 Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi (Sharing basis)

Sampan riding, Tam Coc Grottoes, Bich Dong Cave and Pagoda

Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: In Hanoi

 

Today you will experience the ancient culture and history of Vietnam as well as see the stunning landscape and beautiful scenery when we travel to the Ninh Binh Province. This area is known as “Ha Long Bay on land” and is located 80 km south of Hanoi.

We will go for a relaxing sampan ride through the gentle and elegant landscape of plains and mountains, leading to the beautiful and mysterious Tam Coc Grottoes followed by a gentle cycle ride (4km) and boat ride to Bich Dong Cave and Pagoda. This journey takes you through the breathtaking scenery of rice fields and imposing mountains. We have lunch in a local restaurant. Then head off to Hoa Lu, formally the capital of the Dinh and early Le dynasties between the 10th and 11thcenturies.
We will then head back to Ha Noi later in the evening.

Ninh Binh Sampan riding

 

Day 10 Hanoi - Ha Long Bay (Sharing basis)

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: On the cruise of Ha Long Bay


In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, the Cruise team will pick you up. Take the most scenic route to reach Ha Long Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.

On arrival to Halong, you will enjoy a cruise on the Bay and explore the limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. After you are done with your exploration of the bay, it is time to enjoy an utterly delicious seafood lunch, after which there will be a trip to the famous limestone cave in Ha Long Bay, you’ll get to spend some time here, kayaking (depends on the cruise arrangement)or swimming, so that you can get closer to the floating villages and shops. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.

Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long bay tour could be canceled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or refunds based on the specific circumstances

Day 11 Ha Long Bay - Hanoi

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: In Hanoi

 

Rise early for a Tai Chi lesson or just to enjoy a hearty breakfast. The boat will make its way back to the port stopping at the Limestone Cave, full of stalagmites and stalactites. From here, it’s clear sailing back to the main harbor and the return to Hanoi around 17:00. Free in your leisure time.

Day 12 Departure Hanoi

Transfer to airport

Meals: Breakfast

 

Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home. 

 

Service ends

Price Includes

  • Internal flight or train as specified
  • Private transfer between the airport or railway station, attractions, and hotels
  • Private licensed English speaking guide and driver service
  • Hotel accommodation with daily breakfast on sharing basis
  • All attraction entrance fees as specified
  • Meals mentioned in the itinerary

 

Price Excludes

  • International air tickets or train tickets for arrival and departure
  • Gratuities to your tour guide and driver at your own discretion
  • Visa Fees
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional tours, meals, activities, and services
  • Comprehensive travel insurance

 

Remarks:

-The reference prices are based on a group of 6 persons, with local 4- start superior accommodation

-The prices are not valid during the national holidays. Please feel free to contact us to ask the detailed prices based on your traveling dates and group size.

What our clients say

4.9/5.0 | Excellent

G

Gina L Aguillon

4.5

Jun 27 ,2022

An interesting insight into the history and culture of Cambodia and Vietnam which was full-on from beginning to end. Both of our guides were informative and helpful.
We would have preferred a little more free time to explore ourselves and particularly the chance to have chosen our own restaurant on a couple of evenings as the lunches and dinners quickly became very repetitive and rather bland having clearly been toned down to the point where we didn't really feel that we had experienced the local cuisine.
Halong Bay was stunning and the boat and crew were excellent but we had expected more cruising and so would have preferred to spend a second night on board.
The hotels were generally of a good standard although those in Hue and Hoi An dropped below this level (a hotel with no bar!) 

M

Mike Chaloner

5.0

Jun 15 ,2022

5-star service!!!
A great trip arranged in 2 weeks with a proactive, professional, and efficient approach to our issue has made our trip possible. I will not hesitate to recommend Mr Duong and TopAsiaTour to anyone who is finding a trip to Vietnam.

They organized our entire stay in Vietnam from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. They arranged a walking street food tour in Hanoi and an expansive cooking class in Hoi An. We had a great trip to explore a beautiful country to the fullest. They made recommendations and took our direction and built a fabulous trip that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

Thank so much. 5-star service!!!

K

Kellie Stack

5.0

Jun 11 ,2022

We had an exceptional 11-day trip to Vietnam and Thailand that surpassed all expectations. We traveled with our entire family of 5 including our son who was adopted from Vietnam, going back for the first time. Top Asia Tour, with the help of Lily, fashioned a perfectly balanced trip of tours, an excursion to his birth town and orphanage, down time, and excursions. My teenage boys loved the experience from beginning to end

V

VickyLuis

5.0

Jun 02 ,2022

Great experience
The trip was great and our tour guide, Lam, was exceptional. With the assistance of his exceptional team, he made the trip a very special one. His attention to detail and safety is without fault. A ***** Star experience in Vietnam!Thank you TopAsiaTour for making this a lasting memory!

M

Marcelo Saad

5.0

May 26 ,2022

The best of Vietnam in two weeks.

Great way to see Vietnam from Ho Chi Min City in the South all the (long) way to Hanoi in the North.  A terrific selection of big cities (Ho Chi Min and Hanoi), smaller towns (Dalat, Hoi Van & Hue), offshore activity (Snorkelling trip and Sea kayaking in Halong Bay), good food and the occasional drink - what more can you ask. Highly recommended.

J

Jennifer

5.0

Feb 29 ,2020

This was a really good tour, well planned, with good information beforehand, meet and greet worked well, and guides were first class. In the time available, we hit as many of the high spots in Cambodia and Vietnam as can be experienced at a reasonable pace.

J

Joseph Marcinkowski

5.0

Feb 21 ,2020

Amazing Tour and very helpful staff ! We were impressed by the kindness of Vietnamese people and also TopAsiaTour staff replied immediately to our emails and hotline ..they provided a mobile hotline which was very helpful...Touristic guides were very professional and we had a wonderful time and experience .. We would definetely use again and suggest and advice other people to choose this Tour operator .

J

Jim Groves

5.0

Feb 04 ,2020

It was the third tour with TopAsiaTour & once again the whole tour was amazing. Guides as usual were extremely knowledgeable, and helpful & nothing too much trouble. The whole itinerary from start to finish was very full-on, varied, and interesting having the whole group involved at some time. We were also given s in each country. Every day brought a new highlight & experience.

L

LSmith

5.0

Feb 01 ,2020

Excellent, probably the best yet.
This was an amazing trip. Totally fell in love with Vietnam, We did so much in such two weeks. The cycling, somehow. only felt like a small part of the experience as there were so many other things that we did. Each day was full-on, exceptionally well organized, with great food, etc Been on a few trips, and I think this was the best one so far.

K

Kenny

5.0

Jan 23 ,2020

A fantastic journey through Vietnam
This has to be a trip of a lifetime. Cycling through a country that is unspoilt, dramatic countryside, mountains, lakes, coast, busy, manic towns and cities where the traffic stops for no-one. It is a country like no other and needs to be experienced to be believed. Be prepared to never come up for air. The people are so friendly and helpful and the food so delicious. Our group bonded well which made for the trip and TAT looked after us well.

M

Mira Kriswandi

4.5

Jan 23 ,2020

Angkor was amazing and Cambodia very interesting. Most of the places in Vietnam were very good and Halong Bay spectacular. The tour was well organised and the guides very friendly and knowledgeable. Some of the hotels were excellant but some could have been better, but, they were all clean well looked after and in very good locations. The food was generally very good except for the odd occasion and at times a bit too much of the same quisine but to be fair we did have some different meals offered on the tour.

J

Jane Wyman

5.0

Jan 22 ,2020

TopAsiaTour totally exceeded our expectations! Our guides in Vietnam were knowledgeable, insightful, and a blast to be around. Joy, the guide in Hanoi formed personal relationships with each of the tourists in the group and was great at uniting the group when together. There were so many bucket list type of activities that created memories for a lifetime. My husband and I met so many amazing people fin Vietnam. I can truly say I feel like I have experienced every facet of Vietnam through TopAsiaTour!

S

Sophie liley

5.0

Dec 10 ,2019

I had the most incredible memorable time on my Vietnam trip! Not just the awesome fun packed itinerary but the ease of the whole trip running so smoothly, I felt privileged having Sam as our tour guide was an absolute pleasure, he works with such a positive, energetic, calm attitude. Explaining activities, arrangements and looking after each member of the group individually. I'm super happy with TopAsiaTour travel and am already planning my next adventure. I cannot comend Sam enough what a great tour guide and friend! Thank you

S

Sheila Simmons

5.0

Dec 04 ,2019

Absolutely loved Vietnam! Tour guide Brad was brilliant. Halong bay and the island were the best days of the trip followed by the day in Ninh bin! Would recommend and will be booking more TopAsiaTour tours! 

J

Joseph Kwadwo Buachie

5.0

Dec 04 ,2019

When I was researching potential tours of Southeast Asia, I was looking for Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai specifically) and Cambodia (Siem Reap/Angkor Wat specifically). The other destinations on this tour were just added bonuses. I am so happy that I chose this tour; it took me to places that I have never gone to -- like Luang Prabang which I had never heard of -- even though I consider myself to be a savvy traveler. I am happy that I went to Vietnam to learn about that country's perspective on history and to marvel at the beauty of Halong Bay. This particular tour offered the right mix of culture, history, escorted adventure, and individual discovery. I highly recommend it

K

Kate Numa

4.0

Dec 02 ,2019

The guides were polite, courteous, knowledgeable, and had good fun. They were happy to fit in a few extra stops/sights that customers were keen to visit. Great accommodation and a wide range of activities, sights and experiences provided. Excellent experience all around.

J

Jean

5.0

Nov 05 ,2019

Good 'ole Exodus!
An interesting blend of Vietnam from north to south including an sleeper train. The success and enjoyment of these trips is usually down to the blend of fellow travellers and tour guide and this one was no different. The weather,early season in November, was mixed with a little more rain and cloud than hoped for but did not detract from the enjoyment but a little more sunshine would have enhanced the countryside. A read of the brochure and trip notes will give a very accurate picture of the breadth and variety of the trip. 

R

Rose Zanoria

5.0

Nov 02 ,2019

Our 8-day trip with Top Asia Tour  to Cambodia was amazing. Savy our tour guide took us to Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple and Elephant Terrace, Angkor Wat. All Temples were remarkable. Banteay Srei Temples, Ta Prohm Temple (where Tomb Raider was filmed) and Ta Keo Temple. All were incredible sights to experience. Toured a bit of Cambodia as we went to the Tonle Sap Lake to Battambang and to Phnom Penh. We also enjoy our time in Vietnam for 7 days from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, which went smoothly and enjoyable.  I’m Appreciative to Top Asia Tour for putting this trip together for us to enjoy

S

Swenam Lee

5.0

Nov 01 ,2019

Would definitely recommend the Vietnam Intro trip for someone just starting out travelling. Very well organised and loads of fun. My tour guide, Adrian, was amazing, very enthusiastic and helpful.

R

Ronelyn Domingo

5.0

Oct 17 ,2019

We had a fantastic time in Vietnam! TopAsiaTour has prepared a very organized and enjoyable itinerary and they were very quick to reply before and during the tour. The guides were great - local and very professional. Can recommend this tour to anyone that wants a great and short experience of Vietnam. If you can try to plan a couple of nights before in HCMC and after the tour ends in Hanoi - TopAsiaTour can add these extra nights to your booking on the same hotels used for the tour after you book.

N

Nayan Gondalia

4.0

Oct 15 ,2019

Jay is the best, awesome tour guide with great energy who truly cares about making it a memorable trip in Vietnam for everyone.

C

Cecilia LIM

5.0

Sep 27 ,2019

Excellent organisation. Great hotels, well chosen restaurants. Knowledgeable tour guides, especially Laki in Vietnam who went out of his way to make sure we were informed and entertained

J

JamesWh

5.0

Jun 12 ,2019

 Fantastic Trip
I can tell you that the memories of this trip have kept me going while sheltering in place. If you are thinking this might be the trip for you, please know that it is very fast-paced with moving from place to place almost every night was quite challenging. The cycling in Hanoi was light and enjoyable. A lot of it depends on the heat, but for a female in my early 50s, I found it very doable. We had the most fabulous guide and crew. I cannot say enough about our guide Son - he was absolutely amazing - taking care of all the details while we enjoyed ourselves. There are plenty of water/snack stops with fresh fruit and amazing snacks (ginger/nuts/cookies) during the trip. They take very good care of you. We highly recommend TopAsiaTour and will choose them for our next trip.

J

Jesslyn

5.0

Jun 10 ,2019

My tour of Vietnam with TopAsiaTour was beyond anything I could have imagined. Everything was so well thought out and organised down to the finest details and this made the trip so much more enjoyable. The locations were all amazing. After each day, I’d be thinking wow, it doesn’t get better than this, and then the following day would be even better again. I would do this tour again if I could and will definitely book my next tour with TopAsiaTour. The guide I had, Brad, had a real connection with the culture and passion for Vietnam, which made the tour that extra bit special. He was super organised, incredibly approachable and full of energy all the time. Every question was answered and any enquiry was well assisted. I truly couldn’t rate this experience any higher. One of the highlights of my life.

D

Diana

5.0

May 20 ,2019

This was my third tour. As a single traveller I always feel safe and welcomed. Amazing to see three countries in two weeks. The guides were exceptional.

J

Janki Kansara

5.0

May 08 ,2019

An amazing trip

We have just returned from the Vietnam holiday and had a wonderful time. The tour was so well planned and organized that we were fine. Our group consisted of 12 people - two couples, 4 lone men and 4 lone women, family, and friends. We all had a great time together. Our tour guide, Son, was incredible. He ensured we all had a good time and kept reminding us that we were on holiday and there to enjoy ourselves. He also arranged stops for us in little out-of-the-way places, which we would never have seen otherwise. The trip to Halong Bay was also incredible, staying out on the boat overnight under a full moon took some beating. Our group had the boat to ourselves, and the staff on board couldn't have been more helpful. They also made great cocktails! I hadn't realised before we got there that you're not allowed to swim there, which I was a bit disappointed about until I saw the size of the jellyfish and then was relieved! We kayaked in the bay which was really good fun.

T

Tien Oswald

5.0

Mar 10 ,2019

A marvelous tour through Cambodia & Vietnam, going to all the best sites and with excellent guides who were passionate about their countries, especially Sokhoeun Bout in Cambodia who was brilliant. We really enjoyed our time with TopAsia Tour.

W

WendyK

4.0

Jan 09 ,2019

A Brilliant Trip
We have been on a couple of cycling trips before and this one was probably the best. Our guide Tri was outstanding and all our fellow cyclists in Hanoi were a great bunch of people. We got a real flavour of life in Vietnam. We enjoyed lots of interesting food. The meals were good and plentiful.  Good Hotels. Many highlights but a couple or so to point out, Mekong River Delta and Hoi An, ...... great fun. It is quite full on which leaves you wanting to spend more time in some of the places visited

T

Tia

4.0

Dec 28 ,2018

We had an amazing time and really enjoyed our trip to Vietnam. Our guide “Eric” in Hoi An was particularly exceptional. I would recommend changing the hotel accommodation in Hanoi though as it was quite noisy. The Ha Long Bay cruise was also great, but we could have done it with more free time. All in all, I would highly recommend this tour!

J

Jenny JONES

5.0

Dec 19 ,2018

Lifelong memories
We were part of a group of 17 who quickly formed a close bond created entirely by the enthusiasm and generosity of our guide. Nothing was too much trouble Long went out of his way every day to make sure we experienced in full life in Vietnam. The trip ran like clockwork, without us feeling we were being rushed at any stage. We really enjoy our trip in Vietnam.

J

John Rae

5.0

Nov 30 ,2018

We thought the tour was well-planned and organised. We enjoyed eating most meals in local restaurants. Yes, we would consider TopAsiaTour tours again.
We found all three guides very good, they were informative and genuinely interested in telling us about their respective countries.

R

Rubin W

5.0

Jun 12 ,2018

Thank you for a wonderful trip
We want to say thank you for taking care of us throughout the whole trip. Your team was very good and we really enjoyed ourselves with each one! (especial with Han)All the best, the Rubin family."

 

J

Jill Leigh

5.0

Jun 11 ,2018

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to a lovely country and lovely people, the tour covered a large part of the country and we learned a lot. Apart from having our phone charger stolen from our room in Da nang, It was plugged into the wall and removed we did complain but ???? We did not let this spoil our holiday. We enjoyed the rest of our stay. THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL CONCERNED.

E

Elena Espinosa

5.0

Mar 07 ,2018

The whole holiday went very well. The flight was very good and we had no problem changing in Hanoi to fly on to Siem Rep. We were met at the airport and taken to our hotel.
The guides in Cambodia and Vietnam were both excellent. Tidily dressed, spoke clearly and obviously knowledgeable.
The content of the tours was as described and was well organised. We all had a great time with Top Asia Tour.

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