COLOURS AND TRADITIONS OF
NORTH VIETNAM

Length

8 DAYS

Type of tour

CULTURE/NATURE

Type of service

PRIVATE

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TRIP OVERVIEW

  North Vietnam is undoubtedly renowned for its incredible landscapes and ethnic groups wearing colourful traditional dress. The Colours and Traditions of North Vietnam tour takes you on a unique cultural experience to discover authentic villages and tribal markets.

Stroll through the streets of the charming Hanoi and visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, the imposing mausoleum erected in honour of Ho Chi Minh, the enchanting Old Quarter, the oldest part of the city with its 36 streets, traditional shops, night market, and street food stalls.

Discover the astonishing landscapes of Ninh Binh, and Sapa, the picturesque town at 1500 metres above sea level in the remote mountains of northwest Vietnam, famous for its rugged scenery, rich cultural diversity, rice terraces and lush vegetation.

Immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of Halong Bay, framed by incredible karst mountains, thousands of small limestone islands, stunning caves, remarkable biodiversity and a marine biosystem with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

This suggested itinerary can be customised according to your travel needs as well as combined with other routes.

Colours and traditions of north Vietnam - map © In Asia Travel

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Length : 8D 7N
From : HANOI
To : HANOI
Destinations  : Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Lao Cai, Sapa, Bac Ha, Halong Bay

ITINERARY

01. ARRIVAL IN HANOI

Arrival in Hanoi, the charming capital of Vietnam.
Welcome meeting by our staff at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Included : Tour guide, private transportation and hotel 

02. HANOI

Old HanoiOld Hanoi

After breakfast we start our tour of the capital from the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a symbolic building that preserves the remains of the famous Vietnamese President in the centre of Ba Dinh Square where the Declaration of Independence was read in 1945.

We move on to the Presidential House, built in colonial style, and the One Pillar Pagoda, the name refers to its special structure supported by a single pillar, a symbol of the purity of the lotus flower. It was built by Emperor Ly Thai Tong as a good omen for the birth of a male son who would inherit the throne.

We then travel to the West Lake, the largest natural reservoir of 4 square kilometres in Hanoi, to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the capital’s oldest Buddhist temple built in the 6th century, and to the Temple of Literature, the nation’s first university and Imperial Academy built in 1070 in honour of Confucius.

In the afternoon, we visit the Old Quarter, “Old Hanoi“, aboard a traditional cyclò as we meander through the narrow streets that criss-cross the historic centre and take their name from the type of goods sold.

We stop at Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Restored Sword, and continue over the red wooden bridge The Huc that leads to the Ngoc Son temple, or temple of the Jade Mountain. We end the day with the world-famous water puppet show.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

03. NINH BINH, HOA LU AND TRANG AN

Ninh Binh - VietnamNinh Binh

In the morning we drive to Ninh Binh, about 100km south of Hanoi, in the southern part of the Red River Delta.

Famous for the hundreds of limestone cliffs that rise out of the ground in the vast rice fields, this region is aptly nicknamed “Halong Bay on land”. In addition to the incredible views, the visit is a great opportunity to experience Vietnam’s rural lifestyle.

We visit Hoa Lu, the former capital until 1010 AD, a place with a remarkable past, witness to numerous events that changed the course of the nation’s history. Afterwards we continue with a visit to the Bai Dinh and Le temples.

In the afternoon we visit Trang An Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its system of caves, valleys and historical relics. We cruise down the river to relax while admiring the spectacular natural park.

Once finished, transfer to Hanoi train station in time for the overnight train to Lao Cai in North Vietnam.

Included : Breakfast, tour guide, tickets, boat, private transportation, night train ticket 

04. LAO CAI - BAC HA MARKET

Bac Ha market - Vietnam © Gabriele Stoia - In Asia TravelBac Ha market

Arrival in Lao Cai very early in the morning, around 5.30 am. After breakfast in a local restaurant we continue to Bac Ha, the small town in the Northeast of Vietnam particularly famous for its tribal market “Bac Ha Sunday Market” which only takes place on Sunday morning.

The bazaar is undoubtedly the most exciting visit of the trip as it enables us to dip into the colourful traditions of the Nung, Mong Flower and Black Dzao ethnic minorities, as they meet at the market to barter for goods.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a boat trip on the scenic Chay River surrounded by sheer mountain scenery.

We continue with a short trek to Ban Pho village to admire the amazing rice terraces from above and to meet the friendly H’Mong tribe.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, tickets and private transportation 

05. TREKKING LAO CHAI, TA VAN, SAPA

Sapa © Gabriele Stoia - In Asia TravelRice terrace at Sapa

We spend the day exploring the surroundings of SaPa on foot, crossing rice fields and stopping at the most breath-taking lookout points.

After breakfast we continue through the Muong Valley, the most scenic valley in the area, towards the Muong Hoà River. Along the small paths we stop at some local dwellings to watch the authentic daily lifestyle of the local tribes known for their great hospitality.

Passing by Lao Chai, inhabited by the Black H’Mong tribe, we reach Ta Van, the picturesque village of about 1000 inhabitants of different ethnic groups including Zday and Red Dao.

In the afternoon we return to SaPa and continue with the transfer to Hanoi.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide and private transportation 

06. HALONG CRUISE

Halong Bay © Gabriele StoiaHalong Bay

Early morning transfer to Ha Long port (approx. 4h). Upon arrival board the junk for an unforgettable cruise in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World since 2008.

Stretching over an area of more than 1500 square kilometres, it is home to thousands of small monolithic limestone islands, fantastic caves and a marine biodiversity and biosystem with a wide variety of flora and fauna.

During the navigation in the beautiful naturalistic scenery of the bay you can practice some activities foreseen by the program established by the navigation company such as swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, visiting a limestone cave and a fishing village, or simply relax surrounded by the extraordinary landscape.

Both lunch and dinner are served on board and include a tasting of seafood. Overnight stay in an air-conditioned private cabin.

Included : Junk in Halong, breakfast, lunch, dinner, tour guide 

07. HALONG CRUISE - HANOI

Halong Bay - Vietnam © Gabriele StoiaHalong Bay

The cruise offers the privilege of watching the spectacular sunrise over Halong Bay. If you wish, you can take part in a Tai Chi class on the deck of the junk at 6am.

After breakfast, further activities are planned on board, depending on the cruise programme.

On the way back to Ha Long port, lunch will be served on board to conclude this unique experience.

Pick up at the port and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, lunch, tour guide and private transportation 

08. HANOI - DEPARTURE

Transfer to Hanoi airport in time for your departure flight.

Included : Breakfast and private transfer to airport

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