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Northern Vietnam Hidden Gems 9 Days 8 Nights

5.0 (19 Reviews)

Duration: 9 days 8 nights

Start: Hanoi

Tour code: NVN9D-1

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Overview

Northern Vietnam Hidden Gems 9-Day takes you on a panorama of the country’s must-see destinations. This itinerary provides an in-depth experience of Northern Vietnam, showcasing its history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture:

Hanoi: Uncover the historical charm, lively culture, iconic landmarks and bustling streets of the Old Quarter.

Sapa: Popular destination in Lao Cai Province known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority culture, trekking opportunities, and hiking to Fansipan mountain peak.

Mai Chau: Scenic valley in Hoa Binh Province famous for its stunning landscapes, ethnic minority villages, and opportunities for trekking and homestays.

Pu Luong: Nature reserve in Thanh Hoa Province renowned for its lush forests, terraced rice fields, and biodiversity. Offers hiking, cycling, and eco-tourism experiences.

Ninh Binh: A land likened to a miniature, as brings together diverse landscapes, breathtaking limestone caves, cultural attractions, the lush rice fields and the peaceful countryside.

Halong Bay: UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone islands topped with rainforests.

Places you’ll see

Sapa

Lao Cai

Mai Chau

Pu Luong

Ninh Binh

Mua Cave Mountain

Trang An

Tam Coc

Halong Bay

Hanoi

Itinerary

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Upon your arrival at Hanoi Airport, our driver will be delighted to welcome you and drive you to your hotel, which is approximately 35 km away, roughly a 45-minute drive. After a long flight, it's crucial to take some time to rest and adjust to the time difference.

And then enjoy activities: Hanoi Train Street, Hanoi Coffee Culture (45 Nguyen Huu Huan Street), St. Joseph's Cathedral, walking around Hang Ma colorful street, and traditional medicine Lãn Ông street, Hoan Kiem Lake, The Old Quarter, Dong Xuan market.

Overnight in Hanoi Hotel.

Note: Included 1 Drinking/pax in Hanoi Train Street, Hanoi Coffee Culture & teaching making Egg Coffee lesson and Tickets.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre Show In Hanoi

Upon your arrival at Sapa town with colorful traditional costumes of H’Mong, Dzao, Tay ethnic People at around 12:00 AM, and you have lunch with local Vietnamese foods in restaurant.

After lunch you start the trekking day to Y Linh Ho village through the rice terraces and along Muong Hoa Stream to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai to see the spectacular landscape of Hoang Lien Son Mountain.

You also approach Ta Van village where Zay Ethnic People inhabits in late afternoon. (Trekking distance is about 9 kms and it lasts for 3.5 hours).

Afterward, return to your hotel following a light dinner.

Overnight at the hotel in Sapa town.

Top 15 Best Things To Do In Sapa

After breakfast, driver & tour guide take you to Cat Cat village, a charming settlement inhabited by the H'Mong hill tribe. This idyllic village is situated in the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley and is only 3 km away from Sapa Town, which can be reached by a leisurely 45-minute walk. During your trek, you will be surrounded by stunning rice fields and corn plantations.

And then you will continue your journey to Cable Car Station and spend 20 minutes with the longest cable car to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Reaching the altitude of 2800 meters, you have a good time to see the view and take photos, visit pagoda the spiritual destinations and trek up to 600 steps you will reach the peak of Fansipan - the Roof of Indochina. (Spend about 1,5 hours for hiking and taking photos).

Coming back to Cable Car Station and return to Hanoi.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Quan An Ngon Hanoi Restaurant

Pick up at your hotel, head out for Mai Chau. Scenic photo stop along the way and visit the Muong tribes and then Thung Khe Pass for a spectacular view of Mai Chau Valley.

Arrive in Mai Chau, relax and have an authentic lunch with a local family of the White Thai tribe and enjoy some free time to acquaint yourself with the villagers.

Afternoon, ride a bike through narrow village path, see terraced rice paddies and small villages, discovering the natural beauty of the valley and encountering the culture of the ethnic minority Thai people on our visits to the Pom Coong and Na Phon villages.

Enjoy dinner and watch the Thai’s traditional dance and drink the traditional wine “ruou can”.

Overnight in the communal stilt house, Bungalow or Resort.

Mai Chau Travel Guide

Embark on a scenic 40km journey from Mai Chau to Pu Luong and walking to Visit Eo Ken village (Bản Eo Kén) is located in Thanh Son commune, Ba Thuoc district. Then, Visit a beautiful Don village - The first touristic beautiful village in Pu luong with many rice fields.

Board the car to Hieu Village to reach Hieu Waterfall. You can swim at the waterfall to enjoy the nature, the cool water brings definitely the feeling of enjoyment.

Have lunch by the waterfall.

Board the car to the trekking point and start a medium or easy trek. From there, follow the small road, trail through the rice fields and do bamboo rafting on the river and see local giant water wheels.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge and spend your night in Pu Luong.

Pu Luong Nature Reserve

After breakfast, transfer to Ninh Binh, known as the "inland Halong Bay," to take Tam Coc Boat Riding for a one and half hour to discover its karst limestones and winding rivers with beautiful and natural landscape.

After that lunch in a local restaurant.

And then adventurous cycling is a great way to bring you through beautiful rice fields, small rivers, towering limestone cliffs and buffalo's and goats walking freely over the roads.

Continue your journey to Bich Dong Pagoda, renowned as a timeless cultural, historical relic and a striking spiritual attraction. Here, you have a chance to worship and make offerings, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and learn more about Buddhism in Vietnam.

Dinner on your own.

Overnight at the hotel in Tam Coc.

Top 10 Things To Do In Ninh Binh

Start your day by climbing Mua Cave Mountain (the Vietnamese great Wall) in the village of Ninh Xuan, where once Tran kings watched dance performances. After 486 steps, you will reach the summit offering stunning views over Tam Coc Boat and its landscapes of rocky pinnacles and rice fields.

After lunch in a local restaurant, you will head to Trang An Sampan Boat Tour to enjoy a system of caves and lakes with natural and cultural wonders in a unique way.

An then Exploring Hoa Lu – the Ancient Royal capital of Dai Co Viet kingdom from 968 to 1009 by visiting Dinh king temple and Le king temple, finding out the heroic histories of this two Kings in Chinese Wars.

Your day will end and back to hotel!

Overnight in Tam Coc Ninh Binh.

Top 9 Best 3-Star Hotels In Ninh Binh

Depart from Ninh Binh for a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts. Upon arrival, board a luxury cruise and enjoy lunch as you sail past the breathtaking landscapes of Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay by visiting Sung Sot Cave - A magnificent beauty bestowed by nature and continue to Ti Top Island - The Beautiful Gift of Mother Nature with Swimming on beach and Hiking for panoramic views.

As the sun sets, anchor at sea and savor a delightful dinner while taking in the views.

Overnight on Halong Bay overnight Cruise.

Deluxe Cruises in Halong Bay

Begin your morning with a Tai Chi session on the sun deck as the sunrise casts a golden glow over the waters. Enjoy a light breakfast, then cruise to Luon Cave - A Heaven Gate where you can spend the morning kayaking or Bamboo boat among the scenic islands.

After a hearty brunch, return to the pier and travel back to Hanoi airport. Say goodbye to Vietnam.

End of Vietnam’s Hidden Gems 9-day Package Tour!

Meeting & Pickup

Meeting point

Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, North Vietnam, Vietnam

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End point

Halong Bay , North Vietnam

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Available

Adults (12 years old and older)
Children (From 6 years old to 11 years old)
Infants (From 0 years old to 5 years old)

Useful Information

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Accommodation and Transportation as indicated in itinerary
Complimentary bottle of water on the bus journey
Pick up and drop off airport
Cable car ticket and international buffet
English-speaking guide during all tours
Meals (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
Overnight cruise in Halong bay
All entrance fees, sampan boat
Government taxes & service charge

Beverages & Personal travel insurance
Tips for tour guide, driver, and boat rower
Surcharge for public holidays
International & national airfare and departure taxes
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks… etc
Vietnam Visa (If you are not exempt from the visa)

* Notes:

Domestic flights: We quote separately and can book for you without fees.
Surcharged for Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any.
Surcharged for Public holidays (30/4-1/5, Lunar New Year).
The timing of check-in and check-out at the hotels: Check-in at 14:00, check-out at 12:00. (Early check-in/late check-out is upon your request).
A single supplement is required if you are traveling alone.
The triple room is possible upon your request.
Halong Bay cruise: Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, tide levels, and operational conditions, and the times provided are approximate and may vary.

All customers participating in the tour must have a passport and identification document when leaving the country.
Backpack, toiletry bag, sunscreen/cap, water bottles, camera(optional), extra pair of clothes, personal medication, track pants and cotton T-shirt, sweater/ warm jackets for the night.
Dry fruits, energy bar, chocolates, torch per person with extra batteries, moov spray, dettol solution or salt to avoid leeches, sports shoes or trekking shoes or comfortable shoes with good grip, personal hygiene items: medicine, face towel, shower gel, brush, toothpaste.

Deposit 50% tour price when signing up and pay the remaining amount 10 days before starting date.
In case of tour cancellation: (Tour cancellation time is calculated by working days, excluding Saturday, Sunday and public holidays and New Year).
After the deposit, if you cancel the tour, the company will not refund the deposit.
If you cancel or change the tour within 20 - 29 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 70% of the tour price.
If you cancel or change the tour within 10 - 19 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 90% of the tour price.
If you cancel or change the tour 9 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 100% of the tour value.

* Notes:

Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of return.
If you are a foreigner or overseas Vietnamese, please bring all your passports (bring both passports in case you have 2 citizenships), and Vietnamese visa (attached to your passport or separate sheet) while on tour.
Please follow according to the tour program, do not separate from the group. If there is a need to separate from the group, please notify the consultant when registering for the tour for more information and additional costs (if any).
Customers aged 70 years or older require a health certificate to travel abroad from a doctor and must be accompanied by a relative under 60 years old (healthy). Guests over 75 years old, please pay a premium insurance (the fee varies depending on the tour).

In case of cancellation of the tour right after registration until 10 days before the departure date, you will be subject to a 30% penalty on the travel fare.
In case of cancellation of the tour within 5-10 days before the departure date, you will be charged 50% of the travel fare.
In case of cancellation of the tour within 3-5 days before the departure date, you will be charged 75% of the travel fare.
If you cancel the tour within 0 – 3 days before the departure date, you will be charged 100% of the travel fare.

* Notes:

In case of tour cancellation due to objective incidents such as natural disasters, epidemics, postponement and cancellation of transportations service... Tourist will not be responsible for any additional compensation other than refund tour fee.
Above is the maximum cancellation penalty, this cost can be reduced depending on the conditions of each service provider for Tourist.
The tour cancellation time is calculated for working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and New Year.
If the travel program is canceled or changed by either party due to a force majeure reason (fire, weather, accident, natural disaster, war, delay and cancellation of the public transport plus…), the two parties will not bear any obligation to compensate for the loss that has occurred and not bear any liability. However, each party is responsible for trying its best to help the aggrieved party to minimize losses caused by force majeure.

Children under 2 years old: 30% of adult price (baby sharing bed with parents).
Children from 2 to under 12 years old: 90% of adult price (kid sharing bed with parents), 100% of adult price (kid has their own bed).
Children from 12 years old and up: 100% of the adult price.

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Customer Reviews

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HE

Helen | Norway

Dec 28, 2024

The Great Time In Northern Vietnam

Exploring Hanoi through a food tour was fantastic—we visited five different spots, each renowned for a specific Vietnamese dish like Bun cha, Banh mi, Pho ga tron, Kem xoi, and egg coffee.Mai Chau & Pu Luong: our guide introduced us to a wonderful local restaurant named Mau Chau Home, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine.Ninh Binh: The boat tour was ..More
Exploring Hanoi through a food tour was fantastic—we visited five different spots, each renowned for a specific Vietnamese dish like Bun cha, Banh mi, Pho ga tron, Kem xoi, and egg coffee.
Mai Chau & Pu Luong: our guide introduced us to a wonderful local restaurant named Mau Chau Home, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Ninh Binh: The boat tour was super relaxing. The landscapes were so stunning, we cannot stop taking so many pictures.
Sapa: We head to Sapa, the hotel in Sapa is very cozy. We had a quite long trekking tour. We enjoyed the whole journey as we sightsee around.
Halong Bay: the cruise tour was so cool. We got to stay overnight on cruise. There was all service upon the cruise. Watch the sunset on cruise was a standout experience. Thank you Auasia Travel team for making our holiday so memorable.Less
JA

Jake | United Arab Emirates

Dec 20, 2024

The Best trip Forever!

The trip was fantastic, especially with a large group of 12 people. The agents were excellent with their communication, ensuring we had everything we needed. Our tour guide, Tom did an excellent job, providing great advice and keeping us together during the market tour and hectic Hanoi traffic. I highly recommend Auasia Travel tour agency and will definitely use them again for future adventures in ..More
The trip was fantastic, especially with a large group of 12 people. The agents were excellent with their communication, ensuring we had everything we needed. Our tour guide, Tom did an excellent job, providing great advice and keeping us together during the market tour and hectic Hanoi traffic. I highly recommend Auasia Travel tour agency and will definitely use them again for future adventures in Vietnam.Less
KE

Kelly | United Kingdom

Dec 18, 2024

Over Our Expectation!

My recent tour of Vietnam had its ups and downs. While highlights like exploring Hanoi and cruising Ha Long Bay were memorable. The scenic beauty of the rice terraces and lush mountains in Sapa was truly breathtaking. However, the trekking conditions were challenging, with steep trails and unpredictable weather. Despite this, the tour offered valuable insights into Vietnam's culture, thanks to ..More
My recent tour of Vietnam had its ups and downs. While highlights like exploring Hanoi and cruising Ha Long Bay were memorable. The scenic beauty of the rice terraces and lush mountains in Sapa was truly breathtaking. However, the trekking conditions were challenging, with steep trails and unpredictable weather. Despite this, the tour offered valuable insights into Vietnam's culture, thanks to Auasia Travel team and knowledgeable guide, Peter.Less