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Essential Northern Vietnam 8 days
[updated 2025]

Vos expériences incluent :

Cyclo tour through the bustling streets of Hanoi.
Visit iconic sites such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum or the Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best in the country
Discover ethnic minority villages, lush green mountains, rural culture and delicious northern cuisine
Cruise on shimmering waters in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh
Enjoy kayaking in the majestic Ha Long Bay

This is just a suggested itinerary and can totally be tweaked to suit your style and need

Itinéraire

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi full day city tour
Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau
Day 4: Mai Chau Walking Tour
Day 5: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Van Long Nature Reserve
Day 6: Ninh Binh - Tam Coc River Boat Trip
Day 7: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay
Day 8: Lan Ha Bay - Hanoi - depart

Notre prix comprend :

Stylish 4 & 5 star accommodation with daily breakfast
Guides anglophones expérimentés
Toutes les visites et excursions mentionnées en véhicule privé climatisé
Frais de visites et permis pendant la période guidée
Croisière en bateau si mentionnée
Frais de service et taxe gouvernementale sur la valeur ajoutée
Assistance au sol 24 heures sur 24, 7 jours sur 7
Fine Asian Escapes s'engage à ce que vous payiez les prix les plus compétitifs pour la qualité des vacances que vous recevez. D'après les données que nous avons extraites des sites web de nos concurrents, nos vacances sont respectivement 25 % et 35 % moins chères que des vacances similaires proposées par des voyagistes britanniques et américains. En moyenne, un couple britannique économisera 1 200 livres sterling et un couple américain économisera 2 000 dollars américains en réservant un circuit classique de 14 jours au Viêt Nam avec nous.

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Itinéraire complet
Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour with Cyclo Ride

Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. After dedicating his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule, Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and his body was preserved for posterity. Every October the mausoleum is closed for a month and Uncle Ho is given a bit of a spruce up! Then wander the grounds to see the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next,visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.

‍In the afternoon start with the Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best in the country, with an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority people. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. Next, sip a strong Vietnamese coffee in a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake - an important symbol in Vietnamese folklore.

End your day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today.

‍Interesting fact: Walking around the streets of Hanoi, you will often see street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from bamboo baskets that they carry on their shoulders. These vendors, a quintessential part of the city's vibrant street life, use a traditional method of transporting goods that involves balancing two baskets on either end of a bamboo pole, which they carry across their shoulders.
Day 3: Hanoi - Mai Chau
Today depart for Mai Chau. Discover ethnic minority villages, lush green mountains, rural culture and delicious northern cuisine on your 3 day trip to Mai Chau. Upon arrival check in your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, why not ride through the rice paddies field in Mai Chau valley which is dotted with stilt houses? The ride offers opportunities for taking photos, visiting local families and interacting with the locals.

‍Tip: Dining well in Mai Chau is a must. Everything here is incredibly fresh, from the fish sourced from the Da River to the bamboo shoots gathered from the forest—each locally caught or foraged. When you explore the local market in the morning, you'll witness vendors proudly showcasing their freshly harvested produce.
Day 4: Mai Chau - full day tour
Embark on a 30-minute drive to Mai Ha village, where our trekking adventure begins. We'll stroll through Kha village and marvel at the scenic beauty of Kha lake, the lifeblood of the Van Mai valley. Along the way, we'll encounter charming White Thai villages and interact with locals going about their daily routines. Our journey continues to Te Village, nestled deep in the jungle, offering an authentic glimpse into Thai minority culture. Conclude the excursion with a delightful lunch served en route or at a local household.

Our tip: Pack comfortable walking shoes, as the best way to explore Mai Chau's stunning terraced fields and charming villages is on foot.
Day 5: Mai Chau - Ninh Binh - Van Long Natural Reserve
Morning at leisure.
After breakfast embark on a journey of about 3 hours to Ninh Binh.

In the afternoon, visit Van Long Nature Reserve and enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride through its tranquil waters. Glide past towering limestone karsts and lush wetlands, soaking in the serene atmosphere. Along the way, spot rare wildlife, including the endangered Delacour’s langur and a variety of bird species. The breathtaking scenery, perfectly mirrored in the still water, offers stunning photography opportunities. Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of nature before returning to your hotel with unforgettable memories.

Interesting fact: Do you know Ninh Binh is often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land'? This is because of its striking scenery characterized by limestone peaks and shimmering rivers.
Day 6: Hoa Lu Temples and Tam Coc River
Today you will visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination.

After lunch in a local restaurant you will continue to nearby Tam Coc, popularly known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on land”.Board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you.Finally, return to the pier, where your vehicle will be waiting for you for your transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.

Interesting fact: Do you know Ninh Binh is often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land'? This is because of its striking scenery characterized by limestone peaks and shimmering rivers.
Day 7: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay - Lan Ha Bay
Depart from Ninh Binh and travel by road to the Tuan Chau Island pier in Halong Bay Set off on your luxury cruise, where you’ll be pampered in style and comfort whilst meandering through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters of Ha long Bay. Stop in Tra Bau, a secret hideaway in Lan Ha Bay that has beaches, caves and coves. You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. Back to your boat, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.

Our tip: Wake up early to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay at dawn, when it's less crowded and the light is perfect for photos.
Day 8: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - Depart

Rise with the sun and practice Vivonam on the sundeck while taking in majestic views of the surrounding bay and the cool sea breeze. Wrap up your experience with a bamboo boat trip to visit Dark and Bright Cave before cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. You will then be transferred back to Hanoi.
DEMANDER UN DEVIS

Hanoi: There is a great selection of boutique and luxury hotels in the capital.

The most iconic one is Sofitel Legend Metropole dating back since 1901. The hotel had welcomed many famous playwrights, actors, ambassadors and heads of state from all over the world as Charlie Chaplin, Graham Greene, Somerset Maugham.
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Capella Hanoi, designed by the famous architect Bill Bensley, features 47 themed rooms and suites is perhaps the most stylish hotel you can find in the capital.
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If you prefer smaller, boutique style hotels then consider Peridot Grand, La Sinfonía del Rey, Tirant hotel or La Siesta Hotel. All these hotels have excellent reputation and are all in prime location for the Old Quarter.
Mai Chau:
‍Only 4 hour drive from Hanoi, Mai Chau feels like a different world with lush valley, mountainous views and delicious northern style cuisine.Our favourite option in Mai Chau is Avana Retreat, a high end resort surrounded by beautiful hills, mountains, paddy field and a natural waterfall. The villas are stylish, spacious and luxurious with ceiling to floor window offering amazing mountainous view!We also love Mai Chau Eco Lodge, an eco resorts surrounded by mountain and paddy fields
Ninh Binh: Only 2 hour drive from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is a mesmerizing area known locally as ‘Ha Long Bay on Land’ thanks to its riverine landscape, with sheer limestone mountains rising up from the paddy field.

Our favourite resort in Ninh Binh is Tam Coc Garden. The resort is especially famous for its beautiful gardens and stunning views of rice paddies and limestone formations! Sunrise and sunset views are rather magical, if you ask

We also love An Eco's Garden - perhaps the resort with most beautiful natural setting in Ninh Binh. Experience rice paddies, farming gardens, fruit trees, soaring mountains and friendly locals - it is Vietnam's rural countryside at best!
Ha Long: There are many cruises in Ha Long Bay but it is true that not all of them are created equal. Some of our absolute favourites are Emperor Cruise, Heritage Cruise, Stellar of the Sea, Capella Cruise and Paradise cruise.
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If you like something stylish, luxurious but traditional at the same time then go for Heritage Cruise or Emperor Cruise. Think private balcony, high ceilings, full panoramic ocean views, hand-painted mosaic tiles & original paintings.
If you prefer ultra luxurious cruises then you can't go wrong with Stellar of the Seas and Capella Cruise.. There is panoramic bar, wine and cigars cellar, mini golf and seasonal swimming pool on board in both cruises.

For exceptional value for money (and still stylish) option consider Paradise Cruise, with over 5000 5 star ratings!

1. Quel est le meilleur moment pour effectuer cet itinéraire ?

November - April is the best time to do this itinerary when weather is the most pleasant.

If you don't mind some sporadic rain and hot weather then you can benefit from travelling in green season (May - September) when it is generally less crowded and most hotels offer reduced rates during this time of year.
For more information on weather please visit our Vietnam weather page.

2. De quel aéroport ai-je besoin pour atterrir et décoller ?

For this itinerary you need to fly into Noi Bai airport (HAN) in Hanoi and out of Danang airport (DAD) in Danang.

3. Puis-je modifier l'itinéraire ?

Oui, absolument. L'itinéraire ci-dessus n'est qu'une suggestion de ce que vous pourriez faire. Nous pouvons retirer certaines choses ou suggérer d'autres expériences qui vous conviennent mieux.
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4. Ai-je besoin d'un visa ?

Vietnam

Visitors from certain countries might enter Vietnam visa-free for a certain number of days.

From 15 March 2022 Vietnam has reintroduced visa waivers for the nationals of some countries including the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Norway, Sweden, South Korea, Finland, Japan, Italy & Denmark., Russia, Belarus (under 15 days); Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos (under 30 days); Philippines (under 21 days) and Myanmar & Brunei (under 14 days).

If you are not passport holder of the above mentioned countries or if you wish to stay longer than what is allowed then you would need to apply for Vietnam e-visa

E-visa costs 25 USD and generally takes 3 days. You will receive your code by email to print your visa. You can enter Vietnam on an e-Visa at any of the country's eight international airports, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Danang, as well as 14 land crossings and seven seaports.
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5. What are Covid requirements in Vietnam?

From 15 May 2022 you no longer need to take a COVID-19 test before travelling to Vietnam.

You also don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry to Vietnam.
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6. Do I need to take cash and can I use my debit/credit card in Vietnam?

We recommend you take some USD in cash which you can change to Dong (at your hotel or tourist centres) upon arrival.

If you don't want to take cash you can consider getting prepaid 'travel money card' which is usually safer and cheaper than using your debit/credit card to withdraw money at ATMs in Vietnam.

ATMs are widely available in Vietnam, especially in big cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City & Danang. If you travel to more rural areas consider taking some cash with you.
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7. Comment réserver ?

Please fill in our enquiry form and we will send you a quotation within 24h - 48h based on your requirements. Once you're happy with the itinerary and deposit is made we will start booking your holiday and send you a booking confirmation and a detailed invoice.
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Essential Northern Vietnam 8 days
[updated 2025]

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Essential Northern Vietnam 8 days[updated 2025]

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Hanoi

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Ninh Binh

Ha Long Bay

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Essential Northern Vietnam 8 days
[updated 2025]