8 Days Exploring Vietnam From North to South

From: $491 4-star hotels

4.9

(118 reviews)

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Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Sapa, Halong Bay

Embark on a journey through Vietnam, commencing and concluding in Hanoi! The 8 Day Exploring Vietnam From North to South tour package offers an immersive experience, guiding you through Hanoi and four additional destinations in Vietnam. Accommodation in well-selected hotels, the expertise of a knowledgeable guide, meals, and transportation are all included in this comprehensive exploration.

Included/Excluded

* Throughout the tour, guests will be accommodated exclusively in 4- and 5-star hotels.
* Accommodation based on twin or double sharing room
* All transfers and road transport in modern, air-conditioned vehicles if specified in the program
* Meals as mentioned in the program. B-Breakfast, Br-Brunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
* Your tour guide is a professional, fully trained employee of VTP Travel
* Entrance fees if specified in the program
* Airfares, Cruise, Train, Sleeper bus if specified in the program.

* Compulsory tips for tour guide and driver
* Meals not mentioned in the program
* Single Supplement. Early check-in and late check-out. Hotel/Room upgrade
* Drinks, personal expenses and any services not clearly mentioned in the program
* Surcharge for the festive seasons
* Applicable Government Taxes and other service charges.
* The tour cost does not include POE charges and passport charges.
* Porterage Facility

Hotel List:
To view the list and detailed information about the hotels used in the tour

Please click here: View Hotel List

Itinerary

Welcome Dinner Activities: Upon your arrival in Hanoi, you will have some free time, depending on your flight schedule. LVP Travel is here to assist and provide you with the best recommendations for the remaining time. Options include a half-day or full-day city tour of Hanoi, with available itineraries. You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to the downtown area of Hanoi, a city characterized by lakes, tree-lined streets, and lush public parks – the heart of Vietnam's capital. The rest of the day is at your leisure. After checking into the hotel, indulge in a welcome dinner featuring traditional local cuisine. Overnight in Hanoi.

Hanoi City Tour Activities: Embark on a journey to explore the historical, cultural, and architectural treasures of Vietnam. Our itinerary includes visits to prominent landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Complex, featuring the President's Mausoleum (closed on Mondays and Fridays), the Presidential Palace, and the One Pillar Pagoda. We then proceed to the Temple of Literature, renowned as Vietnam's first university, established in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, as well as scholars like Chu Van An and numerous doctorate holders from the Mac and Le dynasties.

After a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, our afternoon continues with a visit to the Water Puppet Show, showcasing traditional Vietnamese artistry. We conclude the day with a stroll to the Saint Joseph Cathedral, an architectural gem erected in 1886.

Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc: Begin the day by arriving at Hoa Lu and exploring the enchanting Tam Coc grottoes, followed by a return to Hanoi and a journey to Sapa by train.

Itinerary: Commence the day's adventure by reaching Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province, approximately a 3-hour drive from Hanoi. In Tam Coc, experience a sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, navigating through the Tam Coc grottoes. The landscape unfolds with lush green hills and rice fields at their base. The fields, mirroring the changing seasons, transition from green before harvest to golden yellow during harvesting.

Bid farewell to Tam Coc as we proceed to Hoa Lu, once the capital of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Explore the Dinh-Le Sanctuary, featuring statues of emperors and other historical relics. Afterward, return to Hanoi, where a private car and guide await to transfer you to Hanoi train station for an overnight journey to Sapa.

Lao Cai - Sapa Exploration: Begin the day upon arrival in Lao Cai, venture into Sapa, and discover the Cat Cat villages. Engage with various ethnic minorities, gaining insights into their cultures.

Itinerary: As you step into Lao Cai and transition to Sapa, you'll immediately sense the unique, chilly beauty of this region, home to diverse ethnic groups. Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant, savoring Vietnamese noodles before immersing yourself in the bustling local market. This vibrant marketplace offers a plethora of goods, from traditional clothing and intricately decorated bracers to crafts. Engage with local minorities, learning more about their daily lives and traditions.

Proceed to the Cat Cat villages, where you'll encounter members of the H'Mong tribe. Take a leisurely stroll through the valley beneath Sapa to explore additional areas and meet other ethnic minorities. After a fulfilling day, savor lunch and check in to your hotel in the afternoon. Relax and continue your exploration of Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

Sapa Trekking - Return to Hanoi by Night Train: Embark on an exploration of the Sapa surroundings, visiting the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, before taking the night train back to Hanoi.

Itinerary: Today's adventure takes us deeper into the Sapa region, with visits to the picturesque villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. Lao Chai village, nestled in a serene setting, provides an opportunity to encounter the Black H'Mong minority people and gain insights into their traditions and customs. Adjacent to Lao Chai is Ta Van village, inhabited by the Giay minority. While interacting with the locals, marvel at the vast terraced fields and wooden bridges, offering a glimpse into the local way of life. After an enriching day, you'll board the night train bound for Hanoi.

Upon early morning arrival in Hanoi, you can independently check into a nearby mini hotel close to the train station for rest and breakfast. Around 8:00 AM, our designated driver will arrive to pick you up for the journey to Halong Bay. During the approximately 25-minute break en route, you can relax. Upon reaching Halong at around 12:00 noon, board the deluxe junk, where a welcome drink awaits, and savor a delightful lunch featuring local seafood. Embark on a cruise around the bay, marveling at the stunning karsts with distinctive formations such as the Lion, Tea Pot, Toad, and Dau Nguoi (Human Head) islets. The boat makes a stop at Titop Island, allowing you an hour for exploration, climbing, and swimming. If weather conditions permit, indulge in ample time for swimming and sunbathing in the serene sea after the boat anchors. Conclude the day with a splendid sunset dinner in our exquisite restaurant before retiring to the comfort of your cabin. Experience an overnight stay on the boat.

Halong Bay - Hanoi

Activities: Tai Chi on Sundeck, Surprise Cave

Itinerary: Commence your morning with a session of Tai Chi on the sundeck, accompanied by complimentary tea and coffee service. As the boat traverses the bay, you'll pass by enchanting spots like Trong (Drum), Trinh Nu (Virgin), and Me Cung Caves, Coc Ngoi (Toad) Islet, and more. Explore the Surprise Cave (Sung Sot) and savor a buffet brunch served on board. The vessel then gracefully cruises back to the harbor. Return to Halong City around noon and transfer back to Hanoi City, marking the conclusion of the tour.

Hanoi Departure

Activities: N/A

Enjoy a free day for shopping and make preparations for your return flight.

Durations

5 - 8 days

Languages

English

Regional Tours

Vietnam

For more information or to book this tour, please click the request button below:

BOOKING REQUEST

PRIVATE CUSTOMISED TRIP

Tour's Location

Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu, Sapa, Halong Bay

The Legend of Hanoi’s West Lake - 🐉 The Legend of Hanoi’s West Lake – Between Myth, History, and Timeless Beauty📍 Location: Northwest Hanoi | Free Entry | Open 24/7 🌅 Introduction: Where Myth Meets Modern Hanoi Few places in Hanoi capture the city’s poetic soul quite like West Lake (Hồ Tây). The vast, shimmering expanse of water — stretching over 500 hectares — has been a silent witness to Hanoi’s long and layered history. It’s a place where ancient legends blend effortlessly with modern life, where monks, kings, and mythical creatures once roamed, and where today’s travelers can enjoy lakeside cafés, sunsets, and the calm rhythm of local life. But before the luxury hotels, the trendy restaurants, and the scenic cycling routes, there was a story — a legend that explains how this lake came to be. And it’s one of Vietnam’s most enchanting folktales: The Legend of the Golden Buffalo and the Birth of West Lake. 🛕 The Ancient Tale: How the Golden Buffalo Created West Lake Long ago, when the world was still wrapped in mist and myth, a virtuous monk journeyed to China to heal the emperor’s mysterious illness. Out of gratitude, the emperor rewarded him with a generous gift of bronze. The monk, humble and devoted, donated most of the bronze to the state upon returning to Vietnam. Yet with the small portion he kept, he crafted a magnificent bronze bell — a bell so pure and resonant that its sound rolled across mountains and rivers, echoing far beyond human lands. 🐮 Far away in the imperial treasury of China, there lived a golden buffalo calf. Hearing the divine sound of the bell, the calf mistook it for its mother’s call and began charging south toward the origin of the sound. It ran tirelessly across valleys and plains until it reached Hanoi. But when the bell stopped ringing, the confused calf spun in circles, digging deep into the earth in its frantic search. The ground caved in, forming a massive hollow — which soon filled with water and became West Lake (Hồ Tây). According to legend, the golden buffalo still lies deep beneath the lake’s waters. It’s said that only a man aided by his ten natural sons can one day retrieve it — a symbol of purity, family unity, and divine destiny. 🌊 Between Myth and Reality: The Geographical Story While the legend paints a magical picture, geologists and historians offer a more down-to-earth explanation. West Lake was likely formed thousands of years ago as a lagoon left behind by the shifting Red River (Sông Hồng). Over time, the river’s course changed, creating a narrow land strip between the lake and the river, reinforced later by human-made embankments. But even the scientific truth doesn’t erase the poetry of the place. The lake’s still waters continue to hold the whisper of myth — and perhaps, the quiet pulse of that golden buffalo deep beneath. 👑 A Royal Playground Through the Centuries In Vietnam’s feudal era, West Lake wasn’t just a natural wonder — it was a royal retreat. Monarchs from the Ly, Tran, and Le dynasties built summer palaces and spiritual sanctuaries along its banks, seeking tranquility and inspiration. One of the most notable constructions was Trấn Quốc Pagoda, originally founded in the 6th century and known as Vietnam’s oldest pagoda. Sitting gracefully on a small islet connected by a red bridge, it became a sacred center for meditation and royal ceremonies. Even today, monks in saffron robes can be seen tending to the pagoda’s gardens, and visitors come from around the world to light incense, admire the intricate statues, and enjoy panoramic views of the lake at sunset. 🌅 West Lake Today (2025): The Beating Heart of Modern Hanoi Fast-forward to 2025, and West Lake has transformed into Hanoi’s most desirable neighborhood — a mix of traditional charm and cosmopolitan sophistication. Expats, artists, and young professionals call this area home. You’ll find luxury hotels, rooftop bars, craft cafés, yoga studios, and peaceful walking paths circling the water. Despite the modern vibe, the air of legend still lingers — especially at dawn, when mist hangs low and the sound of temple bells drifts across the lake. ✨ What to Experience Around West Lake (2025): 🚴‍♀️ Cycle or walk the 17km perimeter for incredible sunrise and sunset views. 🛕 Visit Trấn Quốc Pagoda, the city’s oldest religious site. 🍵 Enjoy lakeside dining at chic spots like Maison de Tet Décor, El Gaucho Steakhouse, or The Sunset Bar at InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. 🚤 Take a paddle boat ride on the nearby Trúc Bạch Lake, especially at sunset. 📸 Capture iconic Hanoi views from Thanh Niên Street — the narrow causeway separating West Lake and Trúc Bạch Lake. 💬 The Legend Lives On: West Lake in Local Culture The legend of the golden buffalo isn’t just an old folktale — it continues to live in Hanoi’s identity. Local artists, poets, and musicians still reference the mythical creature as a symbol of power, endurance, and prosperity. During the Lunar New Year (Tết), families visit West Lake to release carp into the water — a symbolic act of letting go of misfortune and inviting blessings. Lovers stroll under the flame trees, while elders practice tai chi by the lakeshore, connecting spiritual calm with physical harmony. In every season, the lake changes character:🌸 Spring brings soft blossoms around the temples.☀️ Summer fills the air with lotus fragrance.🍂 Autumn paints the waters gold.❄️ Winter wraps the lake in silver mist. Each phase reflects the rhythm of Hanoi’s heart — gentle, reflective, and eternal. 🌿 Practical Tips for Visiting West Lake in 2025 ✅ Best Time to Visit: Early morning (5–7 am) for sunrise tranquility, or late afternoon (4–6 pm) for magical golden light.✅ Getting There: Only a 10-minute drive from Hanoi’s Old Quarter by motorbike or taxi.✅ Local Eats: Try Bánh tôm Hồ Tây (crispy shrimp pancakes) — a Hanoi specialty born right here by the lakeside.✅ Don’t Miss: Watching the sunset from The Summit Bar at Pan Pacific...Gunners’ Memorial Hanoi - 🇻🇳 Gunners’ Memorial Hanoi – A Silent Witness of Courage and History📍 Location: North of Quan Thanh Temple, along Thanh Nien Street, Hanoi🕒 Open 24/7 • Free Entry 💫 Introduction: Where History Meets the Lakeside Peace of Hanoi As you stroll along Thanh Nien Street, the tree-lined causeway separating West Lake (Ho Tay) and Truc Bach Lake, you’ll come across a modest yet profoundly symbolic monument — the Gunners’ Memorial. Though small in size, this landmark holds immense historical and emotional weight. It honors the Vietnamese anti-aircraft units who defended Hanoi during the American War (Vietnam War), and it marks the very site where U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander John McCain’s plane was shot down in October 1967. Today, the Gunners’ Memorial is more than just a war relic — it’s a poignant reminder of resilience, reconciliation, and how far Vietnam has come since those turbulent years. In 2025, with Hanoi’s lakeside neighborhoods thriving with life and culture, this quiet memorial stands as a powerful symbol of peace and remembrance. ⚔️ A Glimpse Back in Time: The Story Behind the Memorial During the intense bombing campaigns of the late 1960s, anti-aircraft defense teams were stationed around Hanoi to protect key government buildings and cultural landmarks. The Gunners’ Memorial pays tribute to those brave soldiers who operated anti-aircraft cannons in the area — a crucial part of Hanoi’s defense network. On October 26, 1967, during an airstrike over Hanoi, Lieutenant Commander John McCain’s A-4 Skyhawk was struck by a missile launched from this very position. His plane crashed into Truc Bach Lake, just a few meters away from where the memorial now stands. Locals rushed to rescue McCain from the lake before he was taken prisoner — an event that would shape his life for years to come. McCain spent over five years as a prisoner of war in Hoa Lo Prison (nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton”) before being released in 1973. 🕊️ From Conflict to Connection: The Story’s Human Side What makes this site truly remarkable is not just its wartime legacy, but the spirit of reconciliation it embodies today. When John McCain returned to Hanoi decades later as a U.S. Senator, he stood beside the very lake where he had fallen — not as an enemy, but as a guest and a symbol of friendship between two former foes. Vietnam and the United States have since developed strong diplomatic and economic ties, and sites like the Gunners’ Memorial remind visitors how history, though painful, can evolve into mutual respect and understanding. Standing at the memorial in 2025, you’ll see local couples taking photos, children riding bicycles, and vendors selling coconut ice cream by the lake — everyday life flowing peacefully where once war raged. 🏛️ What to See at the Gunners’ Memorial The memorial itself is small but evocative — a stone monument engraved in Vietnamese, surrounded by flowering shrubs and shaded by tamarind and flame trees. It’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it, but the simplicity adds to its charm and solemnity. 🔹 Inscription: The plaque honors the anti-aircraft gunners who “bravely fought and shot down enemy planes over Truc Bach Lake.”🔹 Scenic Backdrop: The site offers a serene view of Truc Bach Lake, with reflections of surrounding trees and small cafés — perfect for quiet contemplation.🔹 Nearby Attractions: Within walking distance are Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and several lakeside coffee shops where you can sit and soak in Hanoi’s tranquil beauty. 📷 Travel Tips for 2025 Visitors ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Early morning or just before sunset, when the light over Truc Bach Lake is golden and soft — ideal for photography. 🚶 Getting There: It’s about a 10-minute taxi or motorbike ride from Hanoi Old Quarter. You can also walk along Thanh Nien Street if you’re exploring nearby West Lake. ☕ Where to Rest: After visiting, grab a seat at one of Truc Bach’s cozy lakeside cafés such as Maison de Tet Décor or The Coffee House. Both offer great views and relaxing vibes. 🎧 Combine It With: Visiting Quan Thanh Temple (Guardian of the North) and Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi — both just a short stroll away. 🧭 Why You Should Visit For travelers interested in Vietnam’s layered history, the Gunners’ Memorial is a must-visit stop. It’s not a grand or heavily visited landmark, but its quiet dignity captures something deeply human — the endurance of memory, the cost of peace, and the beauty of moving forward. Here, history doesn’t shout; it whispers across the calm waters of Truc Bach Lake. You’ll feel the stillness, the reflection — both literal and emotional — that makes Hanoi so captivating. ❤️ Final Thoughts: A Small Monument with a Big Message In a city where ancient temples, colonial architecture, and modern cafés coexist harmoniously, the Gunners’ Memorial serves as a gentle yet powerful bridge between Hanoi’s past and present. It reminds visitors that while the city continues to grow and modernize — with electric scooters, tech startups, and vibrant nightlife — the soul of Hanoi remains grounded in remembrance, gratitude, and humanity. If you ever find yourself wandering between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, pause here for a few quiet minutes. Listen to the breeze rustling through the trees, watch the ripples on the lake’s surface, and reflect on how far the world has come since 1967. ✨ Travel Tip Recap✅ Location: Thanh Nien Street, between West Lake & Truc Bach Lake✅ Entry: Free, open 24 hours✅ Nearby: Quan Thanh Temple, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Truc Bach cafés✅ Best time: Sunrise or sunset for the most peaceful atmosphere 🌿 Hanoi’s Gunners’ Memorial isn’t just about history — it’s about hope.A story of courage, survival, and the quiet strength that defines Vietnam’s capital.

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From: $491

4-star hotels

4.9 (118 Reviews)

8 Days Exploring Vietnam From North to South

About this tour

Included/Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1 Hanoi

Day 2 Hanoi

Day 3 Ninh Binh City

Day 4 Sapa - Lao Cai

Day 5 Sapa Trekking

Day 6 Hanoi-Halong

Day 7 Halong Bay- Hanoi

Day 8 Hanoi

Durations

Languages

Regional Tours

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Tour's Location

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