Essence Of Northern Vietnam 8 Days -

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Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Mai Chau – Sapa – Halong Bay

Northern Vietnam offers more than the vibrant streets of Hanoi and the charming 36 old quarters. If you wish to explore every facet of this region, our 8-day Essence of Northern Vietnam tour is designed for you. From mountains to seas, our journey spans from Sapa to Halong Bay. We delve into the past, encountering remote hill tribe communities nestled amidst lush hills and streams, overlooked by striking limestone karsts. Halong Bay crowns our adventure, offering a magnificent experience on a comfortable junk boat—exploring islands, relishing delightful meals, swimming, sunbathing, and kayaking. This tour encapsulates the visual and cultural wonders of northern Vietnam!

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 Indochina Royal 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

<span> Day 1</span> Hanoi Half day City tour

Tours are available in the morning at 8:00 or in the afternoon starting at 1:30, and you can opt for either a car or a motorbike for transportation.

The itinerary is flexible and can be adjusted based on your preferences.

Begin the tour by visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university.

Proceed to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (Viewed from outside; closed on Mon and Fri, and during Jun - Aug).

Explore West Lake and Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda, recognized as Hanoi's oldest pagoda with a history spanning over 1,500 years.

Enjoy an authentic Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant.

The remainder of the day is free for leisure activities.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

<span> Day 2</span> Hanoi – Mai Chau - Road transfer

Morning:

Hop on the van for the journey to Mai Chau.

Take a brief pause during the trip.

Arrive in Mai Chau by midday.

Receive a welcome drink upon arrival.

Delight in a traditional village lunch (vegetarian options available).

Afternoon:

Engage in a cycling excursion guided by a local expert.
Observe farmers tending to fields and locals crafting scarves.
Explore the serene neighboring villages.
Enjoy leisure time for shopping and leisurely strolls.
Accommodation: Bungalow in Mai Chau

Morning:

Explore further remote villages like Na Meo and Na Mo villages.

Immerse in understanding the traditional customs and cultural practices of the local populace.

Return to the homestay around midday for lunch and check-out.

Enjoy leisure time for shopping and relaxation.

Afternoon:

Between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM: Depart from Mai Chau by bus for the approximately 4-hour drive back to Hanoi.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

<span> Day 4</span> Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu & Tam Coc - Night Train to Lao Cai

Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Excursion

Morning:

Be picked up for the transfer to Ninh Binh between 7:15 - 7:45.

Enjoy a brief stop en route, allowing you to relish the fresh air amidst the expansive rice fields.

Arrive at Tam Coc, where you'll board a small boat operated by a local for a two-hour ride.

Marvel at the limestone formations, rice paddies, and temples along the waterway.

Witness the breathtaking golden carpets of rice during the harvest season along the riverbanks.

Return to the mainland for lunch at a local restaurant.

Post-lunch, engage in optional activities like fishing or visiting local communities.

Afternoon:

At 13:30, embark on a cycling tour through picturesque villages, savoring the rural atmosphere.

Proceed to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, once the focal point of Vietnam a millennium ago.

Delve deeper into Vietnamese history, a captivating and enriching experience.

Return to Hanoi and prepare for the transfer to Hanoi train station.

Night Train to Lao Cai Train Station:

Around 20:00, rendezvous with the tour guide at the hotel.

Transfer to Hanoi train station for the overnight journey to Lao Cai.

*The train typically departs at approximately 21:15, offering shared sleeping compartments (2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment).

Notes:

During the train trip, our guide will not accompany you.
Train schedules are subject to change.
Private compartments are available upon request with an additional fee.
Train journeys offer an authentic local experience, sharing cabins with other passengers unless a private cabin is requested and paid for in full.
Restrooms at either end of the carriages are part of the local train experience.
Accommodation: Overnight on the train

<span> Day 5</span> Lao Cai – Road transfer to Sapa – Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van

In the morning:

Between 5:30 and 6:00, you'll reach Lao Cai train station.

A bus will be waiting to transport you from the station to Sapa (approximately 1 hour).

If you require early check-in, it is available for an additional charge.

Take some time to relax and prepare for the full-day tour.

Around 9:30, meet with the local guide and begin the trek to Y Linh Ho village, nestled by the Muong Hoa River.

Journey to Lao Chai village, the dwelling of the Black H’mong community.

In the afternoon:

Following Lao Chai village, proceed to Ta Van village, perched at an elevation of 1200 meters.

Return to Sapa by the evening.

During the evening:

The remainder of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.

Spend the night at Sapa Hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel in Sapa

<span> Day 6</span> Cat Cat - Sin Chai - Sapa - Hanoi - Road transfer

In the morning:

Enjoy your final breakfast in Sapa and proceed with the check-out.

Embark on a 3 km trek towards Cat Cat village, home to the Black H’mong community.

Take your time to explore and appreciate the village during the tour.

A picnic lunch will be arranged by the riverside.

Continue trekking for 3 km towards Sin Chai village, nestled at the base of Fansipan Mountain - known as the “Roof of Indochina”.

Return to the main road and travel back to Sapa town via a 3 km jeep ride.

In the afternoon:

Between 3:00 and 3:30, your driver will arrive at the hotel to transfer you back to Hanoi.

Spend the night at a hotel in Hanoi.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

<span> Day 7</span> Hanoi - Halong Bay - Overnight on cruise

Morning:

At 8:00, the driver will collect you for the journey to Halong Bay, renowned as one of the world's seven natural wonders.

Upon arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome from the cruise staff.

Check-in to your designated cabin on the cruise.

Relish a delightful seafood meal while the boat sails through the bay.

Enjoy leisure time until the afternoon.

Afternoon:

Engage in various activities like exploring caves, kayaking, or simply swimming in the bay's waters.
Return to the boat for relaxation and a dinner experience.
Note: Our tour guide will not accompany you on the cruise in Halong Bay. However, there will be a resident English-speaking guide available on board.

Accommodation: Cruise in Halong Bay

Wake early to partake in a Tai-Chi lesson or simply unwind on the sundeck while marveling at the breathtaking sunrise over the bay.

Venture into the mesmerizing caves within Halong Bay.

Lunch will be served during the return journey to the main dock.

Transfer back to Hanoi.

Enjoy leisure time to explore Hanoi's Old Quarter and savor Vietnamese street food at your own pace.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi not included

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 - Mai Chau - Sapa - Halong Bay

Vietnam’s Revolutionary Spirit - Exploring Vietnam’s Revolutionary Spirit When you travel through Hanoi, you’ll notice that the city’s history isn’t just preserved in its temples and French villas — it also lives on in its museums. One of the most fascinating places to experience this is at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, home to what was once the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution. Today, it forms part of the National Museum of History, focusing on Vietnam’s revolutionary journey — from the earliest anti-colonial movements in the 19th century to the nation’s dramatic transformation after reunification in 1975. This museum is more than a collection of artifacts; it’s a powerful narrative of resilience, patriotism, and hope, told through rare documents, photographs, and stories of the people who shaped modern Vietnam. 🏛️ A Museum with Revolutionary Roots Originally established as the Museum of the Vietnamese Revolution, the site was dedicated to chronicling the struggles of the Vietnamese people against colonial powers and foreign domination. In recent years, the collection was integrated into the larger National Museum of History, giving visitors a complete picture of the nation’s past in one cohesive institution. Walking through its halls in 2025, you’ll find that the displays are thoughtfully curated to guide you through the country’s turning points — from underground resistance newspapers to iconic photographs of revolutionary leaders. 📜 The Story Told Through Documents and Words Unlike other museums that rely heavily on artifacts, this one leans on the power of documents and writing to bring history to life. Clandestine Newspapers 📰 – The earliest whispers of resistance often came through underground publications, secretly printed and distributed despite colonial surveillance. These fragile papers now rest in glass cases, a reminder of the courage it took to spread ideas of freedom. Revolutionary Tracts ✍️ – Many of these were penned by Ho Chi Minh, whose words inspired generations to resist oppression and fight for independence. His essays, pamphlets, and letters remain a central feature of the museum’s collection. Rare Photographs 📸 – The museum proudly displays portraits of Vietnam’s revolutionary heroes. Some of these images cannot be found elsewhere, making the exhibit especially valuable for history enthusiasts. ⚔️ War and Resistance: Key Exhibitions The museum also shines a spotlight on some of the defining battles and wars of Vietnam’s modern history. 🌄 Dien Bien Phu – The Decisive Victory No exhibit about Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle would be complete without a tribute to the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954. This historic victory against French forces marked the end of colonial rule in Indochina and paved the way for the Geneva Accords. The museum presents documents, maps, and photographs that capture the determination of the Vietnamese fighters. 🇻🇳 The War of Independence The displays offer an in-depth look at Vietnam’s long fight for sovereignty, from grassroots resistance groups to organized national movements. Visitors can see how everyday people became part of a collective force determined to reclaim their homeland. 🪖 The American War (Vietnam War) Though the Military History Museum provides more extensive coverage of the Vietnam War, this site still offers a compelling collection. Visitors can explore carefully presented exhibits about the conflict, highlighting both the struggles and the resilience of the Vietnamese people. From propaganda posters to personal items of soldiers, these stories personalize a war that changed the world. 🌟 Why Visit 216 Tran Quang Khai in 2025? Authenticity: Many of the documents and photos are one-of-a-kind, offering perspectives not found in other museums. Emotional Impact: The focus on writings, faces, and personal stories creates a human connection with history. Contextual Learning: When combined with the main History Museum at Trang Tien and the Military History Museum, you gain a well-rounded understanding of Vietnam’s journey. 🕘 Visitor Information (Updated 2025) 📍 Address: 216 Tran Quang Khai Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕗 Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on the first Monday of each month)🎟️ Tickets: Entrance fee required; combined tickets with the National Museum of History are available for convenience.🌐 Official Website: baotanglichsu.vn🚶 Getting There: Just a short walk from the Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake, making it easy to include in your Hanoi itinerary. 💡 Travel Tips for Visitors Pair Your Visit: Plan to see both 216 Tran Quang Khai and the main History Museum at 1 Trang Tien on the same day. Together, they tell the full story of Vietnam. Allow Enough Time: While smaller than the main site, the depth of the documents and exhibits deserves at least 1–2 hours. Photography: Limited photography may be allowed; check current rules upon entry. Guides & Audio Tours: Hiring a guide or using an audio tour app can provide richer insights, especially if you’re not familiar with Vietnam’s revolutionary figures. Respect the Space: For many locals, these exhibits are not just history but part of their family’s lived experiences. 🌏 Connecting Past and Present Visiting 216 Tran Quang Khai is not simply about studying old documents. It’s about standing in the presence of a nation’s collective memory — of battles fought, sacrifices made, and dreams of independence realized. For travelers in 2025, when Vietnam is thriving as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies and cultural destinations, the museum is a poignant reminder of how far the country has come. From clandestine newspapers to post-war reconstruction, the exhibits encapsulate the resilience and determination that continue to define Vietnam today. ✨ Final Thoughts If you’re exploring Hanoi and want to go beyond the surface, make time for 216 Tran Quang Khai. It’s not as flashy as the Old Quarter or as glamorous as the Opera House, but it holds something deeper — the soul of Vietnam’s revolutionary journey. Walking through its halls, you’ll encounter not just names and dates but real voices from the past, still echoing with a call for freedom and unity. And that makes this museum one of Hanoi’s most powerful and unforgettable cultural experiences.Hanoi’s National Museum of History - 🏛️ Hanoi’s National Museum of History: A Journey Through Vietnam’s Past If you want to truly understand Vietnam — its struggles, triumphs, and cultural depth — there’s no better place to start than the National Museum of History in Hanoi. Nestled just one block east of the Hanoi Opera House, this museum is not only a treasure trove of artifacts but also a masterpiece of architecture, blending French colonial charm with traditional Vietnamese motifs. In 2025, the museum continues to be one of Hanoi’s must-visit cultural landmarks, offering travelers a chance to step back thousands of years into Vietnam’s past. From prehistoric tools to imperial treasures and wartime relics, every corner tells a story of resilience and creativity. 🏯 Architecture: A Blend of French Elegance and Vietnamese Tradition Before even stepping inside, the building itself demands admiration. Designed in the 1930s by the École Française d’Extrême-Orient, the structure combines the grandeur of a French villa with the curves and rooflines of Vietnamese palatial design — a style often referred to as Neo-Vietnamese architecture. With its ochre-yellow walls, graceful balconies, and tiled roofs, the museum feels like a harmonious fusion of East and West. Even today, photographers and architecture enthusiasts are drawn here, not just for the exhibits but also for the artistry of the building itself. ⏳ A Walk Through Time: The Museum’s Layout The National Museum of History is divided into two main sections: The main building at 1 Trang Tien Street — covering Vietnam’s history up to 1945. The annex across the street at 216 Tran Quang Khai Street — focusing on the post-1945 era, including Vietnam’s struggle for independence and reunification. This division allows visitors to follow Vietnam’s journey step by step, from prehistoric times to the modern nation it has become. 🥁 Ground Floor Highlights: The Bronze Age and Beyond Stepping into the ground floor is like traveling back over 2,000 years to the era of the Dong Son culture (1200–200 BC). This sophisticated Bronze Age civilization thrived in the Red River Delta and left behind remarkable artifacts that continue to astonish historians. 🌟 Must-See Exhibits on the Ground Floor The Ngoc Lu Drum 🥁 – Considered the crown jewel of the collection, this ceremonial bronze drum is adorned with delicate carvings of deer, birds, and musicians. Its craftsmanship demonstrates advanced casting techniques far ahead of its time. Bronze Tools and Utensils ⚒️ – From arrowheads to cooking implements, these everyday objects reveal the ingenuity of early Vietnamese societies. Artifacts from Hanoi’s Imperial Citadel 🏯 – Excavations in recent decades have uncovered treasures from Hanoi’s historic citadel, shedding light on its role as a political and cultural center. 11th-Century Amitabha Buddha 🧘 – A graceful wooden statue reflecting the influence of Buddhism in Vietnam’s medieval era. Celadon Ceramics 🍵 – Exquisite pale-green pottery from the Ly dynasty, admired for its elegance and durability. Bach Dang River Stakes ⚓ – Wooden stakes used in the legendary 13th-century battle, when Vietnamese forces under General Tran Hung Dao defeated Mongol invaders by luring their fleet into a deadly trap. Standing before these relics, you don’t just see artifacts — you feel the spirit of Vietnam’s ancestors who shaped the nation’s identity. 📜 Second Floor Treasures: Dynasties, Art, and Colonial Influences Moving upstairs, the second floor offers a vivid journey through Vietnam’s dynastic golden ages and its encounters with foreign powers. 🌟 Highlights of the Second Floor Le Loi Stele (3 meters tall) 🗿 – This monumental stone slab recounts the life of Le Loi, the national hero who led the resistance against Ming Chinese rule and established the Later Le dynasty (1428–1788). Ceramics Collection 🍶 – An extensive display of intricately painted ceramics, showcasing how Vietnamese artisans perfected techniques over centuries. Nguyen Dynasty Exhibits 👑 – Furniture inlaid with ivory, embroidered silk garments, and ceremonial items once used by emperors inside Hue’s Imperial Citadel. 19th-Century Ink Wash Paintings 🎨 – Evocative depictions of Hue’s imperial court life in the 1890s, capturing the elegance and rituals of Vietnam’s last dynasty. French Colonial Era Relics 🏛️ – Artifacts reflecting Vietnam’s transition during the late 19th and early 20th centuries under French rule, offering insight into cultural exchanges and struggles for identity. This section bridges the past with the dawn of modern Vietnam, revealing how the country endured centuries of outside influence while preserving its cultural soul. 📍 The Annex: Vietnam After 1945 Across the street, the second museum building covers the modern chapter of Vietnam’s history. Here, visitors encounter exhibits from the August Revolution, the First Indochina War, and the Vietnam War (known in Vietnam as the American War). You’ll see military uniforms, personal belongings of revolutionary leaders, propaganda posters, and photographs documenting the nation’s struggle for independence and reunification. It’s a powerful and emotional experience, particularly for visitors seeking to understand Vietnam’s resilience in the 20th century. 🕘 Visitor Information (Updated 2025) 📍 Address: 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi🕗 Opening Hours: Daily 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed the first Monday of each month)🎟️ Tickets: Entry fee applies (with additional small fee if bringing a camera). Tickets can now be purchased online via the museum’s official website to skip queues.🌐 Official Website: baotanglichsu.vn 💡 Travel Tips for Visiting in 2025 Best Time to Visit: Mornings are quieter, especially on weekdays. Arrive early to avoid tour groups. Combine With Nearby Attractions: The Opera House, Trang Tien Plaza, and Hoan Kiem Lake are all within walking distance. Bring a Guidebook or Audio Guide: While many exhibits now have English and French explanations, a guidebook or hired guide adds context to the vast collection. Photography: A small fee is required for cameras, but the photos are worth it, especially for the architectural details. Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet for at least 2–3 hours exploring the two buildings. 📸 Why the Museum is a Must-See in Hanoi Unlike many museums that feel static, the National Museum of History in Hanoi is alive...