Highlight northern Vietnam Tour 7 days/6 nights

Tour Code: GRX44Y1ZZWPY

4.9 (117 Reviews)

Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay

From: $410 4-star hotels

4.9

(117 reviews)

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Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English

About this tour

Hanoi, Sapa, Halong Bay

Embark on a journey that begins and concludes in Hanoi! With the Explorer tour, “7 days/6 nights Highlight Northern Vietnam Tour,” you’ll experience a 7-day adventure through Hanoi, Vietnam, and two additional captivating destinations. The tour package encompasses accommodation in well-selected hotels, the guidance of an expert tour guide, delicious meals, convenient transportation, and more.

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> Arrive in Hanoi- Check in hotel

Upon your arrival at Hanoi Airport, our guide will warmly welcome you and provide transportation to your hotel.

<span> Day 2</span> Hanoi city group tour with puppet show - Overnight on train to Lao Cai

Get ready for your excursion. Our guide will pick you up between 07h45 and 08h30.

At 08h30, arrive at Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century.

From 09h00 to 09h15, visit the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you'll have the opportunity to see the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. Take a leisurely walk around the garden to explore the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Then, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique and significant religious site.

At 11h00, proceed to one of the following options:

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays): Learn about the diverse cultures of the 54 ethnic groups residing in Vietnam.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village (open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays): Explore the daily life of locals and discover the intricate process of creating high-quality ceramic products.

By 12h30, enjoy a delightful lunch at our restaurant, savoring eight delicious Vietnamese dishes.

Between 13h30 and 13h45, continue your exploration with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, established in the 11th century.

At 15h45, depart for Hoan Kiem Lake to explore Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, a hero who defeated invaders in the 13th century.

By 16h15, the tour concludes, and you'll be transferred back to your hotel.

At 20h, our guide will return to your hotel, assisting you in reaching the train station for your overnight train journey.

<span> Day 3</span> Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van - Sapa

Upon your arrival at the train station, our team will be there to welcome you and facilitate your transfer to Sapa using a shared tourist bus.

If your room is ready upon arrival, you can check in early. Otherwise, we'll provide you with a basic room for you to freshen up.

The adventure begins around 9:30 with a 6km trek downhill to the southeast of Sapa, along the picturesque Muong Hoa valley, leading you to Y Linh Ho village inhabited by the Black H'mong ethnic group. Continue the trek for 2km, heading to Lao Chai village, passing through terraced rice fields until you reach Ta Van village, home to the Dzay minority people. A local family will host your lunch, providing you with valuable insights into their unique house architecture, daily lifestyles, and distinctive customs. As you traverse the landscapes, the last 2km trek will lead you to the bus stop in Tavan, from where you will return to Sapa via jeep or minivan.

Your package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you'll spend the night at a hotel in Sapa.

Trekking level: 6/10

Total trekking distance: 10km, and an additional 8km of driving from Tavan village back to Sapa.

Embark on a stroll towards the South-west of Sapa, covering approximately 4 km, to explore Cat Cat village inhabited by the Black H'mong community. Take a leisurely break near the captivating waterfall and the remnants of a hydroelectric power station built by the French during Vietnam's colonial era. A delightful picnic lunch awaits by the riverbank, followed by another 3 km journey to Sin Chai, a village nestled at the base of Fansipan Mountain, also known as "the roof of Vietnam and Indochina." Revel in the vast and breathtaking landscapes before ascending via a jeep ride back to Sapa.

Your comprehensive package includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Trekking level: 4/10

Total trekking distance: 7km, with an additional 3km of driving from Cat Cat back to Sapa. A tourist bus will transport you back to Hanoi.

<span> Day 5</span> Ha Noi – Ha Long Bay – Lunch – Titop Island – Surprising Cave – Sunset party – Dinner – Fishing

Between 7:45 and 8:30, our guide will rendezvous with you at your hotel. The shuttle bus or private car will be ready to pick you up, allowing you to soak in the serene scenery as we traverse the countryside, farmlands, and the Red River delta.

From 12:00 to 12:30, we'll reach Tuan Chau Marina, where a warm welcome awaits aboard the cruise. Get acquainted with the captain and crew while enjoying a refreshing welcome drink. Once settled, check into your cabin for a moment of relaxation.

Lunch is served as we cruise towards the enchanting Ha Long Bay.

Afternoon Activities:

Embark on an exploration of the Surprising Cave, renowned as one of the most stunning caves in Ha Long Bay, featuring an abundance of stalactites and stalagmites.

Return to the APRICOT Cruise and head to Titop Island for swimming and a climb to the summit, offering unparalleled views of Ha Long Bay during the summer.

Continue the cruise to a tranquil area, soaking in the picturesque seascape along the way.

Return to the boat and partake in the Sunset Party on the sundeck, complete with complimentary wine and fresh fruits.

Evening Relaxation:

Dinner is served, providing an opportunity to socialize with fellow guests. Engage in board games, try your hand at squid fishing, or simply unwind.

Overnight stay on board: Enjoy the comfort of air-conditioned rooms with private washrooms.

<span> Day 6</span> Tai Chi – BreAkfast – KAYAKING– Cooking demonstration – lunch – your hotel

Begin your morning in the bay:

– 6:30 – 6:45 Commence your day with invigorating Tai Chi exercises or embark on a photo hunt.

– 7:00 am: Indulge in a delicious breakfast on board as the boat sets sail towards the Natural Preservation Zone.

– ENGAGE IN KAYAKING for 30-45 minutes.

– By 9:30 am, reboard the cruise. Take a moment to rejuvenate and unwind before the checkout process. Feel free to leave your bags in the luggage storage.

– Continue the cruise, passing through the Bay, observing Ba Hang fishing village, Dog Islet, and more…

– Participate in a Cooking Class, where you'll be guided in creating a specific dish (Spring rolls) before relishing an early lunch.

– From 11:30 to 12:00, disembark at the harbor, Tuan Chau Marina.

– Transfer via minibus or private vehicle for the return journey to Hanoi.

– Anticipate arrival at your hotel around 16:30/17:00.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi.

<span> Day 7</span> Return the Noi Bai airpot and fly back to your home

Relax at your hotel.

Our vehicle will collect you from your accommodation and transport you to the airport for your departure. Bid farewell as we conclude the package tour.

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

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Tour's Location

Hanoi, 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...