Embark on a 4-day private journey through North Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and stunning karst landscapes. Begin in Hanoi, exploring its historic sites and vibrant streets. Travel to Ninh Binh, often dubbed the "inland Ha Long Bay," where you'll glide through serene waterways amidst towering limestone formations. Conclude with an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, marveling at its emerald waters and majestic islets. This curated itinerary offers an immersive experience into Vietnam's timeless beauty.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.
Our visit to Hanoi starts with the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.
Next, we visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.
Afterwards, we explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter, originally established in the 15th century as a bustling trading hub, features 36 streets—each historically dedicated to a specific craft or product. Despite the city’s evolution, the Old Quarter remains a vibrant living museum. Its iconic tube houses, narrow alleyways, centuries-old temples, open-air markets, and mouthwatering street food come together in a captivating blend of history and everyday life. Exploring this charming neighborhood on foot is the best way to awaken all your senses.
Finally, enjoy the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.
Come back to hotel.
8:00 AM: Start from your hotel for 2 hour drive to Bai Dinh pagoda which is one of the most impressive of Buddhism centers in Vietnam. On arrival at pagoda, walk along a path with 500 stone arhats alongside it, lining the route to the main pagodas. Each of the large pagodas and huge statues is an example of artistic architecture.
Take a lift to the viewpoint, a 13-storey tower that is believed to keep a part of Buddha’s ashes. Experience a panoramic view of the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, surrounded by an exquisite river valley that is dotted with limestone karsts which will take your breath away.
Have a break for lunch then visit Trang An, recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as the world’s first mixed heritage site, is a true marvel of nature and culture. Upon arrival at the pier, you’ll board a private traditional sampan, gently rowed by a local. Glide along a poetic river and pass through a series of caves, some stretching 300–400 meters in length. Each bend reveals a hidden world nestled in peaceful, isolated valleys.
Step off the boat to wander through serene pagodas and temples dedicated to revered mandarins of the Tran Dynasty. Then, return to your sampan and soak in the breathtaking natural beauty as you head back to the pier.
Finally transfer back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
08:15 - 09:00: Our tour guide will pick up guests from various hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (if you have booked the transfer with us). We then depart for Halong Bay.
10:30 - 10:45: We will make a quick rest stop halfway to stretch our legs, use the facilities, or grab a quick snack if you missed breakfast (not included) before getting back on the road to complete the drive.
12:00 – 12:30: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor. Welcome to Cozy Bay Premium Cruise. We will take you on a 5-hour journey via a two-day sleeper boat cruise route, renowned for its striking passages with uninhabited islets and outcrops given imaginative names by the locals due to their perceived shapes. Lunch will be served on the boat.
14:00: You will visit Sung Sot Cave to see a variety of stalagmites and stalactites with different shapes resembling sea life.
15:00: Visit Titop Island, which features a sandy beach and a towering limestone mountain with an excellent backdrop of the Bay. Climb up Titop Peak for a panoramic view of the bay, which looks like paradise.
16:00: Enjoy kayaking or a bamboo boat ride in Luon Cave to discover the beautiful lagoon.
18:00 – 18:30: Cruise back to Tuan Chau Harbor. Enjoy a Sunset Party with tea, cakes, and sunbathing on the upper deck with music, and have great fun with fellow travelers among the world’s iconic natural scenery. Then, we will take the bus back to Hanoi via the expressway, with a short break for 20-30 minutes.
21:00 – 21:30: Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
We will depart for Quang Phu Cau village, located about an hour's drive from Hanoi's city center. This charming village is renowned for its century-old tradition of making bamboo incense sticks. Upon arrival, you'll learn about the intricate process, from splitting bamboo and dyeing sticks to drying them under the sunlight, creating a sea of vibrant red hues. This picturesque setting offers fantastic photo opportunities, allowing you to capture the essence of this unique craft and the daily life of local artisans.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes.
Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.
Group Size 9+Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.
French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.
International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.
Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:
Before departure, please provide us with the following information:
Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.
Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:
Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.
Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.
Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.
If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.
Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).
Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.
Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.
Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.
If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:
Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.
Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.
However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:
If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.
The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.
However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.
Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.
Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
+84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).
Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.
Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.
Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.
To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.
For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:
In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.
