Senses of Northern Vietnam

06 Days   View Prices  
    
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hanoi - Hoa Lo Prison
Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Hanoi - Old Quarter
Mai Chau
Mai Chau - Lac Village
Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay
Overview
senses-of-northern-vietnam.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Bai Tu Long Bay
  • Duration: 06 Days
  • Travel style: Most popular
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español
Highlight

A great adventure itinerary offers you the most authentic experience of northern Vietnam. This program will stimulate all of your senses!

  • Charming Hanoi capital
  • Excursion to the bustling Old Quarter
  • Adventurous and exhilarating motorbike tour around Hanoi .
  • Try authentic local food.
  • Homestay experience.
  • Interact with Thai ethnic minority group.
  • Stunning landscapes of Mai Chau and Ha Long bay.
  • Overnight cruise on Halong bay.
Notes
  • Bring your shoes, sunglasses, sun cream and swimming suits!
  • Shuttle bus to Halong bay picks up/drops off at a hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
  • Homestay is an authentic experience with basic services
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the Old Quarter

    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.

    Continue the day, tour guide will escort you walking around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake to the Opera House, stopping at the statue of King Ly Thai To and Vietnamese Government Guest House, Sofitel Metropole Hanoi. Walk back to the Old town, visit some main streets before returning to your hotel.

    Option: If your flight arrives late or you are jet lag after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Adventure to Hanoi backstreets, local markets, Old Quarter & French Quarter, Red River, Long Bien bridge, authentic cuisine

    8:00 AM: You will be greeted by our guide and driver at your hotel lobby for safety briefing, we then begin our adventure!

    On the first part of the trip, we expose you the real Hanoi with a day in the life experiences, featured with the unknown parts of the city with slices of life in the maze of backstreets, tiny alleyways, local homes, schools, random markets and black market, experiencing where & how locals live, work and play.

    On the second part of the trip, we pass by & stop at the must-see places of our beautiful city such as Ho Chi Minh mausoleum - the Mecca of Vietnamese, The 1000 year-old Buddhist and Taoist Temples of Tran Quoc, Temple of Literature, the historical training track, the enchanting French Quarter, The hustling & bustling Old Quarter, the romantic lakes of Hoan Kiem, West lakeHanoi Opera House & famous Long Bien bridge etc.

    On the third part of the trip, we also take you to the peaceful & allure out-skirts villages around West Lake and Truc Bach Lake to enrich your experiences about the contrast in harmony of life between the city center and her out-skirt.

    Last but not least, en route, you gonna stop at different authentic restaurants, eateries and food stalls to savor the tastiest of the tasty dishes of Hanoi including family heirloom & secret recipe dishes, local delicacies and specialties.

    End of tour, drop you back to hotel

    Note: Afternoon tour is available at 12:30 PM. Sunset & night tour starts at 17:00 PM Tour duration: 4.5 hours What to bring: sun cream; sunglasses; sandals or walking shoes
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Entrance fees
    Motorbike / Motorbike taxi: Hanoi
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Visiting Muong village, scenic views at Thung Khe pass, exploring Thai culture in Mai Hich then overnight in homestay

    8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.

    Arrival to Mai Hich village, check in your accommodation then enjoy lunch. In the afternoon explore Mai Hich village by bike (optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea.

    Distance: approx. 6 km (walking) or 12 km (cycling)

    Note: Private traditional music and dancing show by local people is available with extra cost of $35/group. Please ask our guide to reserve if you are interested in.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Transportation
    Bike: Mai Chau
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Authentic Thai people’s culture, alluring landscapes in Mai Hich, Xam Khoe, Buoc villages

    Have breakfast then drive to Xam Khoe. Visit the town market where you easy to catch pictures of minority Kinh, Thai people who come to trading with handicraft products and agriculture items such as: pigs, chickens, ducks, fishes, vegetable. 

    Continue to trek along the Ma River, passing the rice field and small communities to Buoc village, a Thai village that is still not touristy. Enjoy the harmony of nature beauty and rich human culture. As you walking, meet and interact with friendly Thai people who always please to invite you come to visit their houses. At the end, pick up by driver at Cun Pheo People's Committee and go for lunch.

    Walking distance: approx. 7-8 km 

    Drive back to Hanoi in the afternoon. Check in hotel, end of services.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Halong, kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Vung Vieng fishing village, sunset party and anchoring in Cong Dong - Cong Do area.

     The shared shuttle driver will pick you up at your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter (or at a designated meeting point if your accommodation is outside). From there, you will depart for Halong Bay, enjoying a scenic drive through the Red River Delta. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours (with a comfort break en route if necessary).

    Note: As this is a shared service, the driver will make multiple stops to collect other travelers before leaving Hanoi.

    11:45 : Arrive at Sunworld International Harbor, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City.

    12:15 : Transfer to the Garden Bay Cruise boat by tender (5 - 10 minutes).

    12:30 : Enjoy a welcome drink, followed by a safety briefing, and check into the cabin.

    13:00 : Cruise through Bai Tu Long Bay while enjoying a set-menu lunch.

    15:30 : Experience Vung Vieng fishing village by kayaking or taking a bamboo boat ride rowed by a local fisherman to understand local fishing traditions.

    17:00 : Relax and enjoy the sunset party during Happy Hour (from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM), while the boat cruises to the Cong Dong - Cong Do area to anchor for the night.

    19:00 : A set dinner featuring Vietnamese dishes is served on board.

    21:00 : Free time for evening activities such as board games, squid fishing, playing guitar, watching movies, karaoke (upon request), or visiting the sky bar (drinks are chargeable).

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: L, D
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Bai Tu Long
    Leisure: Swimming
    Garden Bay Peak Cruise - 2D1N(Executive Balcony )
    507 Kim Nguu, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Discovering the charming Thien Canh Son Cave, unique cruising route, getting back Hanoi

    06:30 : Start the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the deck.

    07:00 : Enjoy a light breakfast while the boat cruises toward the Vung Vieng area (approx. 45 minutes).

    07:45 : Explore Thien Canh Son Cave, located atop a mountain (It is recommended to bring a camera and wear sports shoes for hiking).

    09:00 : Return to the main boat for some relaxation and packing.

    09:30 : Check out. Please take all personal belongings out of the cabin, heavy luggage can be left outside the cabin door (staff will transfer it directly to the port).

    09:45 : Savor the last view of Halong Bay over brunch as the boat heads back to shore.

    11:00 : Disembark and relax at the café lounge.

    The shuttle bus driver from the cruise picks you up at the cruise’s reception hall and transfers you back to Hanoi. Upon arrival, you are dropped off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Halong - Hanoi
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    Video:
Prices
Group size
Sharing Twin/Double Room
Private Single Room

Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.

Group Size 9+
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Garden Bay Peak Cruise - 2D1N
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong, Halong - Hanoi
  • Meal: Breakfast: 04, Lunch: 05, Dinner: 02
  • Bike: Mai Chau
  • Motorbike / Motorbike taxi: Hanoi
  • Kayak: Bai Tu Long
  • Leisure: Swimming, Morning Tai Chi
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program
Extensions
Why not treat yourself to a relaxing beach break or a cultural discovery?
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Good to know
  • Passeport & Visa

    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

    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.

  • Travel insurance

    Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:

    • Emergency medical expenses (including hospitalization and repatriation)
    • Trip cancellations or interruptions
    • Activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor excursions

    Before departure, please provide us with the following information:

    • The name of your insurance company
    • Your policy number
    • A 24/7 emergency assistance contact number

    Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.

  • Weather & best time to visit Vietnam

    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:

    • North: Cool winters (December to February), hot and humid summers.
    • Central: Rainy season from September to November.
    • South: Tropical climate, warm year-round, with frequent showers from May to October.

    Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.

  • Time zone

    Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.

  • Currency and Payments

    The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.

    • Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are accepted in most mid-range to high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops.
    • ATMs are widely available in major cities.
    • Currency exchange is possible at the airport, banks, or authorized exchange offices.

    Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.

  • Domestic flights

    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.

  • Flight Connections

    If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:

    • Collect your checked luggage.
    • Proceed through immigration and customs.
    • Make your way to the domestic terminal (at some airports, this may require a walk or a shuttle transfer).

    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.

  • Vaccinations & Personal Medication

    No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.

    However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:

    • Hepatitis A and B
    • Typhoid fever
    • Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (booster shots recommended)
    • Rabies (in case of prolonged stays in rural areas or possible contact with animals)

    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.

  • Malaria & Mosquitoes

    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

    • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin containing DEET (30–50%), icaridin, or PMD (citriodiol).
    • Wear long, covering clothing, especially in the early evening and at night.
    • Sleep under a mosquito net, particularly in simple accommodations, natural settings, or places without air conditioning.
    • Use electric diffusers or mosquito coils in the evening in non-air-conditioned areas.
    • Avoid stagnant water near your accommodation, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  • Airport Pick-up

    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.

  • Small Group Tour

    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.

  • Shared and private room

    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:

    • You prefer to have a single room.
    • No other traveler wishes to share a room.

    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.

Select Date and Travelers

Price per pax in USD
  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room
  • Adult in single room

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