Vietnam's Northern Treasures: Lakes, Mountains & Bays

06 Days   View Prices  
    
Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Hanoi - Long  Bien Market
Hanoi - Ngoc Son Temple
Hanoi - Old Quarter
Hanoi - Opera House
Ba Be - Dau Dang
Ba Be - Hua Ma Cave
Ba Be - Pac Ngoi Village
Bai Tu Long Bay
Overview
hanoi-ba-be-halong-bay-authentic-experience.webp
  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Route: Hanoi - Ba Be - Bai Tu Long Bay
  • Duration: 06 Days
  • Theme: Authentic, Mountain & Minority, Nature & Discover
  • Tour type: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Italiano
Highlight

Good choice for an authentic experience of mountain landscapes and minority cultures. Also visit the wonderful World Heritage site - Halong Bay. This unique itinerary offers you great chance to get in touch with the true values and culture in the destinations you visit.

  • Charming Hanoi capital
  • Boating, biking, kayaking and cave exploring
  • Interact with the minority cultures.
  • Homestay experience.
  • Stunning landscapes: Ba Be Lake, Ba Be National park, World Heritage site Halong Bay
  • Overnight cruise
  • Less touristic tour itinerary
Notes
  • Bring trekking shoes, insect sprays and swimming suits.
  • Shuttle bus for Halong trip picks up/drops off at a hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Itinerary
Day by day itinerary Expand All
  • Welcome to Hanoi, 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 with a walking tour. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced ... Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

    End at your hotel.

    Note: If your flight arrival late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

    9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to 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 stop at Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

    In the afternoon you visit 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.

    Come back to city center and have a rest before 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.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Water puppet
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Cycling in Ba Be National Park, visiting Hua Ma cave, overnight at Tay homestay

    8:00 AM: Tour guide and driver will escort you on journey to the Ba Be national park via Thai Nguyen. Drive through countryside with rural villages, stop as your command to have nice pictures. On the way, make a visit to Tay community, interact with villagers to lean about their culture.

    Continue to Ba Be, where you will be surprised by the magnificent nature where the mountains gently meet the valleys of rice terraces. Stop to film or take photos whenever possible. Upon arrival in Ba Be, check in at your accommodation at Pac Ngoi Village and go cycling through several villages of Tayethnic groups, continue along the river and part of national park to Hua Ma Cave (5km from the village). This is an attractive place with amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Go back to the village in late afternoon. 

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, D
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ba Be
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Ba Be Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    Ba Be lake, Pac Ngoi village, Ba Be district, Bac Kan , Vietnam
    Video:
  • Relaxing boat trip to explore Puong Cave, Dau Dang waterfall

    In the morning, enjoy a leisurely walk from your homestay in Pac Ngoi village to the nearby pier. From there, we’ll board a boat to begin our exploration of the serene Ba Be Lakes.

    Our first stop will be a short walk into the heart of the ancient forest to discover the Fairy Pond, a peaceful, hidden gem nestled among the trees.

    Back on the boat, we’ll continue along the Nang River, making another stop for a relaxing walk along the riverbank. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the wild, untouched beauty of the landscape.

    We then return to the boat for a downstream journey to the Dau Dang Waterfall, where the water cascades over large rock formations in a powerful display of nature.

    The final leg of our boat trip takes us upstream along the Nang River to the impressive Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats and dramatic limestone formations. We’ll cruise directly through the cave and continue to another pier, where we’ll disembark and conclude this scenic river journey.

    Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon. Check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time after the mountain getaway.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Boat: Ba Be
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel(Deluxe City View Room) *or similar hotel
    34 Hang Manh street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Transfer to Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La island, leisurely kayaking and swimming

    If transport is included, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. From there, we’ll begin our journey to Halong City, enjoying a scenic drive through the picturesque Red River Delta. The trip takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with a convenient stop along the way for restrooms if needed.

    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 then check into your cabin.

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

    15:30: Kayak to explore the lagoons, swim, or relax on the beach at Cap La.

    17:30: 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, where it will anchor for the night.

    19:00: Savor a BBQ dinner (on the sundeck if weather permits, otherwise in the restaurant).

    21:00: Free time for evening activities, such as board games, squid fishing, playing guitar, watching movies, or karaoke (upon request). You can also visit our luxury sky bar (drinks are chargeable) and choose from a wide variety of wines, cocktails, brandy, and juices.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    Leisure: Swimming,Squid fishing
    Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Garden Bay Legend Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
    73 Ly Nam De street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
    Video:
  • Exploring Thien Canh Son cave, stunning sailing route, getting back Hanoi, departure

    06:30: Start your 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 Vung Vieng Fishing Village by bamboo boat, and experience the daily life of the local fishing community.

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

    09:30: Check out of your cabin and unwind on the sundeck.

    10:30: Savor your last view of Halong Bay over lunch as the boat heads back to shore.

    11:30: Disembark and relax at the café lounge.

    You will be met at the cruise waiting lounge, then transferred to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 2.5–3 hours, with an optional restroom stop along the way.

    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.

    Included:
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L
    Transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    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 Legend Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Ba Be
  • Transportation
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
  • Meal: Breakfast: 05, Lunch: 02, Dinner: 02
  • Bike: Ba Be
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Swimming, Squid fishing, Morning Tai Chi
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board) - cooking demonstration
  • 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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