- 4.9/5 385 Latest reviews
- Destination: Vietnam
- Duration: 6 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
Classic North Vietnam Tour is an immersive 6-day private experience crafted for travelers who want to explore Vietnam’s most iconic northern destinations in depth and comfort. This journey weaves together Hanoi’s historic soul, the peaceful ethnic villages of Mai Chau, the ancient royal capital of Hoa Lu, and the world-famous limestone landscapes of Halong Bay. From Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and traditional water puppetry to countryside boat cruises and an overnight Halong Bay cruise, every day reveals a different layer of Vietnam’s culture, history, and natural beauty. Designed especially for first-time visitors, this bespoke North Vietnam tour delivers an authentic, well-paced, and unforgettable introduction to the region’s timeless charm.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2
Hanoi
Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, Old Quarter Cyclo Ride, Water Puppetry Village
3
Mai Chau
Thai Hill Tribe Villages, Hoa Binh Hydropower Station, Rural Cycling
4
Hoa Lu
Dinh & Le Temples, Tam Coc Boat Cruise, Bich Dong Pagoda
5–6
Halong Bay
Limestone Islands, Tai Chi Class, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cruise Experience
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi, the historic and cultural heart of Vietnam. Upon arrival, meet your private guide and transfer to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore nearby streets filled with colonial architecture, lakes, and local cafés. This gentle introduction sets the tone for your Classic North Vietnam Tour.
Highlights: Private airport transfer, leisure exploration
- Hanoi
- Day 2: Hanoi City Sightseeing & Water Puppetry Village
Today is dedicated to discovering Hanoi’s most important landmarks. Visit the Presidential Palace area and Ho Chi Minh’s iconic stilt house, followed by the Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts. Enjoy a traditional cyclo ride through the bustling Old Quarter, where ancient trade streets reflect Hanoi’s timeless charm. In the afternoon, travel to a rural village famous for its 300-year-old water puppetry tradition. Meet local artisans, learn about this unique art form, and enjoy a private water puppet performance.
Highlights: Ho Chi Minh complex, Old Quarter cyclo ride, private water puppet show
- B , L
- Hanoi
- Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau Valley
Depart Hanoi and journey through scenic mountain roads toward the peaceful Mai Chau Valley. En route, enjoy panoramic views of rice fields, tribal villages, and rolling hills, with an optional stop at the Hoa Binh Hydropower Station. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch with a local family before taking a tranquil boat cruise on Hoa Binh Lake. Later, cycle through Thai ethnic villages to observe stilt houses, traditional weaving, and daily rural life. In the evening, enjoy a cultural music performance and sample local rice wine.
Highlights: Mai Chau villages, cycling tour, ethnic cultural show
- B , L , D
- Mai Chau
- Day 4: Mai Chau – Hoa Lu – Hanoi
After breakfast, travel to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from the 10th century. Explore the historic Dinh and Le temples, remnants of the country’s early royal dynasties. Continue to Tam Coc for lunch and a relaxing sampan boat ride through limestone karsts, caves, and lush rice paddies. Later, visit Bich Dong Pagoda or enjoy a gentle countryside walk before returning to Hanoi for the night.
Highlights: Ancient capital Hoa Lu, Tam Coc boat cruise, countryside landscapes
- B , L
- Hanoi
- Day 5: Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
This morning, depart Hanoi for the world-renowned Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its dramatic limestone islands. Board your luxury cruise and enjoy lunch as the ship sails through emerald waters. Spend the afternoon kayaking, exploring hidden caves, or simply relaxing on deck. In the evening, enjoy onboard activities such as a cooking demonstration or squid fishing.
Highlights: Halong Bay cruise, kayaking, limestone islands
- B , L , D
- Halong Bay
- Day 6: Halong Bay – Hanoi – Departure
Start the day with a traditional Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over Halong Bay. After breakfast, explore the beautiful Thien Canh Son Cave before enjoying a farewell brunch onboard. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi airport for your onward journey, concluding your unforgettable Classic North Vietnam Tour.
Highlights: Tai Chi class, cave exploration, scenic cruise finale
- B
Trip Highlights
Hanoi Street Food Tour
Taste local favorites in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and finish with iconic Vietnamese coffee.
Golden Bridge Adventure
Ride a scenic cable car to Ba Na Hills and walk the famous cloud-high bridge.
Hoi An Cooking Class
Shop fresh ingredients at the market, then cook authentic Vietnamese dishes with a local chef.
Accommodation Options
The hotels listed below have been carefully selected based on customer feedback. You can either choose the ones you'd like to stay in or allow our travel experts to recommend options tailored to your specific requirements.
Hanoi 3 Nights
- 5.0
Top Choice
InterContinental Hanoi Westlake
Address: 5 Tu Hoa street Tay Ho, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 4.0
La Siesta Premium Hang Be
Address: No 27 Hang Be St, Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 4.0
The Lapis Hotel
Address: 21 Tran Hung Dao Str, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
- 5.0
The Oriental Jade Hotel
Address: 92 & 94 Hang Trong street, Hoan Kiem Dist, Hanoi, Vietnam
Mai Chau 1 Night
- 4.0
Top Choice
Mai Chau Ecolodge
Address: Na Thia Village, Na Phon Commune, Mai Chau, Vietnam
Halong Bay 1 Night
- 5.0
Top Choice
Orchid Trendy Cruise
Address: 32, Anh Dao St, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Athena Luxury Cruise
Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 4.0
Athena Royal Cruise
Address: 49 Le Thanh Tong Street, Hon Gai Wharf, Halong city, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam
- 5.0
Paradise Elegance
Address: Tuan Chau Island, Halong, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
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