Vietnam Northern Highlight 9D8N Package

This day will take in the highlight sites and sights including: Streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and museums of interest.

Originally the streets of the Old Quarter teemed with many artisans manufacturing and selling their wares. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations.

We will explore this famous and historic district by the time-honoured local transport – the Cyclo. This is the perfect way to get the feel of this vibrant city

Following this, rejoin your car and we’ll continue our discovery of the capital’s gems.

The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, which is the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh’s body is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honour guard. (inside mausoleum open Tue – Thur only).

We continue to stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the mausoleum which have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam. Also visit the simple ‘stilt house’ which Ho lived in and the unique ‘One-Pillar Pagoda’.

The Temple of Literature was first constructed in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. Also here is The Imperial Academy – constructed in 1076, which was the first national university of Vietnam, it has preserved its ancient architectural style of many dynasties.

Depending on time available, some museums may also be visited – notable are: Hoa Lo (Hanoi Hilton), Museum of Ethnology and the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

Also of interest to some visitors is the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises two sections: the archaeological site at Hoang Dieu Street and the central axis of the Nguyen Dynasty’s Citadel of Hanoi, which together create an integrated heritage complex.

Take your seats for the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre.

Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique folk art that originated a thousand years ago during the Ly dynasty. It originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today’s Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition.

The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

With music, singing and special lighting, this is a very highly and enjoyable show for all ages.

At around 8.00am we’ll meet you at your hotel in Hanoi and take approximately 3.5 hours drive south-west from Hanoi city. On the way, we’ll have a rest stop at Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant. Harnessing the flow of the song Da River, this Soviet-Viet built dam was constructed over 15 years from 1979 and now provides almost one-third of Vietnam’s electricity.

The road now weaves through mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages. By late morning, we’ll arrive in the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, which is surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and rice paddies.

Enjoy a traditional lunch in the local village. After lunch, we can cycle around the locality with your tour guide.

You’ll see farmers working in fields, locals weaving scarves and visit surrounding peaceful villages.

Retire to Mai Chau for an evening of traditional dance (Bamboo pole dance ) and wine (ruou can) with the local community . Dinner with a local family is included tonight.

After breakfast, we’ll drive through lovely countryside for around 35km to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This place is the authentic everyday life and culture of the white Thai minority. Become guests at a traditional Thai home on stilts.

Lunch is served at a local house then you can take the opportunity to stroll around Hang village. We will continue on through this beautiful valley with unspoiled villages and a wonderful views of Karst mountains, with many rice terraces.

This is one of the most beautiful areas, with glorious views of the valley, rice terraces, rain forest and streams.

Mid-afternoon, we return to Mai Chau and you have a few hours relaxation or exploring on your own, before dinner.

This morning, you’ll explore some remote rural villages at Na Thia, Nhot and Pom Coong OR if you’re feeling energetic, hike to ‘1000 steps cave’ then on to a local market to understand more about the local cultures and customs. A local guide will escort you along the way.

Around noon, we’ll have lunch and then there’s a couple of hours free time for you, before we drive back to Hanoi – returning you to your hotel by early evening.

After breakfast, on the suitable time, we’ll drive south from the capital for a couple of hours to Ninh Binh Province. The contrast to Hanoi is remarkable. Check in hotel then visiting the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu

Hoa Lu – the ancient capital of Vietnam and visit the remaining two temples of Dinh King and Le King. Hoa Lu is some 110km or two hours from Hanoi. Located near the town of Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu is the site of a 10th-century capital of the ancient Vietnamese kingdom of Dai Co Viet.

This small Kingdom covered an area of only 300 hectares, and reigned from the 10th century, during the Dinh and Le dynasties, to the 11th century, during the Ly Dynasty. The Kingdom was enclosed by a citadel. The citadel and the Yen Ngua limestone hills provided a good defence for this kingdom against the Chinese.

Nowadays, the ancient citadel no longer exists and few significant vestiges remain, including 2 temples built in honor of the Dinh dynasty and one that used to rule the country during that period. The interest of Hoa Lu lies not only in its rich history but also in its serene landscape that represents the living environment of the Red River Delta.

Leaving Hoa Lu, we’ll drive to your hotel for check-in mid to late afternoon.

NOTE: Cycling is not mandatory and we can cover all of this route by car if you prefer. Discuss your preferences with your guide and driver, who will remain flexible for you

Begin your day with a delightful journey through the charming Tho Ha village, where bicycles await to take you on a scenic ride through peaceful countryside lanes. As you pedal, the landscape unfolds with views of lush rice paddies, small local schools, and quaint village churches, all nestled in the heart of Muong ethnic communities. This is an opportunity to soak in the simple beauty of rural life, where time seems to slow down.

Your adventure continues as you arrive at Dong Tam village in Son Ha commune, where you will step into the daily rhythm of agricultural life. Join the locals in the fields, where you can try your hand at traditional farming activities. Whether you’re catching crabs and fish, or harvesting crops, this hands-on experience offers a genuine connection to the land and its people.

As the morning’s activities wrap up, it’s time to immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of the region. In the warm and welcoming kitchen of a stilt house back in Tho Ha, you’ll take part in a cooking class led by skilled local chefs. Learn how to craft some of the area’s most beloved dishes, from crispy potato cakes and savory fried spring rolls to grilled fish and tender goat meat. And of course, no meal would be complete without Ninh Binh’s famous burnt rice. Once your creations are ready, sit down to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor, savoring the authentic flavors of northern Vietnam.

By mid-afternoon, with hearts and bellies full, your journey comes to a close. The memories of the vibrant countryside, the rich cultural experiences, and the delicious meal you’ve shared will linger long after you’ve left Tho Ha.

At a time to suit you, we leave the serenity of Tam Coc for a couple of hours drive north to Hanoi. Check into your hotel and then you will take a fantastic Hanoi street food tour.

HANOI AFTER DARK ( Small group)
Tour Runs Nightly 6:00pm – 10:00pm

Hanoi After dark start at our stylish local Café with a cocktail and a delicious snack from one of the nearby night time vendors, before jumping on the back of the vintage Vespas.

After weaving through the magical, busy back streets of the Old Quarter, we soon arrive at a fascinating local joint, right on the railway tracks (literally!) where we try some infused rice wine and a Buffalo Jerky appetiser.

It’s back riding through the narrow streets again, as we head toward our next foodie place, a lively local restaurant serving Bun Cha. This the quintessential, must taste Ha Noi dish of rice noodles, grilled pork and meatballs, with a side of Nem (spring rolls). Simple but delicious.

We then head out of the Old Quarter and ride close by the lake toward our next venue, which is very famous in the neighbourhood! We we try the local speciality of Pho Cuon, and learn the art of wrap ‘n’ roll, Vietnamese style. with these fresh & fragrant ingredients, and the Pho noodle!

A short ride on the Vespa takes us to our final port of call, next to the superb Opera House. The halcyon days of the 1930’s may be over, however this Jazz Club will wow you with a truly unique blend of styles – 30’s style Jazz & traditional Vietnamese music!

Private transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai airport (flight details tbc). Your guide will be with you for this transfer.