Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be met by your private driver and transferred seamlessly to your boutique hotel in the heart of the capital. After a brief rest, embark on an immersive 1.5-hour walking tour through the historic Old Quarter. This is the best way to experience the city's "organized chaos" up close, navigating the narrow guild streets where life spills out onto the sidewalks.

We visit the iconic Ngoc Son Temple, perched on a small island in the emerald waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a peaceful refuge from the city's energy. To conclude your first afternoon, we stop at a local corner to sample "Bia Hoi", Hanoi's famous fresh draught beer—the perfect vantage point to toast your arrival while observing the unique rhythm of the "36 Streets."

Do You Know? In Vietnam, there is a famous saying: "Hanoi khong voi duoc dau" (Hanoi, you can't be in a hurry).

This isn't just a joke about the city's winding traffic; it’s a deep cultural philosophy. Despite being a modern capital, the soul of Hanoi lives in the "slow moments": waiting for a slow-drip filter coffee, sitting on a tiny stool for a bowl of Pho that has been simmered for 24 hours, or the way locals stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn.

Hanoi is a city that rewards those who slow down. The more you rush, the more you miss. To truly see Hanoi, you must match its rhythm: breathe slowly, walk gently, and let the city’s 1,000 years of history unfold at its own pace.

Stay: 4-star Boutique Hotel

Today is dedicated to uncovering Hanoi’s complex and fascinating layers of history, from its ancient roots to its wartime resilience. Our journey begins at Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton," and the B52 Victory Museum, which offers a poignant look at the city's endurance and the Museum of Ethnology, a premier institution that provides essential context on the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. We then explore the city's wartime history with visits to the sobering

For lunch, we elevate the cultural experience at A Ban, a restaurant celebrated for its authentic Hilltribe-style decoration and Northwest mountain-inspired cuisine. Savor a feast of highland specialties in an atmosphere that transports you to a remote tribal village.

The remainder of your afternoon is at leisure to reflect on the day's discoveries or enjoy a quiet coffee by the lake.

Stay: 4-star Boutique Hotel

After breakfast, we depart Hanoi for the picturesque drive on Road No. 32 toward Yen Bai province. The scenery transitions beautifully to orchards and lush rice fields, where local farmers sell their seasonal produce along the road.

After lunch in Thu Cuc, known for its tea culture, we visit a local family to learn about Vietnam's traditional tea processing. Crossing Yen Bai, we reach Muong Lo Valley, home to the Thai ethnic people. We take a short 2-hour walk through the stilt villages to discover the local culture and daily life before checking into your lodge.

Stay: La Champ Tu Le

Following breakfast, we embark on an easy hike through the rice terraces, passing through Thai and Hmong villages where people still wear traditional costumes. We then cross the spectacular Khau Pha Pass (1550m), offering commanding views of the terraced valleys below. This area is the famous homeland of the Mong people, who continue to preserve their age-old customs and farm their breathtaking terraced fields.

We check into the Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge, strategically built high on a hill to offer a perfect panoramic view of the cascading terraces.

Did You Know? The Northwest of Vietnam is a "Human Kaleidoscope." While Vietnam has 54 recognized ethnic groups, the Northwest alone is home to over 30 different ethnic minorities.

Imagine walking into a local market and seeing dozens of different traditional costumes, each with its own unique patterns, silver jewelry, and vibrant colors. From the Hmong with their intricate indigo-dyed fabrics and the Thai with their elegant silk headdresses to the Dao with their iconic red turbans—each group has its own language, customs, and architecture. This region is considered one of the most ethnically diverse places in the entire world, where centuries of tradition are still worn proudly on their sleeves every single day!

Stay: Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge

After breakfast and enjoying the fresh mountain air, we take a final walk around the villages near the lodge. Following lunch, we drive north for five hours toward Sapa. The journey includes climbing the dramatic Tram Ton Pass, the highest pass in Vietnam (2047m), offering fantastic photo opportunities. From the pass, you can often see Fansipan Mountain ("the Roof of Indochina").

We arrive in Sapa in the late afternoon, check into the hotel, and prepare for the trekking ahead.

Do you know? In the misty mountains of Sapa, the Hmong people have a unique and often misunderstood tradition known as "Pulling the Wife" (Kéo Vợ). While the name sounds intense, in modern times, it is usually a romantic "conspiracy" between two young lovers!

When a couple falls in love but the boy’s family might not have enough money for a formal wedding right away—or if they just want to prove their devotion—they arrange a "staged kidnapping". With the girl’s secret consent, the boy "pulls" her to his home. This act is a powerful signal to both families that they are serious about spending their lives together.

Today, it has evolved into a symbolic ritual of bravery and commitment. After the "pulling," the boy’s family must visit the girl’s house with offerings to officially ask for her hand in marriage. It is a tradition that proves in the mountains of Vietnam, love is something you have to "fight" for!

Stay: 4 star-Hotel

Today, prepare for a full day of trekking to explore Sapa’s stunning natural beauty and cultural diversity. You have the option of a soft, medium, or long trek (up to 12km), guiding you through yawning valleys adorned with incredibly beautiful terraced rice fields. We pass through remote villages of the Hmong, Dzao, and Dzay people, providing an excellent way to connect with local life.

After a picnic lunch, we continue to the village where we will share a special Homestay experience with an ethnic family (Hmong or Dzay), embracing a genuine local lifestyle for the night.

Stay: Local Homestay

After a hearty breakfast with your host family, we take a short walk to a nearby village before boarding a bus back to Sapa. Following a quick lunch, we embark on a scenic drive down the mountains toward Da Bac. The journey showcases the beautiful and peaceful countryside, leading us to Hien Luong village on the largest lake in the mountains, home to the Dzao, Muong, and Thai people.

Upon arrival, we take an orientation walk, then enjoy the option of swimming in the freshwater or relaxing before an authentic, delicious dinner with the host family.

Stay: Homestay in Da Bac

Enjoy the fresh air and peaceful scenery of Da Bac before bidding farewell to your hosts. We drive along the scenic lake, descending toward Hoa Binh City and continuing through the beautiful landscapes of the Red River Delta.

Arrive in Ninh Binh, check in, and refresh. In the late afternoon, we head out for a leisurely bike ride deep into the countryside around Tam Coc, pausing to visit the serene Thai Vi temples and the historic Bich Dong Cave.

Stay: Tam Coc Rice Fields Resort

Start early for your comfortable drive to Halong City. We embark on a luxury cruise ship around noon. After a warm welcome and safety briefing, a delightful lunch is served while cruising toward the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay area.

The afternoon program includes activities such as swimming, kayaking, or a cooking class onboard (depending on the cruise itinerary). The ship anchors among the stunning karst formations for a memorable night.

Did you know? While its famous neighbor, Halong Bay, gets all the headlines, Lan Ha Bay is a "hidden paradise" with its own incredible numbers. This secluded bay features approximately 400 limestone islands, all of which are covered in lush, green vegetation.

But here is the real secret: unlike Halong Bay, which has very few natural sandy beaches, Lan Ha Bay is home to 139 small, private sandy beaches tucked between the towering cliffs. These are often called "miniature paradises" because many are only accessible by kayak. This means you can often find your own "private beach" for the afternoon, where the only footprints in the white sand will be yours!

Stay: 4 star-Cruise

Wake up to the stunning sunrise over the bay. A light breakfast is served as the cruise continues to explore the beautiful rock formations.

We return to the harbor after a final brunch onboard. Upon disembarking, your private driver will transfer you directly to Noi Bai International Airport (Hanoi) for your flight departure or onward adventures, concluding your journey through Northern Vietnam.