Northern Vietnam: Hidden Valleys & Coastal Wonders
Inclusive 7-day package visits less touristy places, local communities, relaxing journey. Hanoi- Bac Son- Ninh Binh- Halong route. Check the best rate instantly
From $545 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)
Inclusive 7-day package visits less touristy places, local communities, relaxing journey. Hanoi- Bac Son- Ninh Binh- Halong route. Check the best rate instantly Fully private and customizable, with your own guide and driver, honest online pricing, and cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Click any day to expand. “Stay” shows the accommodation on this route. Prefer to upgrade a hotel or cruise cabin? We’ll tailor it — and the price — in your free quote.
Day 1 — Hanoi
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.
Stay: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel
35km – 0.75h
Day 2 — Hanoi
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 "s tone 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.
Stay: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel
Day 3 — Hanoi – Bac Son
Well-known tea plantation, biking in Bac Son valley, overnight at Tay family homestay. 8:00 AM: Depart for Bac Son via Thai Nguyen along the new freeway, passing through the serene countryside of northern Vietnam, dotted with rice fields and lush tea plantations. A tea break is highly recommended to savor Vietnam's finest tea. Continue your journey to Dang Mo Waterfall in Gia Binh, where you'll enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local cuisine before exploring the waterfall-perfect for a refreshing swim during summer. Next, head to Quynh Son Village , where a warm welcome awaits at a Tay family homestay. After settling in, take some time to rest before strolling through the picturesque rice fields and Tay ethnic villages nestled in the stunning Bac Son Valley . As the day winds down, return to the homestay to relax and enjoy a hearty dinner prepared by your host.
165km – 3.5h
Day 4 — Bac Son – Hanoi
Hiking to Na Lay mountain, exploring Tay minority village. Enjoy the local breakfast with family at the long house, and then take a short walk (nearly 1km) from village to Na Lay Mountain where you'll start the soft hiking up to the peak of mountains (about 1,200 steps up, few steps are slippery in the raining day). The view changes after every step and when getting up the top, you could not believe the spectacular panorama view of entire the valley. Spend time to take pictures and witness the scenery. Come back to your homestay, spend more time to explore the village of Tay people , encounter with local people who always warmly welcome you visit their house with traditional tea and willing to have pictures with you. Enjoy lunch with authentic cuisine before transfer back to Hanoi in mid-afternoon. Check in your hotel.
Stay: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel
165km – 3.5h
Day 5 — Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Biking to Thung La temple, enjoying authentic drum performance, boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve. 8:00 AM: Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, driving through the picturesque countryside of the Red River Delta, painted by rice and vegetable fields. Take a 15km bike ride (optional) or walk through the villages. A journey along the dyke will offer you gorgeous landscapes of rice fields, a river and limestone mountains. There are several stops for you to take beautiful photos or encounter the locals then walk to discover Thung La temple , dating back to the 11th century. Meet Mr Tuong, the temple guardian, and enjoy an authentic conversation as well as a 20 minute drum show. Later, take a sampan boat trip along the stream and among the limestone mountains to discover the beauty of Van Long nature reserve. If lucky, you might get to see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. After the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and take part in an embroidery course under the instruction of local craftswoman, Mrs Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft. This will be a good opportunity for you to practice on fabric like a real craftsman.
Stay: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel
100km – 2h
Day 6 — Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay
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.
Cruise: Swan Cruise – 2D1N
160km – 3h
Day 7 — Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi
Exploring Thien Canh Son cave, stunning sailing route, getting back Hanoi, departure. 06:00 : Sunrise Tai Chi session on the sundeck or catch a morning view of the bay with a cup of tea or coffee. 06:30 : Breakfast is served in Western style to fulfill energy for another exploring day. 07:15 : Explore Thien Canh Son Cave . 08:30 : Upon return to the boat, have about 30 minutes to freshen up and finish 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 : Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch on the boat. 10:30 : Back to the harbor. 11:00 – 11:15 : Disembark at Ha Long cruise port .
Cruise: Swan Cruise – 2D1N
160km – 3h
What’s Included
Included
- Accommodation as listed, with daily breakfast
- Halong Bay cruise: Swan Cruise – 2D1N
- Private English-speaking guide throughout
- Private air-conditioned car & driver
- Entrance fees & permits in the itinerary
- Meals: Breakfast: 06, Lunch: 05, Dinner: 02
- 02 bottles of water per person per day on tour
- 24/7 WhatsApp · cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour
Not Included
- International flights
- Vietnam e-visa (~$25)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Drinks, tips & personal expenses
- Optional activities not listed
- Meals not specified
Pricing
Private tour, price per person — it drops as your group grows (your own guide & car are shared). Pick your group and room type for an indicative from-price; your exact price for specific dates (seasonal, only ~7% either way) is confirmed within 1 hour on WhatsApp.
| Group size | Sharing twin/double | Private single |
|---|---|---|
| 1 traveller (solo) | — | $1,416 |
| 2 travellers | $780 | $1,038 |
| 3 travellers | $690 | $948 |
| 4 travellers | $625 | $883 |
| 5 travellers | $588 | $846 |
| 6 travellers | $561 | $820 |
| 7 travellers | $545 | $803 |
| 8 travellers | $561 | $820 |
Indicative from-prices (season varies ~7%). Single traveller = private single room. Child (2–11, sharing): reduced rate · Infant (<2): free — confirmed in your quote.
Good to Know
Is 7 days enough to enjoy this route?
Yes — this 7-day private itinerary is paced so you see Hanoi and more without rushing. We can shorten or extend any part to fit your dates.
Best time to travel?
March–April and October–November are the most reliable nationwide. Northern Vietnam is cool and dry December–February. We’ll advise the best dates for your route.
Can I customize it?
Fully — change hotels, upgrade your cruise cabin, add or remove stops. It’s a private tour built around you.
How do I pay?
After we agree your itinerary we send a secure online payment link. Cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour, honest local pricing.
Get your free, no-obligation quote
Tell us your dates and what you’d like — Ava replies within 1 hour with a tailored itinerary and honest pricing. No payment now; you only pay online once you’re happy.
— or get an instant reply on WhatsApp —
