Northern Vietnam: A Tapestry of Traditions
North Vietnam Package holiday 09 days to Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Bai Tu Long, Halong Bay from Hanoi. Check the best private tour at good price instantly
From $690 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)
North Vietnam Package holiday 09 days to Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Bai Tu Long, Halong Bay from Hanoi. Check the best private tour at good price 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: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe 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: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
Day 3 — Hanoi – Mai Chau
Alluring landscapes in Mai Hich & Xam Khoe, learning Thai people's culture. 8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau . On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.
145km – 3h
Day 4 — Mai Chau – Pu Luong
Discovering Eo Ken, Ban hang villages, Chieng Lau discovery. Depart from Mai Hich and travel directly to Eo Ken , located 30 km away and home to the Muong ethnic group . Walk downhill through a stunning landscape overlooking the Pu Luong Nature Reserve , terraced rice fields, and surrounding mountains. Visit a local Muong family in Eo Ken Village and discover their authentic daily life. Continue walking through the beautiful countryside until meeting your driver again in Hang Village , then transfer to Pu Luong . Walking distance : approx. 4-5 km
Stay: Asia Tropical Resort & Spa ★★★ (Tropical Paradise Premier) *or similar hotel
80km – 2.5h
Day 5 — Pu Luong
Full day trek to the Kho Muong village of Thai people, following Uoi, Lan Ngoai villages. 8:00 AM: Start your day with a short 5 km transfer from your hotel in Ban Don to Bang Village , where your hike begins. From there, descend to Kho Muong Village , nestled in a peaceful valley surrounded by stunning limestone mountains and cascading rice terraces. Kho Muong is home to the Thai ethnic group and offers countless photo opportunities-so have your camera ready to capture the breathtaking scenery and encounters with friendly locals along the way. Once in Kho Muong, explore a nearby cave before enjoying a traditional lunch at a local homestay. In the afternoon, continue along forest trails and through manioc fields to reach Uoi Village , a charming community where another Thai ethnic group still preserves their thatched-roof houses and way of life. Then, continue walking to Chom Lan Village , renowned for its traditional textiles. Your driver will be waiting there to transfer you back to your hotel. Walking distance : approx. 15 km
Stay: Pu Luong Home (Double Room (Shared bathroom)) *or similar hotel
Day 6 — Pu Luong – Ninh Binh
Visiting Leo, Mo, Chu, Danh villages, admiring the beautiful rice terrace, transfer to Ninh Binh. 8:00 AM: Enjoy breakfast before saying good-bye to the host, then walk down to the spectacular rice terrace valley . Hike through small paths and to reach four picturesque villages, Leo, Mo, Chu and Danh . Don't forget your camera to capture these unforgettable moments. During the hike, you will enjoy the changing landscapes of rice terraces, villages, wild fields, ponds, streams and mountains. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Stay: Nep House (Double Room) *or similar hotel
160km – 4h
Day 7 — Ninh Binh – Hanoi
Biking & boat trip in Van Long nature reserve. Enjoy breakfast and peaceful morning in the countryside. you can choose to embark on a 10 km bike ride (one way) or a 20 km ride (round trip) along the dyke, offering stunning views of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Take optional stops along the way for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by visiting Thung La Temple , which dates back to the 11th century. Don't miss the opportunity to experience traditional musical instruments that are integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people. Note : Travellers who prefer not to ride a bicycle can either ride as a passenger on a scooter or reach the temple by car.
Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel
100km – 2h
Day 8 — 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 9 — 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: 08, Lunch: 07, Dinner: 05
- 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) | — | $1,921 |
| 2 travellers | $1,047 | $1,322 |
| 3 travellers | $912 | $1,187 |
| 4 travellers | $815 | $1,090 |
| 5 travellers | $754 | $1,029 |
| 6 travellers | $714 | $989 |
| 7 travellers | $690 | $965 |
| 8 travellers | $709 | $984 |
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 9 days enough to enjoy this route?
Yes — this 9-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 —
