This 14-day journey is designed for travelers who wish to discover the cultural depth, mountain landscapes, ethnic diversity and natural beauty of Northern Vietnam.
The itinerary begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant capital, before continuing by overnight train to the highlands of Lao Cai, Bac Ha and Sapa, where colorful ethnic markets, mountain villages and terraced rice valleys reveal the living identity of Vietnam’s northern communities.
The journey then moves through the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau and the nature reserve of Pu Luong, where guests experience Thai and Muong villages, traditional stilt houses, rice terraces, waterfalls and bamboo water wheels. From there, travelers continue to Ninh Binh, often described as “Ha Long Bay on land”, before ending with an overnight cruise through the spectacular limestone seascape of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
This is a well-balanced itinerary combining culture, soft adventure, scenic nature, local life and heritage experiences.
Couples, families, senior travelers with moderate mobility, private groups, French-speaking travelers, cultural travelers and soft-adventure guests.
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport at 06:35, guests will be welcomed by the driver and transferred to the hotel in Hanoi.
Please note that this arrival transfer is arranged with driver only. Hotel check-in time is subject to hotel policy. Early check-in can be arranged upon request with surcharge and subject to room availability.
The rest of the day is free for relaxation after the international flight or for a gentle first discovery of Hanoi at leisure.
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Not included
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, at 09:00, the driver and French-speaking guide will pick up guests at the hotel for a full-day discovery of Hanoi.
The visit begins at the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, one of the best places to understand the cultural richness of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum presents traditional houses, costumes, rituals, tools and daily-life objects, offering an excellent introduction before the journey to the northern highlands.
Lunch will be served at a Vietnamese restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex from outside. This area is closely connected with the modern history of Vietnam and the memory of President Ho Chi Minh.
The tour then continues to the Temple of Literature – Quoc Tu Giam, Vietnam’s first national university and one of Hanoi’s most important symbols of learning, scholarship and Confucian heritage.
Later, enjoy an electric car ride through the Old Quarter, where narrow streets, local shops, colonial façades, small cafés and daily life create the vibrant rhythm of the capital.
At 19:00, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before transferring to the railway station for the overnight train to Lao Cai.
Overnight: Soft sleeper train to Lao Cai / Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At around 06:30, upon arrival at Lao Cai Railway Station, the guide and driver will welcome guests and transfer them to a local restaurant for breakfast.
At 08:30, travel by car and enjoy a walking visit to Hoang A Tuong Palace, also known as the “Hmong King’s Palace”. This historic mansion combines French colonial architecture with oriental design elements. Built in a closed rectangular layout, the palace reflects the influence of the Hoang family in the Bac Ha region, once known as the “White Plateau”.
At 10:30, continue by car to Ban Pho Village, home to the Flower Hmong people. The village is known for its traditional corn wine, fermented with a special forest-leaf yeast. Set against limestone mountains, Ban Pho offers rustic wooden houses, plum gardens and a peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Lunch will be served in the Ban Pho area with local specialties.
At 14:00, continue to Ta Van Chu Village for a trekking experience. Located at an altitude of more than 1,500 meters, Ta Van Chu is one of the most peaceful and isolated villages in Bac Ha. With a cool climate, cloud-covered valleys and old Cunninghamia forests, the village offers an authentic glimpse into Hmong life away from mass tourism.
At 17:00, check in at a local homestay and enjoy the quiet mountain atmosphere.
Overnight: Homestay in Ta Van Chu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the homestay, depart for the center of Bac Ha.
At 08:30, visit the famous Bac Ha Sunday Market for about two hours. This is one of the largest and most colorful ethnic markets in Northern Vietnam. Different ethnic communities gather here once a week to trade livestock, handmade textiles, agricultural products and daily goods. The market is a lively celebration of colors, sounds, traditional costumes and mountain life.
At 10:00, continue by car to Bao Nhai Market, located along the Chay River. Compared with Bac Ha Market, Bao Nhai has a quieter and more local atmosphere, offering a closer look at the everyday trading life of the Tay and Hmong communities in a riverside setting.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
At 13:00, board a private boat for a scenic journey from Bao Nhai to Trung Do Village. The boat trip along the peaceful Chay River passes limestone cliffs, lush vegetation and quiet rural scenery.
Stop at Trung Do, a village of the Tay ethnic group, known for its traditional stilt houses, riverside landscapes, grazing buffaloes and peaceful local life.
At around 14:00, the vehicle will pick up guests at Trung Do pier for the transfer to Sapa. The drive takes approximately three hours.
Arrive in Sapa around 17:00 and check in at the hotel. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart at 07:30 for Sun Plaza to take the Muong Hoa mountain train.
Continue with the Fansipan cable car, a spectacular journey above Muong Hoa Valley. The ride offers panoramic views of mountains, forests and terraced fields before reaching the upper cable car station.
From there, guests may walk up the steps or take the final mountain train to reach the summit of Fansipan, at 3,143 meters above sea level. Known as the “Roof of Indochina”, Fansipan is the highest peak in Vietnam and the Indochinese Peninsula.
Lunch will be served at a restaurant.
At 14:00, visit Muong Hoa Valley, one of Sapa’s most iconic landscapes. The valley is famous for its large terraced rice fields, mountain scenery and ethnic villages. It is home to communities such as the Black Hmong, Tay and Red Dao people.
Continue to Lao Chai Village, a typical village of the Black Hmong people, then visit Ta Van Village, inhabited mainly by the Hmong and Giay ethnic groups.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a light trekking tour to Cat Cat Village, located at the foot of Sapa town.
Guests will walk along stone-paved paths, visit traditional Hmong houses, observe local handicrafts, and discover the village waterfall and old hydroelectric site. Cat Cat offers an accessible introduction to Hmong culture and the mountain lifestyle of Sapa.
Lunch will be served in Sapa town.
After lunch, depart for Hanoi by tourist bus. The drive takes approximately 5.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Hanoi around 19:30, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, then check in at the hotel and rest.
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and depart at 08:00 for Mai Chau, located in Hoa Binh Province, about 140 kilometers from Hanoi.
Mai Chau is one of Northern Vietnam’s most peaceful mountain valleys, known for rice fields, limestone mountains, waterfalls and ethnic minority villages, especially those of the Thai people.
At around 12:00, arrive in Lac Village, a traditional Thai village. Check in and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, begin a walk up to Chieu Cave, also called the “Afternoon Cave” by local people because sunlight shines into the cave entrance in the afternoon, illuminating the stalactites and stalagmites.
To reach the cave, guests climb approximately 1,000 stone steps. From the upper viewpoint, enjoy a panoramic view over Mai Chau Valley, one of the most beautiful rural landscapes in the region.
After the visit, guests may explore the local market or shop for handicraft souvenirs in Lac Village.
Dinner will feature traditional Thai ethnic dishes. The evening is free to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village.
Overnight: Mai Chau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Lac Village, an ideal place to experience the cultural identity of the Thai ethnic group. Guests can admire traditional stilt houses and observe local village life.
A cycling tour through Mai Chau Valley offers a gentle and scenic experience. Ride past green rice fields, small villages and soft hills while enjoying the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
At around 10:00, return to the hotel for a short rest.
At 11:00, check out and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The drive takes approximately three hours.
Arrive in Pu Luong at around 15:00 and check in at a retreat or homestay.
In the late afternoon, enjoy a trekking experience around Hieu Village or Don Village, depending on the final accommodation location and weather conditions. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the daily life of the Thai and Muong communities and to walk along beautiful terraced rice fields.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant or the retreat.
Overnight: Pu Luong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the homestay or retreat, depart at 08:00 for a nature walk to Hieu Waterfall.
Located inside Pu Luong Nature Reserve, Hieu Waterfall is known for its limestone-rich water, which gives the surrounding rocks a golden, fossil-like appearance. The path to the waterfall passes through Hieu Village, where traditional stilt houses are nestled among terraced fields and evergreen forest.
This is a peaceful and refreshing experience, ideal for guests who enjoy nature, walking and mountain scenery.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit Pho Doan Market if the day falls on Thursday or Sunday. This local market offers regional products, handicrafts and everyday goods from surrounding villages.
Continue to Cham River to admire the giant bamboo water wheels, a traditional irrigation system typical of the mountain region. Depending on water level and local conditions, guests may experience bamboo rafting or kayaking on the river.
Dinner will be served at the accommodation or a local restaurant.
Overnight: Pu Luong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, depart at 07:30 from Pu Luong to Ninh Binh. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
At 13:00, begin the visit of Ninh Binh with Tam Coc. Guests will take a traditional sampan boat along the Ngo Dong River, passing through limestone karsts, caves and peaceful rural scenery. Tam Coc is famous for its poetic landscapes, rice fields and dramatic rock formations.
Continue to Mua Cave and Mua Mountain. From the foot of the mountain, stone steps lead to one of the most impressive viewpoints in Ninh Binh. The staircase is decorated with dragon and phoenix motifs, reflecting Vietnamese artistic symbolism. From the top, enjoy panoramic views over Tam Coc, the Ngo Dong River and the surrounding limestone landscape.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, begin a cycling experience of approximately 12 kilometers through the countryside from Van Long toward Kenh Ga Floating Village.
The route follows village paths and dikes, offering views of rice fields, rural houses, limestone mountains and peaceful local life. During the ride, stop at Thung La Temple for a short rest and cultural visit.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
The afternoon is free for relaxation or personal discovery. Guests may enjoy the peaceful setting of Ninh Binh or choose optional activities depending on their interests.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, check out from the hotel at 08:00 and transfer from Ninh Binh to Tuan Chau Marina.
From 11:00 to 11:30, arrive at the cruise lounge and complete check-in formalities. Guests will be welcomed in a relaxing atmosphere before boarding.
From 11:45 to 12:00, transfer to the cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and attend a cruise briefing, including safety instructions and itinerary introduction.
From 12:45 to 13:00, lunch will be served on board while the cruise begins its journey through the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
In the afternoon, visit the peaceful Ba Trai Dao Beach area, known for its pristine beauty, calm water and limestone surroundings. Guests may enjoy kayaking and swimming, depending on weather and sea conditions.
From 17:00 to 17:30, the cruise anchors overnight in the Tra Bau area of Lan Ha Bay, a peaceful location surrounded by natural beauty.
In the early evening, guests may join a cooking demonstration and enjoy Happy Hour at the bar while watching the sunset over the bay. Massage service may be available on board with advance booking directly through the cruise manager.
At around 19:15, enjoy a refined fusion dinner prepared with fresh ingredients in an elegant setting inspired by French neoclassical style and Asian touches.
The evening is free to relax on board. Guests may enjoy the night view of the bay, try squid fishing, watch a movie, play board games or relax at the bar.
Overnight: Cruise on Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
From 06:00 to 06:30, guests may join a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a peaceful way to start the day while enjoying the morning atmosphere of the bay. Those who wish to see the sunrise may wake up earlier, depending on the season and advice from the crew.
Breakfast will be served on board from around 06:45 to 07:00 while the cruise continues its journey.
From 07:15 to 07:30, transfer by bus to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island. Located within Cat Ba National Park and surrounded by Kim Giao forest, Trung Trang Cave stretches for about 300 meters through the mountain. Formed over millions of years, the cave contains impressive stalactites and stalagmites with diverse shapes and a mysterious atmosphere.
At around 09:45, return to the cruise and complete check-out formalities.
From 10:00 to 10:30, enjoy brunch at the onboard restaurant.
From 11:00 to 11:30, disembark at Tuan Chau Marina. The driver will transfer guests back to Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi around 15:00. Guests may rest or enjoy free time for shopping and walking around the Old Quarter before checking in at the hotel.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Overnight: Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and enjoy free time depending on flight schedule.
The vehicle and guide will transfer guests to Noi Bai International Airport for the departure flight.
End of services.
Meals: Breakfast
Price is based on twin/double sharing for a private group of 8–10 guests. Final quotation depends on travel dates, group size, hotel category, cruise selection and service level.
For private FIT guests, families, senior groups or B2B partners, Golden Life Travel will customize the itinerary and quotation upon request.
Suitable for travelers who want a well-organized cultural and nature journey with comfortable local accommodation and good value.
Suggested standard:
Best for: small groups, cultural travelers, budget-conscious inbound guests.
Suitable for travelers who want better comfort, more charming accommodation and smoother services.
Suggested standard:
Best for: French-speaking travelers, senior guests, couples, private groups, B2B clients who need higher satisfaction.
Suitable for high-value travelers who prefer privacy, better accommodation, curated experiences and more flexible pacing.
Suggested standard:
Best for: luxury cultural travelers, senior private groups, premium FIT, special-interest groups.
Suggested wording:
Single supplement is available upon request.
The surcharge depends on hotel category, cruise category and travel season.
Em đề xuất dùng chính sách an toàn cho inbound:
Final child pricing depends on age, rooming arrangement, train cabin arrangement, hotel policy, cruise policy and supplier conditions at the time of booking.
To confirm the booking, a deposit is required.
Suggested payment policy:
Cancellation charges are calculated based on the date Golden Life Travel receives the written cancellation request.
Non-refundable services may include train tickets, cruise bookings, peak-season hotels, special permits, special activities, visa services and any supplier non-refundable items.
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed after Golden Life Travel receives refunds from relevant suppliers.
This tour includes mountain areas, trekking routes, cycling, boating, kayaking and an overnight cruise. Therefore, some activities may be adjusted due to weather, road conditions, local regulations or safety concerns.
Important notes:
If changes are required for safety or operational reasons, Golden Life Travel will arrange the best possible alternative. Any additional costs caused by force majeure or supplier changes will be paid by the client unless covered by supplier policy or travel insurance.
Travel insurance is not included unless clearly mentioned in the quotation.
Golden Life Travel strongly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive international travel insurance in their country of residence before departure. This ensures better coverage, direct claim support and easier access to assistance according to the guest’s local insurance regulations.
The policy should cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, travel delays, baggage loss, personal accident, emergency evacuation and cruise/weather disruption where applicable. Guests are responsible for reviewing their insurance coverage before travel.