Journey through Northern Vietnam A Cultural Exploration from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Northern Vietnam. From the peaceful rice paddies of Mai Chau to the towering limestone peaks rising from the waters of Ha Long Bay, and from the warm-hearted locals of Ninh Binh to the vibrant pulse of Hanoi, prepare for a cultural adventure.

Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. With its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial facades, and a street food culture that hums with energy, Hanoi offers a rich and layered introduction to the country. Since arrival times vary, today is yours to explore at your leisure. You might stroll through a local market, unwind at a lakeside café, or simply take in the rhythm of the city. Tonight, dinner is on your own — perhaps sample a steaming bowl of pho or crispy bánh xèo from a nearby eatery.

Step into the heart of Vietnamese tradition with a visit to the home of a master water puppet artist, where you’ll experience this centuries-old art form. Then, hop aboard a cyclo — a three-wheeled bicycle taxi — for a guided ride through the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This evening, stroll down lively Beer Street to sample local brews, and cap off the day with a welcome dinner.

This morning, it’s your choice! Head into Hanoi’s narrow backstreets to visit the famed Train Street, where homes and cafés sit inches from the railway line -OR- sit down to a bowl of bún cha at Huong Lien Restaurant, the very spot where President Obama and Anthony Bourdain once shared this staple dish. After, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature. Enjoy lunch at a social enterprise restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth through culinary training. This evening, hop on the back of a Vespa for a guided food tour through the Old Quarter, sampling local favorites like pho and egg coffee while weaving through the city’s lively night scene.

Leave the buzz of Hanoi behind as you make your way into the lush hills of Mai Chau, a peaceful valley framed by misty mountains and dotted with stilt houses. Upon arrival, take a walk through the surrounding rice paddies, catching glimpses of daily life in the local villages. Tonight, unwind at your eco-lodge, surrounded by soaring mountains and unbridled forests.

This morning, connect with the living history of Mai Chau during a visit to Hich Village. Meet a Vietnam War veteran and their family, hearing firsthand stories that offer a personal lens into the region’s past. Experience an Impact Moment in Lac Village with a visit to Hoa Ban, a social enterprise that uplifts women from the White Thai minority through vocational training. Later, be welcomed into a local home for a traditional dinner. Share a meal of regional dishes and enjoy warm hospitality as you learn more about the customs of the White Thai ethnic group.

Leave the hills on Mai Chau for the dramatic landscapes of Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land” for its towering limestone formations and winding rivers. Your first stop is Hoa Lu (UNESCO), Vietnam’s ancient capital dating back to the 10th century. Marvel at the temple and fortress ruins as you explore this historical site. This afternoon, it’s your choice! Hike to Hang Mua viewpoint, climbing over 500 steps to be rewarded with spectacular views -OR- indulge in a relaxing massage back at the hotel spa.

This morning, step into a rowboat and glide through the serene waterways of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its labyrinth of limestone caves and jungle-covered peaks. As you paddle through Bright Cave, Dark Cave, Ba Giot, and Nau Ruou, the quiet beauty of this hidden world unfolds around you. This evening, connect with locals over a home-hosted dinner that begins with a visit to the market for fresh ingredients and continues with a hands-on cooking class before sharing the meal together.

Travel to Ha Long Bay and board a cruise boat for two spectacular nights. Pass through Trong Mai Islet, Ngon Tay Islet, and Con Coc Islet before arriving at a coastal village. Choose to explore by bicycle or electric cart, winding through the village and learning about daily life in this peaceful corner of Northern Vietnam. Later, take part in an Impact Moment at the Bhaya Community Farm, where you’ll learn about sustainable farming as well as the Save the Langurs conservation project. From Bhaya’s café, enjoy views of verdant fields dotted with wandering buffalo, and try your hand at crafting some local delicacies. Back aboard the ship, unwind as the sun sets over the bay.

Greet the day with a Tai Chi session on the deck as the sun rises over Ha Long Bay. Then, take the chance to further explore the Trinh Nu area by kayak, paddling through quiet coves and beneath towering limestone cliffs. After lunch onboard, visit Cua Van Floating Village, considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, drifting past colorful homes and fishing boats by kayak or traditional rowing boat. Finish the day with another spectacular sunset over the bay.

This morning, it’s your choice! Explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest in Ha Long Bay, following the 500-meter paved passageway that threads through it -OR- visit Titov Island for a swim in the calm waters, sunbathing on the pristine beach and – if you’re up for it – a hike up the mountain for a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Then, bid the bay farewell as you travel back to Hanoi. Enjoy one last free afternoon to revisit your favorite spots or simply relax before gathering with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.

Your adventure through Northern Vietnam comes to a close today.