Best of Northern Vietnam

(9 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa

This tour features the highlights of Vietnam's spectacular north: the beloved city of Hanoi, the hilltribes of the mountainous Sapa region, and beautiful Halong Bay.

Begin in Hanoi, Vietnam’s fascinating capital and intellectual center. During private touring with your expert local guide and private driver, visit the city’s most important historical attractions, such as the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, House on Stilts and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Take an in-depth tour of Hanoi’s incredible Old Quarter, where each street was historically dedicated to a specific trade or material, such as bamboo, silk and lacquer. While touring the narrow streets, learn about the history of the Old Quarter and its traditional architecture, and see how it has transformed into a fashionable district with cafes, art galleries and boutiques featuring the finest Vietnamese design and style. Also take a cyclo ride around Hoan Kiem Lake andexplore leafy backstreets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings, many of which are now upscale restaurants. Other options include visiting museums such as the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology or the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. Also visit a local village filled with beautiful historic architecture. One night, see Hanoi’s renowned water puppet show, or attend a performance at the landmark Hanoi Opera House.

Continue to scenic Halong Bay for an overnight cruise on a luxurious, traditional junk-style boat. Sail among beautiful limestone islands, dine on fresh seafood, enjoy on-board activities such as tai chi at sunrise, and perhaps explore local caves, hike to a scenic overlook, go sea kayaking or visit a floating village.

You will be transferred back to Hanoi to board a luxury overnight train to Sapa, a remote hill station in the mountains of northern Vietnam. During private touring, enjoy panoramic views of lush green valleys and steep hillsides covered in terraced rice fields. Visit lively local markets that draw Black Hmong, Red Dao and other ethnic minority people from throughout the region. Shop for colorful textiles made by hill tribe villagers. Other options include a scenic river cruise in a traditional boat, having lunch in a local home, or hiking and walking excursions to villages and waterfalls.

Return to Hanoi for two more nights. One day, enjoy a market tour with a renowned chef, followed by a Vietnamese cooking class. Learn to prepare local dishes such as fish marinated with beer and herbs, lemon chicken, and banana flower salad. Additional special interest touring can be arranged upon request, such as meetings with prominent artists and art gallery owners, biking through the nearby countryside, in-depth street food tours and other culinary tours, meetings with prominent historians, private meditation sessions in an ancient temple, and more.