Untouched Northern Vietnam (SIC)

Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the city center for check-in. Standard check-in time is at 14:00, and earlier check-in is subject to room availability. Note: If your flight arrival time differs from other guests, you will be picked up by your driver without an accompanying guide.

This afternoon, embark on a local food tour to sample Hanoi’s finest street food, including flavorful noodle soup, Vietnamese baguettes, delicate steamed rolls, Banh Cuon, and a sweet local dessert. Afterward, hop aboard a double-decker bus for a 40-minute scenic ride through different corners and streets for a wonderful introduction to the city. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Hanoi's vibrant nightlife or relax at your leisure.

Meals included: Street food tour | Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

After breakfast, meet your guide to begin a full day exploring the cultural landmarks of Hanoi. Your morning starts at Tran Quoc Pagoda, beautifully situated on a quiet peninsula on West Lake. Afterward, take a leisurely one-kilometer walk along scenic Thanh Nien Road, nestled between West Lake and Truc Bach Lake. At the end of your walk, you will arrive at Ba Dinh Square to explore the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.

Following lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s historic first university established in 1070, renowned for its charming courtyards and rich heritage. Continue your afternoon at the heart of the city with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake and the striking Ngoc Son Temple resting on its waters. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure, whether you want to wander through the bustling Hanoi Old Quarter, catch a glimpse of the famous Train Street, or do some shopping.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

In the morning, set off on a scenic 230-kilometer drive north to Ba Be National Park in Bac Kan Province. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch and check in to your homestay, followed by a brief window to rest and recharge in your room.

In the early afternoon, immerse yourself in local life with a visit to a nearby market. Afterward, embark on a leisurely trek to picturesque Vang Village, a traditional settlement of the Tay ethnic minority group. The walk concludes at the stunning Silver Waterfall, a 40-meter cascade tumbling down from the Khau Vang Pass that resembles a graceful white ribbon draped across the rugged mountain slopes. As dusk falls, return to your homestay for a hearty, home-cooked dinner, leaving the evening free to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the northern mountains.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Homestay at Ba Be Lake
Driving distance: Approximately 230 kilometers (around 5 hours)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic boat trip across Ba Be Lake, the crown jewel of the national park. As Vietnam’s largest natural mountain lake - spanning 6.5 square kilometers and dating back roughly 200 million years - it offers a stunning backdrop for exploration. The boat will first take you to Cam Village on the far shore, where you will take a short walk through lush rice paddies and local stilt houses to reach Puong Cave. This remarkable natural marvel features countless intricately shaped stalactites and serves as a natural sanctuary for twenty-three species of bats numbering in the tens of thousands.

Afterward, reboard your boat to cruise along the Nang River toward Dau Dang Waterfall, widely considered the most magnificent cascade in the park, stretching an impressive one kilometer with powerful, dramatic flows. Enjoy a hearty lunch right by the water while taking in the roaring white-water scenery.

In the afternoon, set out on the water once more before embarking on a leisurely lakeside walk to discover the legendary Fairy Pond and other hidden corners of Ba Be National Park. As evening falls, return to your homestay for another delicious home-cooked dinner, leaving you time to unwind and spend your final night relaxing in the tranquil mountain air.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Homestay at Ba Be Lake

After breakfast at your homestay, set off for the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang Province, situated directly on the international border between Vietnam and China. Along the way, enjoy a few scenic stops to stretch your legs and take in the sweeping mountain landscapes of Northern Vietnam.

Arriving around midday, pause for lunch near the falls before checking in to your accommodation. In the afternoon, experience the breathtaking beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall, recognized as the fourth-largest transnational waterfall in the world and one of Southeast Asia's most dramatic natural sights. Spend your afternoon soaking in the cascading scenery, or extend your exploration with a visit to the nearby Nguom Ngao Cave, celebrated as one of the most magnificent limestone cave systems in the country. As evening approaches, return to your accommodation to savor authentic local cuisine and enjoy a peaceful night.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Local standard hotel in Cao Bang
Driving distance: Approximately 206 kilometers (around 5 hours)

Enjoy a flavorful breakfast and check out of your hotel to kickstart your final day, heading first toward the vibrant Po Tau Market. This lively ethnic gathering place is where local communities come together to trade traditional handicrafts, fresh produce, and regional specialties. Spend some time exploring the market, taking in the nearby French colonial architecture, strolling along the banks of the Quay Son River, or hiking up a nearby hilltop for a sweeping panoramic view of Trung Khanh District's largest valley.

Afterward, travel about 40 kilometers further to Phuc Sen Forging Village, home to roughly 160 traditional households that have preserved the ancient blacksmithing techniques of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups for over 300 years. Following a local lunch, settle in for the scenic drive back to Hanoi.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Driving distance: Approximately 325 kilometers (around 6.5 hours)

Leave Hanoi this morning, embark on a well-paced six-hour day trip through Bai Tu Long Bay which offers a tranquil journey into calmer waters that feel worlds away from busier neighboring routes. Setting off from the harbor around mid-morning, your traditional wooden boat glides past dramatic limestone karst formations and secluded, untouched islets that define the region's raw geological beauty. As you venture deeper into the bay, the itinerary typically includes a peaceful kayaking session or a bamboo boat ride to explore hidden sea caves and quiet sandy lagoons, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in the pristine landscape. Afterward, a fresh seafood lunch is served on board while cruising leisurely through the emerald expanse, followed by a brief stop at a local floating village or a panoramic viewpoint for unforgettable photos before returning to port.

Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi

Enjoy a leisurely morning at your own pace. At the appropriate time, meet your guide and driver for a private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departing flight to your next destination. (Note: Standard hotel check-out time is 12:00 PM. If your flight schedule differs from other guests, you will be transferred to the airport by your driver without an accompanying guide.)

Meals included: Breakfast | Accommodation: None