Northern Highlights of Vietnam

In an Orwellian, quasi-religious display, visitors to the mausoleum form a silent procession as they are led to the central chamber where the body rests. It’s a ritual that attracts pilgrims from across Vietnam, as well as curious travellers.

Your tour continues with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, established in 1070. This temple/university complex is located at the very heart of the city, but it’s easy to forget where you are once you enter its gates; enclosed within high walls and beautiful gardens, it’s a peaceful retreat that feels far removed from the hustle and bustle outside. At its centre are a series of 82 stelae going back to the 15th century and recording the names, achievements and dates of the Temple’s most famous students.

After lunch, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake. This is Hanoi’s central landmark, as well as a lively public space where local residents gather in the mornings to perform t’ai chi. On an island at the centre of the lake is the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple, accessed via a traditional red wooden bridge.

End the tour with a one-hour ‘cyclo’ tour of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Take a pleasant walk or bike ride around the village and get a feel for the northern country lifestyle. Around midday, visit the Moon Garden, a local homestay, for lunch. If you’d like, you can help with the food preparation and learn a bit about the local culinary techniques!

Relax before setting out on a bike ride to Duong Lam Village, stopping along the way to take photos and greet the locals. Visit Mia Pagoda, Mong Phu communal house, Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temples, and a traditional farmhouse, before returning to Ky Son Village. In the late afternoon, drive back to Hanoi and transfer directly to the train station.

Board the overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai on the Vietnam-China border.

The rest of the afternoon is free to explore the town and its surrounds. Sapa is a wonderfully picturesque town, with an attractive colonial quarter and stunning views of the Muong Hoa Valley from its hillside location. It’s a pleasure to explore on foot or by bike.

In the afternoon, take a stroll around Sapa and along walking trails flanked by serene gardens and pine forests. Proceed to the Black Hmong ethnic minority village of Matra, a small and isolated village typical of the region. From Matra, continue hiking through rice paddy fields and stunning natural scenery. Your trek ends at the church of Taphin, where your car will take you to the Lao Cai train station for your return journey to Hanoi. Overnight on the sleeper train.

Arrive Ha Long Bay midday and board a traditional Vietnamese sailing boat, or junk, for an overnight cruise among the hundreds of islets that dot the Bay. You’ll enjoy a seafood lunch shortly after boarding; then, in the afternoon, visit some of the larger islands in the Bay, a floating market, and, if the weather permits, go for a swim or kayak in the calm waters. Of course, you may prefer to just lounge on the deck of the ship. When the weather’s right, there’s nothing more relaxing!

Drop anchor late evening and retreat to your cabin for an overnight stay among the dramatic limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay.

Ha Long Bay is generally best visited in the early spring, when the weather is clear. But some prefer the winter, when the Bay is chill and misty, and wonderfully atmospheric!

Overnight at the Emeralda Resort, or similar, in Ninh Binh.

After lunch, embark on a sampan ride through the But Cave Complex, exploring a mixture of dry caves and water caves. The boat trip ends at Thung Nham Dock, where your drive will be waiting to return you to Emeralda Resort.

One of Vietnam’s most beautiful protected areas, Cuc Phuong National Park comprises over 120ha of primary rainforest and mountains, and is home to a marvellous variety of flora and fauna. Explore the park on foot and by car, with an optional visit to the Cave of Prehistoric Man, before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, drive to Bong Station and take a walk through the forest to witness the diverse flora and fauna highlighted by a backdrop of perennial trees.

Overnight in Cuc Phuong.

Then, late morning, embark on a 7km hike in the forests of Cuc Phuong, stopping for a picnic lunch along the way.

Late afternoon, meet with your driver and return to Hanoi.

The evening is free to relax. We can arrange a meal at an Hanoi restaurant to mark your last night in Vietnam, or you may prefer to relax and take things at your own pace after this afternoon’s long hike!

Overnight in Hanoi.