Northern Vietnam Culture Tour 8 Days

After breakfast, around 8:30 am, you’ll embark on a full-day discovery of the capital’s cultural treasures, beginning at the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Here, Ba Dinh Square marks the historic site where President Ho Chi Minh declared Vietnam’s independence on September 2, 1945. A short walk leads you to the elegant French-colonial Presidential Palace and the humble stilt house where “Uncle Ho” lived and worked, before visiting the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of Vietnamese spirituality. Continue to the Museum of Ethnology, where exhibits on Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups bring the country’s cultural diversity vividly to life. In the afternoon, step into the historic Hoa Lo Prison—once nicknamed the “Hanoi Hilton”—a place that witnessed colonial oppression and the resilience of Vietnamese revolutionaries. During the war, it also served as a detention site for captured U.S. pilots. Then stroll across the century-old Long Bien Bridge, an enduring symbol of Hanoi stretching gracefully over the Red River, and explore Hom Market, a lively spot known for its fabrics and everyday goods. As the day winds down, enjoy a traditional water puppet performance at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.  

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast

This morning, leave Hanoi behind and head south to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land.” Your first stop is Tam Coc, where you’ll board a small sampan and drift along the winding Ngo Dong River. Limestone cliffs rise dramatically on either side, while rice fields extend right down to the water’s edge. With the gentle rhythm of the boat and the tranquil scenery unfolding around you, this journey is one of the most memorable experiences in Ninh Binh. Afterward, stop at Van Lam Embroidery Village to see how local artisans have preserved delicate hand-stitching techniques for generations. In the afternoon, cycle along quiet village paths to Bich Dong Pagoda, a graceful complex of three small temples built into the mountainside. One of them is partly set within a limestone cave, creating an atmosphere that feels both peaceful and mystical. By late afternoon, check into your hotel in Ninh Binh and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.  

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, travel to Bái Đính Pagoda, the largest Buddhist pagoda complex in Vietnam. Nestled among limestone mountains and lush greenery, this vast site is famed for its monumental bronze statues, the towering Great Buddha Hall, and the long corridor lined with more than 500 Arhat stone figures. Take in the serene atmosphere as you stroll through courtyards, shrines, and panoramic viewpoints that look out over the surrounding countryside.   In the afternoon, return to Hanoi, where the evening is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace.  

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast

Following your morning meal, you’ll start your journey out of Hanoi to explore Chuong Village, known for its long-standing tradition of crafting conical hats or Nón Lá. As you wander through the village, you’ll see local artisans carefully shaping and stitching these iconic items, offering insight into a craft deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.  Next, you’ll visit Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, renowned for its vibrant, photogenic scenes and centuries-old incense-making tradition. You’ll witness bundles of incense sticks in vivid colors, freshly dyed and artfully arranged under the sun to dry—an eye-catching spectacle that’s become a favorite for photographers. During your visit, you’ll also learn about the spiritual and cultural significance of incense in Vietnamese daily life and religious rituals. Afterwards, return to Hanoi and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.  

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast

Today you’ll journey to Halong Bay, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With more than 1,600 limestone islands and tiny islets rising from emerald waters, the scenery is nothing short of magical. Upon boarding, enjoy a welcome drink and a short cruise briefing before settling into your cabin. Lunch will be served in the restaurant as the ship begins its gentle sail through the bay. In the afternoon, explore a magnificent cave and take a refreshing swim at a quiet beach. Back on board, you can relax on deck or join a hands-on cooking class to learn a simple Vietnamese specialty. As the day winds down, sip a cocktail during happy hour while watching the sunset over the karst landscape. Dinner will be served in the restaurant, followed by the option to relax at the sky bar or try your hand at squid fishing under the night sky.  

Overnight on cruise in Ha Long Bay 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

As the sun rises over the bay, you might want to capture this magical moment or join a morning exercise session on the sun deck. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before following your guide to visit a local fishing village and see the oyster farms. Kayaking or a refreshing swim are also great ways to start the day. Return to the cruise and check out, enjoying brunch at 10:00 as the boat sails back toward the harbor. Later, your driver will transfer you to Hanoi city center around 3:00 pm, leaving the rest of the day free for you to explore at your own pace.  

Overnight in Hanoi 

Meals: breakfast, brunch

Savor your breakfast at the hotel. Your driver will be at the hotel's lobby to transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure, concluding the 8-day journey through Northern Vietnam. Thank you for choosing Hello Vietnam and we hope to welcome you back soon!   

Meal: breakfast