Deep Dive into Tradition & Heritage of North Vietnam 11 days

Welcome to Hanoi, the heart of Vietnam's thousand-year-old culture. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in the historic capital. Take your time to settle in and soak in the rhythm of the city, where tree-lined boulevards, ancient pagodas, and French colonial architecture weave a rich tapestry of East-meets-West charm.

To ease the tiredness of your journey, enjoy a massage voucher - an invitation to relax and rejuvenate. Let the soothing hands of skilled therapists revive your energy, preparing you for the cultural journey ahead. The rest of the day is at your leisure to rest or begin exploring Hanoi’s poetic lakeside corners and lively street scenes at your own pace.

Today, delve into the artistic soul of Hanoi as you explore its time-honored handicraft villages - living legacies of Vietnamese cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Your journey begins in Lang Non, where the iconic conical hat, ‘Non La’, is lovingly crafted by hand. Wander through peaceful village paths lined with palm leaves drying in the sun, and witness the meticulous folding and stitching techniques that shape each elegant hat - an enduring symbol of Vietnamese grace.

Next, continue to the vibrant Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, where color and scent fill the air. Here, families have been making incense sticks for centuries, dyeing them in brilliant hues of crimson, ochre, and gold. Walk among the fanned-out bundles of incense drying under the sun - an unforgettable mosaic of sacred craftsmanship.

End your day in Ha Thai Lacquerware Village, a hidden gem renowned for its refined lacquer artistry. Learn how natural materials are transformed into intricate works of art through a multi-layered process of painting, polishing, and inlaying. Meet local artisans who carry forward this proud legacy, blending tradition with creativity in every brushstroke.

This immersive day offers a profound connection to the beauty, patience, and spiritual depth of Vietnamese village life - where art is not just created but lived.

Morning

Today, step into the cradle of Northern Vietnamese heritage with a full-day exploration of Bac Ninh Province, a land steeped in folklore, artistry, and age-old traditions.

In the morning, visit one of Bac Ninh’s renowned handicraft villages, each offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s artistic soul. At Phu Lang Pottery Village, stroll through red brick alleys where earthen kilns breathe life into rustic ceramics - crafted by hand using ancestral techniques.

After that, explore Dong Ho Painting Village, where vibrant woodblock prints come to life with natural dyes and mythical motifs, once used to decorate homes during Tet. For a quieter charm, Do Paper Village invites you to discover the delicate process of making traditional handmade paper, used in folk art and calligraphy.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, awaken your senses with a hands-on culinary experience celebrating Bac Ninh’s traditional cakes.

Continue to discover the sweet charm of Banh Phu The (husband and wife cake), a glutinous rice treat with a rich mung bean center, symbolizing love and fidelity in Vietnamese weddings.

Then head to Lang Diem, the spiritual home of Quan Ho singing, where you’ll try Banh Khuc - a savory green rice cake filled with mung bean and pork, wrapped in fragrant La Khuc leaves. Then, go to Lang Cho to savor Banh Te, a steamed rice cake delicately shaped and tied in banana leaves - a staple of Northern village kitchens.

After the tour, journey to Thai Nguyen and gather for a BBQ dinner, where you will enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Let the flavors and stories of the day linger, as your cultural journey continues to unfold.

Today, journey into the tranquil hills of Thai Nguyen, Vietnam’s most celebrated tea-growing province, where emerald plantations stretch across mist-kissed slopes and generations of farmers live in harmony with the land.

Begin your immersive experience at a local tea farm, where you’ll join farmers in the age-old ritual of Hai Che - hand-picking tender tea buds with reverence and care. Learn how each delicate leaf holds the essence of the region’s terroir, nurtured by the cool mountain air and rich soil.

Next, dive into the artisanal craft of Sao Che, the traditional pan-roasting process that transforms fresh leaves into fragrant green tea. With the guidance of skilled hands, you’ll experience the heat, rhythm, and patience needed to coax out the tea’s finest notes.

As a sweet finish to your journey, take part in a delightful session of Matcha ice cream making, blending the rich, earthy flavor of green tea with creamy indulgence - a modern twist on an ancient tradition.

Enjoy a delicious lunch, before returning to Hanoi. Today offers not just a taste of Vietnam’s beloved beverage, but a deep connection to the land, the people, and the centuries-old heritage brewed into every cup.

Leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind as you travel southwest toward Mai Chau, a peaceful valley embraced by limestone mountains and home to the warm-hearted White Thai ethnic community. Here, life moves to the gentle rhythm of nature, where stilt houses dot the landscape and rice paddies shimmer under the sun.

Upon arrival, set out on a leisurely bike ride through the rice fields, pedaling along narrow village paths surrounded by lush greenery and the scent of fresh earth. Along the way, greet local weavers, farmers, and children, and get a glimpse into the region’s vibrant rural life.

Continue your journey to Thac Go Lao (Go Lao Waterfall), a hidden waterfall nestled in the forested hills. The soothing sound of cascading water and the cool mist offer a refreshing pause, inviting you to reconnect with nature’s quiet beauty.

Return to a traditional stilt house for a local dinner prepared by your host family. Share stories over fragrant sticky rice, grilled mountain herbs, and freshly caught fish - an intimate cultural exchange that lingers long after the last bite.

Morning

Begin your day with a cultural encounter in the peaceful villages of Na Meo and Na Mo, nestled near the Laos - Vietnam border. These villages are home to ethnic communities whose lives are deeply rooted in the rhythm of the land and the artistry of the loom.

Step into local houses where generations of locals have preserved the weaving heritage - creating intricate brocade textiles with traditional patterns. Watch the delicate dance of hands at the loom.

Afternoon

Bid farewell to the misty mountains of Mai Chau and continue your journey eastward to Ninh Binh, where limestone karsts rise from emerald fields and riverbanks whisper tales of Vietnam’s ancient past.

Immerse yourself in the rustic charm of the countryside through playful yet meaningful activities. Join a local farmer in feeding and showering water buffalo, animals revered not just as work companions but as symbols of strength and prosperity in Vietnamese culture.

Then, roll up your pants and head into the water for a hands-on experience in catching fish using traditional methods - a joyful, muddy, and unforgettable moment that captures the essence of rural life.

Morning

Today, uncover the storied heart of Vietnam’s early dynasties with a cultural journey through Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Dai Co Viet in the 10th century. Wander through moss-covered temple courtyards dedicated to King Dinh and Le, whose rule marked the unification of the nation.

Afternoon

From history to harmony, continue to Tam Coc, known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” where time seems to slow with the flow of the Ngo Dong River.

Board a traditional boat rowed by local villagers - often with their feet - and drift past golden rice fields, ancient caves, and towering karst formations mirrored in tranquil waters. Let the serenity of the landscape speak to your soul, as each bend of the river reveals a canvas painted by nature and history.

Return to your hotel in Ninh Binh for a peaceful evening, reflecting on a day steeped in cultural memory.

Morning

Depart the spiritual heartland of Ninh Binh, where ancient capitals and rice-carved rivers hold Vietnam’s early dynasties, and set forth toward the jewel of the northeast - Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in myth and majesty.

Upon arrival, check in and step aboard a cruise with a welcome drink. As the boat glides, marvel at a labyrinth of limestone pillars rising dramatically from emerald waters. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch on deck as you sail past hidden grottos and islets.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, take part in activities such as swimming or exploring caves adorned with stalactites that resemble heavenly altars - each one a natural wonder and a silent witness to centuries of seafaring life.

After the exploration, return to your cruise for dinner on your peaceful overnight cruise. Let the rhythmic lapping of the waves and the mystery of Halong’s waters lull you into a night of reverie, where nature, legend, and culture merge in serene harmony.

Morning

Awaken to the gentle rocking of your boat and the ethereal calm of Halong Bay at dawn, where the rising sun casts golden light across a timeless seascape. Enjoy a serene morning onboard - perhaps with a cup of Vietnamese tea in hand.

After breakfast, set out to explore one of the bay’s iconic cultural and natural landmarks - perhaps the Sung Sot Cave, where vast chambers adorned with surreal stalactites have inspired generations with their otherworldly forms. As you wander through these natural cathedrals, carved by time and tide, imagine the folklore that breathes life into every stone.

Return to your cruise for a leisurely brunch on board, enjoying regional flavors as you glide past the final vistas of this UNESCO World Heritage seascape.

Afternoon

Disembark and journey back to Hanoi, where tradition and modernity meet in a vibrant mosaic of Vietnamese life.

NOTE: The itinerary may change depending on the specific cruise you book.  

Assemble in the hotel lobby to meet your local guide, who will provide an insightful introduction to the capital’s rich historical layers and the day’s cultural highlights.

Your journey begins with a solemn and inspiring visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex, where you’ll pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh, the revered father of modern Vietnam. Walk through the Mausoleum, then continue to his simple house-on-stilts, nestled in a peaceful garden, offering a glimpse into his humble lifestyle and lifelong dedication to the nation.

Next, marvel at the One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of spiritual resilience and architectural ingenuity. Built atop a single wooden pillar, this lotus-shaped pagoda embodies Vietnam’s artistic heritage through its elegant woodcarvings, sacred design, and symbolic structure that has endured for centuries.

Conclude your morning at the iconic Temple of Literature - Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. Dedicated to Confucius and generations of scholars, the temple stands as a testament to the country’s deep respect for education and intellectual achievement. Its courtyards, ancient stelae, and traditional pavilions provide the perfect backdrop for both quiet reflection and memorable photographs.

Begin your final day in Vietnam with a breakfast at the hotel, reflecting on the vibrant culture, scenic landscapes, and heartfelt moments experienced throughout your journey.

After check-out, a comfortable transfer to the airport awaits, ensuring a smooth departure. Though your adventure comes to a close, the memories of Northern Vietnam’s rich heritage and warm spirit will stay with you long after your flight home.