7 DAY NORTHERN EXPOSURE

7 days, 6 nights

CODE: MC7D

The 7 Day Northern Exposure Tour is perfect if you want to take in the Big 4 tourist sites of Northern Vietnam – Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay. Explore Hanoi Old Quarter, then trek through the terraced rice fields of Sapa, visit the gorgeous Trang An and take a cruise through Halong Bay. You’ll be doing something different everyday, giving you the best experiences and making the most of your time in northern Vietnam.

Stunning scenery

Local homestay

Trekking

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai (Night train)

The tour starts at 8AM at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the wooden house where he lived from 1958 to 1969. Next, we’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049, an important symbol of Hanoi. We’ll then visit the must-see Temple of Literature, the first ever university of Vietnam.
In the afternoon, our guide will take you to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where you will learn about 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups. Next, we’ll visit the Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge and Hoan Kiem Lake. Then, we’ll hit the streets by cyclo, exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter’s 36 streets.You’ll then attend a traditional water puppet show and then have dinner. From here you’ll be taken to the train station for your overnight journey to Lao Cai.

Day 2: Lao Cai - Ta Van - Sapa

You’ll arrive early in the morning. Our guide will take you to your hotel so you can freshen up and have breakfast. We’ll pop into the local market for a quick look and then begin your trek towards Muong Hoa Valley and the Hoang Lien mountain ranges.
In the afternoon, we’ll walk along the Muong Hoa River, and if you like you can have a swim! We’ll arrive in Ta Van and you’ll have time to explore the village before being driven back to your hotel in Sapa.

Day 3: Sapa - Ta Phin - Sapa - Hanoi (Night train)

After breakfast we’ll begin trekking to Ta Phin, passing through Black H’mong and Red Zao minority villages. Both of these minority groups are for famous for producing unique handicrafts. We’ll also visit a local school and you can meet the students there.
After lunch, you’ll be driven back your hotel in Sa Pa to shower and have a quick dinner before catching the night train back to Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hoa Lu

We’ll have breakfast in Hanoi then a private car will drive you to Ninh Binh (~2.5 hours). On arrival, we’ll go to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties. We’ll then visit the Bich Dong Pagoda, located on top of a mountain with stunning views.
Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant. You’ll then hop aboard a boat to explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural Site (~2 hours). The boat ride will take you through various rice fields, limestone mountains and caves. You’ll then check-in to your hotel and enjoy dinner there.

Day 5: Ninh Binh - Halong Bay

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Halong Bay and you’ll board a traditional junk boat, set sail and enjoy your lunch on board. The boat will take you past the distinctive formations of Chicken Rock and Titop Island.
In the afternoon, you’ll head out in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Lagoon in Bai Tu Long Bay. You can relax on the junk’s sun-deck, enjoy the spa services and have a cocktail if you like before dinner.
At night, take the opportunity to try your hand at squid fishing before retreating to your room for peaceful sleep.

Day 6: Halong Bay - Hanoi

Wake early to start your day with Tai Chi on the sun-deck, as the sun rises over the bay. After a light breakfast, discover one of Halong Bay’s biggest and most beautiful caves, the Surprise Cave. You’ll then return to the boat and enjoy a final meal before sailing back to the Tuan Chau Marina and be taken back to your hotel in Hanoi.

Day 7: Hanoi

Depending on your flight time, you’ll have free time today and we’ll transfer you to the airport.

Itinerary subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.
Included: Ground transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, activities & meals mentioned above.
Not included: Airfares, visa fees, travel insurance, gratuities, personal expenses & all other services not clearly mentioned above.

WHY TRAVEL WITH YESD?

Authentic

We give local people employment, income and learning opportunities so they are directly involved in your tourism experience. Our guides and hosts will give you a special insight into culture and life in Vietnam.

Responsible

We aim to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and the local community while contributing positively to local economies. We don’t just talk responsible tourism, we act!

Tours that translate

10% of all profits from our tours go towards a community fund. This money allows us to make infrastructure improvements and provide other important resources to those in need.

READY FOR THE 7 DAY NORTHERN EXPOSURE?

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“My husband and I went on an amazing 10 day private tour of northern Vietnam designed by Tuyet and guided by Mu. I can only say that this tour was amazing, enlightening, exciting and just plain spectacular. We were thrilled from the time we left Hanoi to start our adventure to the time we returned. From exploring all of the historical sites, family farms, natural wonders, local markets with all the livestock and foods one can only find in Vietnam, riding on the back of motorcycles on country trails and I can go on an on. Tuyet and Mu could not have been more accommodating, knowledgeable and fun. We wholeheartedly recommend YESD for your next fantastic adventure.” See more.

Lori / Trip Advisor

EXPLORE MORE…

Northern Vietnam Discovery: Things to See in Vietnam

Northern Vietnam Discovery Tour In 2 Weeks

HA GIANG – CAO BANG MOTORBIKE ADVENTURER 5D5N

NINH BINH – SAPA – MU CANG CHAI – HANOI IN 10D9N

MU CANG CHAI – CAO BANG – BA BE LAKE IN 11D10N

HOI AN – MEKONG DELTA TOUR 8D7N

NINH BINH – MAI CHAU – PU LUONG – MOC CHAU – MU CANG CHAI – SAPA 8D7N

Ha Giang Cao Bang Discovery: lung cu flag tower

HA GIANG CAO BANG 6D5N

HA GIANG CAO BANG BA BE COMFORT CAR 8D7N

NINH BINH – CAT BA in 4D3N

MAI CHAU – PU LUONG – NINH BINH in 4D3N

Wetlands to the bay/ Alternative to Halong Bay

7 DAY NORTHERN EXPOSURE