History & Culture Tour of North Vietnam
What to expect on this itinerary
Vietnam has experienced a turbulent past that is full of heartbreaking tribulations and groundbreaking victories. Furthermore, the country is shrouded in a tremendously diverse cultural web of ethnicities and influences as a result of this tumultuous heritage. This has culminated into a fascinating display of tradition that you will explore in great detail over the course of this custom-tailored, 14-day heritage tour through Northern Vietnam. From its distinct cuisine to its remarkable pagodas, this adventure will leave nothing to be explored on your next trip to Northern Vietnam.
Customizable Itinerary
Hanoi – An Intriguing Juxtaposition of the Old and the New
You will meet your private transfer shortly after you have landed in Northern Vietnam and journey across luscious boulevards toward your luxury hotel in Hanoi, which is the capital of Vietnam. The city is steeped in history and presents a gorgeous glimpse of the locals’ vibrant lifestyle that is proudly highlighted along its spirited streets. Furthermore, its old-world, colonial charm is matched by an atmosphere of opulence, which exudes from the premier experiences that can be found within its borders. You will enjoy the best of both worlds as you uncover the historical highlights and luxurious appeal of Hanoi’s sought-after attractions, and it will all begin from the supreme comfort of your astonishing accommodation.
Your first afternoon in Hanoi will provide you with a taste of Vietnamese culture as you make your way to pivotal heritage sites that are peppered across the city. Hoan Kiem Lake boasts a stretch of tranquil water, which will sparkle under the midday sun and is flanked by gorgeous trees and shrubbery. Rising from a grassy bank in the middle of the lake stands Ngoc Son Temple, which is an antique piece of architecture that showcases ancient values, and you will access it via the Huc Bridge. You can peruse through its elaborately decorated walkways and marvel at the wonderful displays of historical admiration before capturing a few incredible images to commemorate your visit. Revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh played a momentous role in the country’s history, and monuments have since been constructed in his honor. One such edifice, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, lies within Hanoi, and a brief visit will bring you closer than ever to Vietnam’s past. The mausoleum’s marble walls house the remains of Ho Chi Minh, and his preserved body is still visited by hundreds of locals every day. Although modest in design, the granite site is instantly recognizable, and it resonates a humble aura.
You will be introduced to the distinct flavors of Vietnam the following day on an extensive culinary tour that will lead you around the city. Your day will begin amid the bustle of an authentic morning market, where delicacies are served in abundance and locals mingle over a cup of coffee. You will catch whiffs of Pho, a noodle soup that is synonymous with Vietnamese cuisine, as it boils and hear the buzzing sounds of coffee beans being grounded as you tuck into your specialty dish for a taste of tradition. Afterward, you will venture to a recognized culinary school to learn timeless cooking techniques from professionally trained chefs. Blending an array of hearty flavors, you will savor the mouth-watering fruits of your labor before certifications of commemoration are awarded to you. To conclude your day of dining, you will tour the prestigious restaurants that are sprawled across Hanoi and be accompanied by your knowledgeable guide. You will then transfer to award-winning establishments for palatial experiences of Vietnamese cuisine, where you will sit down to discuss the culinary arts with a collection of esteemed head chefs.
Your final day in Hanoi will leave nothing to be desired as you transfer to the ancient village of Duong Lam. Your private guide will usher you to a bicycle collection point, where you will be provided with the opportunity to ride through the winding streets of the peaceful village. Tradition will unfold before your eyes as you capture images of the age-old architecture that lines the pathways before settling in with a friendly local for a customary tea ceremony. The aromatic experience will fill you with vigor and leave you feeling great appreciation for the long-established rituals that embody the country’s spiritual philosophies. You will then make your way back to Hanoi in the afternoon for a candlelit dinner at a classy restaurant that overlooks the city.
What's Included:
Sapa – An Adored Landscape of Archaic Origins
Cao Bang – Experience the Highlights of the Highlands
Mai Chau – One with Nature
Ninh Binh – Discover the Spirit of the Countryside
Trip Highlights
- Uncover the fascinating architecture of Vietnam as you visit the ornately decorated walls of Ngoc Son Temple and the modest construction of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Bask in the brilliant flavors of traditional Vietnamese cuisine at an authentic morning market and refine your palate on a luxurious food tour of Hanoi
- Indulge in a visit to the ancient village of Duong Lam and discover the humble origins of Vietnam’s simple way of life
- Witness the powerful Silver Waterfall of Thac Bac and gaze from atop Ham Rong Mountain at the majestic, emerald landscape of Sapa
- Immerse yourself in the exuberant Hmong culture at an ethnic hill tribe and be invited into a rural home for a delicious family meal
- Marvel at the momentous Ban Gioc Waterfall and brave the Nguom Ngao Cave of Cao Bang
- Relax in style at the golden rice field destination of Mai Chau and partake in outdoor activities for total immersion in the magnificent environment
- Delve deeper into the spiritual heritage of Ninh Binh as you visit Bai Dinh Temple and Bich Dong Pagoda
Detailed Description
Northern Vietnam is a treasure trove of heritage highlights that is imbued with a compelling culture. You will begin your discovery of these gems within the coruscating city of Hanoi, which is Vietnam’s capital, as you venture to the peaceful waters of Hoan Kiem Lake and explore the architectural landmark that is Ngoc Son Temple. Its ornate sculptures typify the sacred design of Vietnam’s beloved temples, and history will continue to unravel itself as you journey onward to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Beyond learning about the country’s dramatic wartime past through these fascinating museums, you will uncover the delicate flavors of its revered cuisine at authentic morning markets and fine dining establishments. Finally, you will transfer to Duong Lam Ancient Village for a taste of tradition as you capture images of the colonial-style architecture and partake in a local tea ceremony of humble manner.
You will then board a regal train that is bound for Sapa, where you will encounter the sprawling highlands and staggering mountain ranges that form the Northern peaks of Vietnam. Blanketed by a cool climate and covered in luscious jungles, your stay within the glorious wilderness will not disappoint. You will be able to revitalize your bodies under the flow of silver stream waterfalls and traverse the mountainous roads that wind through the gorgeous valleys in search of towering cliffs of grand proportion. You will conclude your stay with a visit to a traditional Hmong village, where you will immerse yourselves in the simplicity of local, ethnic living and savor the wholesome flavors of authentic Vietnamese family food. Cao Bang is also renowned for its picturesque countryside, and you will explore more of it following your stay in Sapa. The immense Ban Gioc Waterfall stands mightily tall, and its astonishing streams gush over slippery rock formations to translucent pools of water. You will marvel at this stunning spectacle before delving deeper into the iconic life story of Ho Chi Minh at the Pac Bo Historical Complex.
The final leg of your adventure will lead you to Mai Chau, which is an idyllic location that features cascading, golden rice terraces and luxuriant farmlands. Your stay will allow you to wallow in the rural splendor while your exquisite resort ensures that your nights are entirely comfortable. Surrounded by the soundtrack of the wilderness and sipping on a glass of authentic rice wine, you will feel worlds away in this dreamy destination. The following day, you will arrive in Ninh Binh for your last night in Northern Vietnam and submerge yourselves in the history of this remarkable location. You will visit the sacred complex of Bai Dinh Temple and discover ancient relics of days gone by before cruising across the calm rivers of Tam Coc for an unrivaled view of the Trang An Landscape Complex UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vietnam is a region unlike any other; learn more by seeing how our partner Vietnam travel companies can personalize the experience for you.
Starting Price
$3,300 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
Verified Traveler Reviews
Based on 347 reviews
My wife and I just returned from a 3-week trip to Vietnam and Cambodia organized by the travel company. We had used a company referred by Zicasso for a trip to Argentina in 2018 and were curious to see if we would be as satisfied after this trip as we had been after that one. Suffice it to say, we were not disappointed! This company did a terrific job in organizing our trip, securing comfortable, welcoming and well-located accommodations, setting us up with incredible guides with terrific local knowledge and very good English (we're from the US), arranging all our in-country flights and planning some extremely engaging and memorable outings and adventures.
While I can't be sure, I think they also dialed up the weather - we only experienced 1 day of light precipitation in 19 days in the country! They ensured we spent time in the North (Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Lan Ha Bay), Central (Hue and Hoi An), and South (Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta) parts of Vietnam and the temples (Siem Reap) in Cambodia. They also arranged an extensive array of food experiences and venues and provided many other memorable personal encounters with locals throughout Vietnam.
Without fail, every day revealed many interesting aspects of the culture and history of Vietnam and Cambodia. Our contact at the company was always responsive to our inquiries and requests - both before we left the US and while we were on our trip - and took time to meet with us personally in Ho Chi Minh City. We were happy to be able to express our appreciation for his efforts in designing such a personalized adventure. HIGHLY recommended.
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We booked a three-week trip to Vietnam with a side trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, and the Angkor temple complex. We are three 60-something women who had never been to Southeast Asia before. Before we left, our travel company patiently helped us customize our trip, down to the last details, providing great advice along the way. Our trip started in Hanoi, and our guide was there at the airport to pick us up and take us to our hotel, even though it took longer than we expected to get our visas. The hotel they booked for us on the south shore of Hoan Kiem Lake, was lovely and it turned out to be a terrific location. Throughout the trip, which included stops in Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, we felt well taken care of, with great hotels throughout. And our guides were flexible enough to change our itineraries on the fly. For example, one of my companions fell and injured her leg in a market in Hoi An. We asked if we could rearrange the itinerary to accommodate a trip to a hospital clinic, and they happily obliged. And later they modified the schedule for my friend, so she could skip some of the more strenuous activities.
The trip itself was wonderful. We experienced the markets, the organic gardens, the temples and pagodas, the waterways and the food that makes Vietnam so unique and wonderful. All of our local guides were so helpful and willing to put up with our eccentricities.
The only glitch we had on the trip was when we arrived at the Siem Reap airport for our flight to Ho Chi Minh City. It turned out we did not have tickets on the flight. We called our travel company and immediately got a call back -- we would be met at the airport by a guide with tickets for the next flight out, and in the meantime he would take us to a lovely nearby hotel and buy us lunch. He also offered to get us a room if we wanted to shower or change clothes, but we just stayed in the restaurant overlooking the lovely swimming pool and sipped our mojitos, courtesy of of the company.
Also I should mention the value. Zicasso connected us with three travel agents who submitted proposals. This company was the only one that really understood our budget parameters and what we wanted to do within the budget. We felt the price was quite reasonable and were very happy with our trip.
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We went to Hanoi, Ho chi minh city in Vietnam, Siem Reap in Cambodia and Luang Prabang in Laos.
We had a great vacation. It was really easy working with our agent at this Southeast Asia travel company. She was very prompt in getting back to us with all our concerns and questions. We went back and forth with the the hotels we wanted and how we wanted to arrange our site seeing schedule. The agent worked with us and guided and helped us all the way. Very professional ! We would recommend using this company to our friends.
The guides were there to pick us up on time and waiting. The vans were clean and nice. The guides were knowledgeable and helpful.
This was our first time using a tour company through Zicasso as before this we were doing group tours only but were finding the pace there too hectic and felt were not getting enough time to look and enjoy things the way we would have liked to. We like to travel a lot and feel would like to do things the way we did for our Indo china tour.
I have food allergies and our agent conveyed the same to our gudes snd they made sure i was able to get food I was comfortable with.
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We travelled to Siem Reap, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. At each stop our guide was there to meet us and each one was very knowledgable about the area,culture and history, able to provide very personal perspective on the areas. The hotels we stayed at were boutique style hotels all centrally located with great service and staff. The trip was effortless as our travel agency thought of everything and it all went very smoothly.
Thank you to our travel agency for a very enjoyable and interesting trip. You tailored the perfect trip for us!
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Choice or Vietnam and this travel company turned out to be very good holiday decisions.
My wife and I have just returned from 19 days in Vietnam - arriving Hanoi and then working our way down the country to HCM city.
After considering several travel agencies we choose this company largely based on our discussions with our agent who was outstanding in pre-game planning, intra-trip execution and post game (I left my phone in van and our agent quickly found it and had it mailed to me within a few days). Our class of service was Luxury which largely effects your choice of hotels. This said we were quite impressed with quality and breadth of selection of hotels. We staid in some very interesting and sometimes grand hotels and were never disappointed with rooms, amenities or food.
The trip itinerary was a collaboration. Our agent and this company suggested an itinerary based on our interests (some culture, some biking, some hiking, good food, good hotels--and as many 'authentic' moments as possible interacting with locals. We elected on a three stage trip - North, Central and South. Our agent was also very good in being clear when he though we were going to take on too much. For example we thought perhaps a side trip to Laotian capital - Our agent loved the destination but made it clear we would be compressing our plans to a point of uncomfortableness - same with a trip to Saba in the north. We elected to get our trekking and biking elsewhere so we would not have our heads on a different pillow every night).
The travel company arranged all transportation, drivers, guides, intra-country air travel, app. most of our meals, entrance fees etc. In addition our travel agent was very good about giving us pre-trip information, taking care of visas, cultural reading etc. A quick note we enjoyed street food several times and were glad we did. Street food in this context means a sit down restaurant (yes often on a busy street) that locos patronize. Each selection was great. We were generally careful about H2O and the usual cautions about how to eat and drink in Vietnam but candidly we did take a few chances (wonderful ship pancakes with three different types of greens and multiple types of mint) and did not suffer.
I provide the basic itinerary below. I would change almost nothing but have a few recommendations that I shared with our agent.
I would take 2 nights in Ha Long Bay. It is one of the most spectacular and beautiful places we have ever been two The boat team did a great job in making our overnight feel fun, intimate and relaxing but it you could squeeze out one more day I would do - providing budget allows (time on the bay is expensive and you do need to get the right boat as there are a myriad of choices. Even though its a tourist destination the bay is so big and so broken up with limestone karsts you don't feel your in a crowd).
I would think about how you want to approach the Mekong Delta. You have a bit of a drive to and from HCM city and you want it to be worth it. We went on bike ride along Mekong tributary, visited the floating market and a fruit farm, and had some good food - all within 36 hours. Felt a little rushed. Mr V indicted if you had an extra day he would have you use on a bit farther into the delta and get a bit deeper into the countryside. Worth thinking about.
We had three principal guides on our trip (North, Central, South) along with guides who would lead individual excursions (float through a nature preserve, day out in the country on bikes etc). Two of the three guides we rate an 8/10 and the other we give a 7/10. All guides spoke English, had a good sense of humor and had a good command of their local area). English is their second language so on occasion both parties need to say something another way for absolute clarity - but this was part of the fun and never posed an obstacle. The excursion guides were all very good and some were outstanding. The guides made sure all logistics we're well managed, that dining options and logistics were managed with zero stress on our part and were open to changes on the fly. Twice we called for an early day to go enjoy our wonderful hotel or we indicated we would rather do A vs B - never a problem.
One thing not to miss is a private Cam Tru performance. This is in Hanoi. Its a traditional Vietnamese music form, almost gone, and the evening we had was quite special. A mother, daughter and mothers sister played and sang for just the two of us for over an hour. The music is quite foreign to an American ear but the experience was refreshingly authentic - fun and quite inexpensive.
We loved Pu Long - it was quite chilly when we were there and not heaters in the room but the eco lodges are wonderful, have great views from top of a small mountain overlooking rice fields, and the walks through the local villages a pleasure - people friendly, inquisitive...But do make sure you take a look at temps before you go - we both would have welcomed another sweater. I am told it was unusually cold this particular season. But don't skip it.
We loved Ha Long bay. Magical and is the Vietnam postcard of beauty.
We loved our bike rides. Took two longish ones 20-25 miles and a one shorter ones. They all bring you into contact with people out in the country. Terrain is largely flat. We had good bikes 2 of the 3 trips. Make sure to pay attention to your bike fit. We swapped out bikes once. I am 6' and the frames at one place were too small. They found me a larger one. I think some discussion with the agent on bikes if you are avid cyclist would be worth it. Lock in some good gear. Lots of outfitters so should be no problems finding what you want.
Surprisingly we liked HCMC more than Hanoi. We were only in Hanoi a short time so got a feel for the city which I appreciated but its a big sprawling city with some road chaos. HCM city is more populated but infrastructure is much more mature and the city quite prosperous. Easy to walk around- have a beer, a coffee, do some window shopping. I think having HCM city come at the end of the trip is the right pacing. see the country and then take a day to unwind in HCM city before going home.
We loved street food - guide recommended.
we climbed the 500 steps to late Kings tomb in Hoi An. At top you get a view and are met by a 94 year old women who lives locally and takes care of the tomb- she serenades you with confucian poems and quite open to talking about her life. We loved her and the experience. Her two friends, age 90, are a 1/3 and 2/3 of the way up - hardy stock,
We loved the people - friendly, open, happy to talk, happy to show you what they do. We spent some time with villagers, traditional ship builders, farmers, herders, fisherman etc. All easy to talk to.
Overall a great trip made possible by this travel company - I have no reservations recommending them for your own planning. I bombarded our agent with Q&A pre trip and all of this back and forth produced the itinerary below. Bill & Chris G
Snapshot
Day 1
Hanoi Arrival: pickup and driven to hotel to relax
No Meals
Day 2
Experiencing Daily life in Hanoi: A full day to explore Hanoi as a local and visit some highlight sights of the capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Duong Lam Ancient Village Exploration/Tu Phu Show: visit an authentic rural village, to experience rural life and enjoy a very special show with the theme of the traditional Vietnamese practice of spirit incarnation.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Hanoi/Pu Luong Discover: enjoy your sightseeing driving by car to Pu Luong – Vietnam Natural Reserve
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5
Pu Luong Hiking time : do your hiking, rafting to the natural sightseeing and get the close touch with local people
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Pu Luong/Ninh Binh: depart to the beautiful mountain landscape for your visit and explore the nature
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Ninh Binh Discover: another day to explore this wonderful natural sightseeing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Ninh Binh/Ha Long Bay: drive to Ha Long Bay and enjoy the 2 days – one night cruise to experience yourself in the marvelous landscape
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Ha Long Bay/Hanoi/Danang/Hoi An: return to Hanoi for your flight to Danang. Then drive to Hoi An Ancient Town where you’ll spend your night.
Meals: Brunch
Day 10
Hoi An From Farmer to Fisherman/Ancient Town: Today you will have an experience about Vietnamese local life with lots of dynamic activities plus enjoy the walking tour to discover the Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Hoi An Vespa Explore: discover the countryside on your vespa scooter
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12
Hoi An/Danang/Hue: you will leave for Hue – the old capital where you can learn more about the history of the the last feudal dynasty of Vietnam.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 13
Hue Heritage Tour: another day in this serenity city
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14
Cycling to the Real Local Life: A most interesting way to discover the charms of the ancient capital of Hue is to take a cycle ride around the surrounding countryside and villages.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15
Hue/Ho Chi Minh City: take your flight to Ho Chi Minh city – center of the south
Meals: Breakfast
Day 16
Ho Chi Minh City/Cu Chi Tunnels/Orientation- Discover the Night Life: enjoy the dynamic city via your visit some of special sites including the Tunnels.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17
Ho Chi Minh City/Mekong Delta biking/Can Tho: enjoy your biking day to the Mekong Delta to see the rural life, get in touch with local people and relax in the heart of Mekong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18
Can Tho- Soft Biking/Ho Chi Minh City: visit the floating market before continue your pedal and get back to the city where you’ll spend your night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 19
Ho Chi Minh City Departure: your time will be yours until the departure flight time to get back home
Meals: Breakfast
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