Upon arrival to Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 1-hour drive). Check in time is after 2 PM.

Hop on a vintage Vespa and dive into the heart of Hanoi on an adventurous ride through hidden alleyways, historic landmarks, lakeside roads, and lesser-known corners that reveal the city’s vibrant past and present. You will be picked up from your hotel and ride through Hanoi’s narrow streets. The journey begins in the French Quarter with a stop at the elegant Hanoi Opera House, where your guide introduces French colonial architecture and shares stories of Vietnam’s 20th-century history. Next, you’ll pass by the famous railway tracks to observe daily life unfolding just centimeters from the passing trains, offering a fascinating glimpse into how locals live and work in this unique setting.

After a short ride toward the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, pause at a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Presidential Palace, Parliament House, and other government buildings, while your guide explains how Hanoi has evolved over time. Ride past the Botanical Garden and through quiet alleyways lined with narrow houses before reaching Huu Tiep Lake, home to the remains of a B-52 bomber shot down during the 1972 bombing raids—an evocative reminder of the city’s wartime past.

The Vespa ride continues to West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, where you’ll enjoy scenic views, lakeside villas, and a look at the city’s more affluent residential areas. Travel along Thanh Nien Street and stop at Truc Bach Lake to visit the John McCain Monument, learning about the historical event connected to this site. Ride around West Lake with several stops for panoramic views before visiting Phu Tay Ho Temple, one of Hanoi’s most important spiritual landmarks.

Continue along the lakeside past seasonal flower farms—lotus fields in summer and colorful blossoms in winter—before stopping to see the Twin Dragon sculptures, built in 2010 as a modern symbol of Hanoi. Next, visit Van Nien Pagoda, one of the city’s oldest pagodas, founded in 1010 by King Ly Cong Uan, where your guide shares its history and legends. After an active morning, relax with a cup of Vietnamese coffee, including the chance to try Hanoi’s famous egg coffee.

For the final highlight, ride out to the historic Long Bien Bridge, a century-old structure spanning the Red River and connecting Hoan Kiem and Long Bien districts, with views of the floating communities below. The tour concludes with a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, after which your Vespa team will take you back to your hotel.

Note: If you take this tour in the PM, you will have lunch before starting the sightseeing

Hanoi has a vibrant local nightlife scene. As daytime temperatures drop, locals and travelers alike take to the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake for a relaxing evening. Travel through the heart of Hanoi with a 30 minute cyclo ride around the lake. A cyclo is a bicycle cab with a roof, pedaled by a driver who sits behind you, allowing you to immerse yourself in an old atmosphere of an area that perfectly captures the timelessness and nostalgia of Vietnam. Leaving the lakeside area, the cyclo continued to weave through the crowded streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter. We will finish at the well known Bia Hoi Ta Hien where you will taste local beer and some local snack (peanut, frit chips, Vietnamese pork sausage) while our guide introduces you about Vietnamese cuisine and enjoy the dynamic nightlife of Hanoi, ending the day as a local Hanoian before getting back to hotel.

Meal: Lunch, light dinner with beer and local snacks/ finger foods

Overnight at hotel

In the morning, leave Hanoi and head to Hoang Su Phi – an amazing land tucked away in the remote mountains of Ha Giang, renowned for its spectacular terraced rice fields, dramatic landscapes, and unspoiled natural beauty. Home to diverse ethnic communities, the region offers a rich cultural tapestry where traditional customs, colorful markets, and time-honored ways of life remain deeply rooted.

In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at Panhou Retreat, a peaceful oasis nestled in the Song Chay mountains. Check in hotel to rest, and recharge before beginning your journey the next morning.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast at Panhou Retreat, trek to Nam Nghi, a Red Dao village famous for Shan Tuyet tea, where you can admire the expansive rice terraces and learn about the villagers’ agricultural lifestyle. In the afternoon, continue hiking through tea plantations and arrive at Phin Ho for dinner and an overnight stay with a Red Dao family.

Trekking distance: Approx. 20km/ 6h 

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner 

Overnight at local homestay

Early in the morning, enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere and the warmth of the fireplace. After breakfast, trek through golden rice terraces to Yen Son Valley, where you will have lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, continue along the river to reach Lang Giang Village and return to the resort. 

Check in hotel and enjoy a hot mineral bath and herbal oil massage.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast at Pan Hou Retreat, depart by private vehicle for Yen Minh Town, traveling through one of Ha Giang’s most picturesque mountain routes. The journey winds through remote valleys, terraced hillsides, and dense forests, offering frequent opportunities to stop and admire the dramatic landscapes of northern Vietnam.

En route, pause at several scenic viewpoints overlooking Hoang Su Phi’s famous rice terraces (seasonal), Quan Ba heaven gate which offers the fascinating scenery and the famous Twin Mountains. These stops provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate the region’s unspoiled beauty. Then getting through the Lung Tam commune which is set amongst perfect surrounding nature before paying visiting to Mrs. Mai’s workshop in which this kind lady gathers over 100 Hmong and Dzao women who have to suffer difficult situation, help them to learn of traditional weaving and embroidery so that to be able to earn good living. Stop occasionally to visit an ethnic minority village inhabited by H’Mong communities. Take short walks through the village to observe traditional wooden and earthen houses, daily farming activities, and local craftsmanship, while your guide shares insights into customs, beliefs, and rural life.

Arrive in Yen Minh Town in the afternoon, nestled in a peaceful valley surrounded by pine forests and limestone mountains. After check-in at your hotel, the remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the town at your own pace.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch 

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, continue the trip along road 4C through a series of magnificent valleys which are surrounded by wall-up mountains. Visit the Lung Cam Tren village where the Hmong changed their way of life from sifting into sedentary ones from about 100 years ago which help them to have a better life than many others. Leaving Lung Cam and transferring to Sa Phin valley. This portion of the road offers marvelous scenery of the Rocky Plateau. Spend an hour visiting the historical site of the Vuong family palace who ruled over the region, controlling opium production and trading until 1945. Next, transfer to Dong Van town where you will walk around the ancient town before having lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, say goodbye to Dong Van and head to the peak of Ma Pi Leng to admire the stunning panoramic views of a rocky mountain, beautiful Nho Que river and paddy field terraces. 

Then continue to Bao Lac. Check in hotel and free at leisure.

Road transfer: 150km/ 4.5 hour driving  

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, get a scenic journey through some of northern Vietnam’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Traveling by road, you’ll pass through dramatic mountain passes, winding rivers, and quiet ethnic minority villages, with opportunities to stop for photos and short walks along the way. The route offers an authentic glimpse into rural life in Cao Bang Province before arriving at the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, Vietnam’s largest and most impressive waterfall, cascading across the border between Vietnam and China.

Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest waterfall in Vietnam, where powerful cascades plunge over limestone terraces amid lush greenery along the Vietnam–China border. Enjoy time to explore the area, take photos, or relax by the river while soaking in the dramatic scenery. For a closer view of the waterfalls, take a bamboo raft ride on the Quay Son River. 

Check in hotel and free at leisure.

Road transfer: 200km/ ~5 hour driving  

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at hotel

After breakfast, discover Nguom Ngao Cave, one of the region’s most impressive limestone caves. Located just 3 kilometers from Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave is a fascinating limestone cave known for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. The cave stretches for several kilometers underground, with large chambers and narrow passages creating an otherworldly landscape. 

Set out on a guided trek through its vast chambers, following well-lit paths that reveal spectacular stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millions of years. The walk through the cave offers a cool, mysterious contrast to the open landscapes of Ban Gioc, rounding off an unforgettable discovery in Cao Bang Province.

Afterwards, leave Cao Bang and head to Ba Be lake - Vietnam's largest natural lake, surrounded by beautiful limestone cliffs and lush forests. 

In the late afternoon, arrive at Coc Toc, a charming Tay ethnic village, located on the shores of Ba Be Lake. Surrounded by limestone mountains and lush forests, the village offers an authentic glimpse into rural life, where age-old customs, fishing traditions, and warm hospitality remain beautifully preserved.

Check in your local homestay then free time to walk around the village to see the local daily life. 

Road transfer: 209km/ ~5.5 hour driving  

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Overnight at homestay

After breakfast, transfer to the pier and board a traditional boat for a scenic cruise across one of Vietnam’s most beautiful natural lakes. Glide over the calm waters of Ba Be Lake, surrounded by limestone mountains, dense forests, and quiet villages along the shoreline. Your guide will introduce the unique ecosystem of the lake and the daily life of the Tay ethnic communities living in the area.

Cruise past key sections of the lake, including Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng, offering excellent photo opportunities of the dramatic karst scenery and floating fishing platforms. Continue along the Nang River, where the landscape gradually narrows into lush jungle and rocky cliffs.

Disembark near Dau Dang Waterfall and take a short walk through the forest to reach the cascades. Here, the Nang River tumbles powerfully over a series of limestone steps, creating an impressive and refreshing natural spectacle. Spend time exploring the area, enjoying the sounds of rushing water, and relaxing in the pristine surroundings.

After the visit, return to the boat for the cruise back to the pier. 

Road transfer to Hanoi in the afternoon (4.5 hour drive).

Check in hotel and free at leisure.

Road transfer: 217km/ ~4.5 hour driving  

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Overnight at hotel

Journey deep into the Vietnamese countryside with your private driver and English-speaking guide on a scenic drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay, set along the Gulf of Tonkin. While an overnight stay is highly recommended, this extraordinary natural wonder is still easily accessible from Hanoi on a day trip for those with limited time.

Renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts, towering islands, hidden grottoes, and shimmering aquamarine waters, Ha Long Bay is a must-see highlight of Northern Vietnam. The name Ha Long translates to “Descending Dragon,” inspired by local legends in which dragons are believed to have protected this national treasure, shaping its unique geomorphology.

Upon arrival, embark on a four-hour cruise through the bay, gliding past iconic formations such as Hon Cho Da, Hon Dinh Huong, and Hon Ga Choi, while enjoying a freshly prepared seafood lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore quieter islands and spectacular caves, including the majestic Dau Go Grotto and the enchanting Thien Cung Cave, famed for their impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

After a memorable day on the water, relax on the return journey back to Hanoi. 

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. End tour.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch