Globe Travel Centre
Northern Highlights of Vietnam, a tailor-made Vietnam itinerary

Vietnam · Discovery tour

Northern Highlights of Vietnam

9 nights · 10 days*Indicative price £1,595 ppHa Noi - Ninh Binh - Sa Pa - Ha Long Bay

Enquire about this tour
Sample itinerary, we tailor it to you

About this Vietnam itinerary

You can visit the main cultural sites of Ha Noi including the magnificent area of Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum. Travelling to Sa Pa offers the opportunity for some scenic trekking (to the degree that matches your fitness level). Back on level ground, you are off to Ninh Binh Province and the lovely village and surrounding area of Tam Coc. Here you can visit caves and travel on small rowing boats propelled by local ladies. And onto the jewel in the crown, Ha Long Bay where you have an overnight cruise, go kayaking, caving, swimming or simply relaxaing.

Trip highlights

  • Ha Noi is a vibrant city with narrow streets of the Old Quarter and wide boulevards of the French Q.
  • Relax on the spectacular Ha Long Bay cruise where you can enjoy splendid food, swimming and kayaking
  • Take a day trip to the lovely area of Ninh Binh to explore by small boats and by road.
  • Stay in Sa Pa in the Northern Highlands and see magnificent scenery and meet local ethnic people.
Route & map

Where the Northern Highlights of Vietnam route takes you

  1. Ha Noi

    3 nights

  2. Ninh Binh

    2 nights

  3. Sa Pa

    2 nights

  4. Ha Long Bay

    2 nights

Where you'll visit

Vibrant and exciting Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, is a buzzing city that oozes self-assurance. Because it was bombed far less during the war, its Old Quarter remains intact - with each street devoted to different wares, from shoes to chicken's feet, conical hats and deities. Sit back in the elegant French quarter and observe the city on parade; watch traditional water puppetry, or join a public Tai Chi session on the shores of the Hoan Kiem Lake. In the centre of the lake is a beautiful Chinese temple, reached by crossing an ornate red bridge. You may also wish to visit the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum complex and the Temple of Literature.

Day by day

Your itinerary, day by day

Arrival in Ha Noi You will be greeted at the airport by our Vietnam Travel Centre representativeand taken directly to your hotel to rest or explore as you choose. Ha Noi isthe capital city of Vietnam and the second largest city next to Ho Chi MinhCity (Saigon). It is a 1000 year old city that is packed full ofdiversity, character and vitality. The heart of the city is Hoan Kiem Lakewhere locals and tourists alike sit, walk or join in with daily Tai Chi andexercise groups. To the north of the city is the Old Quarter where anancient style of living among the narrow streets and tiny buildings dominates.To the south of the Lake is the elegant French Quarter with its wide tree linedboulevards and Colonial style architecture. After a rest and lunch, enjoy a relaxing Cyclo ride around the central area to get a snap shot of this vibrant and busy city. After the cyclo rid, you can enjoythe unique Water Puppet show accompanied by talented local musicians playingtraditional instruments. The rest of the evening is at your leisure. Overnightin Ha Noi.

Where you'll stay

Choose your comfort level

The route stays exactly the same, you are only choosing the level of hotel. Prices vary by category and your expert confirms the exact quote for the level you pick. Any individual stay can also be swapped.

When to go

The best time to visit Vietnam

Jan

24°C

60mm

Feb

25°C

50mm

Mar

27°C

50mm

Apr

30°C

90mm

May

32°C

190mm

Jun

33°C

240mm

Jul

33°C

290mm

Aug

32°C

310mm

Sep

31°C

260mm

Oct

29°C

160mm

Nov

27°C

90mm

Dec

24°C

60mm

29°C

Avg temperature

154mm

Avg rainfall

  • Best
  • Good
  • Monsoon

October to April, the sweet spot

The north has a cool, damp winter and a hot, wet summer, so October to April is the pick for Ha Noi, Sa Pa and Ha Long Bay. The centre around Hue and Hoi An is driest from February to August. The south stays warm all year and is at its best from December to April.

Good to know

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis unless stated otherwise
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with your own driver throughout
  • English speaking local guides at each destination
  • All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  • Boat trips and train journeys shown in the day by day plan
  • 24 hour support from our own team in Vietnam

Not included

  • International flights (quoted separately)
  • International flights and visa costs
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunches and dinners unless listed
  • Drinks, tips and items of a personal nature
  • Optional excursions and activities
Pricing

Indicative price

*Indicative price

£1,595

per person, twin share

Excluding international flights

Prices exclude international flights. Includes accommodation, private transport, sightseeing and activities as described. This is a private tour, fully customisable. Adjust hotels, add destinations, change the pace. Final price varies with group size, season and hotel choice. Share your preferred dates and we will send a personalised itinerary and an accurate quote.

Image gallery

A glimpse of the journey

Sampans on the river winding through golden rice fields and karst mountains at Ninh Binh
Ha Noi team member 1, Vietnam specialistHa Noi team member 2, Vietnam specialistHa Noi team member 3, Vietnam specialistHa Noi team member 4, Vietnam specialistHa Noi team member 5, Vietnam specialist

Make this trip yours

Our Vietnam team will reshape every day of this itinerary around you, then price it properly.

Start planning

Other journeys in Vietnam

Southern Highlights of Vietnam (includes Phu Quoc), a tailor-made Vietnam itinerary

Discovery · 9 nights

Southern Highlights of Vietnam (includes Phu Quoc)

Discover the south of Vietnam with this 9 night tour where you can explore historic HCM City and its famous underground network of war- time tunnels and enjoy the hustle and bustle of this large and busy city. Relax in the more rural setting of the Mekong Delta travelling around the region by small local boat and bicycle visiting the lush natural settings of area, seeing how locals live their lives on and by the River. Complete the tour with a few nights on the adorable island of Phu Quoc where the order of the day is beaches, a slow pace and relaxation.

*Indicative price £1,595 pp

Coastal Highlights of Vietnam, a tailor-made Vietnam itinerary

Coastal · 13 nights

Coastal Highlights of Vietnam

Travel along the coastline of Vietnam with this special tour. Starting with a discovery of Ha Noi and cruise through Ha Long Bay. You will then travel south to the culturally rich town of Hoi An before heading further south to the beach resorts of Nha Trang where you can snorkel and dive in clear blue waters and to see the mysterious sand dunes of Mui Ne and join in with the local speciality sport of wind surfing or just relax on the wide expanse of beach. Your tour ends on HCM CIty.

*Indicative price £2,195 pp

9 nights · *Indicative price £1,595 pp

Enquire about this tour