The Thousand-Year Northern Treasure

NOT JUST A TOUR — This is a quest to discover the soul of Northern Vietnam, a journey that promises to awaken your senses and ignite your spirit of adventure.

Share this tour

Trip Information

Prepare to be amazed, enchanted, and inspired. Let the whispers of a thousand years guide you through the lively allure of the capital to the tranquil and awe-inspiring splendor of world heritage treasures. 

Join us for an unforgettable exploration where every moment holds the promise of wonder.

Min Departure: From 2 persons (please contact for private solo travelers)

Max Departure: 12 persons

Trip highlights

Itenerary

Day 1

“HOLES IN THE WORLD” AWAIT

(Dinner included)

Hanoi City Highlights: Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, One-pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature

The charming capital of Vietnam is such an old town where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern vibrancy. The journey is curated through the most iconic landmarks, offering a deep dive into the city’s rich heritage and timeless beauty.

A chance to pay homage to the founding father of modern Vietnam at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum to see his embalmed body, affectionately known by the people as ‘Uncle Ho’. 

Visit the one-pillar pagoda, followed by the Temple of Literature, a fine example of traditional Vietnamese architecture founded in 1070, which is a testament to the country’s dedication to education and Confucian principles.

Speciality Lunch and Old Town Walking Tour

Cha Ca La Vong is a piece of Hanoi’s history and quintessence. Small chucks of boneless catfish are marinated with turmeric, fermented rice, and galangal and grilled on a charcoal fire. This is certainly a MUST experience for those visiting Hanoi! 

We believe that the old vibe of the bustling streets of Hanoi Old Town is the key factor in making the city unforgettable. Each of our steps offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past and dynamic present, where every corner has a local story to tell through ups and downs, and every moment is an opportunity to connect with the heart and spirit of Vietnam.

Food tour in Hanoi 

Welcome to the “Holes in the World” food tour in the heart of the capital. This one-of-a-kind culinary experience will take you on a journey to discover the authentic and iconic Vietnamese foods that have been passed down through generations. We focus on exploring the most connected eateries, often hidden in unexpected and unconventional locations throughout Hanoi, from a hidden alley to a rooftop or ancient condo. 

Throughout this food tour, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the local community, learn about their culinary traditions, and taste the legitimate and iconic Vietnamese foods that have made Hanoi a gastronomic paradise. Get ready for a memorable journey into the heart of Hanoi’s food culture in the most unexpected and locally connected way possible.

Day 2

A MORNING IN “FORGOTTEN OLD TOWN"

(Breakfast, Lunch)

For such a first day to truly see the vibrant and busy but very typical capital of Hanoi, let’s get away from the crowd to experience the outskirts: Duong Lam Village. 

About 44 km from the city center, the village offers such an interesting part of the thousand-year capital, where we can learn about the lifestyle of Hanoian back to 400 years ago. 

Cycling to explore 

Duong Lam Village still retains the basic features of a traditional northern village, with a village gate, a communal yard, and ancient houses that date back up to 400 years. Prepare your sore muscles, because we’re cycling all the way!

Join us in making a fascinating local treat.

Here, locals will show you how to make Che Lam – a not-to-be-missed delicacy cake/dessert. And that’s time to practice! Join a hand with us to make your own Che Lam. 

Lunch will take place in an ancient house as the best way to savor the rustic flavors of this century-old village and sense the adaptive gap between the old and the modern. We know that welcoming guests to your private home normally means a close friendship, but here in Vietnam, everybody is warmly welcome!

We dare you to say goodbye to the old town with a … thuốc lào puff!!!

Before getting back to the capital, would you try one puff of Thuoc Lao – A popular Vietnamese tobacco and an entertaining type of smoking that is an old tradition nowadays and is becoming a habit among the Vietnamese?

Warning: it’s f*cking STRONG!!!!

Day 3

WANDERING IN THE LAND OF WONDER

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Check-out and transfer to Lan Ha Bay: A member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays

The islands of Lan Ha Bay are located in the south of Ha Long Bay, covered in green, producing a wild and beautiful grandeur. While Halong Bay is more popular among visitors, Lan Ha Bay is a more tranquil and less crowded alternative with equally breathtaking vistas.

We will be taking a luxurious craft from the wharf via the bay. The first sail is held for Lan Ha Bay. Enjoy a delightful, fresh luncheon. 

We next visit Tra Bau area – an unspoiled area where kayaking is the best experience to discover its truest beauty. 

In the early evening, join a cooking demonstration of making “spring rolls” – the best combination of flavors and structures. 

Do not miss the greatest sunset on your Vietnam trip!

Additionally, you have tons of other facilities, such as  exotic cocktails, spa service, sky bar, etc

And ONLY AT HUM: We offer an upgrade of a charter cruise for groups of 8 guests!

Day 4

A SPECTACULAR SEE-YOU-AGAIN

A promising moment to the profound sense of peace and wonder – sunrise on the bay. Boost your energy with a Tai Chi session then enjoy breakfast while cruising back to Gia Luan Jetty. 

Immerse yourself in the ecosystem of the limestone cave in Cat Ba World Biosphere by transshipment. This is not only a haven for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, but it also serves as a vital conservation area, preserving the rich ecological heritage of the region. 

Return from the cave and do the cabin checkout. Brunch is also served.

What are you seeking? Here, we have tons of niche experiences and are waiting for you! 

FAQs

01

Which airports will I be flying in and out of, along with their codes?

Arrival: You'll touchdown at Hanoi - Noi Bai Airport (HAN). Departure: You'll bid farewell from Ho Chi Minh City - Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN).
02

Can the itinerary change?

Yup, the itinerary can change! Sometimes things like availability, weather, or unexpected stuff might shake things up a bit. Don't worry, we'll try to keep things awesome and may tweak the plan to keep it fresh.
03

What time should I aim to arrive for the welcome meeting on Day 1?

Try to make it before 3 pm on Day 1. But hey, even if you're running late, we'll sort you out with an airport transfer.
04

What time should my departure flight be on the final day?

The last day is chill with no fixed activities, so leave whenever suits you best.
05

Are airport transfers included?

Arrival: If you're there on Day 1 or crashing with us before, we've got your back with an arrival transfer. For other plans, kindly just sort your own ride. Departure: Since everyone's schedules vary, we don't arrange departure transfers. But we can help you find local transport options.
06

Are tips included in the cost?

Nope, tips aren't part of the deal. For a rough guide:
  • Trip Leader: 10-15 USD per day
  • Drivers: 4-5 USD per day
Your Trip Leader will help with local tipping advice. We'll collect tips during the welcome meeting. It's all up to you!
07

Do I need a visa?

Yes. E-visa should be issued before your arrival. To get an e-visa:      - Single entry: 25 USD      - Multiple entries: 50 USD The Vietnamese Single Entry eVisa allows up to a 90-day stay. Apply at least 10 business days before your trip. Keep an eye out for any visa changes before you go.
08

What vaccinations and medications are recommended?

We highly recommend to:
  • Chat with a healthcare pro at least eight weeks before your trip.
  • Check in with local health advice based on where you're from.
  • Stay updated on travel advisories from your home country.
UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice. US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialized health information. Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.
  • Pack enough prescription meds and bring copies of your prescriptions just in case.
09

What can I expect in terms of hotels and food quality?

The accommodations selected have been chosen for their prime locations and cozy amenities, although they may not all be categorized as luxurious. While we strive to ensure your comfort and enjoyment, it's important to acknowledge that standards can vary across countries. We understand that a significant aspect of travel is delving into local culinary delights. Nevertheless, fret not, as you will find an array of familiar Western dishes available in major urban centers such as Ha Noi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City to cater to diverse tastes.
10

How much should I budget per day for additional expenses?

Expect to splash around 30 GBP (40 USD) a day for extras, excluding drinks. Trying local eats can help keep costs down. Enjoy!

Price

Contact us

Tour type

Land tour

Duration

4 days 3 nights

Location

Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay

Language

English

Departure

January

Depart from

Ho Chi Minh City

Quantity

2 - 12 people

Contact for private solo traveler

Related trips

More Adventures Like This

CONTACT US

Let us understand you better

Have questions or need assistance? It only takes you 3 minutes to fill out our contact form, and our team will get back within 24 hours.

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.