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Paddies & Pagodas of Northern Vietnam: January 21-30, 2026

Trip Summary: Journey through Northern Vietnam’s untamed landscapes, from Hanoi’s ancient streets to the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay. Trek through Ba Be National Park’s pristine jungles, meet artisans preserving centuries-old crafts in mountain villages, and sail past limestone karsts to golden beaches. This adventure perfectly balances natural wonders with authentic cultural encounters in Vietnam’s less-traveled north.

Trip Highlights

  • Home Stay with locals in the mountains of Vietnam
  • Luxe cruise in Lan Ha Bay and overnight on a jungle island
  • Visits with local artisans including potters, incense-makers, and weavers
  • Ban Gioc Waterfall Visit
  • Kayaking, hiking, and incredible cuisine

Daily Itinerary:

Day 1 – January 21 – Arrive in Vietnam’s capital and dive straight into its vibrant food culture with an evening street food tour through the Old Quarter’s hidden alleyways, ending at scenic Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 2 – January 22 – Dive deeper into Vietnam’s history and culture on a guided tour of Hanoi’s highlights including Tran Quoc pagoda, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature. In the afternoon, visit Bat Trang Pottery village to meet local artisans and take a hands-on pottery workshop.

Day 3 – January 23 – Journey to the mountainous and jungle-filled interior of Vietnam. Spend the day kayaking on the Nang River in Ba Be National Park, exploring the massive Puong cave, and navigating through dramatic limestone cliffs.

Day 4 – January 24 – Trek through Ba Be’s pristine jungle ecosystem, visiting Tham Khit cave and the sacred An Ma temple this morning before transferring to Cao Bang.

Day 5 – January 25 – Today, explore all of Cao Bang’s craft villages, including Phia Thap’s century-old incense making, traditional blacksmithing at Phuc Sen, and visits to tile-making and paper-making communities. Evening at a local Nung family homestay.

Day 6 – January 26 – Visit the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall spanning the Vietnam-China border and then drive see the rice paddies of Lang Son in the afternoon.

Day 7 – January 27 – Transfer to coastal Vietnam today and board an overnight cruise of Lan Ha Bay. You’ll have the chance to kayak and swim and end the day with a cooking and squid fishing demonstration.

Day 8 – January 28 – Relax on your luxurious cruise as the boat explores the emerald waters and towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. You’ll disembark at Cat Ba Island for an afternoon and evening enjoying a tropical white sand beach.

Day 9 – January 29 – Enjoy the crystal waters and jungle backdrop of Cat Ba island this morning. Then transfer back to Hanoi for some free time in the city and a final farewell dinner.

Day 10 – January 30 – Private transportation will take you back to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) airport for your return flights home.

*𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲.

PRICING: $5,845

Inclusions:

  • 10 days & 9 nights’ accommodations
  • Single occupancy, boutique hotels
  • Airport transfer
  • Local transportation
  • Street Food Tour
  • Hanoi City Tour
  • Ba be National Park Visit
  • Homestay with locals
  • Vietnam Village Trek
  • Ha Long Bay Cruise
  • Daily breakfast
  • Daily group lunch
  • Daily group dinner
  • COVID antigen testing for USA re-entry, if applicable

Exclusions:

  • Roundtrip airfare to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)
  • Travel Insurance
  • Optional excursions and tours not listed above
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Meals not listed above
  • Alcoholic Beverages not listed
  • Visa required for entry
    Find all the details and pricing on our website.
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