View from the Bich Dong Pagoda at Ninh Binh Province in Vietnam.

History & Culture Tour of North Vietnam

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Vietnam

Places Visited

Hanoi, Duong Lam, Sapa, Thac Bac...

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Suggested Duration

14 Days

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,...

Customizable Itinerary

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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

$4,200 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

The starting price is based on travel during the low season for a minimum of two travelers staying in shared 3-star accommodations. Please inquire for a custom trip quote based on your travel preferences and travel dates.

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