Journey through Northern Vietnam A Cultural Exploration from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Your journey begins with an overnight flight to Northern Vietnam. From the peaceful rice paddies of Mai Chau to the towering limestone peaks rising from the waters of Ha Long Bay, and from the warm-hearted locals of Ninh Binh to the vibrant pulse of Hanoi, prepare for a cultural adventure.

Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital. With its tree-lined boulevards, French colonial facades, and a street food culture that hums with energy, Hanoi offers a rich and layered introduction to the country. Since arrival times vary, today is yours to explore at your leisure. You might stroll through a local market, unwind at a lakeside café, or simply take in the rhythm of the city. Tonight, dinner is on your own — perhaps sample a steaming bowl of pho or crispy bánh xèo from a nearby eatery.

Step into the heart of Vietnamese tradition with a visit to the home of a master water puppet artist, where you’ll experience this centuries-old art form. Then, hop aboard a cyclo — a three-wheeled bicycle taxi — for a guided ride through the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. This evening, stroll down lively Beer Street to sample local brews, and cap off the day with a welcome dinner.

This morning, it’s your choice! Head into Hanoi’s narrow backstreets to visit the famed Train Street, where homes and cafés sit inches from the railway line -OR- sit down to a bowl of bún cha at Huong Lien Restaurant, the very spot where President Obama and Anthony Bourdain once shared this staple dish. After, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Vietnam’s first university, the Temple of Literature. Enjoy lunch at a social enterprise restaurant that empowers disadvantaged youth through culinary training. This evening, hop on the back of a Vespa for a guided food tour through the Old Quarter, sampling local favorites like pho and egg coffee while weaving through the city’s lively night scene.