September 15, 2025
3 minute read
Northern Vietnam is a region where history and nature meet in striking ways. From the limestone cliffs of Ha Long Bay to the tranquil valleys of Mai Chau, every stop offers a chance to experience the beauty of the land, the rhythm of daily life, and the culture and history that have developed over centuries.
And that’s exactly what you’ll do on our new tour, Journey Through Northern Vietnam: A Cultural Exploration from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay.
Let’s get started.
The adventure begins in Hanoi, Vietnam’s buzzing capital city where tradition and modern life stand side by side. Here, a stroll can bring you everything from French colonial facades and ancient temples to food stalls and streets buzzing with motorbikes.
After taking a day to settle into the city’s rhythm, you’ll step into the home of a water puppet master for an intimate look at this centuries-old art form. A guided ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter and visits to landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Complex and the Temple of Literature provide perspective on Vietnam’s past. And then, of course, you’ll get your first taste of authentic Vietnamese food — from the back of a Vespa, which will take you on a guided food tour.
From the busy streets of Hanoi, the pace slows in the valley of Mai Chau, where misty mountains, stilt houses, and rice fields paint a picture of rural living. Here, you’ll meet a Vietnam War veteran in Hich Village, visit a women’s cooperative in Lac Village, and gather for a traditional home-hosted dinner.
It’s a stop filled with living history, personal encounters, and stories shared by the people who call this valley home.
The adventure continues to Ninh Binh, often called “Ha Long Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone scenery. Explore your first UNESCO site of the journey at Hoa Lu, an ancient capital that dates back more than 1,000 years. Then trade ruins for rivers as you glide through your second UNESCO site, the quiet waterways of Trang An — a site known for its labyrinth of limestone caves and jungle-covered peaks.
You’ll also sit down for another home-hosted meal, this one starting with a market visit and a hands-on cooking class before digging in. You may just end up with an authentic recipe to recreate back home.
While you may have visited “Ha Long Bay on land,” no journey to Northern Vietnam is complete without the Ha Long Bay, where emerald waters are dotted with thousands of towering limestone islands. It’s no exaggeration to call it a feast for the eyes. And you’ll experience it in the most unforgettable way: from the water itself. Spend two nights aboard a cruise boat, where you’ll wake with sunrise Tai Chi, explore a coastal village, kayak through coves, and more.
This isn’t just a visit to Vietnam — it’s an introduction to the people, traditions, and heritage that define it. Conversations in family homes, shared meals, and visits to local enterprises all add depth to a small group adventure filled with spectacular landscapes and deep-rooted history.
Your journey into Northern Vietnam starts here. Are you ready to go?
ABN 32 600 161 671 © 2014 Collette Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. © 2025 Collette Worldwide Holidays Australian Division. All Rights Reserved.
