North to South - Best of Vietnam
Trip Overview
Bring the whole family along on this two-week adventure taking in Vietnam’s highlights. Start your journey in the capital Hanoi soaking up the atmosphere and touring the city landmarks before hiking through valleys and terraced rice fields in Sapa, spending a night at Topas Riverside Lodge. Head higher up into the mountains to relax and unwind at Topas Ecolodge, before heading south to central Vietnam, exploring the charm and history of the ancient merchant town, Hoi An. End your trip in the south’s laid-back Mekong Delta and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City.
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Highlights
- Staying at the world-renowned Topas Ecolodge high in the hills of Sapa
- Hiking through terraced rice fields, mountains and jungles deep in northern Vietnam and seeing minority villages
- Discovering the capital of Hanoi and beautiful Halong Bay
This Tour is Perfect for
- Exploring Northern Vietnam’s highlights and lesser visited mountain areas
- Relaxing after the travel restrictions due to Covid 19!
- Diving into the local culture of the Vietnamese as well as ethnic minorities
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 2: Visit Bat Trang ceramic village. Evening Jeep Tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Nam Cang
Day 4: Nam Cang – Topas Ecolodge
Day 5: Topas Ecolodge – Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long
Day 7: Bai Tu Long – Hanoi. Flight to Danang
Day 8: Hoi An cooking & lantern making
Day 9: Free day in Hoi An
Day 10: Free day in Hoi An
Day 11: Hoi An – Danang. Flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Vespa night tour
Day 12: Saigon – Mekong Delta
Day 13: Mekong Delta
Day 14: Mekong Delta – Saigon. Departure
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi – Welcome to the land of the ascending dragon
Xin chao and welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by your Topas guide to the capital before heading straight to your hotel in the heart of the city. The day is yours to spend at your leisure discovering Hanoi, perhaps wandering the streets and alleys of the iconic Old Quarter and enjoying the evening promenade around Hoan Kiem Lake. You can of course speak to your guide for some tips on what to do.
Included meals: N/A
Distance and activities: 45’ drive
Day 2: Hanoi – Bat Trang Ceramic Village and Sunset & Night tour by jeep
After eating breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up and driven to Bat Trang Ceramics Village. This half-day tour takes you to the most famous and long-established pottery village in Vietnam, having existed for over a hundred years. Here you will have the chance to see the local artisans carrying out their craft and even try your hand at making your own ceramic product.
First stop on the tour will be a visit to Bat Trang communal house, which was built during the reign of Le Du Tong between 1719 and 1720. Next, you’ll visit an old French building, built in the 1920s as well as the workshop of one of the ceramic artists, Tran Van Do or To Thanh Son. Here, the artists will guide you through the ceramic making process and you’ll have a chance to try it for yourself. Returning to the city center, you can enjoy some free time in the afternoon exploring the city until your evening tour begins.
At 5pm you will be picked up to embark on a Sunset & Night tour, travelling by jeep. You could spend a decade living in Hanoi and still be surprised at the number of hidden gems within its narrow streets. Gilded temples, quiet lake-side pagodas, and romantic French villas clamor for space on Hanoi’s narrow streets, while wide tree-lined boulevards lead to impressive historical attractions and dreamy lakes. Experiencing the city as it moves from daytime into evening is made even more special by travelling in a vintage Jeep.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance and activities: 4.5-hour tour by jeep
Highlights of the jeep tour include:
- Driving through the chronology of time in Hanoi from the ancient to the ultra-modern.
- Cruising around the enchanting French Colonial Quarter and vibrant Old Quarter.
- Passing by the must-see highlights of Hanoi such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Presidential Palace, Ba Dinh Square, Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Temple, West Lake, Truc Bach Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, the Opera House, Saint Joseph Cathedral and the train tracks.
- Crossing the historical Long Bien bridge, stopping to admire the sunset
- Savoring the seven food wonders of Hanoi
- Sampling healthy and authentic Hanoi specialties
- Sipping unique egg coffee, green tea, sugar cane juice and fresh local beer (Bia Hoi)
Day 3: From Hanoi – Topas Riverside Lodge
You’ll be picked up early by the Topas Mountain Express and start the five-hour journey to Thanh Phu Bridge, followed by another short transfer to Nam Cang village. Upon arrival, you’ll walk through the village, cross a small bridge and check into your private room in the comfortable Topas Riverside Lodge.
The afternoon can be spent visiting the Red Dao minority village. Nam Cang lies in one of the most remote areas of Sapa and the Red Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse clothing of all Vietnam’s ethnic groups. The Red Dao people are skilled in herbal bath preparation, herbal medicine and embroidery, as well as several artisan crafts. Your guide will show you around the village where you can learn how the villagers make writing paper, silver jewelry and embroidery.
Back at the lodge, there’ll be time to relax with a cold beer or jump in the river that runs in front of the lodge. Enjoy the evening in the cozy atmosphere of the lodge, chatting or playing board games.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance and activities: 5-hour drive, village tour
Grade: easy/ 2 hours walking.
Optional add on: Join a local woman and pick your own mixture of herbs and spend the evening in a special traditional bath, based on your blend. This must be pre-booked and is not included in the tour price.
Day 4: Deeper into the mountains. Topas Riverside Lodge – Topas Ecolodge
The hike will depart from Topas Riverside Lodge, heading through the quiet lanes of Nam Cang village. You will soon be rewarded with views of rice terraces, cassava and cinnamon fields. Continue hiking uphill while enjoying views of the beautiful deep valley behind you. Soon you’ll start trekking along a jungle path thick with huge trees, bamboo, and lush plants and herbs used by the Red Dao for their medicine and herbal treatments. After some time, you’ll reach a pretty stream and waterfall where you can swim in the natural pool or just cool down by dipping your feet in the water. Across a suspension bridge, another cool waterfall cascades down from the mountains – the perfect spot to rest and take in the beauty of nature.
Refreshed and invigorated, you’ll start the hike back to Topas Riverside Lodge. Here a delicious BBQ lunch will be served in the lodge garden by a local Red Dzao lady. Smoked Nam Cang salmon or sturgeon, vegetables, tofu and beef with mushrooms will be served straight from the grill on a bed of freshly picked herbs. Take your time to enjoy the BBQ feast on the riverbank in front of the lodge or booking a special footbath (with additional charge and must be booked in advance) to soothe your muscles and increase blood circulation.
After lunch, it will be time to collect your bags and board our private vehicle for the trip up to the stunning Topas Ecolodge, where you’ll check-in to your own private bungalow complete with a balcony before spending the rest of the day at your leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance and activities: 8km jungle hike, 45′ transfer
Grade: Easy/ 2,5 – 3 hours walking
Day 5: Topas Ecolodge – Hanoi
The day is yours to spend at your leisure until a mid-afternoon departure for Hanoi via the Topas Mountain Express. Simply enjoy the lodge grounds and views, taking a dip in the mountain infinity pools, or talk to us if you’d like to take another trek into the surrounding mountains. The lodge spa is also available, alongside a selection of restaurants with local and international options.
Depart from the Ecolodge at 14:15, refreshed and rejuvenated from your time spent in nature.
Included meals: Breakfast
Distance and activities: 5-hour drive, leisure time, trekking (optional)
Day 6: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Ha Long Bay for your overnight cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.
At midday we will arrive at Sunworld International Harbor in Ha Long City where you will transfer by tender to your Tonkin cruise boat. Enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing before checking in to your cabin.
After settling in you will begin cruising through Bai Tu Long Bay while enjoying a delicious set menu lunch. After lunch, you will have the opportunity to kayak to explore some of the picturesque lagoons, swim in the bay and relax at Cap La beach. Back on board, you will have the chance to unwind with happy hour drinks (from 5h30pm- 7h30pm), taking in the sun setting over the bay, while the boat gently cruises to Cong Dong-Cong Do area where it will anchor overnight.
At 7pm a BBQ dinner will be served on the sundeck (weather permitting). After dinner you will be free to try your hand at squid fishing or relax with some activities onboard the boat, such as playing board games or guitar, watching a movie or even indulging in some karaoke (please request in advance), or simply enjoy some beverages at the luxury sky bar which stocks a good selection of wines, cocktails, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance and activities: 3-hour drive, kayaking, swimming, squid fishing
Day 7: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Flight to Danang – Hoi An
Wake up early to experience Tai Chi aboard your boat.
After Tai Chi, you can enjoy a light breakfast before hopping aboard a bamboo boat to visit Vung Vieng fishing village where you will discover the daily life of the fishing communities, before heading back to the main boat.
Check-out is at 9.30am, after which you can relax on the sundeck enjoying the last scenery of Ha Long Bay over an early lunch while the boat makes its way back to shore.
Just before midday you will disembark and relax in the cafe lounge before transferring to Hanoi to take a short flight to Danang. Upon arrival in Danang, you will transfer to your hotel in Hoi An, where you will have the remainder of the day to spend at your leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance and activities: Fishing village tour, 4.5-hour drive, 1h20’ flight
Day 8: Hoi An – Cooking class and Lantern making
Today you will delve into some of the town’s history and sample signature flavors of central Vietnam in this 5-hour walking, cycling and cooking tour around Hoi An.
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel to start your cooking tour. You’ll cycle to a nearby food market, accompanied by a local chef, where you can marvel at the dizzying array of sumptuous seasonal fruit, noodles, herbs, vegetables, meat and fish on display. Interact with the vendors and get some tips from your guide on how to bargain. Here, you will purchase the ingredients for the dish you have chosen to make.
After collecting all the necessary ingredients, you’ll cycle to a cooking school in Tra Que vegetable village, where the chef will guide you through the requisite steps to make your dish. Expect plenty of hands-on participation and lots of tasting as you cook!
There will be some time for a wander around Tra Que village, where you can try your hand at fertilizing the plots, preparing the soil, planting herbs, and watering and hoeing the vegetable beds. You can even pick some fresh herbs to enjoy with your lunch.
Finally, just relax and enjoy the lunch you have made. You’ll leave the cooking class with a detailed recipe and the culinary skills needed to serve up a feast back home.
With a full belly, you’ll cycle back to the Old Town for a lantern making class. Cycling through the narrow lanes and street markets will take you back to Hoi An in its heyday, when it was a thriving and bustling trading port. You’ll head to the Reaching Out workshop, where Ha, a papercraft artisan, will guide you through the steps needed to make a traditional foldable Vietnamese lantern to take home.
After the workshop, you’ll be guided back to your hotel to spend the evening at your leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Distance and activities: 5-hour cooking class/vegetable village tour and 2-hour lantern making – about 8km cycling
Day 9: Hoi An – Free day
With its bright pink bougainvillea spilling over the yellow walls of the ancient houses that line the picturesque streets, Hoi An is undoubtably one of Vietnam’s most charming towns. Enjoy the day at your leisure, ambling through the quaint alleyways and getting to know the restaurants, cafes, and tailors situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River. We suggest popping into Reaching Out Teahouse, a lovely ancient house providing work for the hard of hearing and serving delicious teas and homemade snacks.
Included meals: Breakfast
Distance and activities: Leisure time
Day 10: Hoi An – Free day/optional activities
Today you will have a second day to spend at your leisure, whether it’s relaxing at the swimming pool, wandering the streets of the old town or hitting the beach.
Included meals: Breakfast
Optional activities: kayaking, organic farm visit, basket boat ride, cycling tour. Please speak to one of our travel experts for more information and costs.
Day 11: Hoi An – Danang. Flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Night tour by Vespa
Today you will take the noon/early afternoon flight from Danang to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Youwill be greeted by one of our friendly drivers at Tan Son Nhat International Airport who will transfer you to your hotel in the city center.
You’ll have a chance to unpack and relax in your room until sunset, when it’s time to do as the locals do, and jump on the back of a scooter. Your trusty driver will zip you down tiny alleyways and along wide boulevards flanked by skyscrapers to show you the Saigon few travelers get to see. Sample delicious street food dishes as you pass major tourist attractions, getting to know Vietnam in style.
Included meals: Breakfast, dinner
Distance and activities: 4h motorbike food tour
Day 12: Saigon – Mekong Delta – Coco Riverside Lodge
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and start the 3-hour drive to Coco Riverside Lodge in Vung Liem.
Upon arrival, a representative will lead you to the lodge along a countryside path. Here, you will be treated to a welcome drink while you check-in and make yourself comfortable, before enjoying lunch at the lodge’s restaurant.
After a short rest, a cycle tour along village paths will lead you to the home of Mr. Cong, who will show you how he makes popped rice using a blend of traditional and modern agricultural methods. Mr. Cong will reveal the secret of making rice pop and creating the product that sustains the village. Your guide will also explain how the villagers raise their animals and collect ‘biogas’ to make free and sustainable cooking fuel.
You’ll then continue riding along a quiet village road, passing by a duck farm, green rice paddies, agricultural fields and small villages. Stopping off at one of the dragon fruit or orange plantations, you can pluck some juicy fruit straight from the tree and enjoy it at its freshest. There will be plenty of opportunities to stop and capture the picturesque rural village scenes with the backdrop of the setting sun, before cycling back to the lodge.
In the evening, you’ll have the chance to try your hand at cooking some local dishes in a traditional cooking class, before relaxing over dinner at the lodge’s restaurant.
Accommodation at Coco Riverside Lodge
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Distance and activities: cycling, village tour, cooking class, 3-hour drive
Day 13: Coco Riverside Lodge
After breakfast, a small ferry will take you across the river to visit the splendid Cao Dai temple. En route, you can take in the sight of loaded boats heading to the local market and transporting goods such as coconuts from one factory to another. Lining the banks of the river, these small coconut-processing operations are hives of activity. Once the coconuts have been shelled, the fibers are removed from the husks to make rope, which in turn is used to weave rugs. In just a short time you can see the whole manufacturing process. Most of the work is done by hand by skilled workers and the products are mainly sold to foreign companies.
Lunch will be served back at the lodge, with some time to relax on the picturesque riverbank, watching the local people go about their day.
The afternoon will begin with a sampan trip along the waterways to visit another village, before walking to a local household to see how the homeowner makes Vietnamese pancakes and trying your hand at making your own. You’ll arrive back at the lodge in the late afternoon.
After time to shower and freshen up, you will start a walk to the home of a neighbor who fought during the Vietnam war and will share his story with you. You’ll be treated to a performance of traditional music before walking back, traditional torches made from dried coconut leaves lighting the way. Dinner with a twist is served after the night tour.
Accommodation at Coco Riverside Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Distance and activities: temple visit, village tours, 3-hour drive
Day 14: Coco Riverside Lodge – Saigon. Departure
After breakfast you’ll have a chance to explore the lodge garden, feed the fish or try your hand at fishing. You can even visit the family’s ancestral grave to pay your respects if you wish.
Relax and enjoy the remainder of your time in the Mekong Delta before heading back to Saigon Airport for your departure flight.
Extending your stay to include a beach vacation on Phu Quoc or Con Dao Island can be arranged upon request.
Included meals: Breakfast
Distance and activities: 3-hour drive, garden visit
Tour Includes
Tour Excludes
- Local English-speaking guide(s) on excursion days
- All indicated accommodation (Double/twin room)
- All private airport and land transfers as indicated
- Shared 8-seater vehicle from Hanoi - Thanh Phu Bridge/Topas Ecolodge - Hanoi
- Shuttle bus: Thanh Phu Bridge - Topas Riverside Lodge - Thanh Phu Bridge
- Overnight boat in Ha Long Bay – Bai Tu Long Bay (shared boat, private cabins)
- Indicated meals as stated in the itinerary
- All entrance fees to indicated sites
- Flight ticket: Hanoi - Danang (Economy class on Vietnam Airlines or similar)
- Government tax
- Service charge
- Drinks and alcohol
- Vietnam visa – Please refer to the Passport and Visa section in our Terms and Conditions
- Travel insurance – Compulsory. Please refer to the travel insurance and risks section in our Terms and Conditions
- Upgrades to higher standard rooms or single supplements.
- Early check in or late check out at all hotels/boat (Standard check-in time: 2pm, check-out time: 12pm)
- Personal travel items
- Tips
- Other services not mentioned in itinerary & optional extra activities
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