The Northern Soul
A Journey Through Vietnam’s Living Culture
Duration
10 Days / 9 Nights
Group Size
10-14 Travelers
Activity Level
Moderate
Price
The Expedition Philosophy
This journey is an invitation to experience Northern Vietnam beyond its famous sights. From peaceful villages and traditional crafts to bustling markets, ancient streets, and mountain communities, we’ll discover the region through its people, culture, and everyday life. With shared experiences, local encounters, and plenty of time to connect as a group, the journey becomes as much about the people we meet and the memories, we create together as the places we visit.
Expedition Milestones & Highlights
Available Departures
Nov 25 - Dec 4, 2026
14 of 14 spots left
Day-by-Day Expedition Itinerary
Scroll down to experience each day's progression and horizontal 24HR timeline stops.
Day 1 Hanoi → Ba Vi National Park
Day 1 Hanoi → Ba Vi National Park
Land at Noi Bai International Airport
Immigration, baggage collection, and meeting the group.
Private transfer
Private transfer to Ba Vi National Park (~60 km / 1.5–2 hours).
1-Hour Rest & Check-in
Check in to the resort, unpack, freshen up, and settle in.
Onwards: Welcome Dinner:
Gather for a relaxed group dinner at the resort to meet everyone and enjoy the evening, followed by a restful night to recharge before the adventure begins.
Day 2: Ba Vi → Ninh Binh
Day 2: Ba Vi → Ninh Binh
An optional Morning cycling experience around Ba Vi.
Breakfast & check-out from resort
Private transfer: Ba Vi → Ninh Binh.
Private bus transfer to Ninh Binh (~130 km / 2.5–3 hours).
Ninh Binh
1-Hour Rest & Check-in: Check in and settle into the resort.
Late lunch / afternoon tea
Free afternoon to relax around the resort grounds.
Explore Ninh Binh Night Market for local street food and culture.
Day 3: Tam Coc & Mua Cave
Day 3: Tam Coc & Mua Cave
Breakfast at the resort.
Tam Coc scenic boat tour through limestone karsts and waterways.
Lunch near Tam Coc.
Midday rest gap at the resort before the afternoon hike.
Mua Cave
Mua Cave & Ngoa Long Mountain viewpoint climb (~500 steps, timed for late afternoon light).
Return to resort for dinner and relaxation.
Day 4: Ninh Binh — Trang An
Day 4: Ninh Binh — Trang An
Breakfast at the resort.
Trang An
A breathtaking boat trip through limestone peaks and river caves.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Free afternoon
Free afternoon at the resort to relax, bike rural paths, or explore nearby cafés.
Day 5: Ninh Binh → Hanoi
Day 5: Ninh Binh → Hanoi
Breakfast and late check-out
VIP Limousine transfer
Shared VIP Limousine transfer to Hanoi (~95 km / 2–2.5 hours).
Lunch
Hanoi City Walk
Guided Hanoi City Walk starting at the historic Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), followed by an exploration of the Old Quarter streets, local shops, and traditional cafés.
Sunset break
Sunset break around Hoan Kiem Lake or a local rooftop café.
Day 6: Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island
Day 6: Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island
Breakfast
Transfer to Ha long Bay
Departure from Hanoi and transfer to harbor (~160 km / 2.5 hours).
Board the cruise
Board the cruise vessel and head toward Cat Ba Island.
Electric vehicle tour
Electric vehicle tour on Cat Ba Island (visiting the cave and National Park Museum).
Lunch
Lunch served on board while cruising through the karsts.
Swimming
Water activities: kayaking, swimming, and boat water slide.
Sunset Party
Disembark at harbor.
Return transfer to Hanoi.
Day 7: Hanoi-Free day
Day 7: Hanoi-Free day
Breakfast
Day 8: Hanoi → Sa Pa — Fansipan
Day 8: Hanoi → Sa Pa — Fansipan
Breakfast
Shared sleeper bus
Board shared sleeper bus from Hanoi to Sa Pa (~315 km / 5.5–6 hours).
1-Hour Rest & Check-in:
Arrive in Sa Pa, check in, unpack, and recover from the long bus transit.
Fansipan
Cable car journey and summit visit to Mount Fansipan.
Sa Pa
Evening in Sa Pa town
Day 9: Ý Linh Hồ → Lao Chải → Tả Van
Day 9: Ý Linh Hồ → Lao Chải → Tả Van
Breakfast
Trekking
Begin 14–16 km trek through Ý Linh Hồ, bamboo forests, and streams.
Culture
Visit Lao Chải for traditional indigo dyeing and beeswax painting, followed by lunch.
Trekking
Continue trekking toward Tả Van Village through terraced fields.
Lunch
Relax by the stream or enjoy coffee with panoramic valley views.
Private Transfer
Back to Sa Pa
Rest
1-Hour Rest Gap: Shower and recover at the hotel after the full-day trek.
Farewell dinner
Day 10: Sa Pa → Hanoi Airport → Cairo
Day 10: Sa Pa → Hanoi Airport → Cairo
Breakfast
Clear Transparency & Inclusions
We loathe hidden costs. Every core component of your journey is handled with care.
What’s 100% Included
Covered directly in your ground package
- 10 days / 9 nights accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- 1 dinner
- 2 lunches
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam Visa
- Welcome evening group activity in Ba Vi
- Ninh Binh Night Market
- Tam Coc boat experience
- Mua Cave & viewpoint
- Trang An boat experience
- Hanoi City Walk
- Full-day Ha Long Bay & Cat Ba Island experience
- Kayaking & swimming
- Sunset party on the boat
- Fansipan experience & cable car
- Full-day Sa Pa trekking
- Traditional weaving & beeswax painting experience
- All transportation mentioned in the program
- Local English-speaking guides
- Trekking guide in Sa Pa
- Pre-departure orientation
What’s Not Included
Personal expenses & international flights
- International flight tickets
- Personal transportation and taxi fares
- Meals other than the 1 included dinner and 2 included lunches
- Activities not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Any other costs not specifically mentioned under Inclusions
Essential Travel Logistics
Visa & Passports
Flight Recommendations
Climate & Season
Packing Advice
Ready to Venture into Vietnam ?
Reserve your spot with a refundable deposit. Cohorts are strictly capped at 10 to 14 travelers to ensure genuine intimacy and authentic local experiences.