ASIA Inspirations
Tailor-made travel by Wendy Wu Tours
Call 0844 8566 811 or visit your preferred travel agent

Hanoi & Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is a region of contrasts from the hustle and bustle of historical Hanoi to the Hill Tribes of Sapa and the beauty of Halong Bay. Lose yourself in the buzz of Hanoi's Old Quarter, walk through terraced rice fields and enjoy spectacular scenery from a traditional junk boat. Spend a week here and delight in the diversity.

Hanoi

Hanoi is the capital city of Vietnam with a history dating back 1,000 years. The Old Quarter is a maze of tiny streets originally named for the traders that occupied them and today it remains a hive of activity. Here you can find temples, traditional homes and local shops that seem to sell anything and everything. There are also many restaurants and bars, and a night market at weekends, making it a great place to visit in the evening. Immersing yourself in the vibrancy of the Old Quarter may well be your most enduring memory of the city.

There are many fascinating sights to visit in Hanoi. Of particular historical importance is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s oldest university and a temple dedicated to Confucius; and One Pillar Pagoda, a tiny temple built atop a single stone column.

To understand more about the recent history of Vietnam visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum to see the preserved body of the national hero and also see the traditional Stilt House where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked.

If you want to escape the buzz of the city, we recommend a stroll by Hoan Kiem Lake, a picturesque oasis right in the centre Hanoi & Northern Vietnam of Hanoi.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and possibly the most beautiful area in Vietnam. It features limestone karst hills that rise from the water forming around two thousand separate islands. The best way to see the bay is on board a traditional junk boat. Itineraries will vary but may include a visit to a local fishing village, exploring one of the many island caves and stopping at a beautiful beach for a swim.

To fully experience Halong Bay, take a one or two night junk boat cruise. Not only does this give more time to explore the bay but you can also enjoy the scenery at its most beautiful at sunset and sunrise.

Sapa

Sapa is a highland district in northern Vietnam, close to the border with China and is home to the H’Mong and Dao minority groups. It is a small and pretty town nestled between the hills with French colonial buildings and a vibrant market. Sapa is best reached by the overnight train which follows the Red River valley from Hanoi. We recommend visiting in spring and autumn as the winter months can be cold and the summer may be wet.

Visiting the minority villages is the best way to truly experience the region. Meet the local people who still wear traditional costumes, see their homes built on stilts and observe life in the rice fields. Since the geography is mountainous, the fields are cut as steps into the slopes forming the terraces for which the region is famous. Walking through this steep terrain does require a reasonable level of fitness but the effort is worthwhile to enjoy the spectacular views.

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Your Personal Itinerary

Please call one of our tailor-made specialists on 0844 8566 811 to discuss your travel plans so we may answer your questions and give further advice.

We will then provide a detailed and individually tailored itinerary that will include a price that is specific to you.

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