Itinerary for 15 day trip to Northern Vietnam

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival in Hanoi, you can check into your hotel and take some time to relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, head out to explore the bustling streets of the , where you can find plenty of vegetarian restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour

Start your day with a visit to the and the nearby . Explore the , Vietnam's first national university, and take a stroll around . In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form that originated in the Red River Delta.

Day 3: Cruise

Embark on a memorable cruise in , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch on board while cruising through the bay, and take part in activities like kayaking, swimming, or simply relaxing on the sundeck.

Day 4: -

Continue your adventure by transferring to , the largest island in the bay. Explore the island's beautiful beaches, hike through , and visit the floating fishing villages. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night on the island.

Day 5: - Ninh Binh

Leave and head to Ninh Binh, often referred to as " on land." Take a boat ride through the stunning , a complex of limestone caves and scenic waterways. Visit the ancient capital of and explore the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties.

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Mai Chau

Travel to the picturesque valley of Mai Chau, known for its stunning landscapes and ethnic minority communities. Take a leisurely bike ride or hike through the rice fields, visit local villages, and immerse yourself in the traditional culture of the Thai people. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner and spend the night in a traditional stilt house.

Day 7: Mai Chau -

Head to , a charming mountain town famous for its terraced rice fields and vibrant ethnic markets. Take a guided trek through the surrounding villages, where you can interact with the local Hmong, Dao, and Tay communities. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner and relax in your hotel, taking in the breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range.

Day 8: -

Visit the colorful , one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the region. Explore the stalls selling traditional handicrafts, textiles, and fresh produce. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and try some local vegetarian snacks. In the afternoon, return to and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Day 9: - Hanoi

After breakfast, take a leisurely walk around town, visit the local market, and shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi and spend the evening exploring the city's vibrant nightlife, trying out vegetarian street food, or enjoying a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a local café.

Day 10: Hanoi -

Embark on a scenic drive to , a remote province in northern Vietnam known for its stunning landscapes and ethnic diversity. Explore the , visit local villages, and witness the unique way of life of the ethnic communities living in the region. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner and spend the night in a local guesthouse.

Day 11:

Embark on an adventurous motorbike or car journey along the famous . Marvel at the breathtaking mountain passes, visit ethnic minority villages, and soak in the natural beauty of the region. Enjoy a vegetarian picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery and spend the night in a local homestay.

Day 12: -

Travel to , a hidden gem in northern Vietnam. Take a boat ride on Ba Be Lake, the largest natural lake in Vietnam, and explore the surrounding caves and waterfalls. Enjoy a vegetarian dinner prepared by your homestay hosts and spend the night in a traditional stilt house.

Day 13: - Hanoi

After breakfast, bid farewell to the tranquil beauty of and return to Hanoi. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring the city's vibrant markets, visiting museums, or simply relaxing in a café.

Day 14: Hanoi -

Take a day trip to the , a complex of Buddhist temples nestled amidst the limestone mountains. Take a boat ride along the Yen River and hike up to the main pagoda, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local restaurant and return to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 15: Departure from Hanoi

Your 15-day adventure in northern Vietnam comes to an end. Depending on your flight time, you can spend your last day exploring Hanoi, shopping for souvenirs, or simply relaxing before heading to the airport for your departure.

Remember to check the local vegetarian options in each destination and communicate your dietary preferences to ensure a delightful culinary experience throughout your journey. Enjoy your trip to northern Vietnam!