True Essence of Northern Vietnam: 8 Days of Nature & Culture

Arrive in the enchanting capital of Vietnam - Hanoi, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. You will be transferred from the airport to your hotel to check in.

Upon check-in at your hotel, take time to unwind or explore Hanoi at your own pace. Wander through the storied Old Quarter with its narrow streets brimming with life, or enjoy the tranquil beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake, where myths and history converge.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

Morning /Afternoon

On our first day in Hanoi, visitors will join an exciting half-day tour that departs either at 08:00 or 13:30, depending on your availability.

You will stop at the Temple of Literature to immerse yourself in the rich history and cultural significance of this iconic landmark. Head to One Pillar Pagoda, one of the most unique architectures in Vietnam that illustrates the national flower Lotus.

Next, pay a visit to Ba Dinh Square and the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, exploring the historical heart of Hanoi and paying respects to the great leader Ho Chi Minh. Afterward, visitors have the chance to enjoy scenic views of West Lake and visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the most ancient pagoda in Hanoi with a history line of more than 1,500 years.

NOTE: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum will be viewed from outside, temporarily closed on Mon and Fri every week & from Jun - Aug every year.

Have lunch/dinner at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. The rest of the day will be your free time to relax but you can join some optional tours in Hanoi to learn more about the culture of people here:

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out and leaving Hanoi. Then, travel towards Mai Chau, watching the cityscape gradually give way to mountains and rural countryside. 

Pass through Thung Khe Pass, a mountain pass on the way to Mai Chau, where you can enjoy views over the surrounding valleys and hills. Continue to Mai Chau and stop for lunch with a selection of local specialities.

In the afternoon, cycle through Mai Chau’s rice fields and rural communities, passing villages such as Pom Coong, Lac, Nhot, and Na Phon. Along the way, observe local farmers at work and discover the traditional way of life of the Thai ethnic community. 

Visit a local Thai family to learn more about the community’s daily life and traditional crafts. Discover the embroidery and weaving techniques passed down through generations and see the handmade textiles decorated with distinctive patterns and motifs.

Later, leave Mai Chau and travel to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner before taking time to rest. 

Enjoy breakfast before beginning a day of exploring the villages and natural landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Start with a visit to Kho Muong Village, home to the Thai ethnic community and surrounded by limestone mountains. Walk around the village to see traditional stilt houses and rice fields, while gaining a closer look at the local way of life.

Continue to Bat Cave, located near Kho Muong Village. Explore its spacious interior and see the stalactites and stalagmites formed naturally over thousands of years.

Stop for lunch and enjoy local dishes before continuing with the afternoon's activities.

In the afternoon, trek towards Uoi and Lan Villages, following rural paths through rice terraces and cultivated fields. Along the way, observe the changing landscapes and discover how farming and traditional customs remain an important part of daily life in these small communities.

If time permits, visit a local family to learn about traditional brocade weaving and the techniques passed down through generations.

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and relax after a day of exploring Pu Luong.

Enjoy breakfast before checking out and leaving Pu Luong for the next part of your journey.

Visit Pho Doan Market, where people from surrounding villages come together to buy and sell local produce, food, and everyday goods. Take some time to explore the market and observe a familiar part of rural life in the region.

Note: Pho Doan Market is held only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday mornings.

Continue by bicycle through the countryside towards Hieu Waterfall, passing through small villages and local farmland along the way. Spend some time at the waterfall, where flowing streams and natural pools offer a refreshing stop during your exploration.

Enjoy lunch before departing for Ninh Binh.

On the way, stop to see the traditional water wheels, simple wooden structures used to carry water from streams to the nearby rice fields. These long-standing irrigation methods remain closely connected to the agricultural life of local communities.

Arrive in Ninh Binh and check in at your hotel. After some time to rest and freshen up, enjoy dinner and settle in for the evening.

After breakfast, continue exploring Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural highlights.

Visit Mua Cave and climb around 500 steps to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain. From the viewpoint, admire the scenery of Tam Coc, with its rice fields, waterways, and surrounding mountains.

Continue by bicycle around Tam Coc, cycling through the countryside and passing rice fields and local communities. Stop at a local home to see how people live and experience the quieter side of Ninh Binh.

Enjoy lunch with local specialities before continuing the afternoon activities.

Take a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River through Tam Coc, passing rice fields, limestone mountains, and natural caves along the way. The slow-paced journey offers a different way to experience the countryside and its surrounding scenery.

Optional: You can choose a boat trip through Trang An instead of Tam Coc, travelling through its waterways, caves, and mountain scenery.

Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Explore the historic temples and learn about the area’s role in Vietnam’s early history.

Leave Ninh Binh and return to Hanoi, where you will be dropped off at your hotel in the Old Quarter.

Morning

Get up and have your breakfast before the driver picks you up around 08:00 - 08:30 to head to Halong Bay, one of the world's seven natural wonders in North Vietnam. This is the must-visit destination with thousands of limestone islands, mysterious caves, and appealing emerald water.

Upon arrival, do the check-in procedures before getting on the cruise. Around noon, you will be welcomed by friendly crew staff with a welcome drink.

Enjoy a delicious lunch on board with fresh seafood from Halong while the boat cruises in the bay. Relax in your cabin and have free time until the afternoon.

Afternoon

You would have various water activities this afternoon, such as visiting the caves, kayaking, or just swimming in the sea, based on the itinerary of each Halong Bay cruise.

After all, you are free to get on the boat to relax and enjoy your delicious dinner on the cruise.

NOTE:

• Our tour guide will not accompany you aboard the cruise in Halong Bay but the English-speaking guide on board is available.
• Each cruise will have a different program, you should contact our sales consultants for more information.

Morning

On this last morning, you can choose to set up early to join a Tai Chi lesson or just relax on the sundeck and witness the amazing sunrise on the bay. After breakfast, you will begin your last excursion to one of the famous attractions in Halong Bay.

Brunch will be served on the way back to the main dock at around noon. You will be transferred back to Hanoi after the cruise trip.

Afternoon

Have free time to explore Hanoi Old Quarter and try Vietnamese street food by yourself. You can consider joining some extra food tours below:

NOTE: If you want a drop-off service at the airport or extra nights in Hanoi, feel free to contact our travel consultant for helpful support.