Unveil the Hidden Charms: Northern Vietnam Tour to Hanoi, Mai Chau Valley, Ninh Binh, and Bai Tu Lon

Travel Itinerary : Northern Vietnam to Discover Hanoi, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hoa Lu – Tam Coc & Bai Tu Long Bay

Day  1: Hanoi Arrival & Hanoi City Tour. Overnight in Minasi Premium Hotel or similar (L)

Upon your arrival at Hanoi airport, our representative will greet you with a sign displaying your name, “Mr/Ms. [Your Name],” along with your flight number ……..and arrival time………

You’ll then be transferred to Hanoi city center & begin a captivating journey through Hanoi’s must-see attractions.

• Ho Chi Minh Complex: Explore the Presidential Palace, a fine example of French architecture, and the Ho Chi Minh House on stilts. This house offers a glimpse into the simple life of Ho Chi Minh, a revered figure in Vietnamese history. Conclude your visit here with the One Pillar Pagoda, renowned for its unique architecture and cultural significance.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: Visit the oldest pagoda in Hanoi and a key center of Buddhism in the capital.
• Hanoi Old Quarter: Wander through the bustling center of Hanoi, famous for its narrow ancient streets lined with shops selling traditional goods.
• Hanoi Train Street: Wrap up your day with a visit to this iconic location. Relax at a charming café, enjoy a cup of the famous egg coffee or other beverages (at your own expense), and watch the trains pass by. It’s a fantastic spot for memorable photos and soaking up the local ambiance.

After the tour, drive to your hotel, check in, and enjoy some free time at your leisure.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver for the airport pick-up & day tour, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (L- lunch), double/twin shared room in Minasi Premium Hotel or similar

Day 2 : Hanoi – Mai Chau, bike to explore local villages in Mai Chau valley.Overnight in Mai Chau villa or similar (B,L)

Today, we begin our journey at 8:00 AM, heading towards Mai Chau Valley in Hoa Binh Province. The drive takes approximately 3.5 hours, offering breathtaking views of mountains and valleys along the way. Mai Chau is a picturesque valley home to various ethnic groups, including the White Thai, Black Thai, Muong, Black H’mong, and Tay, who still keep their traditional way of life.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau around noon, check into your homestay or resort and enjoy a local lunch of Vietnamese dishes. After a brief rest, we’ll start a 2-hour biking tour starting at 3:00 PM. This tour will take you through nearby villages where you’ll learn about local life, traditional house styles, and farming activities.

Return to the village for some leisure time before dinner, which is scheduled for around 7:00 PM. After dinner, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a vibrant cultural show featuring traditional dances and songs performed by the locals (optional). This is a wonderful chance for cultural exchange, where you can join in the dancing, singing, and enjoy local pipe wine (known as “Can” in Vietnamese) with the villagers.

Spend the night in Mai Chau.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Hanoi- Mai Chau, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch), biking tour, double/twin shared room in Mai Chau valla or similar

Day 3: Mai Chau – Pu Luong Nature Reserve, hike to visit Don, Lan, Cu Lung & Hieu villages (10km trek). Homestay Overnight in Hieu village (B,L, D)

Today is our journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where you’ll enjoy a scenic hike through the mountains and valleys of the Pu Luong forest. This trek offers stunning views of mountain landscapes, charming rustic villages, and opportunities to interact with the local Thai ethnic community.

After breakfast, you’ll check out  and drive for approximately 1.5 hours to Pu Luong. Your first stop will be Don Village, where you’ll begin a trek down the valley between to Uoi , Lan Trong and Lan Ngoai villages.

The hike continues across Co Lung Village, leading you to Hieu Village, a picturesque spot nestled on a high mountain slope, where the tranquil Hieu Waterfall flows continuously.

You’ll then check into a local homestay with the Black Thai Ethnic community, enjoy a cozy dinner with the family, and spend the night in this welcoming environment.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Mai Chau – Pu Luong, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch), homestay in Hieu village or similar

Day 4 : Pu Luong – Ninh Binh, visit Hoa Lu ancient capital & Tam Coc.Overnight in Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel or similar (B,L)

Start your day with the serene sounds of roosters crowing, cows grazing, and nearby waterfalls at this tranquil village. It’s the perfect moment to wake up early and enjoy the sunrise.

8:00 A.M. After breakfast, we will say goodbye to our host & take part in a short hike down the main road to meet your driver for a 3.5-hour journey to Ninh Binh.

12:00. Arriving in Hoa Lu ancient capital, you will explore this historical site, which was the seat of power from 968 to 1009. Visit the Dinh Temple, dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang and his family, and the Le Temple, honoring King Le Dai Hanh and his family. Your guide will provide insights into the history of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with a rowing boat trip to Tam Coc, also known as “Halong Bay on Land.” Admire the stunning views of mountains and rice paddies along the Ngo River, and glide through the three caves.

After returning to the harbor, take a one-hour bike ride to explore local villages and temples nestled in the scenic landscape, perfect for photography.

17:30. Check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax at your leisure.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Pu Luong – Ninh Binh, tourguide of English speaking, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch), boat ride & biking tour, double/twin shared room in Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Hotel or similar

Day 5 : Ninh Binh – Bai Tu Long Bay, Kayak to visit Cong Do area. Overnight on Treasure Junk Cruise or similar (B,L,D)

Today is our exploration to Bai Tu Long, the less touristic & untouched bay in Halong bay region.

• 8:00 AM. After breakfast, our driver will pick you up for a scenic 4-hour drive to Halong Bay. The journey will take you through the picturesque Red River Delta, passing by Ninh Binh, Nam Dinh, Thai Binh provinces, Hai Phong city, and finally arriving in Quang Ninh province, where Halong Bay is located.
• 12:00  Arrive at Halong International Harbor.
• 12:30. Get on your cruise via tender. Check in, enjoy welcome drinks, and attend a briefing about the cruise.
• 13:00. Savor a delicious lunch as you sail towards the stunning Bai Tu Long Bay, taking in the breathtaking rock formations along the way.
• 15:00. Kayak in the Cong Do area. Paddle through the tranquil emerald waters, experiencing the serene beauty away from the crowds.
• 17:00 – 18:30. Enjoy the evening from the sundeck, watching the sunset over the dramatic limestone peaks and emerald coves. Sip on drinks and watch a cooking demonstration.
• 19:00. Feast on a sumptuous dinner.
• 21:00. Enjoy free time to relax or try squid fishing.
• 22:30. Overnight stay aboard the cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Ninh Binh- Halong bay, tourguide of English speaking on the cruise, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch, D- dinner), kayay, double/twin shared cabin in Treasure Junk or similar

Day 6 :  Bai Tu Long Bay Visit to Vung Vieng Fishing Village – Hanoi.Overnight in Minasi Premium Hotel or simiar (B,L)

• 06:15. Marvel at the sunrise over the Bay. Participate in a morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
• 07:00. Begin your day with a light breakfast of coffee, tea, and pastries served in the restaurant.
• 07:30. Visit Vung Vieng fishing village. Hop on a bamboo boat to explore the floating village nestled amidst mountains, passing by floating houses and experiencing the tranquil life on the water.
• 09:15. Check-out of cabins and settle bills. Start cruising back to the port.
• 09:30. Enjoy a hearty brunch served at the restaurant.
• 10:45 – 11:00. Return to the port. Bid farewell and disembark.
• 11:15 – 11:30. Get our driver picked up for a journey back to Hanoi. Expected arrival in Hanoi at approximately 14:30-14:45.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver Halong bay – Hanoi, tourguide of English speaking on the cruise, entrance sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places, meals (B- breakfast, L- lunch), rowing boat ride in Vung Vieng villge, double/twin shared room in in Minasi Premium Hotel or similar

Day 7 : Hanoi departure (B)

After breakfast, you will have free time shopping till our driver pick you up to Hanoi airport for your flight back home or to continue your trip to discover other destinations in Vietnam.

Inclusions : AC car transfer with driver for the airport transfer, meals (B- breakfast)