This is an adventure for culture and nature lovers. Feast your eyes on the idyllic countryside of Hoa Lu and Tam Coc, Vietnam's charming capital of Hanoi, and enjoy a renowned Halong Bay cruise. Get close to a hill tribe and H'mong traditions by cycling through a beautiful valley in Mai Chau and hiking along scenic mountain trails.
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- Enjoy the stunning views of Northern Vietnam's countryside at Hoa Lu and Tam Coc.
- Go beyond simply looking at the scenery and get close to the Mai Chau hill tribe and the Xa Linh H'mong culture by cycling and meandering along their trails.
- Feast your eyes on the picturesque karst seascape during a Halong Bay cruise and relish in its tranquility by staying on board overnight.
Itinerary in Detail
Upon arrival, your guide and driver will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to recover from jetlag or to spend at your leisure wandering around your hotel.
After a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, you will arrive in the province of Ninh Binh to see its World Heritage Site — the Trang An Landscape Complex. It's renowned for its sheer cliff walls that jut out from the surrounding land and water abruptly. Peaks and cliffs covered in dense rain forests, rice paddy fields, and lush water all blend into a beautiful picture.
Next, visit Vietnam's ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which was the country's first centralized feudal state from the end of the 10th century. The temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, surrounded by rice paddies, are part of only a few surviving ancient citadels.
Continue to Tam Coc, known as "Halong Bay on Land", where a skilled rower will take you on a slow 2-hour journey along the winding river and canals. Enjoy views of the beautiful karst landscape and discover three hidden natural caves formed under the hills.
Depart for Hanoi on a scenic 4-hour drive southwest to Mai Chau, which is in the province of Hoa Binh.
The impressive evergreen mountains and valleys surrounded by a lush landscape and stilt houses are home to the White Thai ethnic group.
Check in at Mai Chau Ecolodge upon arrival. Head to Lac Hamlet and enjoy your lunch of homemade cuisine. Take a relaxing cycling journey (7 kilometers) through beautiful valleys and seize the chance to chat with a hill tribe, unveiling their lifestyle and traditions.
After a 45-minute drive, Xa Linh greets you with its cool mountain breeze.
Enjoy a 2-hour walk as you meander along scenic mountain trails and arrive at the homeland of a H'mong hill tribe. You will get an insight into their culture and traditions.
An optional visit to Pa Co Primary School (closed on weekends, public holidays, and in summer) or Pa Co Market (only open on Sundays) is available.
Return to Mai Chau Ecolodge for lunch before being driven back to Hanoi.
Take a relaxing cruise to explore the renowned Halong Bay. You will be amazed by its stunning natural landscape, interesting waterfront lifestyle, the onboard catering service, and more.
You will spend the day feasting your eyes on the most stunning limestone seascape and fantastic caves, and treating your palate with fresh seafood. You could also entertain yourself with optional activities, such as kayaking, swimming, and diving.
Itineraries differ for each cruise but you will probably visit Cua Van fishing village, Vung Vieng fishing village, Me Cung Cave, Virgin Cave, and Surprise Cave, as well as passing some small islets, such as Fighting Cocks Islet, Human Head Islet, and Toad Islet.
A cooking class at night and a tai chi lesson in the morning are included in some cruises.
Your cruise comes to a perfect end and it's time to take your private transfer to the airport in Hanoi for your onward flight.
Highlights Travel is more than happy to be part of your unforgettable Northern Vietnam tour and we hope to help you again soon.
Our Service Includes:
- Private transfers and English-speaking tour guide
- All guided sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Hotel accommodation mentioned in the itinerary
- Breakfasts at hotels and lunches for every guided day
- Governmental taxes
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