ESSENSE OF NORTHERN VIETNAM 7 DAYS

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport. You are welcomed by our driver at the exit gate. Transfer to the hotel (45min). Check in and have a restful overnight stay at the hotel.

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide 

Meals: N/A

After breakfast, at around 8.00 am, we will pick you up to embark on a journey to the mesmerizing Halong Bay. 

On arrival, you are welcomed on board and served a mouth-watering lunch while cruising through the bay. Depending on which cruise you choose, the detailed itinerary will include a visit karst cave, kayaking (an extra option on most of the boats, some boat has kayaking included), swimming in crystal water, and enjoying the landscape or relaxing at the sundeck. The day will end with a sumptuous dinner on board, and you will spend the night under the starry sky. 

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up on the bay to the sounds of waves, fresh air, and breeze. A brand new day comes. Following breakfast, you can discover a breathtaking limestone grotto before returning to the boat for a scenic cruise back to the dock.

Your boat will arrive at the harbor by 11:30 am, and your driver is waiting to take you to Ninh Binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, depart from your hotel at 8:00 to Ninh Binh Province. Today we will have chance to learn about the national heroes Dinh and Le who founded the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, dated the 10th century; we glide down a narrow stream in a small rowboat and enjoy a ride through Hoa Lu, which is shaded by steep limestone cliffs. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide  

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at your hotel, at 08:30 am, our guide and driver will take you to Pu Luong – a “hidden gem” of North Central region of Vietnam. On the way, you will go through a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. After around 4 driving hours, you will arrive at your accommodation and having lunch. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Arriving at a local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the bamboo river rafting with local boatman. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts. Arriving at scenic Tan Lap Bridge, you disembark to be transferred back to hotel for dinner.

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the second day of our adventure, we have an optional activity for those who don’t mind an early start. If you’re willing to rise before the sun, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking spectacle as it ascends over the mountain tops. As you observe this natural wonder, local farmers will be bustling about, engaging in their early morning activities. 

Whether you choose to witness the sunrise or not, a delicious breakfast prepared by the homestay awaits you. Once you’re fueled up, we’ll embark on a 5-6 hour trekking expedition that will truly immerse you in the beauty of the region. The initial stretch of the trek may pose some challenges, with steep climbs and exhilarating river crossings. However, the effort will be well worth it, as the subsequent portion of the journey becomes easier. From your elevated vantage point, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the valley, rice terraces, rainforests, and meandering streams. 

A picnic lunch will be served upon reaching Hin Village, providing a refreshing break. Afterward, we’ll continue our trek towards Hieu Village, known as one of the most visually captivating rural villages in Vietnam. Prepare to be enchanted by the picturesque surroundings and the charm of this idyllic countryside. 

Our final destination for the day is Kho Muong village. Here, you’ll have the freedom to spend your time as you wish. Take a leisurely stroll around the village, engaging in conversations with the friendly locals and gaining insights into their way of life. 

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Village life and the community | 4,5 km easy walk – 2 hours
AM: You have the chance to get close to village life and interact with locals living in the hills above the Retreat. Glimpse at daily life, walk around working farmland and rice fields, and learn about making weaving colourful textiles, followed by lunch at the Lodge.
PM: Check out the Lodge. Back to Hanoi after approximately 4 hours ride. End of services!

Tour guide: English Speaking Guide 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch