North Vietnam In-Depth 8 Days

Ha Noi - Arrival

Arrive in Ha Noi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Early evening, begin your journey with the Hanoi After Dark Vespa tour, accompanied by a private driver. This experience offers an exciting and stylish way to discover the city after sunset. Riding on a vintage Vespa, you witness Hanoi’s streets come alive with a bustling, vibrant, and colorful nighttime atmosphere. The route showcases the striking contrasts between the historic Old Quarter, the elegant French Quarter, and the dynamic modern districts. Along the way, you savor the essence of Hanoi’s cuisine through carefully selected local dishes. Each stop reveals authentic flavors and stories that reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage. The evening concludes at a trendy bar, where you can relax with premium drinks and enjoy live music in a comfortable setting.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Hanoi full day city tour

Take a full day tour to explore Ha Noi’s illustrious history. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. In the afternoon, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple and an ancient Vietnamese "long house". A one-hour cyclo tour of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancient Ha Noi and learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Hanoi – Mai Chau

Depart Hanoi in the morning, leaving the rhythm of the city behind as you journey toward the serene valleys of Mai Chau. The drive unfolds through scenic mountain passes and lush countryside, setting the tone for a peaceful retreat into nature.

Upon arrival in Mai Chau, check in to your luxury eco-lodge or Thai homestay, thoughtfully designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Enjoy a refined lunch featuring locally inspired cuisine, served in a tranquil setting overlooking the valley. In the afternoon, travel to Xam Khoe Village, where a guided, unhurried walk leads you to Buoc Village, home to the Thai ethnic minority. Wander through quiet villages, rice fields, and traditional stilt houses, gaining a deeper appreciation of local traditions and a way of life shaped by nature. The walk is gentle and immersive, allowing time to observe, connect, and simply be present. On the return journey, pause to admire the sweeping views of the Van Mai Valley, where layers of mountains and fields stretch endlessly beneath the open sky. As evening falls, return to your accomodation for a beautifully prepared dinner, followed by time to relax and unwind in the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.

Overnight in Mai Chau.

Mai Chau - Pu Luong

Wake to the soft sounds of nature and enjoy a leisurely breakfast with views of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, embark on a gentle cycling experience through the Mai Chau Valley, following quiet paths that wind past emerald rice paddies and traditional stilt houses. Along the way, stop for photographs, visit local families, and enjoy authentic moments of connection with the community. This slow-paced journey offers a deeper sense of place and a chance to absorb the calm, unspoiled beauty of the valley. Leave Mai Chau and depart for Pu Luong. Upon arrival, check in at your accommodation and enjoy lunch in Pu Luong.

In the afternoon, begin a guided walk along terraced rice fields to Uoi Village (approximately 6 km, 3 hours; difficulty level 1.5/5). The route offers an authentic introduction to the peaceful rural life of Pu Luong, home to the Thai ethnic minority, with opportunities to observe daily activities and traditional stilt houses set amid the natural landscape. After the walk, return by vehicle to your accommodation for rest and relaxation. Dinner is served at the lodge.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Pu Luong - Ninh Binh

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and enjoy the natural surroundings of Pu Luong. After breakfast, drive to the Cham Mountain Stream area for a short, easy walk along shaded paths, where traditional bamboo water wheels can be seen along the stream. Following the visit, begin the return journey to Ninh Binh. En route, stop for lunch at a local restaurant (at guests’ own expense). Arrive in Ninh Binh in the late afternoon, concluding the program.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh full day excursion

In the morning, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, where you will explore the historic Dinh Temple and Le Temple. These sacred sites are dedicated to the kings of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties, offering insight into Vietnam’s early statehood and royal traditions.

The journey continues to Tam Coc, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land.” Here, board a traditional sampan for a peaceful boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, gliding through rice fields and beneath towering limestone cliffs that rise majestically from the flat plain. The route passes through a series of natural caves, creating a serene and unforgettable experience amid unspoiled nature. The tour concludes with a visit to Mua Cave, where a climb to the summit rewards visitors with a spectacular panoramic view of the Ngo Dong River and the surrounding countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh – Halong Bay

In the morning, enjoy a private transfer to Ha Long Bay. The journey offers a pleasant glimpse of Northern Vietnam’s countryside, with expansive rice paddy fields and rural landscapes along the way. Upon arrival at the Ha Long cruise terminal, complete embarkation procedures and step aboard your luxury cruise vessel. A refreshing welcome drink is served as the cruise gently sails into the heart of Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Savor a refined lunch at the elegant onboard restaurant while admiring the spectacular limestone karsts rising from emerald waters.

During the afternoon, participate in carefully curated activities such as visiting a magnificent limestone cave, kayaking among dramatic islets, or simply relaxing on the sundeck as the sun sets over the bay. As evening falls, indulge in a gourmet dinner in an intimate and sophisticated setting, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Overnight onboard.

Morning Cruise – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Begin the day with the gentle light of sunrise over the bay. Enjoy breakfast onboard as the cruise continues its scenic route through towering limestone formations and calm waters. Take in the final highlights of Ha Long Bay before disembarkation.

After leaving the cruise, return to Hanoi by expressway, arriving in the early afternoon. The journey concludes with unforgettable memories of an elegant escape into nature.

Overnight in Hanoi or next departure.