AUTHENTIC VIETNAM NORTHERN ADVENTURE TOUR IN STYLES – 11 DAYS

* Brief Itinerary:

Day 1: ARRIVAL- HANOI PACKAGE TOURS (-/-/-) 

Day 2: HANOI SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

Day 3: HANOI- MAI CHAU TREKKING TOURS TO HANG KIA VILLAGE (B/L/D)

Day 4: HANG KIA TREKKING TO CUN PHEO- HOMESTAY IN VAN VILLAGE (B/L/D)

Day 5: VAN VILLAGE- SAM KHOE- POONG COM (B/L/D)

Day 6: MAI CHAU TRAVEL ADVENTURE TO CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)

Day 7: CUC PHUONG- NINH BINH (B/L/-) 

Day 8: NINH BINH- HALONG BAY (B/-/-) 

Day 9: HALONG CRUISE TO CAT BA ISLAND (B/L/-)

Day 10: CAT BA – HAI PHONG – HANOI (B/-/-) 

Day 11: HANOI – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

Day 1: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: ARRIVAL- HANOI PACKAGE TOURS (-/-/-) 

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. 

O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: HANOI SIGHTSEEING TOURS (B/-/-)

Today we spend a full day exploring the charming Hanoi City. The first stop is Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city.

We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. Alternatively, you can visit the outlaying Ethnologic Museum instead. This museum is dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive back to the town center to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance.

O/N in Ha Noi. 

Day 3: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: HANOI- MAI CHAU TREKKING TOURS TO HANG KIA VILLAGE (B/L/D)

The journey northwards begins as we depart Hanoi and drive through the scenic landscape of rice fields, tea plantation and traditional stilt houses to Mai Chau. This mountainous region is home of many ethnic minority groups including Muong, Hmong, Dao and Thai people. On arrival in Poong Coom village, we have a lunch prepared by a local Thai family.

After lunch, we wind our way for an hour to Xa Linh to begin our trekking up the hill. We walk through the breathtaking mountain scenery and some hill villages before arriving at Hang Kia in a picturesque valley of peach orchards. This remote village is conquered by the Hmong hill tribe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting local history and a colorful culture. 

O/N at Hang Kia village. 

Day 4: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: HANG KIA TREKKING TO CUN PHEO- HOMESTAY IN VAN VILLAGE (B/L/D)

Upon leaving the village of previous night we blaze a trail with our local guide and walk through tropical rain forest to Cun Pheo. The trekking is difficult at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking.  However, it’s very much worthy due to the spectacular scenery we’ll pass by and lovely people we’ll meet. By mid- afternoon we’ll reach Van village which is home to the White Thai people. Tonight we are toasted as honored guests of a Thai family and sample some of their homemade foods. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities but the experience is definitely unique. 

O/N at Van village. 

Day 5: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: VAN VILLAGE- SAM KHOE- POONG COM (B/L/D)

The verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population make for an unforgettable adventure. Today we continue our trek along the local footpath while meeting with lots of different hill tribal villagers and admiring beautiful terraced rice fields. The trekking expedition ends once arriving at the small village of Khoe. We catch a short drive back to Pong Coom village and have time to stroll around, enabling us to understand a little more about the lifestyle of villagers.

Tonight, we’ll have a dinner hosted by the Thai family followed by a traditional music show with the local complimentary rice wine. This performance is held by the young White Thai people, reflecting the rich culture of this ethnic group. 

O/N at Pong Coom village. 

Day 6: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: MAI CHAU TRAVEL ADVENTURE TO CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)

Today we spend our time for a short walk on valley floor surrounded by rice fields and stunning mountain backdrop. Along the way we see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the field or weaving brocade. Here is a chance for the shoppers to try their hands at bargaining. Upon leaving Mai Chau we embark on a drive along the winding roads towards Cuc Phuong National Park passing through the breathtaking countryside. En route, we’ll stop at Man Duc for refreshment and a visit to a Muong ethnic minority village.

O/N in Cuc Phuong

Day 7: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: CUC PHUONG- NINH BINH (B/L/-) 

The preserved tropical forests of Cuc Phuong is home to many species of plant and rare animals, some of which we may see on our trek. Today, first we take a short drive to the park center for a half day walk into the jungle. The local guide will give information on wild herbs and vegetables, and show some flying animals. The rich variety of bird life is also remarkable in this park. Then, we drive back to the park entrance, stopping en route at Nguoi Xua cave which still retains some vestiges of primitive men. Lunch is served at site before we drive to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.

On arrival, we’ll visit two temples dedicating to Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor and the ruler of the Le Dynasty. Challenge hundreds of steps up to the hilltop nearby where the tombs of these kings are well preserved and from here we also can admire the overview of the entire old citadel.

Drive to the hotel in Ninh Binh Town to check in and spend the remainder of day for your own exploration.  O/N in Ninh Binh.

Day 8: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: NINH BINH – HALONG BAY (B/-/-) 

Upon leaving Ninh Binh Town, we set off on a short drive to Tam Coc which is surnamed “Inland Halong Bay”. On arrival, we board a sampan for a leisurely trip through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by towering limestone cliffs to the grottoes of Tam Coc.

After lunch at a local restaurant in Tam Coc, we’ll travel overland to Halong Bay.

Upon arrival, check in the hotel and enjoy the free evening then.  O/N in Ha Long. 

Day 9: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: HALONG CRUISE TO CAT BA ISLAND (B/L/-)

The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. We spend this day out on a boat cruising around Ha Long Bay towards Cat Ba. 

Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an interesting visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs.

The extra enjoyment is a wonderful seafood lunch served on board. You spend the rest of time after lunch for your own pleasure; admiring the landscape, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine. On arrival in Cat Ba pier we catch a short drive to the town center. 

O/N in Cat Ba.

Day 10: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: CAT BA- HAI PHONG- HANOI (B/-/-) 

The interesting national park makes Cat Ba a highlight in Vietnam tourist map. Today you have a half free day to explore Cat Ba Island on your own. There are various options to choose from, some of which are biking, kayaking or exploring the national park. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is on hand to advise you with invaluable information.

We regroup at our hotel in early afternoon and travel by ferry to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. Once arriving in Ha Phong we meet up with our waiting vehicle and drive back to the capital city. The ideal way to spend your last evening in Vietnam is a dinner at one of the town famous eating spots.

O/N in Ha Noi. 

Day 11: Vietnam Northern Adventure Tour to Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Halong, Cat Ba: HANOI- DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

There is a free time to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. 

—End of services—
 

INCLUDING:

• Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses (twin shared room), village huts 
• Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver 
• English or French speaking guide and local guide for trekking
• Meals as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
• Entrance fee to indicated sights 
• Water puppet show 
• Permit for trekking
• Boat trips
• Pure bottled water & wipes

EXCLUDING: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance…

TRIP NOTE:

Viet Nam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Road conditions are poor and accommodation may be basic in mountainous region.

Good weather for trekking is from September until June. We recommend you to bring rain jacket, inner sleeping sheets, walking boots, warm clothes, lamp torch, and toilet papers.

Occasionally, this itinerary may be amended for reasons beyond our control such as weather and roads conditions.