North Vietnam Highlights & Trekking – 8 Days

Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel for some rest (check-in time is at 14:00).

After a brief break, we will begin our tour to explore the vibrant city of Ha Noi. Our first stop will be the Ho Chi Minh complex, where you can stroll through the garden and visit the two houses where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. We will also visit the One Pillar Pagoda, renowned as one of the most unique pagodas in the world.

Please note: Modest attire is required when visiting the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum, temples, and pagodas. The mausoleum is closed on Mondays and Fridays, but visitors can still take photos and explore the surrounding area.

Lunch is served at local restaurant.

Next, we will continue our tour with a visit to the Temple of Literature, established in the 11th century and recognized as Vietnam’s first university. Later, we’ll hop on a Cyclo to explore the charming Old Quarter of Ha Noi, the best way to leisurely take in the sights and observe the daily life of the locals. After the Cyclo ride, we’ll visit Ngoc Son Temple at Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the key highlights of the Old Quarter.

Our final stop will be a traditional 1-hour Water Puppet Show, after which we’ll return to the hotel for the night.

Start your day by departing from your hotel in Hanoi at 08:00 for an exciting journey to Mai Chau, which will take around 4 hours. Upon arrival in Poom Coom village, we’ll take a short walk to visit the local Thai ethnic people. After this enriching visit, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch.

At 13:00, we’ll embark on a brief one-hour car ride before starting our invigorating hike through the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This intermediate-level trek involves some uphill walking, but the spectacular views of villages and terraces make it worthwhile. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at the hotel/resort, where you can relax, freshen up with a shower, and later enjoy a delightful dinner.

Trekking Distance: about 9 km (3 hours)

Early risers will have the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air and watch the village come to life as people head to the fields or market.

After breakfast at our hotel/resort, we’ll set out for an exciting trek. We’ll follow trails connecting villages, engaging with the Thai locals to gain insights into their way of life and culture. Lunch will be provided at a local home or restaurant, featuring home-grown foods.

We’ll then meet our driver for a transfer back to the ecolodge, where you can enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Trekking Distance: about 12 km (5 – 6 hours)

After savoring your final day in this beautiful nature reserve and experiencing the warm hospitality of the villagers, we’ll make a short transfer to the water wheel for a charming photo opportunity. Following that, we’ll continue our journey to Ninh Binh, where we’ll have lunch at a local restaurant.

Later, we’ll proceed to Ninh Binh. Upon our arrival in the late afternoon, we’ll check into the hotel, and you’ll have the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy at your leisure.

After breakfast at hotel, we will start our exciting day. Your first destination is the Trang An River, where you’ll embark on a traditional Sampan boat journey, gently rowing through stunning tunnel caves and soaking in the breathtaking scenery along the riverbanks. During the two-hour boat trip, keep an eye out for mountain goats gracefully leaping across the cliffs.

Lunch is served at local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a short drive to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from the 9th century. Here, your tour guide will introduce you to the cultural landmarks and share fascinating stories of the ancient kings. After the tour, we’ll head back to Ha Noi and overnight at your hotel.

Enjoy your breakfast, and around 08:30, our driver will pick you up for the transfer to Ha Long Bay.

Upon arrival, we’ll check in and board the cruise to begin exploring this magnificent World Heritage site. Lunch will be served at the cruise restaurant, featuring a selection of delicious dishes.

As we cruise through the stunning bay, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking scenery, with thousands of limestone islands dotting the landscape. Our first stop will be Luon Cave, one of Ha Long Bay’s top attractions, perfect for rowing or kayaking. Afterward, we’ll visit Titov Island, where you can either enjoy a swim or hike to the top for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Later, we’ll return to the cruise for some relaxation and rest as we prepare for dinner. Dinner will be served at the cruise’s restaurant, offering a delightful selection of the cruise’s specialties. Afterward, you’re free to unwind, try your hand at squid fishing, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply relax and enjoy the evening.

At 06:00, you have the option to join a 30-minute Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at the restaurant.

Your next adventure takes you to Sung Sot Cave, one of the most impressive caves in Ha Long Bay. After exploring the cave, return to the cruise, relax, pack your luggage, and check out of your cabin.

You can then enjoy an early lunch at the restaurant as the cruise makes its way back to the port. Once disembarked, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Ha Noi. The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Overnight in Ha Noi.

Enjoy your final day in Vietnam with some shopping and relaxation. Depending on your flight schedule, we’ll arrange your transfer to the airport, ensuring you arrive 3 hours before departure. Thank you for choosing to travel with us, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon!