From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - Discover North Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi
Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, your guide will be waiting for you and transfer you to your hotel for free time at leisure. In case you arrive early, we could book an additional city tour for you through Hanoi. Overnight at Golden Silk Hotel, luxury room.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ninh Binh
After a late breakfast, you will depart to Ninh Binh from Hanoi which is roughly a 2-hour drive. On the way, you will visit Mua Cave for viewing the picturesque landscape of the countryside and the wonderful Ngo Dong River from the peak above. The way leading to the cave formed by a long stone staircase zigzags through the karst, there are nearly 500 steps to a simple altar to Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy). The attraction is very peaceful, and natural since there are huge karst mountains along with impressive landscapes around. Afterward, you will head to Tam Coc Ricefield Resort, Bungalow with a garden view for check-in and the rest of the day will be spent at leisure.

Day 3: Ninh Binh – Pu Luong Nature Reserve
After breakfast, you will head out to explore the scenic area of Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu. You will explore some of the monuments dedicated to the emperors before you depart to Tam Coc where you will have a bicycle ride through the rice fields. After the bike tour, you will take a sampan ride along a river in Thung Nham, which is used by farmers in the village nearby to access their paddy fields. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve via a breathtaking mountain pass giving you a panoramic view of the whole valley. You will arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious dinner, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. Overnight at Pu Luong Retreat.

Day 4: Pu Luong Nature Reserve – Mai Chau
After breakfast, you will have the chance to get close to village life and interact with locals living in the hills above the Retreat. Take a glimpse at daily life, walk around working farmland and rice fields, and learn about making and weaving colorful textiles, followed by lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you will drive to Mai Chau and you will go on a biking tour to explore local villages, a local market that provides ample opportunity for photos and give you the chance to learn a little more about their lives and traditions. In the evening head to Mai Chua Lodge for leisure and overnight.

Day 5: Mai Chau – Hanoi
After your breakfast, you will head out with a local tour guide to visit more remote rural villages Na Meo and Na Mo villages to understand more about their culture and customs. Afterward, you will visit the local market before walking back to the homestay for lunch and check-out. In the afternoon you will be transferred back to Hanoi. Overnight at Golden Silk Hotel, luxury room.

Day 6: Explore Hanoi like a local
Early morning, you will meet your guide and driver around 07:00 am and head towards Hoan Kiem Lake. It is a cultural thing in Vietnam to wake up very early and start the morning with some exercise. Several groups of people can be found practicing tai chi and aerobics. Be part of Vietnam and join the locals in their morning routine! After visiting the Ngoc Son Temple, located in the middle of the Hoan Kiem Lake, you will visit a traditional, local, and charming coffee place, where you will be able to try Vietnam’s local coffee: Cà phê sữa đá (Iced coffee) and if you feel more adventurous, you can also try the ‘Egg coffee’! After your coffee, you will continue walking and you will stop in a street food place, where you will try the delicious ‘bánh mì’ – a typical baguette sandwich filled in with a variety of things! Later, we will get deep into Hanoi’s Old Quarter and you will start a walking tour where you will be able to witness the French architecture in different Vietnamese buildings, including the St. Joseph Cathedral, the Hoa Lo Prison, and the Huu Tiep Lake. At noon, you will return to the Old Quarter. Vietnam is very well known for its food, so you will stop at a ‘Bún Chả’ restaurant, where you will try Hanoi’s specialty. After your local lunch, you will visit the Temple of Literature. After this visit, you will continue to Long Bien Bridge and you will finish the day with some beers at the typical and well-known Bia Hoi, where you will taste local draft beer; finishing the day as a local! Overnight at Golden Silk Hotel, luxury room.


Day 7: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Ha Long City in a shared shuttle. Arrive at Tuan Chau Island – take a break and enjoy a welcome drink at the cruise Lounge. You will be transferred to the cruise, where you will enjoy a welcome drink, receive the cruise briefing, safety instructions, and check in. Start cruising and explore Halong Bay – one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Lunch will be served on the boat with Vietnamese and International dishes while cruising through the bay, passing the most beautiful and quiet areas, such as Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, Soi Sim Beach, and Coconut Three Island. You also have a chance to go kayaking while on board the cruise. Visiting the beautiful Ti Top beach for swimming (if the weather permits), Ti Top Beach is especially famous for its fresh atmosphere, clean water, and smooth white sand that create a great ambiance to relax or you can take the steps to reach the top of Ti Top beach for a panorama view of Halong Bay. Later you will head. back to the boat for free time while sailing to the Luon Bo area, and anchor overnight. You can also attend the cooking class on the sundeck and learn how to make traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. Watch the magnificent sunset over Halong Bay while enjoying a drink during happy hour. Dinner will be served on board of the cruise. Overnight at Pelican Glory Legend Cruise, deluxe cabin.

Day 8: Ha Long Bay
In the morning you can decide to take part in a Tai Chi class on the sundeck. Coffee, tea, and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with a morning view of the bay’s landscape. After breakfast, you will be transferred to a smaller boat for visiting Cua Van Village, a small community with around 700 residents living near Ngoc Mountain. Visiting Me Cung Cave, which is also known as Maze Cave. According to archaeologists, Me Cung Cave belongs to the preliminary Halong culture, about 7,000 – 10,000 years ago. You will enjoy lunch on the smaller boat before you head back to the cruise. In the afternoon you have time to relax or participate in a cooking class. Watch the magnificent sunset over Halong Bay while enjoying a drink during happy hour. Dinner will be served on board the cruise. Overnight at Pelican Glory Legend Cruise, deluxe cabin.

Day 9: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Early in the morning, you can decide to participate in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Coffee, tea, and pastries for breakfast are served in the dining room with a morning view of the bay’s landscape. After breakfast, you will head to Sung Sot Cave, where you will walk up about 100 steps to the cave entrance. Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. You will enjoy brunch on the cruise while cruising back to the Tuan Chau Wharf. You will be transferred back to Hanoi by shared shuttle bus. Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will spend the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Golden Silk Hotel, luxury room.

Day 10: Hanoi
Today you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Hanoi International Airport for your departure flight.