Through The Mountains & Myths Of North Vietnam – 6 Days

You have the entire day today to discover the charming capital of Vietnam. Hanoi is an eclectic mix that has something to offer everyone with its broad, tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, serene lakes, and historic oriental pagodas. The main attractions in Hanoi will be included in your city tour, including the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the stilt house and mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, the nearby One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, West Lake, which is home to the solemn Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple, and one of the city’s museums (a choice between the History Museum and the Ethnology Museum).

Meals: Breakfast.

Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

Before leaving for Mai Chau, a wide valley containing picturesque rice paddies and bordered by towering karst rock formations, get up early and have breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the rural villages and pagodas that dot the landscape. Visit the Muong tribe en route, and then stop at Thung Khe Pass for a breathtaking view of Mai Chau Valley. Spend the afternoon hiking along the Song Ma River away from the beaten path after lunch. Explore the valley’s natural beauty on a trek through terraced rice paddies and small villages, where you’ll also come into contact with the local White Thai culture. Spend the night in a Thai village where you can have dinner with a local family and stay with them in their long house.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau.

Before traveling to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, enjoy breakfast at the homestay. Visit temples and climb a mountain’s peak a hundred steps for a panoramic view of the former capital. After lunch, take a leisurely cruise to Trang An, a less-frequented nature reserve similar to Tam Coc. A tranquil river flows through a number of caves and is surrounded by limestone hills (one which takes 15-minutes to pass through in darkness). The only sounds heard in this “eco-tourism” area are birds chirping and the gentle paddling of oars on the crystal-clear river. Spend the night at the luxurious Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort & Spa, which enjoys a prime location on the outskirts of the jungles of the Van Long Nature Reserve.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh.

(The itinerary below is just an example; it will vary depending on the cruise. If you book other junks like Halong Violet, Halong Jasmine, Paradise Luxury Cruises, Indochina Sails, Au Co Cruise, Starlight Cruise, etc., our travel consultants will give you the precise schedule and program.)

Depending on how long the cruise is, you’ll get a broad overview of the various wonders that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer. Discovering Halong Bay’s best of different formulas on a junk will take you on a ride through the magical archipelago.

Your driver will take you on a 4-hour drive to Halong Bay after breakfast at the hotel, passing through the Red River Delta’s rural areas.

12:00 – 12:30 Check in to a cruise.

12:30 – 13:00 Transfer to cruise by tender.

13:00 – 13:30 Welcome on boat, enjoy welcome drink and follow Operation Manager briefing safety on boat as your cruise heads to “Cho Da” Stone Dog, Ga Choi “Fighting Cock”, Hoa Cuong village.
13:30 – 15:00 Having lunch.

16:00 – 17:15 Visit Bat cave by:

• The 1st option: Kayaking (included).
• The 2nd option: Visit Bat cave by bamboo boat (included).

17:15 – 18:15 Back to the cruise to find safety place for overnight. Free time on cruise.
Option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu).

18:00 – 19:00 Cooking demonstrations on sundeck, Happy Hour (buy one drink, get one free).
19:30 – 21:30 Having dinner.

21:30 – 23:00 Entertainment activities:

• The 1st option: Join squid fishing, film entertainment ( included).
• The 2nd option: Massage service available. Please book with Cruise Manager directly (please see massage menu).

23:00 Overnight on cruise.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Accommodation: on cruise.

06:15 – 06:45 Tai Chi instruction on sundeck.

07:00 – 07:45 Having breakfast.

07:45 – 08:45 Exploring Surprise cave (about 60 minute on foot).

09:00 – 09:30 Check out, payment in reception area.

10:00 Having light lunch.

11:30 Back to Tuan Chau pier.

Your driver will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight. Good bye & Safe travels!

Meals: Brunch.

Accommodation: N/A.