From Hanoi To Ha Long Footsteps Through Northern Vietnam

Upon your arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you'll be warmly greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Hanoi. Depending on your arrival time, you can check in and take some time to rest and freshen up after your journey.
In the evening, head out for a light stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter. This is the perfect opportunity to get your first taste of Hanoi’s vibrant energy—narrow alleys full of street food stalls, buzzing scooters, and local shops. You might stop for a glass of bia hoi Hanoi, Hanoi’s famous draft beer. It’s a relaxed introduction to the city that sets the tone for the days ahead. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: No
 

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before hopping on a Vespa for a guided city tour that offers a fresh, up-close view of Hanoi. Your first stop is the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, where you can admire the Ngoc Son Temple perched on a small island. From there, wind your way through the historic Old Quarter, where each street is named after the craft or trade once practiced there.
Next, visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, beautifully situated on West Lake. 
Next, you’ll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a site of deep national pride, along with the One Pillar Pagoda, one of Vietnam’s most unique religious structures. Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, dating back to the 11th century, and soak in its scholarly charm.
To wrap up your day, head to a cozy hidden café for a taste of egg coffee—a Hanoi specialty. With its blend of history, culture, and flavor, this day gives you a rich snapshot of Vietnam’s capital. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: B/L
 

After breakfast, we’ll begin the day exploring Vietnam’s traditional crafts and countryside life. Your first stop is Ha Thai Village, known for its centuries-old lacquerware tradition. Watch skilled artisans walk through each intricate step of the process—and try it yourself if you’re feeling hands-on.
Next, head to Quang Phu Cau, a village renowned for incense making. With its vibrant red and yellow incense sticks laid out to dry in geometric bursts of color, it’s one of the most photogenic places of your journey.
After lunch, drive to Ba Vi National Park, a lush, forested area known for its misty mountain peaks, ancient temples, and rich biodiversity. The park is a peaceful retreat from the city, offering cool mountain air and trails through dense tropical greenery.
Check in at a resort tucked deep within the park—a quiet place to relax and recharge. As the sun sets, enjoy a cup of tea and a peaceful dinner surrounded by nature. Overnight at Resort.
Meals: B/L
 

Start your morning with breakfast and a coffee in the fresh mountain air. Afterward, a car will take you to the trailhead for a short trek to the Upper Temple, perched at 1,227 meters on Tan Vien Peak. This temple is a cultural and historical site tied to the legend of Son Tinh, the Mountain God of Ba Vi.
At the top, take in panoramic views and the crisp mountain breeze. After some time to explore and rest, return downhill to the parking area.
On your way back to Hanoi, stop to visit the Vietnam National Villages for Ethnic Culture and Tourism—an open-air museum showcasing the architecture, traditions, and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant nearby, then continue the drive to Hanoi. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Check in to your hotel and relax after an incredible journey in Vietnam.
Overnight in Hanoi.
 

After breakfast, we leave the city behind and head towards Mai Chau, a picturesque valley about three hours’ drive from Hanoi. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the locals and your host, where you can relax and enjoy a delicious lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll kick off our cycling adventure through the villages and rice paddies of the valley—one of the best ways to take in the scenery and get a real sense of life in rural Vietnam. As you cycle along quiet backroads, you’ll pass traditional stilt houses, water buffalo grazing, and farmers tending their fields.
Stop at a few local homes along the way to chat with villagers and enjoy a coffee break among the rice fields. The pace is easygoing and perfect for soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. After the ride, you’ll have time to rest before a home-cooked dinner featuring traditional Thai dishes.
Later in the evening, join in a cultural performance of local dance and music—an authentic experience that connects you to the heart of the community. Overnight in Mai Chau.
 

Start your day with breakfast, then transfer a short distance to Mai Hich, a quiet village surrounded by green hills and rice paddies. From here, begin a 10-kilometer trek through scenic landscapes dotted with bamboo groves, farming fields, and local houses.
Along the way, you’ll pass through smaller hamlets where locals go about their daily routines. Stop to talk with families, observe traditional weaving and farming techniques, and learn more about the region's cultural richness. The hike is a perfect mix of nature and culture, with plenty of opportunities for photos and interaction.
Finished your trek in early afternoon and enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant. Then, check in to your peaceful lodge, set among rice fields. The rest of the day is yours to unwind—relax by the pool, read a book with a view, or simply take in the stillness of the countryside. Overnight in Mai Hich.
Meals: B/L
 

After breakfast, head toward Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden gem known for its terraced rice fields, dense forests, and ethnic minority communities. The drive itself is scenic, taking you deeper into the Vietnamese countryside.
Upon arrival, enjoy a welcome drink and take in sweeping valley views before sitting down for lunch at your eco-retreat. After checking in, take a light afternoon walk to Chom Ui Village, a small, quiet hamlet nestled among the rice terraces. You’ll pass wooden homes, hear the sounds of children playing, and maybe even see locals working on traditional crafts.
Return to your retreat in the evening for a hearty dinner made with fresh local ingredients. Surrounded by nature, the setting is ideal for a restful night. Overnight in Pu Luong.
Meals: B/L
 

Wake up to the sound of birds and rustling leaves. After breakfast, set out on a full-day trek to explore the remote beauty of Pu Luong. The path takes you through terraced rice fields, and along valleys. You’ll visit Lan and Hieu villages, where the Thai and Muong ethnic groups live in stilt houses, preserving traditions that go back generations.
Along the way, you’ll cross bamboo bridges, meet farmers and weavers, and learn about how these communities live in harmony with nature. A highlight of the trek is reaching Hieu Waterfall—a beautiful, secluded spot where you can take a break and even go for a refreshing swim.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, giving you a true taste of regional cuisine. After a fulfilling day of hiking and cultural connection, return to your retreat to relax and watch the sunset over the valley.
To round off your day in the most soothing way, enjoy a traditional foot massage — a perfect treat for your tired feet after hours of trekking. Let the skilled hands of local therapists ease away any tension with time-honored techniques using herbal oils and gentle pressure, leaving you refreshed, relaxed, and fully immersed in the peaceful rhythms of the mountains.
Overnight in Pu Luong.
Meals: B/L/D
 

After breakfast, depart for Ninh Binh—a region often called “Halong Bay on land” for its dramatic limestone karsts and winding rivers. The drive takes around three hours, with beautiful scenery along the way.
Your first stop is Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital in the 10th century. Visit the temples of King Dinh and King Le, nestled among towering cliffs and rice fields. Learn about the early dynasties and the area’s historical importance.
Next, enjoy a peaceful sampan boat ride through the caves and waterways of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Glide past lush mountains, explore temple-filled caves, and take in the quiet beauty of this unique landscape.
By late afternoon, you’ll check into your eco-lodge surrounded by rice paddies and karst peaks. Enjoy a relaxed evening in this tranquil countryside setting. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Meals: B/L
 

Today’s adventure takes you to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first and most biologically diverse national park. After breakfast, drive into the heart of the park where you’ll begin with visits to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the Turtle Conservation Center—both important projects protecting rare and threatened species.
Continue into the forest for a guided trek through ancient trees, rich ecosystems, and lush jungle. You’ll explore prehistoric caves and see a thousand-year-old tree towering overhead. This is a chance to learn about Vietnam’s conservation efforts while experiencing nature at its most raw and beautiful.
Return to Ninh Binh in the afternoon for a relaxing evening. You might choose to bike around the countryside, visit a local market, or just kick back at your lodge. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Meals: B/L
 

After breakfast, depart for Halong Bay—a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its emerald waters and towering limestone islands. Upon arrival, You will be welcomed by the crew and board on your cruise as it sets sail into the bay.
Lunch is served on deck as you cruise past surreal landscapes of jungle-covered karsts. In the afternoon, kayak around secluded lagoons, swim in the calm sea, or visit one of the bay’s hidden caves. Back onboard, enjoy sunset from the sundeck with a drink in hand. Dinner is served as the boat anchors for the night in a quiet cove. Fall asleep to the gentle rocking of the water and the sound of the bay at night. Overnight onboard in Halong Bay.
Meals: B/L/D
 

Rise early to catch the sunrise over the bay. Join a Tai Chi or yoga session on the sundeck, then enjoy breakfast as the boat cruises slowly back toward the harbor.
Once on shore, return to Hanoi by road. In the evening, you’ll have some free time to explore more of the capital—maybe shop for souvenirs or simply stroll around the old quarter.
This evening is yours to enjoy at your pace—consider a dinner in the Old Quarter or a rooftop bar overlooking the city lights. Overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: B/L

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a short walk, one last visit to a nearby café, or a final browse through a local market.
Your driver will pick you up for your transfer to Noi Bai International Airport, where you’ll say goodbye to Vietnam with unforgettable memories of its landscapes, people, and rich culture. End of service. 
Meals: B