Picturesque Nord West Vietnam
TOUR OVERVIEW
- 10 days
- Max people: 25
- Wifi available
- Jan 01 - Dec 31
- Min age:
- Pickup: Airpot
Get ready for a journey full of discovery through the breathtaking landscape of northern Vietnam in an experience that combines nature, culture and adventure.
You will depart from Hanoi, the bustling capital, and travel to Ninh Binh, the “Halong Bay on the mainland,” and the tranquil village of Mai Chau, nestled in rolling green hills. Here you will have the opportunity to experience homestay with the local community.
You will continue to Nghia Lo, gateway to the mountainous regions of Tu Le and Mu Cang Chai, where you will admire the striking views of terraced golden rice fields.
The tour will culminate in Sapa, the heart of ethnic minorities, where you will embark on an exciting trek to discover traditional villages and breathtaking scenery.
Before returning to Hanoi, you will immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO natural heritage site, enjoy a day of relaxation and exploration of this enchanted place.
This trip to Vietnam’s Northwest will give you an adventurous and authentic experience of breathtaking scenery, encounters with local communities, and moments of immersion in unspoiled nature. An unforgettable adventure.
ITINERARY
Day 1Hanoi Arrival
Meet and greet by the driver (without a guide) at the airport exit (recognizable by the sign with your name) after you have collected your luggage and completed immigration procedures. You will be transferred and checked in at the hotel.
The rooms will be available starting from 2:00 PM. Early check-in is not included, but can be requested for an additional fee.
The rest of the day will be at your leisure (guide, transportation, and visits are not included).
Day 2Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with our guide at the hotel reception at 08:30. You will transfer to Ninh Binh, a place enriched with historical, cultural, religious and natural wonders. During the journey we will cross the Red River Delta , where you can stop if you want to immortalize the beauty of the place.
Once you arrive in Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam from the 9th to 10th centuries, you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980- 1009), who played a fundamental role in obtaining the country’s independence after a millennium of Chinese rule.
Free lunch in the local restaurant.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity to visit the Trang An complex, which was recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as the first and only site in the world to be considered both cultural and natural heritage. Upon your arrival at the pier, you will board a traditional boat driven by locals and sail along the river passing through a series of caves, some of which are 300-400 meters long. Each stretch will offer you a new secret world composed of isolated and peaceful valleys. You will get off the boat to take a short walk among pagodas and temples dedicated to the mandarins of the famous Tran dynasty. Finally, you will make a short stop at Am Tien Cave, where you can admire a breathtaking panoramic view of Tuyet Tinh Coc.
Dinner will be at your leisure, and you will spend the night at a hotel in Ninh Binh.
Day 3Ninh Binh - Mai Chau
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, if you wake up early, you can visit Hang Mua, also known as the Vietnamese “Great Wall,” one of the best trekking routes in Ninh Binh. You will walk up nearly 500 stone steps to reach the top of Ngoa Long, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Tam Coc’s beautiful golden rice paddies, limestone formations and picturesque villages. Enjoy the sunset and fresh air as you walk down past the Lady Buddha statue.
Next, you will depart for Hoa Binh by crossing a road surrounded by landscapes of terraced rice paddies, mountains covered with lush vegetation, and picturesque rural villages. You will continue to Thung Khe Pass, where you will enjoy magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town.
Lunch of your choice in the small local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will move on to Mai Hich, a charming village less frequented by tourists in the Mai Chau valley. A walk or bicycle ride around the village will allow you to fully appreciate this wonderful rural landscape, where green rice terraces dominate undisturbed. You will stay overnight in a hotel in Mai Chau.
Day 4Mai Chau - Nghia Lo
You will start the day with a simple breakfast with your host family.
Begin your journey from the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, famous for its traditional villages and terraced rice fields. After exploring this area, continue to Nghia Lo, a mountain town in the heart of the Yen Bai Hills. Here you will take in the breathtaking views and meet local ethnic minorities. You will make numerous photo stops along the way and visit villages of the H’mong and Thai Black ethnic minorities. Lunch of your choice in the small local restaurant.
You will arrive in Nghia Lo in the late afternoon. You will stay overnight in a hotel in Nghia Lo.
Day 5Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai - Tu Le
Breakfast at the hotel. From Nghia Lo, head to Mu Cang Chai, one of the most spectacular destinations in northern Vietnam. Admire the terraced fields painted golden yellow during harvest season. Next, continue to Tu Le, a charming village surrounded by rice terraces. You will stay and spend the night at a local hotel or Homestay in Tu Le.
Day 6Tu Le - Sapa
Breakfast at the hotel/homestay. During the morning, you will set out for Sapa, following a picturesque mountain road. You will have lunch at a cozy local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Sapa, check in at the hotel and rest there to face another adventure-filled day.
Day 7Sapa trekking - Hanoi
Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue on to Sapa to visit Y Linh Ho village by hiking. Follow the path downhill and interact with the kind ladies and H’mong children living in the houses scattered in the valley. For those who are sporty and adventurous, you can follow an uphill trail along the buffalo road (a dirt path) that offers breathtaking views and fewer tourists. Those who prefer an easier walk can opt for a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River.
Next, you will advance to Lao Chai Village via a narrow path through rice terraces until you reach the small village. This is an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the daily life and cultural traditions of the local people. The tour continues with an exploration of the charming village of Ta Van, located at the top of the hill and inhabited by the Dzay people. From here you will enjoy magnificent views of the river, rice terraces and the mountains of the Hoang Lien Son range. As you explore the narrow streets of the village, you will have a chance to meet the friendly local residents, who will kindly invite you to visit their homes.
You will enjoy a free lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will return to Sa Pa, where you will have free time until 3 pm.
Afterwards, you will take the shared bus (without a guide) to Hanoi, where you will arrive at 9:30 pm and be escorted to your hotel accommodation. You will have a free choice of where to have dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 8Hanoi - Halong
Breakfast at the hotel.
Meet the driver at 8:30 AM at the hotel reception for the shared bus transfer to Halong Bay (approximately 4 hours with an intermediate stop).
Halong Bay, called the “bay where the dragon descends into the sea” in Vietnamese, is a beautiful bay with thousands of limestone islands, karst caves, sea stacks, and islets, making it a picturesque and fascinating place. Magnificent, mysterious, and majestic, Halong Bay has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994 and is considered one of the new seven wonders of the world.
Arrival at the port is expected between 12:00-12:30 PM. Afterward, you will follow the cruise company’s program.
NOTE:
- Lunch and dinner with a seafood tasting on board the junk boat (included – no drinks).
- Overnight stay on board in a private deluxe cabin (with air conditioning and shower).
- The cruise program may be subject to changes without prior notice due to weather conditions or decisions by local authorities.
- The junk boat will only have an English-speaking guide provided by the cruise company.
Day 9Halong - Hanoi libero
06:30: You will have the opportunity to participate in a sunrise Tai-chi class on the sun terrace or simply enjoy the beautiful bay in the morning while sipping a cup of tea or coffee.
07:00: Breakfast will be served Western style, providing you with the energy you need for a new day of exploring the bay. During breakfast, you can admire the lovely view that will charge you to take on new adventures.
08:00: The day begins with exploration of the secret cave of Thien Canh Son, located on the top of the mountain. This cave represents a true historical and geological treasure, a rare natural beauty. We recommend that you wear appropriate sports clothes for the hike and bring a camera to capture the wonders offered by the cave.
09:00: Return to the ship. You will have 30 minutes to freshen up and check out of your cabin. We kindly ask you to remove all your belongings from the cabin, but you may leave heavy luggage outside the cabin (staff will transfer it directly to the pier).
10:00 a.m.: Brunch will be served on board as the boat heads to port.
10:30: Arrival at the port.
11:00: Disembarkation at the cruise port in Ha Long.
Return to Hanoi by private car/ship coach and free time in the city.
Day 10Hanoi Partenza
Breakfast at the hotel.
You will have free time in Ha Noi until your transfer to the airport without a guide present. Please note that the room will be available until 12 noon. Please inform us in advance if you wish to extend your stay in the room beyond your departure time. We wish you a safe journey back!