Land of adventure in northern Vietnam

We will begin our exploration with a visit to the Museum of Ethnography, the ultimate reference on the culture, customs, and traditions of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities. This visit will open the doors to the country's rich cultural diversity.

Next, we will continue our journey towards the Temple of Literature, the birthplace of Vietnam’s first university.

After this discovery, we will enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, a fascinating walk through the Old Quarter awaits us. We'll begin our stroll at the Long Bien Bridge – Paul Doumer Bridge (on the Trần Nhật Duật Street side) – then continue to Cao Thắng Street, renowned for its traditional spices. We'll continue our exploration towards Dong Xuan Market, Hanoi's largest market, and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Hàng Mã Street, famous for its decorative items, Chinese toys, and colorful lanterns.

We will continue our stroll through Luong Van Can, Lãn Ông, and Hang Buồm streets, taking the time to visit Bach Ma Temple (76 Hang Buồm Street), the oldest temple in Hanoi. We will soak up the tranquility of Trung Yen's alleyways and make a welcome stop at Café Market (Hanoi Coffee Station, 44 Hang Be Street).

Before concluding our day, we will capture memorable moments on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, the vibrant heart of Hanoi.

Finally, the evening has something in store for us in Hanoi.

After breakfast, depart for Mai Chau, a picturesque village in a valley inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group, at the foot of the Hoang Lien Mountains. Along the way, admire the landscapes of terraced rice paddies and stilt houses, with opportunities to photograph the sugarcane fields.

Lunch is at your leisure in Mai Chau.

In the afternoon, hike through the villages of Pomcoong and Lac to explore the daily life of the White Thai, one of the 54 ethnic groups of Vietnam.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local's home to discover more about the local cuisine and traditions.

Night in a stilt house of the White Thai ethnic group.

In the morning, explore Thai villages by bicycle (or on foot, depending on the weather), passing through rice paddies and local markets of Mai Chau.

In the afternoon, head to the entrance of Pu Luong to begin an easy 2-3 hour trek. Admire picturesque mountain villages and rice paddies, and observe handcrafted bamboo waterwheels.

Visit Kho Muong cave, an impressive bat cave nestled in a forest and limestone setting.

Dinner and overnight stay in Pu Luong.

Pu Luong, a little-known nature reserve, offers majestic mountain scenery, vast terraced rice paddies, and a glimpse into the lives of ethnic minorities. This site is ideal for those seeking to discover local nature and culture.

In the morning, we head towards Ba Thuoc along National Route 15C, which winds its way around the mountains. In the town of Ba Thuoc, we cross the Ma River, where the scenery is reminiscent of an old-fashioned print. At Cam Thuy, we take the Ho Chi Minh Trail to Ninh Binh, where we begin to see karst rock formations.

Around noon, lunch at your leisure in a restaurant.

Transfer to the Van Long Nature Reserve – a former marshland. Board a small bamboo boat to explore this nature reserve. The boat will take you through a vast valley of reeds, surrounded by mountain ranges and flocks of egrets. Stop at a limestone cave with iridescent stalagmites and stalactites. Return via a different route for a deeper exploration of the site's natural beauty.

Then we drove to Tam Coc, taking a bike ride to visit Bich Dong (Jade Pagoda) in Hoa Lu district (Ninh Binh province). Scenes from the French film "Indochine" were filmed at this pagoda.

On a path through picture-postcard karst landscapes, we will go to the Thai Vi Temple, dedicated to the Tran kings in the 13th century: a magnificent isolated temple at the end of a long avenue bordered by rice paddies. We will be welcomed by the temple guardian, a venerable bearded man (Ong Tu) who plays the Đàn bầu (a single-stringed musical instrument).

Night in Tam Coc.

Departure by bus to Bai Tu Long Bay, which is part of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Around noon, board the boat. The crew will brief you on your cruise and show you to your cabin.

Enjoy a delicious lunch as Swan continues its cruise around the limestone islands of Bai Tu Long Bay, heading towards the Cap La area. You can explore the islands and islets by canoe or kayak and set off on your own with the help and instructions of the tour guide. Swimming at the natural beaches is optional.

Around 5:30 pm, return to the junk and go to the restaurant for a cooking demonstration. The chef will show you how to decorate a Vietnamese plate. Everyone will try making spring rolls.

Dinner is served. Relax or chat with the other travelers. You can also try night fishing for squid, or simply unwind.

Overnight on board.

Around 6:30 a.m., start the day with the tai chi class on the deck before having breakfast.

Admire the morning seascapes while enjoying your tea or coffee. Breakfast will be served as the cruise heads towards Thien Canh Son Cave, untouched by mass tourism.

Luggage check-out will be around 9:30 am.

Lunch before disembarking around noon.

Road transfer by car to Hanoi airport for your departure flight.

End of a week of adventure in northern Vietnam!