Cultural and nature trek in northern Vietnam - 9 days

Leave the hotel by car, passing through the historic Ba Dinh Square , where President Ho Chi Minh proclaimed Vietnam's independence in 1945. Admire its remarkable architecture and peaceful atmosphere, then discover Lenin Garden , a popular relaxation spot for locals.

Continue through the narrow streets of Hanoi , where tailoring workshops have been passed down for generations. Observe local life and capture these unique moments before visiting the Temple of Literature on foot, Vietnam's first national university dating back to the 11th century.

Next, visit the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam's ethnic groups. After lunch at a local restaurant , stroll through Hanoi's Old Quarter and explore its lively alleyways. Stop at a French colonial house for tea and a chat with the owner about Hanoi life, past and present.

End the day with a water puppet show , a typical art form of northern Vietnam, before returning to the hotel.

Night in Hanoi.

Remarks :

1. Suggested time: 8:00 AM
2. Duration: 7 hours

Located in Hoa Binh province, about a 4-hour drive southwest of Hanoi, Mai Chau offers stunning views of mountains and valleys, surrounded by lush landscapes and stilt houses, primarily inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group. Upon arrival, continue for 45 minutes by car to the village of Xa Linh, home to the H'mong hill tribe.

Lunch will be served before enjoying the fresh, invigorating air on a 2-hour hike through mountain trails. Make stops along the way to observe any local traditions you might encounter. In the late afternoon, check into a local guesthouse.

Overnight stay in Mai Chau (Homemade lunch)

REMARKS :

• Suggested time: 8:00

• Duration: 8 hours

• Hiking distance: 2 km

• Level: Easy

After breakfast at the local guesthouse, you'll travel to the village of Sam Khoe. The excursion continues with a hike through stunning scenery to the small village. Today, you'll have the opportunity to challenge yourself as you trek through the rainforest, navigating ascents and descents on uneven steps.

This challenging hike will last approximately 6 hours, with a picnic lunch along the way. The plan is to arrive in the village of Van, inhabited by the Thai people, at dusk. Afterward, relax at your guesthouse and prepare for a stroll around the village before dinner, which will be served by your host.

Overnight stay in a local guesthouse

REMARKS :

• Suggested departure time: 08:00

• Hike duration: 7 hours

• Total distance: 6 km

After breakfast, you will travel for 1.5 hours to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You will have time to explore the beautiful village with its captivating panoramic views of Don village, observe daily life, stroll through cultivated fields and rice paddies, and learn more about the local culture while interacting with the inhabitants before enjoying a local lunch.

After lunch, you'll head to Hang village for a 2-3 hour hike through beautiful hilltop villages, impressive rice paddies, and traditional bamboo waterwheels. The highlight of this trek is discovering the beauty of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve and the daily life of the White Thai people. You'll become an integral part of local life, welcomed as honored guests in a traditional Thai stilt house. Return to the guesthouse for a traditional dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay in a local guesthouse

REMARKS :

• Suggested departure time: 08:00

• Duration: 8 hours

• Hiking distance: 5–7 km

• Level: Easy

An early start takes you down into the beautiful valley opposite the Retreat, where you'll walk around cascading terraced rice paddies. Hike 6 km of small, downhill trails, surrounded by lush vegetation, gradually revealing a picturesque village at the foot of an imposing mountain. Continue to Kho Muong, located in the central valley, to interact with the locals and observe their rural life. Head to the "Bat Cave," where the early ancestors of the Muong ethnic group lived. Lunch will be served in a traditional stilt house. Afterward, transfer to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, check into a local guesthouse and enjoy some free time.

Overnight stay in a local guesthouse

REMARKS:

• Suggested departure time: 09:00

• Duration: 8 hours

• Hiking distance: 13 km

• Level: Moderate

After breakfast at a local guesthouse, you'll set off for Mua Cave, explore, and climb Mua Mountain, a bell-shaped rock formation covering approximately 800 square meters. On either side of the staircase, the stone is decorated with intricately carved dragons or phoenixes, remarkably sharp and beautiful. The path to the cave is a long, zigzagging stone staircase winding through the karst landscape; there are nearly 500 steps leading to a simple altar dedicated to Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy). The cave entrance is reminiscent of the Great Wall of China.

Then, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient Vietnamese capital and the country's first centralized feudal state in the late 10th century. Although the ancient citadel has largely disappeared, the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties still stand, surrounded by rice paddies. After lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh, continue to the Van Long Nature Reserve (3,500 hectares), the largest natural wetland in the Red River Delta. Enjoy a two-hour boat trip to admire the beautiful scenery of local villages scattered among the limestone karsts and caves. Remember to bring binoculars, as you might spot rare langurs (monkeys) or birds. Return to Hanoi.

Night in Hanoi

REMARKS :

• Suggested departure time: 08:00

• Tour duration: 8 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll depart for Halong Bay. The landscape of Halong Bay, where thousands of limestone islands rise from the emerald sea, sculpted into bizarre shapes, is an iconic image of Vietnam. An overnight cruise is the best way to experience this must-see Vietnamese landmark. After breakfast, depart from Hanoi for a 2.5-hour drive to Halong Bay, with a 20-minute stop along the way.

Arrival at the Halong City pier around noon and check-in formalities. After a welcome aboard, lunch is served during the cruise to the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing and/or activities (depending on each boat's itinerary) or simply relax on board.

At the end of the day, the boat anchors for the night amidst the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.

Overnight stay on board the cruise in Halong Bay

REMARKS :

• Suggested departure time: 8:30

• Tour duration: 8 hours

In the morning, the sun rises over Halong Bay and breakfast (or brunch on some boats) is served as the boat slowly returns to the port. Disembark and transfer to Hanoi airport for your onward flight.

END OF SERVICES! - Your departure flight must be scheduled after 7pm.