NATURAL TRAILS OF THE NORTHEN VIETNAM

Detailed Itinerary

• Day 1

  Hanoi arrival

  Welcomed at Noi Bai International airport by the tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Relax after a long journey. 

  Overnight in Hanoi.

• Day 2

  Hanoi – City highlights (Breakfast)

  The day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, the nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, and his house on stilts. This complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda- Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on the bank of West Lake. Then, visit Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam, the Temple of Literature & Vietnam’s first university, constructed in 11th century, the gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam's past.

  After your lunch (on your own), visit Hoa Lo Prison – which name “Hilton Hotel” during Vietnam War.

  Later, return to the city centre and stroll through Old Quarter from Hang Be Market to Thanh Ha wet market. Along the way delicacies, strange food items and an explanation of Vietnamese food practices will be given. This busy, eclectic market are alive with the sights and sounds of Hanoi and is the essence of Vietnamese culture.

  Continue through the streets of the Old Quarter to Dong Xuan market to sample some local street food such as pho tiu (noodle with pork) and bun dau (noodle with tofu). Your guide will explain the routine of Vietnam mealtimes and indigenous/unusual ingredients eaten. Stroll up ‘food alley’ to see other dishes on offer.

  Back into the inner of the Old Quarter – check specially treated fruit which are dependable on the seasons and a common snack in Vietnam. Last stop at one of the Old Quarter busiest (yet smallest) coffee shops for a well-earned sit down and coffee before returning to your hotel. 

  Overnight in Hanoi.

  Note: Shorts and tank tops are not allowed in Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum & pagodas.

   Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed on Mons & Fri afternoon. 

• Day 3

  Hanoi – Mai Chau (Breakfast, Lunch)

  Nested in a valley amongst verdant hills in the northwestern highlands, Mai Chau’s stunning scenery offers excellent opportunities for trekking while providing a glimpse into the village life of the H’mong and White Thai ethnic hill tribes.

  After breakfast, you will leave Ha Noi for Mai Chau which is a part of many North Vietnam Tour. The driver will take you through a beautiful mountainous province of Hoa Binh which is located in the Southwest of the capital of Viet Nam. Four hours on the way, you’ll see gorgeous scenery dotted with limestone and rice paddies while passing several small villages of Thai, H’Mong, and Dao people.

   Descending the last 14km of your first day of the tour on a steep mountain road into the stunning valley of Mai Chau, you will reach a village where your tasty lunch is prepared. After lunch and a short rest, take an easy walk of 1-2 hours around the village and valley. 

  Overnight in Mai Chau.

   

• Day 4

  Mai Chau – Ninh Binh (Breakfast)

   

  Have breakfast then transfer directly to Ninh Binh. Start our journey with a visit to Hoa Lu ancient capital, part of Trang An complex, listed in UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014. Hoa Lu tells you the story of the first three centralized feudal states of Vietnam: the Dinh Dynasty, the Le Dynasty, and the Ly Dynasty.

  Tam Coc, meaning three caves, was created by the river of Ngo Dong flowing through a mountain. A boating will take through these caves while seeing the stretching mountain views, and beautiful waterways of the rice paddies along the river. 

  Overnight in Ninh Binh

   

• Day 5

  Ninh Binh – Cuc Phuong (Breakfast)

  After breakfast at hotel, we head out to Cuc Phuong National Park. Upon arrival, you first visit at the Visiting Center to know more about the Park. Next is the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, one of the highlights of a visit to Cuc Phuong, where you can observe some of the rare primate species.

  In the afternoon, we transfer to the park center for a 7km loop trail hike to the 1,000-years-old tree. Follow the trail, enjoy the fresh air, and discover the secrets of nature. Stop at the Cave of Prehistoric Man, where human skeletons and stone tools dated to some 7,500 years old have been found.

  Hike back to your waiting vehicle for a drive back to Hanoi.

   

  Overnight in Hanoi. 

• Day 6

  Hanoi – Halong Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

  Make an early morning departure from Hanoi by shuttle bus and drive 3.5hours through the Red River Delta on our way to Halong city. Upon arrival, the crew will greet us abroad the traditional style junk with a refreshing welcome drink and then the cruise begins!

  While navigating the way through the emerald waters and limestone islands, lunch is served with delicious fresh seafood (vegetarians are also catered for). As cruising through the bay, marvel at the amazing karst scenery with different formations. Halong Bay is littered with hidden caves and grottoes and we’ll take some time to explore one of these. For those felling active you then can explore the bay by sea kayak. After the dinner, night fishing is available on the main deck.

  Overnight onboard on the bay.

  Note: Itinerary is subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions or local administration regulations. 

• Day 7

  Halong Bay – Hanoi (Brunch)

   

  Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Halong Bay’s landscape. We Continue cruising to explore more of the bay and enjoy the brunch breakfast before returning to the Jetty at noon time. Then shuttle bus will pick you up and transfer back to Hanoi. Transfer back to Hanoi city. Rest of day is your leisure time.

  Overnight in Hanoi.

   

• Day 8

  Hanoi departure

   Free time for last minute shopping or optional visit before we end our North Vietnam Tour and transferring to Noi Bai airport for departure flight.

CANCELLATION & AMENDMENT POLICY & CHARGES

In practice, VietnamStay always do the best to minimize cancelation penalty for our guests but we must abide by the cancelation policy of each service provider.

Please be advised that during Peak Season (Christmas and New Year) and during Public Holidays different cancellation policies may apply. The cancelation policy for such period will be informed to client(s) case by case.

CHILDREN POLICY (land service only)

-          Accompanied child from 1- 4 yrs:  Free of charge if sharing existing bed with parents

-          Accompanied child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 30% of adult price if sharing existing bed(s) with parents

-          Accompanied child from 5 – 6 yrs: charge 50% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room

-          Accompanied child from 7 – 11 yrs: charge 75% of adult price if using extra bed/mattress in parents’ room

-          Accompanied  child from 12 yrs up: pay as adult rate

-          In case child under 12 yrs using twin share room with an adult, please pay full fare.

Note: Children policy is subject to change case by case.