Northern Vietnam 7-Day Trekking & Cruise: Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh & Secluded Lan Ha Bay

Emotion & Experience: Reflecting on Vietnam's profound history and cultural diversity.

9:00 AM: We begin the day at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu), Vietnam’s first national university built in the 11th century. Stroll through the tranquil gardens, admire the symbolic Khue Van Cac Pavilion, and seek out the World Heritage "stone steles"—turtles carrying slabs engraved with the names of outstanding historical students. It's a journey into the country’s deep respect for education.

Next, we gain a fascinating insight into Vietnam's mosaic of peoples at the Ethnology Museum. Spend two hours exploring the traditional costumes, musical instruments, and life-size traditional houses of Vietnam's many ethnic groups.

The afternoon transitions to the elegance of the French Quarter—a "little Paris" with stately, tree-lined boulevards. We’ll walk past the Presidential Palace and explore Ho Chi Minh’s Complex, including the simplicity of his House on Stilts and the unique One-Pillar Pagoda.

We conclude the day with the magical and unique art form of the Water Puppet Show. Watch daily life, legends, and beliefs come alive as puppets dance across a water stage, accompanied by traditional music—a truly unforgettable cultural experience.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show.

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Achieving gentle conquest rewarded by stunning rice terrace views and local warmth.

8:00 AM: Meet your guide and driver and depart Hanoi for the stunning Mai Chau Valley. Our drive is scenic, including a stop at a Muong village and a photo break at Thung Khe Pass, offering magnificent panoramic views over the valley below.

Upon arrival in Mai Hich village, you’ll check into your traditional stilt house homestay and enjoy a delicious lunch cooked by your host family. This is where your cultural immersion truly begins!

In the afternoon, we embark on a 5-6 km gentle trek along the trails and small roads of Mai Hich. The scenery is pure harmony: green mountain ranges, perfectly flat rice fields, and peaceful villages. We'll continue to the non-touristic Xam Khoe village, interacting with the friendly White Thai ethnic people who are always ready to welcome you with a cup of tea. Feel the genuine ấm áp (warmth) of this community before returning to your homestay for a traditional dinner.

• Optional: Ask your guide to arrange a private traditional music and dancing show by local people for a truly festive evening.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private Transportation, Homestay Accommodation (Sharing).

Emotion & Experience: Discovering the serenity of Pu Luong's pristine landscapes.

8:00 AM: Today, we journey deeper into nature, heading to the breathtaking Pu Luong Nature Reserve. We’ll start near Eo Ken village, home to the Muong ethnic people. Here, you'll walk down the slope to embrace the spectacular view of tiered rice field terraces and majestic mountains.

We’ll visit a local Muong ethnic family in Eo Ken to learn about their daily life before continuing our 4-5 km walk through the pristine landscape, crossing a stream to reach Hang Village. This immersive trek offers a profound sense of gần gũi (closeness) to nature and local agriculture.

After a final lunch in Mai Chau, we depart for Ninh Binh (approx. 4 hours). Upon arrival, check into your charming accommodation nestled among the karst landscape, ready for the next phase of natural wonder.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Private Transportation.

• Accommodation: Nep House (Double Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: A day of active discovery, cultural depth, and peaceful gliding.

8:00 AM: Get active this morning! You have the choice of a 10-20 km bike ride along the serene river dyke, offering stunning views of rice fields and limestone peaks, or riding as a passenger on a scooter/car. We cycle to Thung La Temple, a hidden gem dating back to the 11th century. Here, you will witness a special performance of traditional musical instruments, connecting you to Vietnam's ancient spiritual life.

Next, prepare for the majestic beauty of Van Long Nature Reserve. Board a traditional sampan boat, gently rowed by a local, and glide silently among the dramatic limestone mountains. This reserve is famously tranquil and, if luck is on your side, you might spot rare white monkeys or egrets on the cliffs!

Our day of immersion continues with a visit to a local embroidery village. Meet Mrs. Lam, a skilled craftswoman, who will proudly guide you through an embroidery workshop. You’ll practice the traditional techniques, creating your own small piece of Vietnamese art to take home.

In the late afternoon, we bid farewell to the beautiful Ninh Binh landscape and transfer back to Hanoi.

• Included: English-speaking Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Boat Trip (Van Long), Bike Use, Entrance Fees, Embroidery Workshop, Traditional Music Performance.

• Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

Emotion & Experience: Overwhelming awe and tranquil seclusion on the water.

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we depart Hanoi for the beautiful coastal city of Hai Phong and the gateway to Lan Ha Bay (approx. 2.5 hours on the new expressway).

12:30 PM: You are warmly welcomed aboard the luxurious Peony Cruise. As you receive a refreshing welcome drink, we set sail immediately for Lan Ha Bay—a quieter, less-touched extension of Halong Bay with equally breathtaking scenery. Enjoy a special lunch featuring fresh seafood and Vietnamese delicacies as the magnificent limestone islands appear.

The Thrills of the Afternoon:

1. Tra Bau Area Exploration: This secluded area is renowned for its poetic, untouched beauty.

2. Kayaking: Take your kayak out to discover the true beauty of the karst islands, paddling into hidden nooks and enjoying the emerald green waters. You can also relax in the Jacuzzi pool on the cruise deck!

3. Sunset & Culinary: Join a cooking demonstration to learn how to make fresh Vietnamese spring rolls. Later, enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin during Happy Hour (Buy One Get One Free).

4. Evening: Indulge in a delicious, intimate dinner before relaxing at the sky bar or trying your hand at squid fishing on the main deck.

• Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi - Harbor), English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance Fees, Kayaking, Cooking Demonstration, Squid Fishing.

• Accommodation: Peony Cruise (Deluxe Balcony Cabin).

Emotion & Experience: A final dose of natural wonder and cherished memories.

6:00 AM: Greet the day with a calming Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the sun rises over the bay. A light breakfast is served as we cruise back toward the jetty.

7:30 AM: We take a final excursion to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island, one of the largest and most impressive geological wonders in the area, offering a glimpse into millions of years of natural history.

9:30 AM: Return to the main boat, check out of your cabin, and enjoy an early lunch as the cruise makes its final journey back to the port.

12:00 PM: Disembark at Tuan Chau Port and meet your private driver for the smooth return transfer to Hanoi. You will be dropped off at your hotel or directly transferred to Noi Bai Airport (HAN) for your international flight home, enriched with the traditions and natural wonders of Northern Vietnam.

• Included: English-speaking Guide (on board), Breakfast, Lunch, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Tai Chi Session, Mineral Water.