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Personalized tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Laos & Cambodia, crafted for unforgettable, immersive experiences.

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  • Address

    15 Ng. 100 Đ. Nguyễn Xiển, Thanh Xuân Nam, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội 100000

  • Email
    info@goldentrailtravel.com
  • Phone
    +84(832) - 126 - 699

Vietnam Northern Loop 7 Days | Lan Ha Bay, Mai Chau & Ninh Binh

  • CODE: GDT2500
  • Private Tour
  • Duration: 5 - 7 days
  • Price from: Contact
  • Route: Vietnam - Hai Phong - Cuc Phuong National Park - Ha Noi - Ninh Binh - Cat Ba - Pu Luong - Mai Chau

Overview

Embark on the ultimate Northern Vietnam loop with our expertly designed 7-day tour, a perfect balance of adventure, culture, and natural splendor. This itinerary is crafted for travelers who seek to go beyond the ordinary, trading the city's hustle for serene landscapes and authentic local encounters. Over seven unforgettable days, you will traverse a diverse tapestry of environments, from the emerald waters of a world-famous bay to the tranquil rice paddies of the highlands and the dramatic karst scenery of Vietnam's ancient capital.

Your journey begins in the vibrant heart of Hanoi, the dynamic capital city and the perfect gateway to the north. From there, you will be transported to the breathtaking beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Often hailed as a more pristine and tranquil alternative to its famous neighbor, Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha is a masterpiece of towering limestone karsts emerging from calm, emerald waters. You'll spend your time cruising through this magnificent seascape, kayaking into hidden lagoons and caves, and swimming in secluded coves. It's a surreal and peaceful marine adventure that sets the tone for the journey ahead.

From the sea, the tour takes you inland to the lush green valleys of Mai Chau Province. This is where you'll discover the genuine, rural charm of Vietnam. The scenery is defined by serene rice paddies, traditional stilt houses, and the peaceful daily life of the White Thai ethnic minority. Your experience here will be deeply immersive, with opportunities to cycle through the picturesque valleys, trek to remote villages, and enjoy a warm, authentic homestay. This is a chance to connect with local communities and witness their unique culture firsthand, a world away from the city.

The final leg of your loop brings you to Ninh Binh Province, a region so spectacular it's often called "Ha Long Bay on land." The landscape is a dramatic fusion of majestic limestone karsts rising from flooded rice fields, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. Here, you will uncover Vietnam's rich history at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, and embark on an iconic bamboo boat ride through the waterways of Tam Coc or Trang An. This journey through a landscape of mythical beauty, complete with ancient temples and breathtaking views, provides a spectacular finale to your adventure.

This Vietnam Northern loop 7 days tour is a complete and immersive experience, seamlessly blending the best of Vietnam's stunning nature with its profound history and vibrant culture. It's an unforgettable journey that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the country's diverse and captivating northern regions.

Trip Map

Highlight

  • Lan Ha Bay:

    • Serene Cruise: Enjoy a scenic cruise through the spectacular seascape of Lan Ha Bay, known for its pristine waters and fewer crowds.

    • Kayaking & Swimming: Paddle through quiet lagoons and discover hidden caves in your own kayak, with plenty of opportunities to swim in the bay's cool, clear water.

    • Limestone Karsts: Marvel at the thousands of majestic limestone islands and islets that create a stunning, otherworldly landscape.

  • Mai Chau Province:

    • Cycling the Valleys: Enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the picturesque rice paddies and lush valleys, soaking in the peaceful rural atmosphere.

    • Authentic Homestay: Stay overnight in a traditional stilt house with a local family from the White Thai ethnic group, experiencing their warm hospitality and delicious cuisine.

    • Cultural Immersion: Trek to remote villages and engage with the local community, learning about their unique traditions and way of life.

  • Ninh Binh Province:

    • Halong Bay on Land: Discover the incredible "Ha Long Bay on land" landscape, with towering limestone karsts rising dramatically from serene rice fields and waterways.

    • Iconic Boat Ride: Take a traditional bamboo boat ride through the famous Tam Coc or Trang An grottoes, gliding past epic scenery.

    • Ancient History: Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, a historical site with temples dedicated to Vietnam's first emperors.

  • Hanoi:

    • Gateway to the North: Use the vibrant capital as the starting and ending point of your loop.

    • Seamless Logistics: Enjoy comfortable transfers that connect you to each unique destination, allowing you to fully relax and enjoy the journey.

Service

HOTELS
Homestay
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Your Perfect Trekking Adventure, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

At Golden Trail Travel DMC, we believe every journey should be as unique as the traveler. As Asia's premier trekking tour operator, we specialize in creating bespoke hiking experiences that perfectly match your desires and budget, wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Our dedicated team-comprising experienced trekking guides, knowledgeable local experts, reliable drivers, insightful tour consultants, and passionate mountain specialists-is committed to ensuring your adventure is seamless, safe, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you're exploring solo, enjoying a family getaway, or embarking on a group expedition, we're here to design a trip that's exclusively yours. The itineraries you see are just a starting point; consider them a canvas upon which we'll paint your ideal Asian trekking tour. We invite you to share your ideas, tell us your preferences, and let us know your budget. We'll meticulously customize an existing itinerary or craft a brand-new program from the ground up, adding or excluding elements until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Ready to start planning your dream trekking adventure across Asia? Share your requirements with us today, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.

Inclusion

Exclusion

Itinerary

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Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau & Pu Luong (Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi. We'll head west to Hoa Binh Province, stopping at a vibrant local market on the way. Our journey continues to the picturesque Mai Chau Valley, where we’ll have lunch in a traditional stilt house in Pom Coong village. In the afternoon, we'll embark on a fantastic hike (5-7km) off the beaten path into the Pu Luong Reserve. This scenic trek takes you through a natural paradise of rice fields, mountains, and small villages, giving you a glimpse into the daily life of the local Thai people. You'll get an even closer look during dinner and your overnight stay in a family-run stilt house.
Day 2: Trekking the Heart of Pu Luong (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Start your day with a delicious breakfast prepared by your Thai hosts before setting off on an epic trek (12-15km). The first part of the hike is the most challenging, with some steep climbs and thrilling river crossings, but the effort is well worth it. From your high vantage point, you'll be rewarded with absolutely stunning views of the valley, terraced rice fields, lush rainforests, and winding streams. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch when we reach Hin Village, then continue to Hieu Village, often regarded as one of the most beautiful rural villages in Vietnam. The day concludes at Kho Muong village, where you can relax at an eco-homestay or stroll around and chat with the friendly locals.
Day 3: Pu Luong to Cuc Phuong National Park (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, we'll drive to Cuc Phuong National Park in Ninh Binh province. Our first stop is the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, which is home to over 140 rare primates. Next, we’ll visit the Prehistoric People Cave, where ancient people lived 7,500 years ago. You’ll have a chance to explore a section of the cave with a torch to discover its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch, we’ll embark on an off-the-beaten-path hike (5-7km) to a magnificent 1,000-year-old tree. This trek is a great opportunity to learn about the park’s diverse trees, plants, animals, and insects.
Day 4: Cuc Phuong to Ninh Binh (Breakfast, Lunch)
We’ll drive to Ninh Binh after breakfast. Upon arrival, we’ll take a scenic stroll through the vast rice fields and villages of Ninh Xuan to learn about local rice cultivation. This is followed by a serene boat ride on the Ngo Dong River, a two-hour journey through the enchanting Thung Nang cave system and incredible karst scenery. In the afternoon, we'll go cycling through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic limestone facades and jade-green water. We’ll absorb the local daily life and appreciate the warmth of the local people before a farewell dinner and overnight stay in Ninh Binh.
Day 5: Ninh Binh to Cat Ba Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast, we drive to Cat Ba Island via Hai Phong city. We’ll arrive on the island in time for lunch before heading to Cat Ba National Park for a trek. Our hike (10-12km) takes you to Viet Hai Village, a tranquil haven for bird watching and sightseeing. Along the way, you might spot native cats, squirrels, spotted deer, snakes, and thousands of butterflies. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the rare Cat Ba Langur. We’ll cap off the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a bungalow in Viet Hai Village.
Day 6: Cruise & Kayak Lan Ha Bay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Wake up to breakfast at 7:30 AM before a short walk to the top of Marine Hill for panoramic views of both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. After returning to Viet Hai Village, you can relax or try a fish massage before cycling to Viet Hai Harbour. From here, you’ll board a boat to explore the stunning beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Lunch will be served on board, followed by a kayaking excursion around Hang Luon Cave. If it’s hot, the boat will take you to some beautiful wild beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Dinner and a memorable night will be spent on the boat.
Day 7: Lan Ha Bay to Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)
Enjoy a final breakfast on the boat as the sun rises over Lan Ha Bay. We’ll continue to cruise through the myriad of limestone peaks, visiting a traditional fish and shellfish farm and the vibrant Cai Beo floating village. Lunch will be served on board before we disembark at around 11:30 AM. From here, we'll begin our journey back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel around 5:30 PM, where the tour concludes.

FAQS

1. What types of tours does Golden Trail Travel offer?

Answer: Golden Trail Travel specializes in offering a wide range of travel packages to Vietnam and other Indochina countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. We offer themed tours including Classic Highlights, Cycling, Trekking, Beach Holidays, Luxury Honeymoon, Short Trips, Family, Off The Beaten Track, Multi-Country, Motorbiking, Veteran, Food, Students, Luxury, Golf, Photography, Cooking Class, Bird Watching, Indochina Cruises, Kayaking, Muslim-friendly tours, Offroad 4x4WD, Indochina MICE Travel, Cave Expedition, and Helicopter tours.

2. How can I book a tour with Golden Trail Travel?

Answer: You can book a tour by contacting us directly via phone, email, or by filling out the contact form on our website. Our team of travel experts will advise and assist you in designing a suitable itinerary.

3. Can tours be customized?

Answer: Absolutely! We understand that every traveler has unique preferences. Golden Trail Travel is happy to customize tour packages to fit your specific needs, interests, and budget.

4. Does Golden Trail Travel provide visa support services?

Answer: Depending on your nationality and the destination, we may provide guidance or assistance with the necessary visa procedures. Please contact us for more detailed information.

5. What makes Golden Trail Travel different from other travel agencies?

Answer: We are committed to delivering authentic and unique travel experiences in Vietnam and Indochina. With a team of knowledgeable local experts, meticulously designed tour packages, and dedicated customer care, we ensure every trip is a memorable journey.

6. What should I prepare before the trip?

Answer: We will provide you with a detailed checklist of what to prepare, including information on luggage, appropriate clothing for the weather and local culture, essential personal items, and health advice.

7. What is Golden Trail Travel's cancellation policy?

Answer: Our cancellation policy will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions when you book a tour. Please refer to this information or contact us for specific details.

8. Where can I find information about travel safety and health?

Answer: We prioritize the safety and health of our travelers. Before your trip, we will provide information and advice regarding health, travel insurance, and safety measures at the destination.

9. Can I request a tour guide who speaks Vietnamese or a specific language?

Answer: Yes, we can arrange tour guides who speak Vietnamese or other common languages (such as English, French, German, Spanish, etc.) upon your request and subject to availability. Please inform us of your language preference when booking your tour.

10. Does Golden Trail Travel offer travel insurance?

Answer: We highly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance before departure. While we do not directly provide insurance, we can advise on suitable insurance types and the importance of having coverage during your trip

11. How can I pay for my tour?

Answer: We accept various payment methods, including bank transfers, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and some online payment options. Detailed information on payment options and payment schedules will be provided upon confirmation of your tour booking.

12. Does Golden Trail Travel offer tours for solo travelers?

Answer: Yes, we have tour options suitable for solo travelers, including group joining tours or specially designed private tours. Please contact us so we can advise on the best package for you.

13. Are the tours child-friendly or suitable for seniors?

Answer: We offer many family-friendly tour packages and can adjust itineraries to suit travelers of all ages, including children and seniors. We will advise on the difficulty level, travel time, and activities appropriate for each member of your family.

14. Where can I read reviews from previous customers?

Answer: You can find customer reviews and testimonials on our website (if a review section is available), social media pages, or reputable travel platforms like TripAdvisor.

15. What are Golden Trail Travel's sustainability or responsible tourism policies?

Answer: We are committed to practicing responsible and sustainable tourism. We constantly strive to minimize our environmental impact, respect local cultures, and contribute positively to the communities where we operate.

16. What happens if there's an emergency during the trip?

Answer: Your safety is our top priority. Golden Trail Travel has a 24/7 emergency support team. We will provide emergency contact numbers and detailed instructions before your trip. Our guides and local partners are trained to handle emergency situations professionally.

17. Are my payment methods secure?

Answer: Absolutely secure. We use highly encrypted online payment gateways and comply with international standards for data security. Your personal and financial information will be strictly protected.

18. What support will I receive during the trip?

Answer: Yes. Throughout your trip, you will always have the support of your local guide, driver, and Golden Trail Travel's operation team. We will provide a 24/7 support hotline so you can contact us anytime if you have any issues or need assistance.

19. What is included and not included in the tour price?

Answer: Each tour package has clear details on included services (e.g., accommodation, transportation, meals as per itinerary, entrance fees to attractions, tour guide) and exclusions (e.g., international flights, visas, travel insurance, drinks, tips, personal expenses). You will receive a detailed itinerary and an inclusion/exclusion list before confirming your tour booking.

20. What is the typical group size for Golden Trail Travel tours?

Answer: Our tour group sizes can vary depending on the type of tour. For join-in tours, we try to keep the numbers small to ensure a personalized and comfortable experience. We also offer private tours for families or groups of friends upon request.

21. Whom can I contact if I have questions or need assistance before departure?

Answer: Before departure, you can contact our team of consultants via phone, email, or online chat. We are always ready to answer any questions and help you prepare best for your trip.

22. How is Golden Trail Travel committed to sustainable and responsible tourism?

Answer: We are strongly committed to sustainable tourism. This is reflected in our collaboration with responsible local partners, supporting local communities, encouraging travelers to respect culture and environment, and minimizing negative impacts on destinations. Our goal is to benefit both travelers and local people.

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Pricing Notes

The above price is based on a private tour (Group of 2). It's more reasonable withbigger group size

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