Itinerary

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1. Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

   Welcome to Hanoi! Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our guide and escorted to the hotel in the city center. Check in and time for leisure. Tonight, our guide will take you out to explore Hanoi’s nightlife in the Old Quarter, the heart of Hanoi. The city comes alive in the evening. First, find yourself among hundreds of locals and expats sitting on plastic stools with a pint of bia hoi in hand, cheering and shouting “bottoms-up!” at Bia Hoi Junction, the corner of Ta Hien and Luong Ngoc Quyen streets in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Do it as locals do and enjoy the new city with all your senses. Then, walk through the old quarter’s narrow streets as your guide points out a range of tasty noodles, breads and snacks. At night the sidewalks become a stage where these small pop up restaurants feature lively, but they all disappear during the day. Sit down and enjoy a flame grilled Vietnamese barbecue of beef, chicken, tofu and vegetables on skewers. End the night with dessert from Hanoi’s best-known ice-cream parlour before getting a good night’s rest. Meals: N/A. Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi.

2. Day 2: Hanoi – Hang Kia

   Say goodbye to the bustling capital, you will be picked up at your hotel to journey South West through the rich farmland of the Red River Delta to Mai Chau, the beautiful gateway to the mountainous area of northern Vietnam. The scenic drive offers an excellent opportunity to observe rural Vietnam up-close. The valley of Mai Chau is inhabited by a community of the Thai minority group while the upper lands of Mai Chau are inhabited by the H’mong minority group. On arrival at Hang Kia village, check in the homestay and prepare for the further activities. This afternoon, challenge the dirt path used by the locals to the untouched Hmong community. After spending 1.5 hours hiking, you will reach Thung Mai village. On the way, you can find the opportunity to take many awesome photos of the breathtaking view as you trek up the hill. Since the area is much less visited, the local people look quite reserved and curious. They wait for your move so go ahead to master the ceremony! Pay a visit to a home to learn more about the way people live here then interact with kids at the local school before going further up to the point where you can enjoy the beautiful sunset. Transfer back to the homestay by a taxi motorbike. This evening, enjoy the dinner with the host and stay overnight in the homestay. (Note: For those who likes to stay at hotel or lodge instead of homestay, ask your travel consultants to revise the accommodation and the tour cost). Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. Accommodation: Homestay in Mai Chau.

3. Day 3: Hang Kia – Mai Chau

   After a local breakfast in homestay and farewell the host, begin your day with a 3 hour trekking all the way down to Xa Linh, a village located at the mountain foot. From here, transfer to Mai Hich where lunch is prepared by the local Thai people to serve you. Unlike well-known tourist destinations, Mai Hich is a new tourist village, a harmony combination between human being and the nature. In the afternoon, experience an exciting bamboo rafting to be immersed in gorgeous landscapes of jungles, the peaceful beauty of the countryside culture. Later in the afternoon, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel in Mai Chau. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Hotel in Mai Chau.

4. Day 4: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh.

   Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before journeying to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's first capital. Visit to temples and walk hundred steps up to top of a mountain for a panorama view of the old capital. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing sampan tour along Ngo Dong River, passing under rocky outcrops and through three limestone caves (Tam Coc). During the rowing boat ride, you will enjoy a unique landscape that has been dubbed “Halong Bay on Land”. Take a short walk through limestone mountains to Thai Vi temple which was dedicated to the four Kings of the Tran dynasty in the 13th century and now offers a place of peace and simplicity against a back drop of ancient architecture. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda which set among pink lotuses. The pagoda offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Hotel in Ninh Binh.

5. Day 5: Ninh Binh – Hai Phong - Lan Ha Bay – Overnight on cruise.

   Note: The below itinerary is subject to change without prior notice and depends on weather condition. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then set out on a 3 to 4 hour drive to Got Pier on Cat Hai Island, Hai Phong City. Greeted by crew members followed by welcome drinks, get cruise briefing and check in cabin. The cruise will take you Lan Ha Bay that sits to the East of Cat Ba Island and adjacent to Ha Long Bay. This is a tranquil and less touristy area with around 400 fascinating islands that covered in lush green vegetation. Savor lunch on board while cruise heads to center of Lan Ha Bay. Explore Dark & Bright Cave by kayak or bamboo boat and go swimming in nearby area. Come back to cruise later to enjoy the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. Onboard you may join a traditional cooking class. Cruise chef will instruct you in the making of some Vietnam dishes. Enjoy free time on your own with karaoke singing or try your luck with squid fishing… Stay overnight on the cruise in the middle of Lan Ha Bay. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: on cruise.

6. Day 6: Lan Ha Bay – Hanoi – Departure.

   You may like to rise early to witness the bay at its very best whilst enjoying an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After breakfast continue your journey and explore the bay in the area where the Sang Toi cave is situated. Return to the quay side in the south of the bay to disembark. Bid farewell the cruise at Got Ferry Pier. Your driver will transfer you to Hanoi's Airport for your departure flight. Tour concludes. Meals: Brunch. Accommodation: N/A.