Natural Wonders of North Vietnam Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Hanoi

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by a representative who will take you through fast-track security and visa services. You will be privately transferred to your luxury accommodations by a professional driver and an English-speaking guide. Stay right in the heart of the city next to the central Hoan Kiem lake, with the fascinating Old Quarter right at your fingertips.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Hanoi
Distance: None
Meals: None

Day 2 Bavi Eco Tour and Mai Chau

Have a hearty breakfast at the hotel, then head out to the countryside located at the outskirts of Hanoi. Arriving at Mr. Duoc’s house, you will be welcomed with fresh honey tea and green lentils or lotus seeds that were made by his family. Imagine a Vietnam in the old time of war through stories of Mr. Duoc, who is not only a veteran who lived during those hard times but also a green tea expert. You will visit his tea plantation, which is one of the largest in Ri village, and join with locals in green tea processing. Afterward, have a Vietnamese cooking demonstration with another local host and then enjoy a home cooked lunch in a lovely garden. Head to Mai Chau to end the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mai Chau
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 Mai Chau Kayaking Trip

Today you will discover Da River (Black River). Kayaking is the best way to explore the beauty of the river. You paddle through islets, visit fishing villages, meet and talk with local fishermen, and explore secret ponds.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mai Chau
Distance: 4-5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Mountainside Biking

Depart from Mai Chau, cycling around the valley. Explore the beautiful landscape and unique Thai culture in the villages of Lac, Chiềng Sại, Cha, Cha Long, and Tong Dau Village. Soak up the tranquil daily life by seeing the farmers working on their lush green paddy fields, growing rice and vegetables, and grazing livestock depending on the seasons.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mai Chau
Distance: 2-2.5 hours, 15km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Hiking Adventure

After breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred to Mai Ha village. Start your hike with a walk through Kha village and along the dirt trail through forest with tropical trees. The spectacular landscape gradually appears before you. Stop in a charming little village next to the forest and rarely visited by tourists. Local lunch will be served at a homestay.

After your lunch, walk between the villages of the Thai ethnic minority Pu and Khoe, following the concrete path. Enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery and paddy terraces at the yard. From Khoe village, you will take a transfer to Mai Chau. Here you have your time to swim or enjoy the view of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Mai Chau
Distance: 4-5 hours, 15km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 Historical and Bike Tour

After breakfast, depart to Ninh Binh to explore Hoa Lu and Tam Coc. Upon arrival, you will visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to know more about the feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.

After lunch, depart to the dock for a boat ride to visit Tam Coc and see the beauty of the karst formations. Then, spend time cycling through the quiet roads along the rice fields and rivers.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Tam Coc
Distance: 5km
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Ha Long Bay

Today you will discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Board a traditional Vietnamese junk boat and cruise into the bay. Admire the breathtaking scenery en route to Cua Van, one of the last remaining floating fishing villages in the bay. Take a closer look on a small bamboo boat.

You can rent a kayak, go for swims, meet the fishermen, and enjoy the bay before boating to Cua Van. Here you will see archaeological artifacts that date back to 10,000–8,000 BC. You’ll take a cavern tour in a fascinating area, then get back onto the boat in time for the magical “blue hour” where the water lights up. Enjoy dinner aboard the boat and some downtime, or you can try squid fishing with the boat staff.
Overnight Location: Boat on Ha Long Bay
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Ha Long Bay to Hanoi

Wake up early today for coffee and tea on the boat. There’s a free Tai Chi class you can take. Sail to Ti Top Island, where you can swim from the sandy beach or take a short hike to the island’s highest point for a great view.

Head back to the harbour over brunch, then transfer to your hotel in Hanoi’s center.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Hanoi
Distance: 20 minutes (optional)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 Departure

After breakfast and check-out, it’s time to depart. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast