From Hanoi to Halong Bay
Duration: 10 days
Place: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Meals: 9 Breakfast, 5 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Group size: Min 1, Max 50
Operated in: English
Highlights
North Vietnam tour 10 days: Explore the serene beauty of Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay on an adventure through stunning landscapes
- Hanoi is a bustling city with a mix of Vietnamese and colonial influences
- Mai Chau, a carpet of rice fields in pretty checkerboards at the foot of the Tonkinese mountain range where small authentic villages nestle
- Pu Luong is located in a valley in Thanh Hoa province. Here, nature is the keyword. Pu Luong is populated by the Thai ethnic group, who live in stilt houses with thatched or palm leaf roofs
- Ninh Binh offers a serene landscape of undulating rice fields and limestone peaks
- Halong Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site, was established in 1994 for its exceptional landscapes
Itinerary
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Welcome by the guide upon your arrival at the airport, and transfer by private car to the hotel
After the long flight and the challenges of jet lag, you'll first want to rest, ensuring you can enjoy your first day in optimal conditions
Welcome reception
During these friendly moments, over a refreshment and a welcome gift, you'll meet your travel consultant who personally worked on your itinerary
Enjoy a one-hour cyclo ride to discover:
- The colonial quarter with its charming architecture and tree-lined avenues
- Hoan Kiem Lake, its legend, and the lovely Ngoc Son Temple in the middle of the lake
- The maze of bustling streets filled with small shops in the heart of the famous and fascinating "Old Quarter of 36 Guilds" and its renowned Silk Street (Hang Gai)
To soak up the atmosphere of Hanoi, take a walking tour to explore:
- The Old Quarter of 36 Trades
- Colonial architecture: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, the exterior of the Hanoi Opera House, and the exterior of the State Bank of Vietnam
- Overnight in hotel
Meal: | Stay: Hong Ngoc Dynastie -
We’ve selected the highlights of an in-depth tour of Hanoi
Everything is suggested, nothing is imposed! You choose
Based on your interests and timing, you can work with your guide to decide which visits to do and in what order! You can even fit it all in if you're an early riser!
- The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- The One Pillar Pagoda
- The Quan Thanh Temple and the Tran Quoc Pagoda
- The Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and Scholars
- The Ethnology Museum, a marvel born from French-Vietnamese cooperation
- The Train Street: an astonishing sight where houses are built side by side, crossed by a railway, and residents live on the tracks. Kitchens, bars, restaurants – no matter... They know the train schedule, clear the way when it's time, and set everything back up after it passes!
In the evening: a Water Puppet Show, accompanied by a choir and traditional Vietnamese instruments
Performed by talented and skilled artists, this delightful show reveals Vietnam’s rich culture, from the legend of the dragon to multiple scenes depicting rural life
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Hong Ngoc Dynastie -
Hanoi - Duong Lam Village - Mai Chau: 150 km - 4h
Early departure for Mai Chau via Duong Lam. The village of Mong Phu, or Duong Lam, has an authentic charm with its red laterite and rammed earth houses. The village gate, communal well, and temple courtyard reflect a peaceful and genuine way of life. The change of scenery is complete
A short bike ride through the narrow alleys allows for encounters and conversations with the villagers
Mai Chau is an authentic village, the cradle of the Thai minority, with stilt houses set amidst beautiful rice paddies surrounded by mountains
You’ll have many opportunities to meet villagers engaged in their daily activities. Thai women weave and dye their own fabrics. They will offer you traditional costumes they make themselves, along with the intricate embroidery that adorns them
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch | Stay: Sol Bungalow Resort -
Mai Chau - Pu Luong: 65 km - 1h30
In the morning, enjoy a bike ride around Mai Chau to soak in the surroundings
Then, head towards the Pu Luong Nature Reserve
These vibrant encounters in this postcard-like landscape will make this hike unforgettable
- 360° rice fields and forests. Lowland forests, mountain forests, and numerous bamboo groves
- Many animal species inhabit the area, including the critically endangered langur. There are still about 30 of these animals living here
- Pu Luong is also known as a "granary" of medicinal plants, with 1,100 vascular plant species, four of which are listed in the Red Book of the World
The region is home to the Thai ethnic group, who live in stilt houses with thatched or palm roofs. For the most part, the daily life of the Thai people remains untouched by modernity
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Pu Luong Eco Garden -
A day of hiking in the heart of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve to admire beautiful landscapes and discover the daily life of the villagers. You will cross terraced rice fields, tropical forests, and Thai villages
- Walk through the rice fields and wade across small rivers
- Continue uphill on a narrow path of limestone rocks
- Enjoy free time to rest or explore the village, including a stroll through the caves in the valley
Return to your hotel
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch | Stay: Pu Luong Eco Garden -
Pu Luong - Ninh Binh: 140 km - 3h
Walk through the rice fields and wade across small rivers to visit the villages and discover the beautiful landscapes along the way
In the afternoon, drive to Ninh Binh through the Vietnamese countryside. You’ll see a parade of images of rice fields where women in conical hats are busy at work and fishermen with their nets. The scenery is calm and serene, featuring patchwork fields, small forgotten pagodas bathed in sunlight, and untidy cemeteries
Overnight in homestay
Meal: Breakfast | Stay: Chez Mr Hiep -
The Tam Coc site, often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land," is set in an exceptional environment. The stunning landscape features lush green rice fields, dotted with towering limestone karsts covered in vegetation. Many scenes from the film Indochine were filmed here
At this beautiful site, you'll board a small rowboat piloted by a local woman. A charming two-hour ride along the Ngo Dong River will immerse you in a serene and peaceful atmosphere before reaching the Tam Coc caves, known as the "three caves"
This region is also famous for its culinary specialties, including com cháy (crispy rice) and goat meat
Your guide will gladly share insider tips on the best places to sample these two local delicacies
A short bike ride takes you to Bich Dong Pagoda. If time allows and you're feeling adventurous, climb the stone-carved steps to reach the pagoda and enjoy an exceptional view of the entire area
Next, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Explore the Dinh and Le dynastic temples
Overnight in homestay
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch | Stay: Chez Mr Hiep -
Ninh Binh - Halong Bay: 180 km - 3h30
Halong Bay, with its 1,969 islands bathed in the turquoise waters of the East Sea, was recognized as a "natural beauty" and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994
Halong means "descent of the dragon": according to legend, a dragon descended into the bay to tame the sea currents. With its powerful tail movements, it carved deep into the mountains. Then, it plunged into the sea. The water level rose, leaving only the highest peaks visible
Cruise through this mythical bay with its spectacular seascape!
- Departure from the hotel, private car transfer without guide to Halong Bay
- Welcome reception with a welcome drink late in the morning
- Check-in to private cabins
- Crew introduction by the captain
- Cruise begins while enjoying lunch
Lunch served in the dining room or on the outdoor deck, with an excellent menu of carefully crafted dishes, beautifully presented, and served by a qualified staff
You’ll admire this breathtaking scenery that surprises you at every moment. These islands with their surprising shapes that resemble animals, the jade-colored water, and the enchanting landscape that never gets old
You’ll be gently lulled by the breeze as you discover the infinite charm of the bay, gliding through this majestic site with its signature rounded peaks emerging between the blue sky and turquoise sea
- Sun loungers are available for you to admire the passing scenery
- Explore the Cong Do area
- Visit the Thien Canh Son Cave
- Cruise towards Hon Co Island
- Enjoy kayaking and a refreshing swim in the jade-colored waters of the Gulf of Tonkin (if possible)
- Dinner: Savor fresh seafood with an exquisite menu of carefully crafted dishes, beautifully presented, and served by qualified staff
Overnight on board
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Stay: Dragon’s Pearl Junk 10 cabins -
Halong Bay - Hanoi: 155 km - 2h30
Under the gentle morning sun, in an enchanting setting and a surprising calm, you'll enjoy your breakfast
- Discover the floating fishing village of Vung Vieng
- Morning cruise back to the port
Lunch on board the junk in the form of brunch will conclude this magnificent cruise
The entire crew will come to greet and thank you upon arriving at the port at 11 am
Return to Hanoi by private car
As soon as you disembark the junk, your driver will be waiting for you at the port. Drive to Hanoi
Overnight in hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch | Stay: Hong Ngoc Dynastie -
Free time for personal activities until your private transfer to the airport (with driver, no guide) for your international departure flight
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
Included
- All accommodation in suggested hotels
- All meals as mentioned in the program
- All transfers by private car and a professional driver
- All other transportation used for travel: sampan, small boat, etc...
- A professional English – speaking guide at each stage the entire time (except during free time)
- All tours as per the designed program
- All entry fees for places you visit
- All the entertainment and shows mentioned in the program
- All program activities (bike, kayak, or others...)
Excluded
- International flights to and from your home country
- Beverages, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
- Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion
- Travel insurance of any kind that you subscribe to personally
- Any free time services: including car and driver, tour guide, lunch and dinner
BOOKING POLICY
To make the booking, please fill out the reservation form and personal form and return to us by email. Then make a deposit payment 20% of the total amount. The balance to be paid on the first day of arrival in the country
As soon as our agency has collected your deposit, within 10 days, you will receive our confirmation of your travel reservations, by email
Flexible cancellation policy with a small charge deducted from the total deposit
Various payment options available, including:
- International bank transfer
- Credit card
- Cash at our office
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hanoi Voyages offers a complete and varied range of accommodation options, where comfort, charm and warmth of welcome are always at the forefront. These hotels range from 3 stars to 5 stars depending on your budget.
Of course, Hanoi Voyages offers tailor-made and custom tours, so all changes are possible before departure, even after confirmation.
In case of cancellation, please contact us so that we can offer you a suitable solution.
We prioritize having a local guide specialized by region: one for the north, one for the central area, and one for the south. However, we balance the itinerary to minimize the tour guide's presence so you can save costs and enjoy other services.
It’s best to make your reservation as early as possible to find attractive prices and availability of services.
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The reasons you should book with us
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