Day 1: Hanoi Arrival (Own ticket)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, transfer to your hotel in your private vehicle.

The capital, Hanoi, is best known for its thriving contemporary arts scene and French architecture, visible by many colonial villas scattered throughout the city. Compared to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is more traditional and refined. As Hanoi is becoming more populated with people and automobiles, the city is experiencing more traffic congestion, particularly in the Old Quarter.

Relax after a long flight

Accommodation: La Siesta Premium Hang Be

Day 2: Hanoi sightseeing full day (B)

Spend half a day touring Hanoi's colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and gorgeous lakes. Hanoi's Old Quarter coffee shops offer a glimpse into local life. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a marble and granite structure built to preserve the body of Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, known as "Uncle Ho." The One Pillar Pagoda, built in 1049 from wood in the shape of a lotus blossom and supported by a single stone pillar, is Vietnam's most famous pagoda and worth stopping at. Take a short drive to the late-11th-century Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first national university.

In the afternoon, continue to the Museum of Ethnology, which houses a large collection of traditional costumes and artifacts from Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups, ranging from simple, everyday objects like fishing tools to prized possessions like jewelry. Return to central Hanoi and take a cyclo ride through the scenic Old Quarter, where each street bears the name of its original wares, ranging from silk to silver. Stroll through the interesting network of back alleyways, fronted by narrow "tunnels" or "tube houses” built to escape taxes depending on their street frontage, for a truly eclectic view into Hanoi street life.

Conclude your day by watching an entertaining water puppet performance, a uniquely northern Vietnamese art form said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta, where villagers entertained themselves by manipulating puppets over the water. The show uses colorful wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life and episodes of national history set to music.

Notes: Suggested time: 08:00. Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed every Monday & Friday, all afternoons and from September until December

Accommodation: La Siesta Premium Hang Be

Day 3: Hanoi – Mai Chau mountainous retreat (B)

Set out from Hanoi on a picturesque four-hour drive to Mai Chau in the southwest. Situated in Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau is renowned for its breathtaking mountain and valley views, verdant landscapes, and stilt dwellings that are home to the White Thai ethnic community. Take a leisurely stroll or ride your bike to Lac Hamlet. Continue on a two-hour bicycle journey in the picturesque Mai Chau valley. You can learn about the hill tribe people's everyday lives, such as farming rice, herding buffalo, and constructing traditional dwellings, through talks assisted by your guide.

Notes: Suggested time: 08:30. Biking distance: 7km (4mi). Grade: Easy.

Accommodation: Avana Mountain Retreat

Day 4: Mai Chau – Villages hiking – Enjoy tranquil time at the retreat (B)

Visit the H'mong hill tribe hamlet of Xa Linh after breakfast; the drive will take around 45 minutes. Embrace the refreshing mountain air as you stroll for two hours over picturesque mountain paths, pausing to learn about local customs. You can either visit the Pa Co Market (only open on Sundays) or Pa Co Primary School (closed on weekends, holidays, and in the summer).

Afternoon is free time for you to relax in the Retreat. It's also worth taking a leisurely stroll through the hamlet and chatting with the welcoming locals while you study the handmade crafts of the local artisans in the surrounding villages of Pom Coong and Lac.

Notes: Suggested time: 09:00. Duration: 06 hours. Trekking distance: 6km (4mi). Grade: Easy. The villagers typically only wear traditional dress on festive days.

Accommodation: Avana Mountain Retreat

Day 5: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc area (B)

Breakfast at the Retreat. Then prepare to check out and embark on a 3.5 hour road trip from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh. Visit Tam Coc, "Halong Bay on Land," and spend two calm hours floating down the river and through the canals with a seasoned rower. Enter three of the highlands' many natural caverns to see karst architecture.

Accommodation: Emeralda Ninh Binh Resort

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Drive to Ha Long Bay - Overnight on cruise (B/L/D)

Depart Ninh Binh for a drive to Halong Bay by new high way. A UNESCO Natural Heritage Site, Halong Bay covers an area of 43,400 ha (168 sq mi) including over 1,600 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabited and untouched. Board your cruise ship to admire the stunning islets that soar from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Towering limestone pillars and tiny islets topped by forest along with wind- and wave-eroded grottoes add to the enchantment of this breathtakingly beautiful region. Stop to visit the caves, islets, enjoy kayaking and swimming over the turquoise water of the bay. Optional to join in a cooking demonstration and cocktails.

Overnight on board as the ship dock in the quiet bay overlooking to the starry night.

Accommodation: Capella Cruise

Day 7: Ha Long Bay - Viet Hai village - Three peach beach (B/L/D)

Wake up early in the sound of waves and breeze. Breakfast on cruise. Then, join a biking activity in Viet Hai Village. Located remotely on Cat Ba Island, Viet Hai Village has charmed many tourists for its ordinary beauty and lovely locals. Take a ride to the village while enjoying the serene nature along the road and try authentic lunch in Vietnamese style.

Next, swim at Three Peach Beach. This white sand beach is surrounded by calm & pristine emerald water. You can swim the cool sea or choose to relax on the beach getting tanned under the gorgeous azure sky.

Accommodation: Capella Cruise

Day 8: Ha Long - Drive back to Hanoi for departure flight (Own ticket) (B)

Wake up early in the sound of waves and breeze. Join a Tai Chi class to refresh your soul and body under the sunshine as the ship continues to cruise around the bay, where you can witness the lives of local fishermen in the floating fishing villages. Enjoy breakfast with sip of tea or coffee over the magnificent view of the limestones.

Check out from 9:00 to 9:30 A.M and drive back to Ha Noi. Transfer to Noi Bai airport to take the departure flight home or continue the extension to other destinations.

INCLUSIONS:

Overnight accommodation as mentioned

Private transfers and transportation on tour

Sightseeing with private English speaking guide

Entrance fees and boat ride

Meals as specified

Cold towels and water on sightseeing days

EXCLUSIONS:

Airport Assistance Service

Separate luggage truck

Vietnam visa

Other meals not mentioned in the program

Drinks/water at included lunches and dinners

Other flights & airport taxes

Hotel early check in/ late check-out

Overweight luggage

Personal expenses

Travel insurance

Tips for local guides and drivers

Other services not listed in inclusive column

Children policy

• Ages 0-2: free of charge for the tour. Airfares depend on the Airlines’ policy at booking time

• ⁠Ages 2-5: 50% of the adult price (sharing bed with parents). Airfares depend on the Airlines’ policy at booking time

• ⁠Ages 6-12: 75% of the adult price (taking extra bed) & Airfares depend on the Airlines’ policy at booking time

• ⁠12 years and older: 100% (charged as an adult)