Allure Of Unspoilt Northern Vietnam Loop Adventure

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel at 8 AM, followed by a scenic 4-hour drive to Mai Chau. Along the way, you’ll make a brief stop at a local market, where you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of the Muong Ethnic Minority. You can enjoy breathtaking views from the top of Thung Khe Pass, known for being one of Vietnam’s 10 most stunning mountain passes. You’ll then arrive at the picturesque Mai Chau Valley in time for lunch.

Afterward, explore a traditional Thai stilt house to get a closer look at the local way of life of Thai ethnic people. You’ll also have the chance to cycle through nearby Thai villages, offering a unique insight into their culture and daily routines. To wrap up the day, enjoy a relaxing walk to Mai Hich village, where you’ll spend the night in a cozy local bungalow.

Overnight at Mai Chau Retreat, or similar

Begin your day with a delicious local breakfast, then take a leisurely walk off the beaten path to explore the stunning nearby villages in Mai Hich, complete with vibrant rice fields and a charming hanging bridge crossing a wild stream. After enjoying a fulfilling lunch, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

Your next adventure involves a 2-3 km trek through lush green rice terraces, where you’ll cross a stream and visit remote villages inhabited by the Black Thai minority.

Get to your bungalow in Pu Luong and enjoy your time at leisure. End your day with a peaceful night in the heart of the Reserve, surrounded by nature’s tranquility.

Overnight in private bungalow / lodge in Pu Luong

Begin your day with an early rise to take in the stunning sunrise view from your lodge. Next, move to Kho Muong village where you have a short walk to Doi Cave, the most beautiful cave in the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, featuring impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Next, embark on a scenic 3.5-hour trek through lush, emerald rice terraces and dense jungle, following the trail from Kho Muong Village to Pho Doan. This is one of the top hiking routes in the reserve, offering captivating landscapes along the way.

After a delightful lunch, continue your journey to the picturesque Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, ready for more adventures.

Overnight in private bungalow / lodge / hotel in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

Start your day with a transfer to Mua Cave, where you’ll climb 500 steps to reach the top and enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire area.

Next, head to Hoa Lu temple, the ancient royal palace dating back to the 10th century. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the heroic era of Vietnam’s first two feudal dynasties.

After a delicious lunch, return to Tam Coc for a relaxing 1.5-hour boat ride through three captivating caves. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to take in the stunning landscape, including lush rice fields, towering karst mountains, and if you’re lucky, some monkeys.

Finish the day with a fun bike ride through the area, making your way to the iconic Bich Dong Pagoda. Next, back to your lodge and enjoy sunset by the pool.

Overnight in private bungalow / lodge / hotel in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

8 AM | After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay on a 3.5-hour drive.

11:30 – 12:00 | Arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor, ready to begin your journey.

12:00 | Transfer to the main boat by tender and embark on your Ha Long Bay / Lan Ha Bay cruise. You will be warmly welcomed aboard, where you’ll enjoy a refreshing welcome drink. The cruise manager will provide a briefing on the itinerary and safety measures, and then you’ll check in at your cabin.

13:00 | Savor a delicious lunch while your cruise begins its sail into the stunning Ha Long Bay. This quieter area of Ha Long, with fewer tourists, offers serene views of Finger Islet, Candle Islet, and numerous unique limestone formations.

15:30 | Explore Tra Bau Floating Village
Option 1: Take a swim at Ba Trai Dao Island.
Option 2: Hop onto a small boat to visit the Tra Bau fishing village. Enjoy a kayaking adventure exploring this famous filming location from Kong: Skull Island (2018), situated in Quang Ninh.

17:00 – 18:00 | Sunset Party, Happy Hour, and Cooking Class
Return to the cruise and unwind as you enjoy a magical sunset over Lan Ha Bay. The atmosphere during this time is enchanting, with beautiful colors and a peaceful ambiance. Join the “Sunset Party” and take advantage of the “Happy Hour Deal.”

The onboard cooking class is a fun activity where you can learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes, such as spring rolls (fresh or dried) and vegetable or fruit carving, guided by the cruise chef.

19:00 | Indulge in a flavorful dinner featuring local cuisine, served by the onboard team. As you dine, enjoy the incredible night views of Lan Ha Bay.

21:00 – 23:00 | Take part in a variety of exciting overnight activities, including squid fishing, enjoying drinks at the bar, watching movies, singing karaoke, experiencing a spa treatment, or simply relaxing in your cabin.

Overnight in 4-star / 5-star cruise in Halong Bay (upon your request)

06:00 – 07:00 | As your cruise continues through the stunning karst towers of the bay, enjoy a light breakfast served with tea, coffee, and the refreshing morning air in this peaceful setting.

08:00 | Explore Lan Ha Bay – Ha Long Bay
Visit the Dark and Bright Cave, renowned for its pristine natural beauty and poetic seascapes. This is the perfect opportunity to take memorable photos of the area’s romantic scenery. It’s also an ideal time for an exciting Bamboo Boating or Kayaking experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking limestone mountains and the clear blue skies of Lan Ha Bay.

09:00 | Head back to the boat and prepare for check-out as you continue to enjoy the serene surroundings.

10:00 | Brunch Time – Fun and Relaxation
While a delicious brunch is served, your cruise slowly navigates through the emerald waters, passing thousands of majestic karst mountains as you head toward the harbor.

11:00 – 11:30 | Return to Tuan Chau Harbor and transfer back to Hanoi on a 2.5-hour drive.