Discover the North of Vietnam

Enjoy a full breakfast and gather with your local guide at the hotel. Today, we will do private Hanoi historical sightseeing through the landmarks carrying stories of each century: 

Begin with a visit to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the resting place of Vietnam's beloved national leader. You will have a chance to view the embalmed body of President Ho Chi Minh, then walk down to the peaceful garden and visit the stilt house and the Presidential Palace, where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969

The One Pillar Pagoda is another highlight on your journey, a cultural and spiritual landmark with a distinctive design resembling a graceful lotus, making it one of Vietnam’s most iconic pagodas. 

Conclude this historical exploration of the capital at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. This ancient complex of courtyards, gardens, and traditional architecture was built to honor the Chinese scholar Confucius, offering a glimpse into the depth of the Vietnamese people's studious spirit that stretches back nearly a thousand years

Having lunch on your own. 

This afternoon, continue to follow the historical landmarks of Hoa Lo prison, which American prisoners of war ironically named the "Hanoi Hilton". Originally built by the French to detain political prisoners, it was later used by North Vietnam to hold prisoners of war during the Vietnam War, leaving behind powerful stories etched into its walls.

The car leaves you at the Old Quarter to give you space to wander through the storied 36 streets, each named after traditional goods once sold there. As up to now, Tin and Bamboo Streets still keep these age-old trades alive.

Stop at Ngoc Son Temple, located on a tiny island in the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake, where you’ll uncover the legend of an emperor, a magic sword, and a giant turtle. 

Cap off your Hanoi exploration with the Old Quarter street food tour tonight. Eat as you go, walking through the maze of bustling streets. Try iconic options include pho (noodle soup with beef or chicken) or the famed Hanoi dishes such as Bun Cha Ta (a grilled pork and noodle dish) and local but world famous desserts such as banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), sweet treats like che (dessert soup) and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), and watch as the skilled chefs demonstrate how this tasty dish is put together. Back to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

NOTE:

• The Ho Chi Minh Complex is closed on Mondays to Fridays, and from June to August. Only exterior photography is allowed during these periods
• Alternative dishes may be served depending on the restaurant’s availability.

Fully charge your energy and finish the check-out process, you will set off to serenity Ninh Binh, taking around a 2-hour drive, offering you a place as “Halong Bay on land” for its striking limestone peaks rising above emerald rice paddies and winding waterways.

The journey begins in Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. Wander through ancient courtyards and visit the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, surrounded by a dramatic backdrop of forested mountains. Hear stories from the nation’s early dynasties and take in the calm beauty of the rural setting.

Lunch is at your arrangement at a local restaurant, where you can savor signature dishes of the Ninh Binh region.

In the afternoon, make your way to Tam Coc, one of the area’s most enchanting landscapes. Step into a 2-hour sampan boat ride rowed by local villagers and drift along the Ngo Dong River. Enjoy sightseeing as you pass through three natural caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, each revealing breathtaking views of towering cliffs, shimmering rice fields, and peaceful countryside.

Following the boat ride, check in at your Ninh Binh hotel and enjoy the peaceful space of the Vietnamese countryside. Dinner is on your own, and overnight in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh.

In the morning, you will be picked up to depart for a 3.5-hour drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve via the breathtaking mountain pass of Northern Vietnam, which gives you a panoramic view of the rice fields, villages, and valley.

You arrive at Pu Luong around noon, take a walk down about 800 meters to a local homestay, and enjoy the homemade lunch served with traditional local food. After lunch, make your way to explore the beauty of the surroundings, with its captivating panoramic views over the rice terrace fields and villages. Your room is available from 14:00.

Once your energy is recharged, set out for Ban Cong village with a short transfer to the trailhead. Here, begin a 2.5 km guided walk that leads you across a suspension bridge into one of Pu Luong’s most photogenic corners. Follow a winding path beside streams and rice paddies, passing traditional stilt houses and the lush green scenery that defines the region. Along the way, catch sight of the area’s iconic giant bamboo water wheels, ingenious creations of the local Thai ethnic people used for centuries to irrigate their fields.

Continue to Chieu Lau dam, and step aboard a traditional bamboo raft for a tranquil ride upstream. With the guidance of a local boatman, glide along the gentle current to a peaceful moment to soak up the sounds and sights of rural life.

After the raft journey, take a relaxed 2 km walk through terraced fields and small hamlets, completing a picturesque loop. Your driver will meet you on the main road for the return transfer.

Arrive back at your stay and unwind amid the serene countryside. Spend the evening at leisure, perhaps sampling local dishes or simply enjoying the quiet charm of Pu Luong.

NOTE: Walk through rice fields  & water wheels: 4.5 km easy walk 

After breakfast, get ready for a morning of exploration. By 8:45 AM, set out on a gentle walk down the valley to Don Village, often regarded as the heart of Pu Luong. The route follows a peaceful road lined with sweeping terraced fields, each turn revealing a fresh perspective of the landscape. Before long, you’ll reach Uoi Hamlet, a small settlement tucked at the foot of a towering mountain. From above, its cluster of stilt houses and verdant surroundings creates a scene worthy of filling your camera roll.

Continue down the hillside to Lan Village, known as the “Kingdom of Thai People in Pu Luong” and home to around 100 Thai families. 

OPTIONAL: You can choose to cycle leisurely (excluded in tour package) or enjoy a relaxed stroll through the village lanes

Whatever activities you choose, you all pass by cool, clear streams and lush farmland, spot ducks paddling in the ponds, and greet warm-hearted locals going about their day. Then, step inside a home to observe the intricate art of traditional brocade sewing and hear stories of this centuries-old craft.

Return to your stay by late morning for check-out at 11:30 AM, then enjoy lunch at your own expense.

Around 13:00, board your bus back to Hanoi, arriving at your hotel in the early evening. Your Pu Luong adventure concludes in Hanoi.

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken by cruise shuttle bus to another fascinating land – the gem in the north of Vietnam – Halong Bay. The drive takes you through beautiful paddy rice and mountains of the Red River Delta. Visiting the bay, you will experience the magic of the wonderful wonder of the world. 

From the harbor, board our boat for a cruise among the numerous limestone karst rising from the emerald water. Make a stop en route to visit a grotto of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites and anchor for a relaxing swim in a hidden cave. Meals will be served on the cruise. Overnight on the cruise.

Note: You are recommended to bring an overnight bag to keep your necessary luggage. We are afraid that there is not enough space to store all the luggage of every passenger on board. Moreover, after an overnight stay on board, you will turn back to the same hotel in Hanoi, so your remaining luggage will be sure to be kept safe.

After breakfast, enjoy your time to swim, sunbathe and relax in the fascinating background of the bay. After lunch on board – around 11.30am, transfer back to Hanoi to check in the hotel. Dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Relax and spend time in Hanoi before transferring to the airport to take your flight. End of Service.