Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay | Authentic Discovery - 09 Days

Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay | Authentic Discovery
Overview
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  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Visit: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Hai Phong - Lan Ha bay
  • Duration: 09 Days
  • Travel style: Authentic
  • Category: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano
Highlight

A journey to the highlights of the Northern experience. Visit the authentic cultures of the minority people, immerse yourself into stunning landscapes. Start from Hanoi capital then travel to the mountainous region of Mai Chau, and Pu Luong. Then head down to the center of the Red River Delta, stay 2 nights in Ninh Binh for an experience in a peaceful and beautiful countryside before taking a cruise on the breath taking Ha Long Bay

  • Bustling Hanoi capital
  • Muong, Thai ethnic minority’s culture
  • Mountain landscapes in Mai Chau, Pu Luong
  • Homestay experience
  • Boat trip in Van Long
  • Tranquil countryside 
  • Amazing landscape of Halong Bay
Advice
  • Bring walking shoes, swimming suits, sunglasses, hats and insect sprays. 
Itinerary Expand All
  • Day 1,Hanoi35km - 0.75hFri, Mar 29, 2024
    Welcome to Hanoi, walking tour in the Old Quarter

    Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

    Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

    Continue the day with an walking tour. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced ... Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

    End at your hotel.

    Note: If your flight arrival late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 2,HanoiSat, Mar 30, 2024
    Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

    9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

    Next stop at the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

    In the after noon you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

    Come back to city centrer and have a rest before enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

    Come back to hotel. End of the day

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Water puppet
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 3,Hanoi - Mai Chau145km - 3.5hSun, Mar 31, 2024
    Visiting Muong village, Thung Khe the scenic pass, Mai Hich, Thai culture, overnight at a homestay

    8:00 Am: Meet tour guide and driver then depart to Mai Chau. On the way, visit a Muong village. Continue to Thung Khe pass where you can view magnificent panoramic views of the valley before arriving in Mai Chau town. Mai Chau is a beautiful valley located 145 km away from Hanoi. It is great place with harmonious landscapes, green mountain ranges, rice terraces and White Thai ethnic villages.

    Arrival in Mai Hich, check in your accommodation and enjoy local food cooked by the host. Later explore Mai Hich by bike(optional) or walk along the trails and concrete roads. You will be seduced by the gorgeous landscapes as the villages, rice fields, mountains and streams are in perfect harmony with one another. Do not miss the opportunity to communicate with the friendly local people who are always willing to welcome you into their house to enjoy a cup of tea. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.

    Note: Private traditional music and dancing show by local people is available with extra cost of $35/group. Please ask our guide to reserve if you are interested in.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Private transportation
    Bike: Mai Chau
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mai Hich Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    Mai Hich commune, Mai Chau district, Hoa Binh , Vietnam
  • Day 4,Mai Chau - Pu Luong40km - 1hMon, Apr 1, 2024
    Discovering Eo Ken, Ban hang villages, Chieng Lau discovery

    Depart from Mai Hich directly to Eo Ken, 30km away, where the Muong ethnics live. Walk down the slope and enjoy the spectacular view of Pu Luong Nature reserve, rice field terraces and mountains. Visit a Muong ethnic family in Eo Kenvillage and discover their authentic life. Continue walking through this beautiful landscape and cross a stream to reach HangVillage.

    Pick up by driver for transfering to Pu Luong. Check in your accommodation. In the afternoon Head to Chieng Lau, a picturesque area renowned for its lush rice fields and bamboo water wheels. Here, embark on a scenic walk, allowing you to engage with local residents and catch a glimpse of the bamboo water wheels used for irrigation.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting
    Private transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Pu Luong Home(Double Room (Shared bathroom))
    Ba Thuoc district, Thanh Hoa , Vietnam
  • Day 5,Pu Luong - Ninh Binh140km - 4hTue, Apr 2, 2024
    Authentic easy hiking route: Chom Uoi - Chom Lan - Pho Doan village, visiting Cam Luong stream

    8:00 Am: Start your day by hiking down into the beautiful valley from your accommodation, passing through spectacular rice fields and follow small paths to slowly reach Chom Uoi and Chom Lan villages. Your camera will help you capture these unforgettable moments. During the hike, you will witness the changing landscapes of rice terraces intermingled with villages, fields, ponds, streams and mountains. Continue walking to Pho Doan to have lunch at a local restaurant. 

    Transfer to Ninh Binh. Along the way, take a break to explore the sacred fish stream in Cam Luong. This location is renowned for a unique species of fish that inhabit the stream, often referred to as sacred due to the numerous mysterious tales woven around this extraordinary creature. Continue the journey to Ninh Binh, and check into your accommodation.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nep House(Double Room)
    Lang Noi, Lang Van, Gia Lap, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
  • Day 6,Ninh BinhWed, Apr 3, 2024
    Boat trip to magnficient Thien Ha cave, visiting Ninh Van stone carving village, unique Phat Diem cathedral

    8:00 AM: Transfer from your hotel to Thien Ha Pier, embark a small bamboo sampan boat to start a fantastic two hour boat trip with a local rower. Exploring the mystical limestone mountains as the picturesque rural countryside unfolds in front of your eyes: Buffaloes, ducks, and simple houses under the foot of the mountain all make this an idyllic rural picture.

    Walk up to the Thien Ha cave (Celestial river Cave) that was only discovered in 2007. It is about 12,000 square meters in total and contains a lot of magnificent stalagmites and stalactites with different mystical shapes. Walk for the first 200m then take another boat trip inside the cave to discover its paradisiacal beauty.

    On the way travel to Tam Coc, have a visit Ninh Van village which has been well renowned stone sculpture village. Strolling around, you have a chance to witness the convergence of history, culture, religion and lifestyle in their products. Make a special visit the unique 100 year-old house, almost entirely built of natural blue stone. Meet the owner - Mrs. Dinh Thi Long and have an interesting talk about the history of the village and her husband’s grandfather who was invited to build the famous stone Phat Diem cathedral.

    Note: Mrs Long is an old lady and not always live herself in the house. In that case, we just see house from outside

    Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before transfer to the Phat Diem cathedral which is well-known as the “Catholic capital” of Vietnam. The construction of the cathedral between 1875-1899 with a unique combination of traditional pagoda architecture and a western church made of stone and wood.

    On arrival, take a leisurely walk to visit the Jesus Christ on the middle islet and the impressive house-gate. Then continue to the grand Catholic Church named “Nha Tho Duc Me Man Coi” which was built with 6 rows of monolithic ironwood with 2 layers of tile roof. Located at the end of the courtyard, the completely stone church is the most incredible building in the complex.

    Leave the church, enjoy leisurely walk to Chinh Kim village and visit some of the work-shops knitting sedge products or try a cup of well-known rice wine liquor.

    Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Boat: Thien Ha
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Van Long Family Homestay(Double Room)
    Gia Van commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh , Vietnam
  • Day 7,Ninh Binh - Hanoi100km - 2hThu, Apr 4, 2024
    Biking to Thung La temple, enjoying authentic drum performance, boat trip in Van Long Nature Reserve

    8:00 Am: Embark on a 15km bike ride along the dyke, showcasing stunning landscapes of rice fields, a river, and limestone mountains. Numerous stops allow for picturesque photos and interactions with locals. Continue your exploration by heading to Thung La Temple, dating back to the 11th century. Don't miss the chance to experience traditional musical instruments integral to the spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

    Continue to Take a sampan boat trip along the stream and among the limestone mountains to discover the beauty of Van Long nature reserve. If lucky, you might get to see white monkeys and egrets on the cliffs. After the boat trip, visit an embroidery village and take part in an embroidery course under the instruction of local craftswoman, Mrs Lam. She will proudly explain the techniques of her traditional craft. This will be a good opportunity for you to practice on fabric like a real craftsman.

    Return your bike to homestay, say good bye the host. Head from Ninh Binh to Hanoi and soak in the scenic beauty as you traverse the Red River Delta. Take advantage of plenty of photo opportunities amidst the lush rice fields and tranquil countryside along the way.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Boat: Van Long
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    Bike: Ninh Binh
    Leisure: Thung La temple music
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 8,Hanoi - Hai Phong - Lan Ha bay140km - 2.5hFri, Apr 5, 2024
    Transfer to Lan Ha bay, admiring the wonderful seascape, swimming in the less touched area of ConVit, Ao Ech

    9:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy two and a half hour drive from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay on the national highway No5B. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue driving to the harbor around noon, get warmly welcome at cruise reception.

    8:30 – 8:50: Our driver will pick you up at the Shuttle Bus stop (for shared transfers) or directly from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter (for private transfers). From there, we'll make our way to Halong City.

    12:00: The Peony Cruises crew will warmly welcome you at their lounge in Tuan Chau. Get ready to board Peony Cruises via their support vessel, and we'll fill you in on the exciting itinerary during this time.

    13:00: Welcome aboard with fresh drinks and wet towels, accompanied by a spread of appetizing delicacies. We then set sail for Lan Ha Bay, a member of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays. Relish a delicious lunch of fresh seafood while cruising along Lan Ha Bay with breathtaking scenery.

    15:30: Explore the unspoiled and poetic beauty of Tra Bau area, renowned for its attractive seascape. This is the perfect time for kayaking to discover the true beauty of the limestone islands. Take a dip in the emerald green waters or enjoy the Jacuzzi pool on Peony Cruises.

    17:30 - 18:30: Join us for a cooking demonstration and master the art of making one of the most famous Vietnamese cuisines, the spring rolls. Alternatively, head to the top deck to admire the magnificent sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin. It’s Happy Hour – BUY ONE GET ONE FREE at the bar, an ideal moment for photography enthusiasts to capture the greatest sunset over Lan Ha Bay.

    19:30: Savor delicious local food prepared by our skillful chef.

    21:00 – 22:00: Relax and enjoy exotic cocktails and drinks at the sky bar (with a surcharge). Indulge yourself with a spa service (with a surcharge) or simply unwind on the top deck under the brightly illuminated sky. Alternatively, try your luck at squid fishing on the main deck.

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    Leisure: Squid fishing,Beach swimming
    Cooking class: Halong (on board)
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Peony Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Balcony Cabin)
    5/33B Pham Ngu Lao street, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 9,Hai Phong - Lan Ha bay - Hanoi140km - 2.5hSat, Apr 6, 2024
    Exploring Trung Trang cave, leisurely cruising, getting back Hanoi, departure

    6:00: Start the day with a Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun rising up beyond the horizon.

    6:45 - 7:15: Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty (Breakfast time may be adjusted to follow the real itinerary).

    7:30 - 9:00: It takes 30 minutes to travel from Gia Luan to Trung Trang cave – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem.

    9:30: Return to the main boat, check-out, and place your luggage outside the cabin. Early lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle the bar bill at the desk (if any).

    10:30 - 11:00: Disembark Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau Port. Our driver will pick you up again for the journey back to Hanoi.

    Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy 2 and a half hour travel back to Hanoi on the new highway No5B crossing the Red River Delta and villages. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

    Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

    Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

    Included:
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Peony Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Chieng Lau bamboo rafting, Thien Ha, Van Long
  • Private car following itinerary
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Tuan Chau
  • Meal: B: 08, L: 07, D: 05
  • Bike: Mai Chau, Ninh Binh
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Thung La temple music, Squid fishing, Beach swimming, Morning Tai Chi
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board)
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program


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  • Visit: Hanoi - Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai - Lai Chau - Sapa - Bac Ha - Hai Phong - Lan Ha bay
  • Category: Private tour
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  • My husband and I planned our recent family trip to Hanoi with Ms Tran Lien from Izitour Company Limited. She made the process smooth, seamless and stress free! Made our...
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    Mar 20, 2024
  • Very cool person. We had a very nice boat with very friendly crew in Halong Bay. Their organisation was perfect.
    Loic Chassot
    Loic Chassot
    Mar 19, 2024
  • Lim gave us excellent advice. She organised a tailor-made tour for us that perfectly met our expectations. You can trust her with your eyes shut!
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  • We spent 2 extraordinary days, the guide and driver were very kind and helpful. We were able to taste the typical dishes of the region, it was really delicious. The visit...
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  • Many thanks to Lim who organized the Halong Bay cruise for us and for all his good advice before we left for Vietnam. We recommend Izitour and of course Lim....
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