Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay | Authentic experience - 08 Days

Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay | Authentic experience
Overview
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  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Visit: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Bai Tu Long bay
  • Duration: 08 Days
  • Travel style: Authentic
  • Category: Private tour
  • Tour schedule: Daily departure
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano
Highlight

A journey to visit the highlights of the Northern Vietnamese experience. Visit the villages of minority cultures and interact with the locals. Immerse yourself into stunning mountain ranges and beautiful water features. Start your journey in the capital city Hanoi then make your way to beautiful and mountainous Mai Chau, Pu Luong and then down to  the center of the Red River Delta by visiting Ninh Binh. Finish the trip off with a relaxing tour of the breathtaking 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 a 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 afternoon 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 center 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 Luong50km - 2hMon, 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
    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 Binh - Hanoi100km - 2hWed, Apr 3, 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
    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 7,Hanoi - Bai Tu Long bay160km - 3hThu, Apr 4, 2024
    Transfer to Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La island, leisurely kayaking and swimming

    8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.

    12:45: Warmest welcome drinks from our staffs. Listen to a brief of safety on board then check in your cabin

    13:30: Enjoying delicious Vietnamese dishes for lunch while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay. 

    15:00: Leave the cruise to discover Cap La Island- the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing

    17:30: Get back to the boat and enjoy Sunset Time (enjoy tea and fresh fruits). This time is regarded as “Happy Hour” – “buy two get one free” while our cruise is sailing to the overnight anchorage. In addition, cooking class is also organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine by yourself. 

    19:00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.

    20:30: Free time for relaxing on the sundeck, listening to music, you may also try your luck with squid fishing

    If you want to join in karaoke activity, please inform our tour guide to be supported

    Overnight on board on Bai Tu Long bay

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    Leisure: Beach swimming,Squid fishing
    Cooking class: Halong (on board)
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Boutique Swan Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
    3 Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kien district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 8,Bai Tu Long bay - Hanoi160km - 3hFri, Apr 5, 2024
    Exploring Thien Canh Son cave, stunning sailing route, getting back Hanoi, departure

    06:30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi 

    07:00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional foodTea and coffee is available

    08:00: Explore Thien Canh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature

    09:30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.   

    Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

    10:30: Join in and show your creativity in fruit carving activity

    11:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

    12:00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier

    Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. 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: Boutique Swan Cruise - 2D1N
  • Boat: Van Long
  • Private car following itinerary
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
  • Meal: B: 07, L: 06, D: 04
  • Bike: Mai Chau, Ninh Binh
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Beach swimming, Squid fishing, 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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  • Adult in sharing Twin/double room $ 560
  • Adult in single room $ 742
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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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  • Very cool person. We had a very nice boat with very friendly crew in Halong Bay. Their organisation was perfect.
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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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