6-Day Northern Vietnam: Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Halong Bay

8:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in central Hanoi.
Begin your journey by visiting Long Bien Bridge, one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks. Built in 1902 during the French colonial era, this historical bridge stands as a symbol of resilience, having survived bombings during the Vietnam War.

9:00 am: Head to Thang Long Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former political center of Vietnam for over a thousand years. Explore the well-preserved ruins, including Doan Mon Gate, the D67 Bunker, and the Kinh Thien Palace, which provide a glimpse into Vietnam's imperial past. You’ll also visit the 18 Hoang Dieu Archaeological Complex to see artifacts from ancient dynasties.

10:30 am: Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, founded in 1070. The temple is dedicated to Confucius and offers an opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s intellectual history. Explore the beautiful courtyards and pavilions, which are perfect for a peaceful stroll.

Noon: Visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, which highlights the vital contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history. See exhibitions on traditional clothing, women in war, and their role in Vietnam's family and community life.

1:00 pm: Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy classic Vietnamese dishes such as Pho, Banh Cuon, or Bun Cha while learning about the country’s food culture from your guide.

2:00 pm: After lunch, experience Hanoi’s vibrant street food scene on an Evening Foodie Tour. Explore the Old Quarter as you sample a variety of iconic street foods, including green papaya salad, Banh Mi, Egg Coffee, and Hanoi Draught Beer. Your guide will provide insights into the culinary traditions and unique ingredients of each dish.

4:00 pm: Discover the art of making Vietnamese Coffee. Visit a local coffee shop and learn about the different styles of brewing Vietnamese coffee, from the traditional Phin method to the creamy Egg Coffee. Try making your cup of coffee under the guidance of an expert barista.

6:00 pm: After a day of exploring, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant, where you can try more regional specialties.

8:00 pm: Return to your hotel in Hanoi.

8:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi.
Embark on your journey to Chuong Village, a famous destination for traditional Vietnamese conical hats ("Non La"). Learn about the intricate process of making these hats and observe artisans as they skillfully create each piece by hand.

9:30 am: Next, visit Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, where you’ll discover how incense sticks are made using centuries-old methods. Take photos of the vibrant, aromatic bundles of incense that decorate the streets, and learn about the significance of incense in Vietnamese culture.

11:00 am: Drive to Duong Lam Ancient Village, a village over 1,000 years old. Explore the ancient Mong Phu Communal House, Mia Pagoda, and the beautiful laterite stone houses. Walk through narrow alleys and meet the friendly locals to experience a traditional way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.

1:00 pm: Lunch at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy fresh, locally sourced Vietnamese dishes that showcase the flavors of rural Vietnam.

2:00 pm: Continue exploring the Duong Lam Village and its ancient architecture, or participate in a local craft workshop (optional), where you can try your hand at making traditional products such as conical hats or pottery.

4:00 pm: After a day full of cultural experiences, drive back to Hanoi.

5:00 pm: Return to your hotel in Hanoi.
End of the day’s tour.

7:00 am: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi and begin your journey to Mai Chau, a tranquil valley located in the foothills of the Hoa Binh Mountains.

9:00 am: Stop at Thung Khe Pass, known as the White Stone Pass, to take in the breathtaking views of the lush mountains and valleys below. It’s a perfect spot for photography.

10:00 am: Arrive in Mai Chau and explore the picturesque Pom Coong and Lac Villages. These traditional villages are inhabited by the Thai ethnic minority, and you’ll have the opportunity to interact with locals, learn about their culture, and see their traditional stilt houses.

12:30 pm: Enjoy a local lunch in the village, featuring specialties such as com lam (bamboo rice) and grilled pork.

2:00 pm: Continue your journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a stunningly beautiful area famous for its terraced rice fields and lush forests. Take a relaxing walk through the reserve, where you’ll discover picturesque landscapes and encounter the traditional way of life of the Thai people who live here.

4:00 pm: Explore the remote villages within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where you can see how the locals farm and experience the serene beauty of nature.

5:30 pm: Begin your journey back to Hanoi.

6:00 pm: Return to your hotel in Hanoi.
End of the day’s tour.

08:00 am: Pick up from your accommodation in Pu Luong and drive towards Kho Muong & Uoi Villages. These remote villages are nestled within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Both villages offer a unique glimpse into the lives of ethnic minorities, surrounded by stunning terraced rice fields.

10:00 am: Visit Doi Cave (Bat Cave), located nearby. This fascinating limestone cave is the largest in Pu Luong, formed over millions of years. Inside, you’ll see an array of stalactites and stalagmites in eerie and mysterious formations.

Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

02:00 pm: Drive to Ninh Binh.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take some time to relax.

04:00 PM: Visit the Ninh Binh Water Wheels.
Ninh Binh is famous for its water wheels, which are a vital part of the region’s agricultural practices. These traditional water wheels help move water from rivers into rice fields.

06:30 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh.
Enjoy regional specialties like Goi Cuon (Vietnamese spring rolls) and Com Chay (crispy rice).

07:00 PM: Return to your hotel for rest.

08:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel for the day’s exploration.

09:30 am: Visit Mua Cave, located on Ngoa Long Mountain. A hike to the top of the mountain offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc area, with its lush rice fields and towering limestone peaks.

10:30 am: Head to Tam Coc, also known as “Halong Bay on land”. Enjoy a sampan boat ride through the stunning landscape of limestone karsts, caves, and lush green rice paddies.

03:30 pm: Visit Trang An (Optional). Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its tranquil water caves and pristine landscapes. Explore ancient temples and caves by boat, while your guide shares insights into the history and culture of the area.

05:30 pm: Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam during the 10th century. Explore the temples of King Dinh and King Le, which provide insight into the early dynastic history of Vietnam.

06:00 pm: Return to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Dinner and overnight stay.

08:00 am: Pick up from your hotel in Ninh Binh and drive to Halong Bay.

10:30 am: Upon arrival Halong Bay Cruise. Set sail through one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The cruise will take you through thousands of limestone islets and islands, surrounded by crystal-clear waters.

12:30 pm: Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch onboard the boat, prepared with local ingredients.

01:30 pm: Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Explore the largest fishing village in Bai Tu Long Bay, where you’ll see the traditional way of life of the local fishermen. Take a boat tour to learn about their fishing techniques, visit a small museum, and gain insight into the customs and culture of this unique community.

02:30 pm: Visit Thien Canh Son Cave. Explore Thien Canh Son Cave, a natural karst cave with ancient historical and cultural significance. Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites while enjoying the quiet atmosphere of this peaceful site.

04:30 pm: After the cave visit, disembark from the boat and return to Hanoi.

07:00 pm: Arrive in Hanoi, where the tour concludes.