Northern Vietnam Exploration Tour

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, Viet Prestige Travel will meet and transfer you to the lovely hotel for check in. Ha Noi – Vietnam’s capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. Depend on time arrival, take a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Overnight in Ha Noi.

The sightseeing tour of Hanoi begins with Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace , Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. Follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature well known as Vietnam’s first university and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. A next stop is the impressive Ethnology Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. Enjoy the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market before go to the theater for the performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets. Overnight in Hanoi.

After breakfast, heading out of the town and travel to Mai Chau. This mountainous region is populated by the Muong, Hmong, Dao, White Thai ethnic minority groups, some of which we will see on our forthcoming adventure. After lunch at Poong Coom Village near Mai Chau Town, drive for an hour to Xa Linh to begin our trekking. Continue to walk through the breathtaking mountain landscape and several hill villages before arriving at Hang Kia. This remote village is conquered by the Hmong hill tribe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting history and a colorful culture. Overnight at Hang Kia village.

An early morning start to trek mountainsides to Cun Pheo. Today, we get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek through tropical rain forest, using the local track. The trek is difficult at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking; however some physical preparation will enable you to fully appreciate the walk. We arrive at Van village by late afternoon and have time to walk around this charming village, enabling us to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle. Overnight at Van village.

The verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colourful local population make for an forgettable experience. On our today’s trek to Sam Khoe, we pass through several White Thai villages, and are sure to attract attention since this part of the country receive very few visitors. At the small village of Khoe, we meet up with our vehicle and drive back towards Mai Chau. A highlight of this evening is to enjoy a traditional music show followed with local rice wine. This performance is held by the young White Thai minorities, reflecting the rich culture of this ethnic group. Overnight at Pong Coom village.

After breakfast, take a walk on the valley floor, observing villagers on their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the field or weaving brocade. Here is a chance for the shoppers to try their at bargaining. We then make our way following the winding roads to Man Duc. This area is populated by the Muong hill tribe people who have settled there long time ago. A two hour trek will enable us to explore their home land. Departing Man Duc, our trip continue to Ninh Binh and reach Cuc Phuong National Park, our final destination. Overnight in Cuc Phuong.

The National Park of Cuc Phuong boasts one of the best preserved tropical forests in Vietnam. This morning, take a short drive to the park headquarter before set off on a half day walk in the jungle. This is home to many species of plant and rare animals, several of which we may see on our trekking. After a picnic lunch we visit one of the famous caves, Nguoi Xua which still retains some vestiges of primitive man, and transfer to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. There are not much to see in this place besides two remaining temples. The first one is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor. The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Upon leaving the town, travel by roads to Tam Coc which is surnamed Inland Halong Bay. On arrival we board a tiny boat rowing us along a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. After the impressive boat trip we continue our journey across the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing the spectacular rural landscape the smiling faces of the people. Overnight in Ha Long.

The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. Embark on a boat cruising around Ha Long Bay. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. A huge seafood lunch on board is some excitement of our trip. We weave our way to Cat Ba Island, passing by a vibrant floating village. Overnight in Cat Ba.

An impressive way to catch your first glimpse of Cat Ba is a walk along the seaside at dawn. Today you have a half free day to explore Cat Ba Island on your own pace. There are various options to choose from, some of which are rowing a tiny boat, kayaking or visiting the national park. Afterward continue travelling by ferry to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. On arrival in this town we board a waiting vehicle for two hour drive back to Hanoi and overnight in Ha Noi.

Depend on your onward flight, spend all the free time to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
NOTE: An itinerary may at times be altered by our guides due to local conditions, the skill of participants and other unexpected circumstances. Our priority is always the experience and safety of our clients.