Northern Vietnam Impression

HA NOI – MAI CHAU – PU LUONG – NINH BINH – HAI PHONG

DAY 1: HANOI – MAI CHAU
Depart Hanoi early morning for approximately 4 hour drive to Mai Chau located about 150 km southwest of Hanoi.  Just an hour beyond Hanoi, after Hoa Binh Town, the road weaves through mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages.
Arrive in the picturesque Mai Chau Valley surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and rice paddies. After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring the idyllic natural surroundings. Start the tour waking around 2- 4 hours through some villages in the Mai Chau Valley.
This evening enjoy a traditional Thai performance of music and dance. The Thai ethnic group has inhabited this area for centuries and much of their lifestyle and traditions have remained unchanged over the years. Overnight in Mai Chau.
DAY 2: MAI CHAU – PU LUONG
Mai Chau to Puluong (54km): 2hrs Water wheels walk and rafting |3 km easy walk – 1.5 hours | 1 km rafting – 1 hours
Wake up among the peaceful and beautiful mountainous setting and enjoy breakfast.
Transfer to Puluong by road via a breathtaking mountain pass with panoramic views of the valley. Spend some free time to explore the beautiful retreat. Lunch will be served at Puluong Retreat.
Then, transfer to a suspension bridge over the Cham River and begin a easy trekking from 3 to 5km in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Transferred back to Puluong Retreat for dinner.
Overnight at Puluong.
DAY 3: PU LUONG – HALF-DAY TREKKING
Enthralling trekking routes | 6 km easy walking – almost 3.5 hours
Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a simple yet tasty breakfast among the tranquil setting of fields and mountains.
After breakfast, go on a 3.5 hr hike up and down narrow trails. Observe many traditional stilt houses of minorities and the lush canopies of greenery. Walk pass Uoi Village and Lan Village and admire the peaceful life of the villagers. Depending on the season, get to see the various farming activities and learn how colourful textiles are weaved together.
Then, transfer back to Puluong Retreat for lunch. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at Pu Luong.
DAY 4: PU LUONG – NINH BINH
Depart Pu Luong this morning at 08.00 for 3.5 hours drive to Ninh Binh province, one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery and historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful and the mountains have earned the area the nickname ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape.
Upon arrival, begin a relaxing 5-15km biking trip around Dong Tam hamlet. (The length of the bike ride is dependent on personal choice) Pass by peaceful villages and enjoy the rustic countryside landscapes. Enjoy a late lunch before hopping aboard for a 2-hour boat trip through small canals among the paddy fields (rice fields seen between March and early June), then strolling along the curling rocky path of the foot for 200m and going up 20 steps to reach the Galaxy cave gate. Get inside the cave and admire the spectacular stalactites above the cave ceiling. Continue to discover But Hien cave, where there are many natural sparkling stalactites with shapes and figures Then, return to the pier and for a transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
DAY 5 : NINH BINH – HAI PHONG
This morning, be transferred for a 3.5hr journey by road from NInh Binh to Hai Phong.
Arrive at the Got pier in Hai Phong towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities for the overnight cruise on Lan Ha bay. After the welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on-board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
Overnight on cruise at Lan Ha Bay.
DAY 6: HAI PHONG- HA NOI
Enjoy a fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on Lan Ha bay in the morning and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi
Inclusion:
Accommodation as recommended or similar category according to availability.
Transfers according to program by private air-conditioned vehicle with driver except free day
English-speaking guide’s assistance at every stage
Meals as indicated in program
Entrance fees for attractions included in the program
All activities and cruises clearly mentioned in the program
Water and cool tissues
Government taxes & service charge
Exclusion:
Other drinks and meals not clearly mentioned
Early check-in, late check-out , Personal expenditures, tips , Personal insurance (compulsory)
Any service not clearly mentioned in the program
International air transfers associated with airport taxes
Visa and visa arrangement (available upon request)