Meal: not included | Accommodation: in Hanoi

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll find our driver waiting to take you to your hotel in the city center. Time for relaxing after the journey. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a captivating destination that offers travelers a rich blend of history, culture, and vibrant urban life. Located in the northern part of the country, the city is known for its seamless blending of tradition with modernity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the heart and soul of Vietnam. Whether you're interested in history, cuisine, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, Hanoi has something for all.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hanoi

Walk up early if you wish to embark on a tranquil morning walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, witnessing the city coming to life in all its glory. Savor a delightful local breakfast before strolling through the charming French Quarter, where colonial architecture and French influences enchantingly blend with Vietnamese culture, and spend something for a coffee break. 

We’ll then board a local bus to Bat Trang village, renowned for its exquisite pottery. Engage in a hands-on pottery workshop guided by skilled local craftsmen, and immerse yourself in the artistry that has been passed down through generations. Lunch at a local restaurant offers a delicious “banh cuon” - a thin crepe-like rice savory pastry, with some meat and mushroom wrapped inside.

In the afternoon, you're whisked away on a MINSK motorbike, a quintessential Hanoi experience. Journey back to the city center, and traverse through hidden alleys and uncharted corners, revealing Hanoi's best-kept secrets. Back to your hotel around 5 p.m. and spend the night in Hanoi.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Mai Chau

8:00 AM – pick up from your hotel. On the morning drive to Mai Chau, we'll leave the city behind and pass through the craggy, mountainous landscape. We drive up a massive pass and end in the mountainous circus of Mai Chau around noon time. Lunch will be served in a local Thai house.

In the afternoon, a small walk around Mai Chau Valley before getting a quick transfer to the small remote village of Mai Hich, we'll check in to the traditional guesthouse of a Thai ethnic minority family, wooden and on stilts, as we love them. Then we'll take a warm-up cycling ride around the green hills letting your guide point out and explain the wonders along the way. Afterward, we return for dinner and overnight in the stilt house with our friendly Thai hosts.

The accommodation is provided by a local family in their traditional house on stilts. There’s no private room and you’ll sleep on the floor in a large communal area. The sleeping corner is set up with a single mattress (thin, but adequate), blankets (ditto), pillow, and mosquito net. The restroom is at the international standard and a few steps from the main house. An upgraded accommodation to a boutique resort is available with a surcharge.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Pu Luong

We leave our hosts after breakfast and drive East for about 15 km before entering the Pu Luong nature reserve. We'll then get down the car for 2-hours of trekking on a single trail through Thai villages and rice terraces, with the opportunity to take a break at local houses en route. 

Meet our car again for a quick transfer to our lunch stop at a small lodge. In the afternoon, we step into the wild with an awesome hike on trails across the second half of the reserve to reach its Western edge. The hike is not too hard and lasts 3 to 4 hours. It makes it an intermediate-level trek. Plan to bring along good shoes and batteries for your camera. 

Meet your car again for a quick transfer to our lunch stop at a small lodge. In the afternoon, we step into the wild with an awesome hike on trails across the second half of the reserve to reach its Western edge. The hike is not too hard and lasts 3 to 4 hours. It makes it an intermediate-level trek. Plan to bring along good shoes and batteries for your camera.

Back to our resort before sunset for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Tam Coc

After breakfast, we say goodbye to Pu Luong and head to Tam Coc via Pho Doan to catch a different view of the amazing giant bamboo water wheels. Upon arrival at Tam Coc village, we'll enjoy lunch at one of the village’s local houses.

In the afternoon, we'll hop on your bicycles for an easy-paced ride to a local pier to board a rowing sampan for about one hour, sailing through the less-traveled canals of the region, whose beauty has nothing to envy the busiest ones. We'll visit the famous Bich Dong pagoda on the Ngu Nhac mountains, exploring the unique cave pagodas dating back to the 15th century. The view from the mountains over the rice fields and karst formations is very beautiful too.

We come back to our cozy bungalow and get ready for dinner. 

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Cat Ba

After breakfast, we depart from Tam Coc to Hai Phong City. The driving takes around 2.5 hours passing lush rice fields of the Red River Delta. Upon reaching Hai Phong City at 10:30 AM, we'll board a speedboat that will whisk us away to the picturesque Cat Ba Island. A delightful 20-minute ride will transport you to the enchanting Cat Ba Eco Lodge, where you'll check in and savor a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, we will be ready for a light trek to the Butterfly Valley, we'll head through a lush landscape of litchi orchards, sweet potato fields, and thriving pine forests. At the trek's end, you'll discover the secluded and stunning village of Liên Minh, tucked away from the island's bustling main areas. The valley itself is a vision of green pastures, where cows and buffalo graze peacefully. We'll pay a visit to a local family, taking a break and immersing ourselves in their way of life before retracing our steps back to the lodge.

As the day turns into night, enjoy a delectable dinner and settle in for a peaceful overnight stay at an eco-lodge in Cat Ba.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Cat Ba Ecolodge

8:30 AM A quick transfer takes you to Beo Pier. Here, you'll board a traditional boat that will transport you into the heart of Lan Ha Bay. As we cruise through the bay, take in the mesmerizing sights of local life on floating fish farms and houses. Get ready to kayak and explore the hidden cave and tunnel systems, with the tide permitting our exploration.

At 12:30 AM, a delectable spread of fresh Vietnamese cuisine awaits you on the boat. After lunch, there's time for a refreshing swim or snorkeling before our boat makes its way back to Beo Pier.

Disembark from the boat around 14:30 PM, we'll transfer you back to the lodge. Enjoy another night in Cat Ba island.

Meal: breakfast  | Accommodation: not included

Time will be on your own until we embark on a morning ferry ride returning to Hai Phong City. Upon arrival, you will find our driver waiting to transfer you to Hanoi airport to board your departure flight. End of our service.