Northern Vietnam Adventure – 7 Nights

DAY 1 – ARRIVE IN HANOI

Today, arrive at your convenience to Hanoi. We’ll handle your visa on arrival and provide an invitation letter to get you through immigration smoothly. Once you’re through, a driver will be there to greet you and provide transfer to your hotel. Check in to your hotel right in the middle of the Old Quarter. Rest or get acquainted with this incredible city. You will immediately experience the bustle of Hanoi. The energy and life in Hanoi is invigorating and downright addicting.

If you get in early, your local guide will recommend local lunch and Vietnamese coffee options (a great first stop is a local bun cha restaurant, the meal of choice for Anthony Bourdain and Barack Obama in Hanoi). At approximately 8pm, we’ll meet in the lobby of the hotel and head to a local restaurant for our first group dinner.

Accommodation at Hanoi Silk Queen or similar
(D)

DAY 2 – HANOI EXPERIENCE

Meet your guide and start your proper Hanoi experience by eating a local breakfast at our pick of a street Pho restaurant. We’ll eat it right on the sidewalk as we watch the city come to life. Stroll through bustling street markets while you learn about the history of this capital city. Stop in for Vietnamese egg coffee at a local family cafe located on one of the busiest corners in Hanoi. Next, we’ll visit the Hỏa Lò Prison to learn about a period of French colonial rule. Have lunch at a local grilled fish restaurant, locals favorite!

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Enjoy free time in the afternoon. Then we’ll regroup to walk along the Hanoi Railway line and discover the life of local people who live along this line. Take some great photos before we stop for the taste of Hanoi Bia Hoi, a popular type of draft beer, before having dinner at a local eatery. We’ll tell you where to go for the best nightlife, and then the rest of the evening is free for you to enjoy!

Accommodation at Hanoi Silk Queen or similar
(B, L and snacks)

DAY 3: HA LONG BAY – CAT BA ISLAND

Today, we hit the road to Ha Long City to have lunch and then catch the high speed or junk boat to Cát Bà Island, the most beautiful area of Ha Long Bay away from the mass of tourists. As soon as we arrive to the Gia Luan Pier in Cat Ba, we’ll get on motorbikes and ride our way into town! The best way to explore this island is on motorbikes! Have the option of riding behind a certified local driver, riding on your own or in the bus (international motorcycle license required and motor skills will be determined and approved by our guides). We’ll take you to explore Cát Bà National Park.

We’ll ride directly to the Beo harbour where we’ll get on our overnight cruise boat to Lan Ha Bay. Check into the cabin. Then relax on the boat or get on the kayak to watch sunset from the water! Dinner will be served on the boat.

(B, L, D)

DAY 4 – LAN HA BAY ADVENTURE

After breakfast, have the option of sunrise kayaking or learn taichi on the boat from local practitioners. Then get ready for a morning of adventure with rock climbing, kayaking or hanging out by the beach! Enjoy the beautiful sights of Ha Long Bay known for its emerald green waters and limestone islands topped by rainforests. We’ll take you out to a private amphitheater on the water by kayak past floating villages. Rock climb on a limestone cliff along the most beautiful part of Ha Long Bay. Full instruction is provided for all activities with local experts. Enjoy a swim around the junk boat before we get back on land in Cat Ba Island for check in and lunch.

Enjoy the rest of the day! Go out into town for dinner or enjoy dinner and cocktails on your private beach.

Accommodation at Cát Bà Island Resort
(B, L)

DAY 5 -HOA BINH – MAI CHAU

Today, leave Cát Bà Island by high speed boat to Ha Long City. Drive to the city of Hoa Binh where we’ll have a local lunch. Journey to the northwest of Vietnam to discover the beautiful rolling hills and mountains of Vietnam where many ethnic minorities and tribes live. We’ll stop at local villages and markets while we make our way to Mai Chau Valley.

We continue our journey through northern Vietnam to the Mai Chau Eco Lodge, hidden in the mountains and rice terraces of the north. As we arrive and check into the resort, we will stroll or bicycle around the area and into the rice terraces for panoramic sunset photos of the local villages. See the mountain peaks above the clouds. We’ll show the romantic and nostalgic side of Vietnam, away from the bustle of the city. Dinner at the resort and relax at the lodge or at the serenity pool overlooking the mountains.

Accommodation at Mai Chau Eco Lodge or similar
(B, L, D)

DAY 6 – REMOTE MAI CHAU, TRIBES, VILLAGES, LANDSCAPES

Wake to the morning call of roosters, birds and the chatter of local people. Don’t miss the incredible photo opportunity of the mountain sunrise. Enjoy an outdoor breakfast. Today, trek with a local guide through the rice terraces to discover hidden landscapes, tribes and villages. We’ll have lunch with a local tribal family and experience life with local tribes and ethnic minorities.  In afternoon, take a bike ride around this cultural area. Rest of afternoon is free to enjoy the pool and the eco lodge.

Accommodation at Mai Chau Eco Lodge or similar

(B, L, D)

DAY 7  – MAI CHAU – HANOI

After breakfast, drive back to Hanoi. We’ll make interesting stops along the way through villages and local markets where we can try delicious goodies. Arrive in Hanoi and check into the hotel. Rest of the day is free!

Accommodation at Hanoi Silk Queen or similar
(B, L)

DAY 8 – FAREWELL

Enjoy your last moments in Hanoi! We’ll offer optional excursions to have famous egg coffee and Bánh Mì! Otherwise, the day is yours.

This itinerary is subject to change at any time. 

• Prices are quoted for double occupancy. If you would like singe accommodation throughout the trip, a single supplement fee of $450 applies.