Itinerary

1. Day 1: Hanoi City Tour

   • Begin your tour with a visit to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, also known as the “36 Streets,” where each street once specialized in a particular craft or trade.

   • Stroll through the maze of lively streets lined with tube houses and explore local life in hidden alleyways.

   • Walk around Dong Xuan Market, the largest wholesale market in the Old Quarter, offering local herbs, fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts.

   • Experience a traditional cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter.

   • Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius and scholars.

   • Discover Vietnam’s history at the Hoa Lo Prison Museum, a site of great historical significance from the French colonial era and the Vietnam War.

   • Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.

   • Visit Hanoi Train Street, a narrow alleyway in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. This iconic street is known for its incredibly close proximity to a railway track, making it a popular spot for tourists and photographers.

2. Day 2: Hanoi – Mai Chau (Lunch)

   • Depart Hanoi and drive four hours to the scenic valley of Mai Chau.

   • Arrive in Mai Hich village and enjoy a local lunch with a warm welcome.

   • In the afternoon, visit local Tai Don villages and learn about their traditional customs and way of life.

   • Walk along a stream through rice paddies and corn fields to immerse yourself in rural beauty.

   • Experience a bamboo raft ride on a quiet river.

   • Check in at your hotel and spend the evening at leisure in peaceful surroundings.

3. Day 3: Mai Chau – Pu Luong (Lunch)

   • Spend the morning at your own pace, perhaps cycling through the valley or simply relaxing at your hotel.

   • After checkout, drive through a scenic mountain pass to Pu Luong Nature Reserve.

   • Arrive in Pu Luong and enjoy lunch at a local eatery.

   • Take a guided walk through the stunning rice terraces surrounded by forested mountains.

   • Check in at your lodge and enjoy the tranquil environment.

4. Day 4: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh (Lunch)

   • Starting the journey to Ninh Binh.

   • Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from the 10th and 11th centuries.

   • Explore the historical temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le amidst picturesque rice fields and limestone formations.

   • Take a sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc’s three caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.

   • Travel through scenic waterways bordered by karst peaks and paddy fields.

   • Observe local women rowing the boats and selling beautiful hand-embroidered crafts.

5. Day 5: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

   • Depart early for Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, known for its emerald waters and limestone karsts.

   • Arrive at the bay and board a traditional-style boat for a scenic cruise.

   • Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch onboard while cruising past majestic rock formations.

   • Visit a floating fishing village and interact with the local fishermen.

   • Option to board a small boat and glide through a sea cave or take a refreshing swim.

   • Disembark in the early afternoon and drive back to Hanoi.

   • Arrive in Hanoi with some free time for personal exploration or shopping.