Depart from Hà Nội and travel to Mai Châu, a fertile valley that's home to the ethnic Thai people living in traditional wooden stilt houses.

Stop for lunch with a local Thai family before hiking out to explore the surrounding villages that dot the verdant landscape.

Head off to the tourist trail and into Pù Luông Nature Reserve; a few foreign visitors have discovered its natural beauty and friendly local hospitality, making it one of North Vietnam’s best kept secrets.

Learn to cook authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the homestay.

Enjoy dinner with the family before falling asleep to the peaceful sounds of the river.

Wake up and stretch before going on a trek through the unspoiled primary rainforest in Pù Luông Nature Reserve.

Soak in the culture and countryside that rewards the few who travel to this remote, special place. Time seems to stand still as one trek through the terraced rice fields, where traditional farming methods are still used instead of machines. 

Travel on to Ninh Bình, stopping for lunch in Thanh Hóa Province.

In the morning, board a small boat and float down the romantic Tam Cốc River, soaking in the early morning atmosphere in peace before tourists arrive from Hà Nội. Take in the breathtaking scenery around as the river weaves through bright green rice paddies edged by towering karst mountains.

Later, go on a cycling tour through the surrounding mountains, which set the stage for scenes in the movie 'Kong: Skull Island', before travelling back to Hà Nội.