Northern Vietnam: Hike, Bike & Boat

Day 3: Hiking in Lao Ci

After breakfast, we’ll travel through a breathtaking landscape of lush mountain landscapes and across a couple of minor passes. We will trek from Lao Chai to Ta Van, take in the scenic scenery and panoramic views of rural Vietnam. You’ll drive by corn and rice-ripe terraced fields, bubbling brooks, and picturesque villages. Stop for a picnic lunch before moving on to our evening homestay with a nearby family.

Day 4: Hiking in Su Pan

This morning, we’ll trek to Su Pan, make our way through stunning scenery. You’ll pass through Ban Ho village along the way, where you’ll be able to take in the breathtaking views of the valley and rice paddy terraces. You’ll have the chance to visit the Tay minority’s Ban Ho village before crossing the river on a suspension bridge, where your guide can cook a tasty lunch in a nearby home. The walk then proceeds through the rice fields to Nam Toong, a Red Dao hill tribe, where you can stop for a cup of tea before returning to Sapa to rest your feet. In the afternoon, we will drive to Hanoi (approximately 5 hours).

Day 5: Explore Hanoi & Rickshaws Ride

After breakfast, we’ll head out to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and the 11th century Temple of Literature, among other historic sites in Hanoi. After lunch, we’ll visit the Ethnology Museum before riding in rickshaws through the historic 36th Street Old Quarter, which is a shopper’s and photographer’s dream, with shops and stalls selling everything imaginable.

Day 6: Cycling to Mai Chau

Today, we leave Hanoi city, hop on our bike and cycle to the Mai Chau valley.
Cycling in Mai Chau allows you to explore one of Vietnam’s most scenic countryside while also learning about the Thai ethnic group’s rich culture and tradition. Pedaling on backroads, there are plenty of photo opportunities, stop at a scenic overlook to take in the view of Mai Chau, which is home to a variety of minority communities, each with its own culture and language. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to assist local farmers in planting rice.

Arrive in Mai Chau and travel to Pom Coong, where your local host will meet you and introduce you to your lunch, as well as provide information on the people of the city, their lives, traditions, and history.

Day 7: Mai Chau to Ninh Binh

After breakfast, set out again on your bike on a cycle from Mai Chau to Ninh Binh, a region well known for its green valleys, karst mountains, and conservation areas. Cycling there gives you the amazing experience of the awesome natural wonder of what the area offers you. You will feel like you’re right there interacting and soaking in the magnificent beauty. Today’s ride will cover approximately 60 kilometers in total.

Day 8: Cycle in Ninh Binh

After breakfast, we’ll begin our bike ride on a very quiet and peaceful trail. The trail offers breathtaking views of the nearby limestone mountains. Cycling there gives you an incredible view of the amazing natural wonders that the region has to offer. You’ll feel as if you’re right there, engaging with the wildlife and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

Afterward, we will sail in a rowboat along the natural channels of the Thung Nham Valley and explore the mystical caves along the way. We make a stop at a local restaurant to enjoy lunch before continuing to Mua Cave or Hang Mua, considered to be the Great Wall of Vietnam, where a 20-minute climb and 486 stone steps to reach the top of the mountain, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Tam Coc landscape of stunning natural beauty.

Day 9: Ninh Binh to Halong Bay

This morning, we depart Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (approximately 4 hours). We will stop at Xuan Thuy National Park, which is a destination for many species of birds, including endangered species, as they migrate north each winter. The unique Vi Khe Ornamental Plant Village offers the opportunity to stop and smell the orchids, camellias, and roses a little further up the road.
On arrival, we will transfer to a junk (a traditional Chinese style sailing ship) for your cruise on Halong Bay. Sailing through emerald waters and past rocky islets and lush islands, a delicious lunch will be served on board.

Halong Bay is blessed with numerous grottoes, hidden pools, and mystical islands, and this afternoon, there will be the opportunity to disembark the boat and explore the region further. Off-boat excursions are usually by ship’s tender although often there is the opportunity to discover the beautiful landscapes of the bay by kayak or bamboo rowing boat. Visits to nearby caves or sandy beaches may also be on the agenda and of course, there is always the option to remain on board and take in the glorious vista from the spacious sundeck. As night falls, the boat will drop anchor in a peaceful spot. Enjoy a refreshing drink and the view from the sundeck before sitting down to a leisurely dinner which will either be served on deck or inside the dining room depending on the vessel and local weather conditions.

Day 10: Explore Halong Bay

Early risers may have the opportunity to witness sunrise over the bay. After breakfast, there will be further opportunities to discover the bay with its stalactite and stalagmite-filled caves, swimming beaches, and secluded coves that are perfect for kayaking. Get up close and personal kayaking beside the tree-clad outcrops, with lunch on board also included. Halong Bay’s World Heritage designation was extended to the Cat Ba Archipelago thanks to its similar aesthetic value, and the scenes of turquoise water and junk boats are quintessential Vietnam. No one will judge you for taking a selfie here. Spend a second night on Cat Ba, with the evening free to visit the local restaurants and bars.

Day 11: Halong Bay to Hanoi

Brunch on board as the traditional junk continues sailing through the idyllic landscapes of Halong Bay. We bid farewell to this natural beauty before heading back to Halong port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi by road. Arrival, transfer to the hotel, and the rest of the day free to visit the favorite places of the city and acquire some souvenirs

Day 12: Tour ends in Hanoi

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Hanoi.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Hanoi at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel.