Treasures of Northern Vietnam in 10 days

Immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of Hanoi, often referred to as the "Paris of the East," and marvel at its elegant yellow colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and tranquil lakes. Begin your exploration by visiting the historic Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, a magnificent structure crafted from marble and granite, serving as the final resting place of the revered revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. Adjacent to the mausoleum stands the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, an exquisite Buddhist temple shaped like a lotus flower, dating back to the year 1049. Continue your journey with a visit to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's esteemed first national university, established in the late 11th century, dedicated to the teachings of Confucius. This picturesque temple exemplifies the beauty of traditional Vietnamese architecture, offering a serene setting to delve into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese history and culture. In the afternoon, delve into Vietnam's vibrant traditions and diverse ethnic heritage at the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). Immerse yourself in a vast collection of traditional costumes and artifacts representing the 54 ethnic minority groups that compose the fabric of Vietnam's cultural mosaic. Return to the heart of Hanoi for an enthralling walking tour through the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter. Known as the "36 Streets of 36 Wares," each street derived its name from the specific guilds of skilled artisans who settled here during the 13th century. Conclude your day with a captivating water puppet performance. This distinctive art form originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta, where villagers entertained themselves by manipulating puppets above the water's surface. Witness the colorful wooden puppets come to life as they depict local legends and historical tales. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Notes: We recommend a departure time of 08:00 for this seven-hour tour. Please note that the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Ethnic Museums are closed on Monday and Friday mornings. In such instances, your guide will make alternative arrangements and discuss them with you.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel as you prepare for an exhilarating northern expedition. Meet your driver in the hotel lobby and embark on a picturesque 4-hour journey to the captivating destination of Mai Chau. Nestled in the heart of Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau mesmerizes with its awe-inspiring mountainous vistas, verdant valleys, and charming stilt houses, offering a glimpse into the authentic lifestyle of the White Thai ethnic group. Upon arrival in Mai Chau, settle into your accommodation and relish a sumptuous lunch that tantalizes your taste buds with local flavors. In the afternoon, embark on an enchanting 2-hour cycling adventure through the breathtaking Mai Chau valley. Accompanied by your knowledgeable guide, delve deeper into the mesmerizing landscapes, engaging in conversations with local hill tribe people to gain insights into their daily routines. Observe the intricate processes of rice cultivation, witness buffalo herding, and witness the artistry involved in constructing traditional houses. Overnight in Mai Chau. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Notes: We recommend a departure time of 08:30 for this 4-hour tour. The cycling distance covers approximately 7km (4mi), and the difficulty level is classified as easy.

Delight in a satisfying breakfast at your hotel before embarking on a 45-minute drive to the picturesque village of Xa Linh, home to the Hmong hill tribe. Prepare for an invigorating 2-hour trek along enchanting mountain trails, immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery while pausing to observe the local way of life. For those interested, a visit to Pa Co Primary School (closed on weekends, public holidays, and during summer) or the vibrant Pa Co Market (open only on Sundays) can be arranged. Afterwards, return to Mai Chau for a delightful lunch at your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to unwind by the hotel pool or take a leisurely stroll back to the charming villages. Explore the intricate handicrafts created by talented local artisans or immerse yourself in the welcoming atmosphere of the village, savoring a cup of coffee alongside amiable villagers. Overnight in Mai Chau. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Notes: We recommend a departure time of 09:00 for this 6-hour tour. The trekking distance covers approximately 6km (4mi), with an easy difficulty level. Please note that villagers typically don traditional attire only during festive occasions.

Immerse yourself in a delightful day of relaxation amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of your resort. Allow yourself to be enveloped by the beauty of the surroundings, whether it's finding tranquility in a picturesque garden or embarking on a leisurely stroll through the enchanting ethnic villages, where you can uncover the unique lifestyle of the locals. Take in the captivating views of the lush rice terraces during your explorations. For those seeking a touch of adventure and activity, kayaking presents an exciting opportunity to venture into the fisherman's village and discover hidden gems. Overnight in Mai Chau. Meals: Breakfast

Indulge in a delectable breakfast at the hotel and complete the check-out process. Prepare for a captivating four-hour journey to Ninh Binh, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Discover the mesmerizing beauty of this region, adorned with striking karst formations, verdant rice paddies, and magnificent caves. Upon arrival, proceed to the hotel for check-in and take some time to unwind and rejuvenate after the extended journey. Overnight in Ninh Binh. Meals: Breakfast Notes: Recommended departure time: 09:00 Transfer duration: 4 hours.

Commence your day with a delightful breakfast at the hotel, preparing for an immersive experience in the captivating region of Ninh Binh. Embark on a cycling excursion to Tho Ha Village in Nho Quan, where you can choose between a leisurely 5-15km (3-10mi) ride, meandering through charming villages and picturesque countryside landscapes. Immerse yourself in the local ambiance as you soak up the sights and sounds of the surroundings. Continue your journey to Dong Tam Hamlet, where you'll gain insights into the daily lives of local farmers. Engage in enjoyable agricultural activities such as crab catching, fishing, and tending to vegetables. Delight in the opportunity to connect with the locals and learn about their traditional way of life. Additionally, join a local family for a brief cooking class, where you'll discover the secrets of preparing authentic Vietnamese dishes, which you'll savor during a delectable lunch. In the afternoon, proceed to Nha Le Pier and embark on a mesmerizing rowboat journey to explore the enchanting Galaxy Grotto. Marvel at the stunning stalactites suspended from the ceiling, creating a breathtaking spectacle resembling a starry galaxy. Traverse the depths of this magnificent 900m (2,953ft) cave, immersing yourself in its natural wonders. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy some leisure time to unwind and reflect on the day's unforgettable experiences. Overnight in Ninh Binh. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Notes: Recommended departure time: 09:00 Tour duration: 8 hours

Prepare to be captivated by the natural wonder of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's most breathtaking destinations. Brace yourself for an unforgettable experience as you embark on a shared cruise, immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring scenery and partaking in exciting activities meticulously arranged for your enjoyment. After a satisfying breakfast, check out of your hotel and embark on a private car journey from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the jetty around noon, board the cruise and be greeted with a warm welcome and seamless check-in process. Delight in a delicious lunch served on board as the cruise gracefully navigates through the maze of stunning islets. In the afternoon, indulge in a range of activities that may include swimming, kayaking, or visiting magnificent caves, depending on the specific itinerary of the boat. Alternatively, simply relax and bask in the serene ambiance of the cruise. As the day draws to a close, the boat anchors in a picturesque location, offering you the opportunity to witness a mesmerizing sunset before indulging in a delectable dinner. Overnight on board the cruise. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Note: Please be aware that in the event of unfavorable weather conditions, the itinerary may be subject to changes or cancellations as the boats may not be permitted to leave the port. Rest assured that your travel consultant will make alternative arrangements to ensure your utmost satisfaction in such circumstances.

Witness the magical sunrise over Halong Bay as the day begins. Delight in a delectable breakfast served on board while the vessel leisurely cruises back towards the port. Before disembarking, savor an early lunch, ensuring you are fully nourished for the journey ahead. Bid farewell to the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay as you arrive at the port, where you will be transferred back to Hanoi. Take advantage of the rest of the day to explore the vibrant city at your leisure, immersing yourself in its captivating charms and discovering its hidden gems. Overnight in Hanoi. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Relish in some leisure time in the morning, allowing you to savor the final moments of your journey in Hanoi. Take this opportunity to indulge in any remaining exploration or relaxation. In due course, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to Vietnam as you embark on your journey back home. Meals: Breakfast