Vietnam Specifically the North – 10 Days

Today is dedicated to exploring the capital of Vietnam. Begin your journey at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, his unassuming house-on-stilts, and the One-Pillar Pagoda situated near Ba Dinh Square, where Hanoi's most solemn ceremonies unfold. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Temple of Literature, the inaugural high school for Vietnamese scholars.

In the afternoon, venture to Hoan Kiem Lake and the nearby landmarks such as Ngoc Son Temple and the statue of Ly Thai To. Stroll through the Old Quarter, an enthralling labyrinth of narrow alleys and shop houses famously known as ‘The 36 Streets.’ Each street is named after the merchandise traditionally traded there, spanning from fabrics and crafts to medicines and tombstones.

Stay overnight in Hanoi.

In the morning, depart from the bustling center of Hanoi and journey westward. Our exploration commences at the renowned local market, which has thrived since the Le Dynasty era. This vibrant market is renowned for offering a diverse array of traditional items for sale, ranging from dogs, cats, pigs, and chickens to bamboo baskets. Witness the lively and colorful market atmosphere thriving beneath the canopy of ancient trees.

Adjacent to the market, discover lush vegetable farms. Take a guided tour through these fields, observing the cultivation of various produce, including cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, green peas, Chinese peas, and corn. Explore fruit gardens abundant with oranges, pomelos, papayas, and more. Engage with a local farmer, participating in their daily tasks, which may involve planting, sowing, watering greens, harvesting, and other agricultural activities. Throughout the work, gain insights into cultivation techniques and the farmer's way of life through their narratives.

Around noon, visit a local family and delve into the art of preparing delicious local meals using fresh ingredients. Learn the techniques of crafting traditional cakes while immersing yourself in Vietnamese family customs. Relish special tea and local wine graciously offered by your hosts. Bid a warm farewell to the family as you return to the center of Hanoi later in the day.

The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi.

In the early morning, complete the check-out process and embark on a scenic drive to Pu Luong, situated approximately 150 kilometers from Hanoi.

As you approach Pu Luong Nature Reserve, traverse a stunning mountain pass that unfolds a panoramic view of the entire valley. Arrive at your accommodation in time for a delightful lunch, followed by leisure time to explore the enchanting retreat, blessed with captivating panoramic vistas and a serene ambiance.

In the afternoon, seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in village life and engage with locals residing in the hills above the Retreat. Witness snippets of their daily routines, take a stroll through working farmlands and rice fields, and delve deeper into the local culture. Later, return to the retreat for a delightful dinner.

Enjoy an overnight stay in Pu Luong.

Morning: Embark on a leisurely and accessible stroll through the picturesque valley adorned with rice terraces, offering a captivating view in front of the Retreat. Descend into this scenic valley, meandering along the tumbling rice terraces. Traverse small pathways veiled in lush vegetation, gradually revealing the charming Uoi village nestled at the foot of a majestic mountain. Your camera will undoubtedly be in constant motion as you capture the panoramic village view from above.

Afternoon: Continue the descent towards a local home, providing an opportunity to rest before embarking on a cycling adventure around Lan village. If time allows, we may have the chance to visit a local family and gain insights into their traditional brocade weaving techniques (subject to availability). Cycle through rice paddies, from village to village, crossing bridges, and immersing yourself in the scenic landscapes that surround. Your journey concludes at Hieu Village, renowned for its stunning scenery and the unique Hieu waterfall, the sole one in the reserve. Cycle back to the local home, the designated car pick-up point, and return to Pu Luong Retreat for a delightful dinner.

Overnight stay in Pu Luong.

Morning: Embarking on a brief ride from the retreat to Dong Dieng village. Descend into one of the most enchanting valleys in Pu Luong, surrounded by captivating terrace rice fields and majestic mountains. Follow scenic trails that wind through the landscape, providing panoramic views of the expansive rice fields and the charming village. Along the way, encounter local homes, and feel free to visit any family to gain valuable insights into the locals' lifestyle and culture. Conclude the morning exploration and return to the retreat for a well-deserved lunch.

Afternoon: Following lunch, complete the check-out process at the retreat, and commence the journey back to Hanoi. Enjoy an overnight stay in Hanoi.

If you're interested in experiencing the vibrant morning routines of Hanoi locals, wake up early and head to a nearby lake from your hotel. You'll have the opportunity to witness a lively scene of hundreds of locals engaging in various morning activities such as Tai Chi quan, jogging, martial arts, classical dance, and more. Following breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a journey to Halong Bay, recognized as a Natural World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1994 and 2006. Upon arrival, we'll check in to our overnight boat, exploring Halong Bay with stops to visit caves, take a swim, and relish the sunset over the sea. Dinner will feature an array of fresh seafood! Enjoy an overnight stay onboard.

Begin your morning with a session of taichi-quan or yoga, guided by the attentive crew, as your boat gracefully navigates through the captivating Halong islets. Enjoy a delicious breakfast while surrounded by the breathtaking scenery. Return to the Wharf and embark on a shuttle bus journey back to Hanoi around midday, arriving in the city by 3-4 pm. Spend the night in Hanoi.

Optional:

HANOI STREET FOOD TOUR

Exploring Hanoi's bustling street food scene can be a delightful challenge. This unique and thoughtfully crafted adventure combines expert guidance with the flexibility to cater to your specific interests, providing an immersive experience in uncovering culinary secrets hidden throughout the city.

Indulge in a diverse array of popular street food delights, including bun cha (grilled pork patties with noodles), pho (beef noodle soup), crab noodles, pork porridge, and savory Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo). Venture beyond the familiar to discover lesser-known delicacies such as grilled quail, golden pillow cakes, beef noodles, eel noodles, shrimp cakes, and various snail dishes. Savor a selection of drinks, relish local dried snacks, and even explore a vibrant local market.

Feel free to spend the day at your leisure, either relaxing or exploring the local shopping scene. Stay overnight in Hanoi.

Optional:

NINH BINH – HOA LU – TAM COC – BICH DONG CAVE

Duration: 8:00 – 18:00

Our knowledgeable guide and skilled driver will pick you up from your hotel. Today presents a wonderful opportunity to explore Ninh Binh, one of Vietnam's ancient capitals. The region is renowned for its captivating landscapes, including Tam Coc Caves and the Hoa Lu ancient capital with old temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le from the 10th century.

Your Ninh Binh adventure begins with a visit to the shaded Dinh and Le temples, the former royal palace in the 10th century. The exploration of Ninh Binh continues with a boat excursion in Tam Coc, where striking limestone karsts rise majestically from the lush green rice fields, reminiscent of the landscapes in Guilin (China) and Halong Bay (Vietnam), earning this area the moniker "Halong-bay-on-land." Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Enjoy your free time until your designated driver arrives to escort you to the airport for your departing flight. This marks the conclusion of our services.

Please keep in mind that hotel check-out is at 12:00.