DISCOVER THE HIDDEN CHARM OF THE NORTH VIETNAM – 9DAYS
(Itinerary: Hanoi –Mai Chau valley- Pu Luong- Ninh Binh– Ha Long)
Tour code :XSE 0014 - CLASSIC TOURS
Highlights:
- 9-day trip to Northern Vietnam for exploring the most authentic and amazing landscape.
- Admire yourself with Hanoi capital city: the political center and cultural heart of Vietnam
- Visit Mai Chau - a peaceful valley sheltered by the outside world by a dramatic ring of hills
- Reach to a hidden gem – Pu Luong nature reserve for rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice terraces and breathtaking scenery.
- Explore authentic Ninh Binh with Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave
- Discover the Wonder of the World – a Ha Long Bay with its bewitching scenes.
Overview
Discover the hidden charms of Northern Vietnam Tours – 9 Days. Let’s consider this north Vietnam tours to Hanoi, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh& Ha Long Bay. This itinerary offers you less touristic destinations to Mai Chau, Pu Luong nature reserve with impressive views of mountains & valleys dotted by ethnic villages & their terrace rice fields, to Ninh Binh- known as Ha Long Bay on land and Ha Long Bay- a new natural wonder with overnight cruise into islands & islet on emerald sea water.
Tour summary:
- Day 01 : Hanoi arrival
- Day 02 : Hanoi sightseeing (B,L)
- Day 03 : Hanoi- Mai Chau valley hill tribe (B,L)
- Day 04 : Mai Chau - PuLuong (B,L)
- Day 05 : Pu Luong Enthralling trekking routes (B,L)
- Day 06 : PuLuong–NinhBinh–Trang An cave (B,L,D)
- Day 07 : Ninh Binh– Hon Gai Harbor –Bai T u Long Bay- Cong Do- Cap la Island (B,L,D)
- Day 08 : Tra San- Thien Canh Son – Hon Gai harbour - Hanoi (B,L)
- Day 09 : Hanoi departure Flight (B)
DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL
Private driver
Distance: NoiBai Airport – Hanoi Central: 35 km = 45 minutes transfer
Arrival in NoiBai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi
Arrival in NoiBai airport, you will be picked up then transferred to the hotel in city center and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi
(Check-in time is 14.00 PM, early check-in is not included in itinerary and subject to availability).
Meals: None
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi
DAY 2: HANOI – ORIENTATION (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
After breakfast, the day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh- the nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from outside on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoons due to closure), and the house on stilts, One Pillar Pagoda. Next up visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on the bank of West Lake &Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university which was constructed in 11th century. Back to your hotel and be free for lunch is at the local restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Check in the hotel for a short relaxing, Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi
After breakfast, the day starts with visit to the complex dedicated to Ho Chi Minh- the nation’s founder, containing Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum (viewed from outside on Mondays, Fridays and every afternoons due to closure), and the house on stilts, One Pillar Pagoda. Next up visit Tran Quoc Pagoda – Hanoi’s oldest pagoda on the bank of West Lake &Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university which was constructed in 11th century. Back to your hotel and be free for lunch is at the local restaurant.
In the afternoon, take a cyclo ride around the Old Quarter streets which were named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. Stop at Hoan Kiem Lake to learn about legend of the lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple, followed by the Water Puppet show – a uniquely Northern Vietnamese art form depicting scenes from rural life and episodes of national history. Check in the hotel for a short relaxing, Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Hanoi
DAY 3: HANOI – MAI CHAU GREEN VALLEY (B/L)
Private driver & guide
Distance: Hanoi – Mai Chau: 120 km = 3 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel You will leave Hanoi for Mai Chau. Our driver will take you through a beautiful mountainous province of HoaBinh which is located in the Southwest of the capital of Viet Nam. Four hours on the way, you’ll see gorgeous scenery dotted with limestone and rice paddies while passing several small villages of Muong, Thai, H’Mong, and Dao people. Descending the last 14km of your first day of the tour on a steep mountain road into the stunning valley of Mai Chau, you will reach village of Thai Ethnic people. Your lunch will be served at a local Thai house. 14:00- 18:00:After check in your hotel, take a short rest, then take an easy walk of 1-2 hours around the village and valley. 18:00:Tonight enjoy folk dance performance with charming Thai ladies at Mai Chau. Overnight at the Hotel in Mai Chau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Mai Chau
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel You will leave Hanoi for Mai Chau. Our driver will take you through a beautiful mountainous province of HoaBinh which is located in the Southwest of the capital of Viet Nam. Four hours on the way, you’ll see gorgeous scenery dotted with limestone and rice paddies while passing several small villages of Muong, Thai, H’Mong, and Dao people. Descending the last 14km of your first day of the tour on a steep mountain road into the stunning valley of Mai Chau, you will reach village of Thai Ethnic people. Your lunch will be served at a local Thai house. 14:00- 18:00:After check in your hotel, take a short rest, then take an easy walk of 1-2 hours around the village and valley. 18:00:Tonight enjoy folk dance performance with charming Thai ladies at Mai Chau. Overnight at the Hotel in Mai Chau.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation at a selected hotel in Mai Chau
DAY 4: MAI CHAU- PU LUONG RETREAT (B/L/D)
Private driver & guide
Water wheels walk and rafting | 3 km easy walk = 1.5 hours | 1 km rafting = 1 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel – Morning: Have free time in Mai Chau until get pick up for transfer to PuLuong (60km – 2 hours for transferring). Arrive at PuLuong Nature Reserve in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. – Afternoon: You will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Arriving at a local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the bamboo river rafting. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts. Arriving at scenic Tan Lap bridge, you disembark to be transferred back to PuLuong Retreat for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in PuLuong retreat
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel – Morning: Have free time in Mai Chau until get pick up for transfer to PuLuong (60km – 2 hours for transferring). Arrive at PuLuong Nature Reserve in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the beautiful retreat, with its captivating panoramic views and tranquil setting. – Afternoon: You will be transferred to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes. Arriving at a local fisherman’s house, you have a short rest to gear up for the bamboo river rafting. Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts. Arriving at scenic Tan Lap bridge, you disembark to be transferred back to PuLuong Retreat for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation at a selected hotel in PuLuong retreat
DAY 5: PU LUONG ENTHRALLING TREKKING ROUTES (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Enthralling trekking routes | 19 km easy walking = 6 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel – Morning: Start early to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat where you walk around tumbling rice terraces. Trek through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. Your camera will not be able to sit still! Continuing to the base of the valley, you weave between roads and farmland, villages and wild fields, ponds and rivers, mountains and open land. Savor the ever-changing scenery as you trek to a beautiful spot to enjoy a simple picnic lunch. – Afternoon: After enjoying delicious food, you have free time to explore the refreshing water to the nearby river, before moving to our pick up point to be transferred back to the Retreat. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in PuLuong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in PuLuong retreat
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel – Morning: Start early to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat where you walk around tumbling rice terraces. Trek through small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque village sitting at the base of a towering mountain. Your camera will not be able to sit still! Continuing to the base of the valley, you weave between roads and farmland, villages and wild fields, ponds and rivers, mountains and open land. Savor the ever-changing scenery as you trek to a beautiful spot to enjoy a simple picnic lunch. – Afternoon: After enjoying delicious food, you have free time to explore the refreshing water to the nearby river, before moving to our pick up point to be transferred back to the Retreat. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in PuLuong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in PuLuong retreat
DAY 6:PU LUONG NINH BINH- TRANG AN CAVE ( B,L)
Private driver & guide
Village life and the community | 4,5 km easy walk = 2 hours
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel Then get pick up for the transfer to Ninh Binh (150km – 3,5 hours for transferring).
12:00: we have an hour for lunch at local restaurant
After lunch, we take a boat trip to explore the cave complex in Trang An. Enjoy peaceful moments with clear water, fresh air and spectacular views of mountainous areas. Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. This area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16:00: Our driver will take you check in hotel. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Ninh Binh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Ninh Binh
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel Then get pick up for the transfer to Ninh Binh (150km – 3,5 hours for transferring).
12:00: we have an hour for lunch at local restaurant
After lunch, we take a boat trip to explore the cave complex in Trang An. Enjoy peaceful moments with clear water, fresh air and spectacular views of mountainous areas. Trang An Landscape Complex is a spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks permeated with valleys, many of them partly submerged and surrounded by steep, almost vertical cliffs. This area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
16:00: Our driver will take you check in hotel. Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Ninh Binh.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Ninh Binh
DAY 7: NINH BINH- HON GAI HARBOR – BAI TU LONG BAY – CONG DO – CAP LA ISLAND – TRA SAN (B,L,D)
Private driver & guide
Distance: Hanoi – Ha Long: 185 km à 4 hours
Explore Ha Long Bay by deluxe cruise.
Notes: Ha Long Itinerary is subjected to change based on weather conditions and each Cruise.
08:00 – 8:30: We will pick you up from your hotel and head to northeast of Vietnam
12.30: Arrive Ha Long, transferred by a tender to Cruise on Bai Tu Long bay
12.45: Enjoy a welcome drink with all staffs on board, listen briefly to safety on boat and activities included then check in cabin.
13.30: Delicious Vietnamese set menu while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay.
15.00: Arrive to Cap La Island the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing
17.30: Get back to the boat and enjoy sunset tea (enjoy tea and fresh fruit).This time is regarded as “Happy hour”- Buy two get one free while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage.
19.00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.
20.30: Free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.
(Please inform our guide if you want to join in karaoke activity)
Overnight in Bai Tu Long bay cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation : Overnight on Ha Long cruise
Explore Ha Long Bay by deluxe cruise.
Notes: Ha Long Itinerary is subjected to change based on weather conditions and each Cruise.
08:00 – 8:30: We will pick you up from your hotel and head to northeast of Vietnam
12.30: Arrive Ha Long, transferred by a tender to Cruise on Bai Tu Long bay
12.45: Enjoy a welcome drink with all staffs on board, listen briefly to safety on boat and activities included then check in cabin.
13.30: Delicious Vietnamese set menu while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay.
15.00: Arrive to Cap La Island the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing
17.30: Get back to the boat and enjoy sunset tea (enjoy tea and fresh fruit).This time is regarded as “Happy hour”- Buy two get one free while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage.
19.00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.
20.30: Free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.
(Please inform our guide if you want to join in karaoke activity)
Overnight in Bai Tu Long bay cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Accommodation : Overnight on Ha Long cruise
DAY 8: TRA SAN – THIEN CANH SON CAVE – HON GAI HARBOR - HANOI (B,L)
Private driver & guide
Distance: Ha Long- Hanoi : 160 km à 4 hours
06.30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi
07.00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional food. Tea and coffee is available
08.00: Explore ThienCanh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, BaiTu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature
09.30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.
Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
10.30: Cooking demonstration is organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine- “BanhCuon” by yourself.
11.00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12.00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier
12.30: Say goodbye Ha Long Bay then returns to Hanoi and drop off at your hotel around 16:30. Free and easy, Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Hanoi
06.30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi
07.00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional food. Tea and coffee is available
08.00: Explore ThienCanh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, BaiTu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature
09.30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.
Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).
10.30: Cooking demonstration is organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine- “BanhCuon” by yourself.
11.00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
12.00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier
12.30: Say goodbye Ha Long Bay then returns to Hanoi and drop off at your hotel around 16:30. Free and easy, Dinner is on your own. Stay overnight in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation : at a selected hotel in Hanoi
DAY 9: HANOI DEPARTURE (B)
Private driver
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!
Free and easy until you will transfer to airport for flight home.
Since this can be private or group tour, the price per person varies and depends on many aspects, such as your group size, the hotel ratings and your departure date. If you want to get a custom price quote for this tour, please fill out the online inquiry form and give you as much information as possible about your trip. Your online travel consultants will be at your service and help you make the most of your travel time and dollars!
NOTES
1/ The weather & our latest advice on the weather
Light clothes regardless of the season in the south but for the visit of temples and pagodas, make sure you have a top with sleeves (shoulders must be covered) and bottoms going at least up to the knee. From November to March it can get pretty cold in the North, make sure to have warm clothes for mornings and evenings.
Northern Vietnam:
- Dec – Feb: 10°C to 25°C, mostly dry, grey.
- March: 15°C to 30°C, season change, dry.
- April – June: 25°C to 35°C, some heavy showers.
- Sept – Oct: 25°C to 35°C, clear weather, occasional showers.
Note: from 5°C to 10°C less in the mountains; make sure you have warm clothes.
2/ Visa
- To go to Vietnam you must have a valid passport valid at least 6 months after the date of return.
- The Government of Vietnam promulgates the Resolution on Vietnamese Entry Visa Waiver for Citizens of Five European Countries: UK, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. This exemption is applied for a maximum period of 15 days regardless of passport categories and purpose of entry into Vietnam, and is valid until June 30, 2021.
- For any stay lasting more than 15 days, or for a multiple entry stay in a period of less than 15 days, a visa is required. A period of 30 days is required after the last exit from Vietnam in order to once again benefit from the visa waiver measure for a stay not exceeding 15 days.
To get more info => Click Here
3/ International flight
- Our offer does not include international flights between your country and Vietnam for two reasons:
- International flights from your country are more expensive if purchased in Vietnam. It is therefore more beneficial for you to buy them from a ticketing agency in your country.
- The payment and booking conditions for international flights are strict while it is difficult for us, a local agency, to apply the same conditions to you (full payment before travel). Since international financial transactions give rise to significant bank charges, you will be led to pay unnecessary surcharges.
4/ Which language?
- The official and most widely spread language is Vietnamese.
- English is spoken in all touristic areas.
5/ Cancellation Policy:
- More than 30 days before arrival: no cancellation charge will be done (Client’s non-refundable deposit will be forfeited)
- 14-29 days before arrival: 10% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- 10-13 days before arrival: 40% of the cost of the tour is forfeited
- Within 10 days before arrival: 100 % of the cost of the tour is forfeited
6/ What to Bring
- Sun Glasses, Sun Block, Wide Brim Hat, Insect Repellent, Swimming Suits
- Warm Clothes (in winter from November to April)
- Original Passport
ACCOMMODATION
LIST OF OUR HOTELS:
The hotels offered by Xuan Son Travel classified from 02 to 05 stars at international standard, comfortable with all the required services.
- Homestay/local homestay: we have developed fair tourism, through contacts with the local population, the possibility of sleeping with locals and sharing their daily lives. The conditions of these accommodations that we offer you are well assured and with the best possible conditions
- Standard Category: 2 stars. The rooms are decent, clean, equipped with bathroom, satellite TV and air conditioning.
- Superior Category 3 stars. The rooms are generally spacious and the services and facilities are more numerous.
- Deluxe category: 4 stars. The rooms are luxurious and spacious, with a wide choice of quality services have swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi
- Luxury Category: 5 stars. Hotels with excellent comfort and a wide range of excellent services. Swimming pool, spa, Jacuzzi…)
| CITIES /AREAS | HOME STAY | HOTEL-STANDARD | HOTELS-SUPERIOR | HOTEL-DELUXE | HOTELS- LUXURY |
| HANOI | …. | Maison d’Orient Hotel.. | Hong Ngoc Dynastie/ Icon 36/ Flower / Hanoi Era/Gondola hotel.. | La Siesta Classic Premium / Golden Silk/ Pearl/ Thang Long opera/Flower Garden | Sofitel Legend Metropole / L’Opera/ Movempick Hotel |
| CRUISE | …. | …. | Oriental Cruises/ V’Spirit Cruises…. | Swan Cruises/ Renea cruise/Calypso cruise/ Victory cruise …. | Dragon Legend cruise/ Heritage/Dynasty/Orchird/ Genesis cruise…… |
| MAI CHAU | Mai Chau homestay | …. | Mai Chau sunset boutique or similar | Mai Chau Lodge/Bungalow or similar | Mai Chau Ecolodge or similar |
| PU LUONG | Puluong homestay | …. | Pu Luong Bungalow | Pu Luong retreat / Pu Luong eco garden | …. |
| NINH BINH | Tam Coc Homestay | Tam villa/ La Belle or similar | Tam Coc boutique Garden/ Chez Loan or similar | Vissai Ninh Binh/ The reed hotel or similar | Emeralda resort or similar |
SERVICES & PRICE
TRAVEL PRICE: DISCOVER THE HIDDEN CHARM OF THE NORTH OF VIETNAM 9DAYS 8 NIGHTS
From…. To… usd /per
Excluding international flights
Inclusion
- The English speaking guide as guided time
- Accommodation based on double sharing room with daily breakfast
- 2 days 1night on cruise in Ha Long Bay (sharing cruise, not private)
- Meals as indicated (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
- All transfers with the air-conditioned vehicle
- Thai’s traditional dance and Ruou Can in Mai Chau
- Boat trip in NinhBinh
- Mineral water & cool towels on car during the trip
- Government taxes & service charge.
Exclusion
- International Flight tickets from/to your Home
- Early check in/ late check out
- Meals, drinks & beverage not indicated
- Vietnam visa stamp fee (about 25$/pax) & personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills
- Tips and gratuities
Customize this tour
This tour is designed with balanced activities and pace. If you want to customize it, you may always change its itinerary and accommodations according to your needs.
Contact us
- +84 914374251
- xuansontravel@yahoo.com.vn
My name is Nicky, English & French speaking advisor at Xuan Son Travel. I have been the specialist in tailor-made trips to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia for 18years. I love the charm of the small streets of Hanoi as well as the charm of the countryside, with magical landscapes, warm and smiling inhabitants in all regions of Vietnam. As a Travel Consultant, I put it at your disposal and will assure you that your wishes and desires are perfectly suited to your trip to Asia.