North Vietnam Itinerary (8 Days): Stunning Landscapes of Hanoi, Ninh Binh & Halong Bay

Tonkinese Landscape Marvels (6 Days)~

This 8-day North Vietnam itinerary explores the most beautiful landscapes of the Red River Delta and surrounding mountains. Starting in Hanoi, travelers journey through the rice valleys of Mai Chau, the jungles of Cuc Phuong National Park, the karst scenery of Ninh Binh, and the legendary limestone islands of Halong Bay.

Trip Duration
6 Days

Key Destination
4 Destinations

Trip Type
Special Interest

Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau (D)

Depart Hanoi and travel through hilly outskirt towards Mai Chau in the midland region. We stop in Hoa Binh and visit the Museum of Muong Cultural Space where interesting cultural interconnection between the Viet and the Muong ethnic peoples are revealed. As we travel longer we gain more elevation on the scenic winding roads until we reach the picturesque valley of Mai Chau. We have lunch and settle in at one of the Thai village in the center of the valley. We move into our rooms in an eco-lodge which is beautifully situated on the hillside overlooking the rice fields. The afternoon is for the walking tour through the Thai villages. Dinner will be served after the opening dance show of the Thai villagers in their colorful costume. The bamboo dance will be particularly engaging.

Day 2: Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong (B)

Today we venture into the surrounding villages and further explore the beautiful landscape of Mai Chau with an electric car. We ride through several villages of the Thai peacefully settled among paddy fields against the backdrop of the surrounding mountain ranges. There will be lots of encounters with the local people. Set out from Mai Chau. We take a scenic drive from the mountains towards the lowlands, driving through different landscape with picturesque rugged karst hills rising from the flat green paddy fields. We head for Cuc Phuong National Park and arrive by late afternoon when we will check in Cuc Phuong Resort and spend the night on the jungle outskirt.

Day 3: Cuc Phuong to Ninh Binh (B)

Today we start in the morning with a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC) before moving into the central station where we will hike through the tropical vegetation of the national park. We will encounter some huge trees of a few hundreds of years old. We also explore a cave which carries traces of pre-history Man. Around mid afternoon we leave the national park and take a short drive toward Ninh Binh.

Once arrived in Ninh Binh, we check in our resort and have the rest of the day to relax , getting ready for the next amazing day.

Day 4: Ninh Binh (B)

The whole day today is to explore the extraordinary attractions in Ninh Binh. In the morning we hop on a bicycle and peddle through scenic countryside. We visit some old temples in Hoa Lu, the site of the medieval capital. In the afternoon we take a stunning boat trip and paddle through the magnificent karst landscape in Trang An, a UNESCO site. Before the end of the afternoon we walk up 500 steps at Hang Mua to be rewarded with the breath taking panorama and the sunset from the top of this karst hill. End of the day, we will spend one more night in Ninh Binh.

Day 5: Ninh Binh to Halong (B/L/D)

From a UNESCO site to the next. Today we travel to Halong Bay, a magical creation of nature in the form of thousands of half-submerged karst pillars. Here we have an overnight exploration cruise on board of a traditional wooden junk. Sail through this remarkable bay aboard a traditional wooden junk boat, taking in views of the towering karst pillars and exploring impressive stalactite-filled caves.

Day 6: Ha Long to Hanoi (B)

After the night away from the civilized world, wake up in the tranquil settings of the bay. Continue with the morning cruise while the junk glides through further dramatic scenery before heading back to the harbor in Halong. Upon disembarkation we take the drive back to Hanoi.