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

Tonkinese Wonders (6 Days)~

This 6-day northern loop connects Hanoi, Mai Chau, Cuc Phuong, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay. The tour’s premier selling point is its eco-adventure design, seamlessly combining an electric car village safari, jungle trekking, dual UNESCO site exploration, and a traditional overnight cruise. It is perfectly tailored for nature lovers and active families seeking a diverse, environmentally conscious journey through Vietnam’s grandest landscapes.

Trip Duration
6 Days

Key Destination
4 Destinations

Trip Type
Special Interest

Day 1: Hanoi to Mai Chau (L/D)

Depart Hanoi for Mai Chau, stopping at Hoa Binh’s Muong Cultural Space Museum to explore unique ethnic interconnections. Winding mountain roads then lead to a picturesque valley, where you will check into Mai Chau Ecolodge perching on a hillside overlooking lush rice fields.

Following lunch, set out on a guided biking tour to discover the beautiful nearby villages of Na Thia, Chieng Sai, Cha Long, Tong Dau, and Van. You will spend about 2 – 2.5 hours cycling along flat paths, warmly welcomed by friendly locals who offer a firsthand look into their traditional culture. Return to the ecolodge for dinner, followed by a vibrant traditional dance show at 20:30, where you can sample ruou can, a local jar-fermented rice liquor.

Day 2: Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong (B/L)

At 08:00, embark on a recommended morning walking tour through another cluster of scenic hamlets, including Nhot, Pom Coong, Lac, and Chieng Chau. Spend 2.5 – 3 hours soaking in the spectacular scenery, engaging with the community, and embracing the relaxed rhythm of valley life. Return to the resort to check out by noon, and enjoy lunch at the Ecolodge restaurant.

At 13:30, set out on a scenic drive descending from the highlands toward the lowlands. The route showcases a picturesque shift in geography, featuring rugged karst hills rising sharply from flat green fields. By late afternoon, arrive at the edge of Cuc Phuong National Park and check into the Wyndham Grand Veranda Resort for a relaxing night enveloped by the jungle.

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.

Inclusive of

Accommodation: Selected eco-lodges and resorts in Mai Chau, Cuc Phuong, and Ninh Binh, plus 1 night aboard a traditional wooden boutique cruise in Ha Long Bay (with daily breakfast included from Day 2).
Meals: Comprehensive meal plan featuring 5 breakfasts (B), 3 lunches (L), and 2 dinners (D) including a regional dinner showcase in Mai Chau.
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicles for all transfers between destinations, including the coastal expressway route back to Hanoi.
Activities & Sightseeing: Guided walking and electric car tours of traditional Thai villages in Mai Chau. Entry and guided touring at the Muong Cultural Space Museum. Guided jungle trekking, ancient tree trails, and prehistoric cave exploration in Cuc Phuong National Park. Visits to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC), the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital temples, and the Hang Mua peak climb (500 steps). Premium rowing boat journey through the Trang An UNESCO karst landscape.
Sports Infrastructure: Bicycle rentals for the Ninh Binh countryside trails.
Entertainment: Authentic evening cultural exchange and traditional bamboo dance performance by Mai Chau villagers.
o Daily drinking water and wet tissues.
o Compulsory domestic travel insurance.