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

Tonkinese Landscape Marvels (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 (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 a hillside eco-lodge overlooking lush rice fields. Spend the afternoon on a guided walking tour through traditional Thai villages, before concluding the day with a regional dinner and an engaging, colorful bamboo dance performance by local villagers.

Day 2: Mai Chau to Cuc Phuong (B)

Today, we explore Mai Chau’s beautiful landscapes and peaceful Thai villages nestled among paddy fields by electric car, enjoying authentic local encounters against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Afterward, we set out on a scenic drive from the mountains toward the lowlands. The route showcases a picturesque shift in scenery, featuring rugged karst hills rising sharply from flat green fields. By late afternoon, we reach Cuc Phuong National Park, checking into Cuc Phuong Resort for a relaxing night on the jungle’s edge.

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), 1 cruise lunch (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.
2 bottles of water and towel per person per day.
Domestic travel insurance as per official regulations.