Vietnam Northern Discovery

HANOI – HOA BINH – MAI CHAU – HOA LU – HALONG

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi

Arrive Hanoi, pick – up at the airport and transfer to the hotel.

Afternoon, Visit the Temple Of Literature. Vietnam’s first university constructed in 1070, it’s gardens and well-preserved architecture offers a relaxing glimpse into Vietnam’s past. visit the Buddhist Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake (one of the oldest in Vietnam) and Quan Thanh Temple (Taoist, dating form the Ly Dynasty).

Journey back to the centre of town for a Cyclo ride around Hanoi’s old streets.

Relax as you weave through the narrow alleys of Hanoi s ancient Old Quarter, glimpsing Hanoi s everyday life. We will take you past Hoan Kiem Lake, see the peaceful waters, at the northern end stop and visit Ngoc Son Temple, perfect for photo opportunities!

Finish the day with Vietnam’s most famous and charming art form, Water Puppetry.

Night at your hotel in Hanoi.

Day 2 : Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau Home stay (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After the breakfast at the hotel, Journey to the province of Hoa Binh and than take the boat trip to Maichau, we pass through a region of spectacular limestone mountains and tea plantations to arrive in Mai Chau. We spend the night at the minority village, experiencing their wonderful hospitality, traditional dancing and rice wine. Home stay in Mai Chau.

Day 3 : Maichau – Hoa Lu - Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

Morning, journey to Ninh Binh. On arrival in Tam Coc Town, board your private sampan boat. For ninety minutes your private oarswoman / man will take you down the Ngo Dong River. Pass through the three caves that made Vietnam famous in the French film ‘Indochine’, Hang Ca, Hang Giua and Hang Cuoi.

On the way visit Bich Dong Pagoda, set among pink lotuses, the temple offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.

Back in Tam Coc u Town enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch.

Following lunch drive to Hoa Lu to visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been destroyed) once covered an area of three square kilometres.

For the fit and healthy, take a half-hour walk up to Nui Ma Yen Mountain, the climb is rewarding with spectacular vies over the surrounding area.

In the afternoon journey back to Hanoi. Arrive at around 1800. Night in Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi - Halong – Bai Tu Long – Thien Canh son Cave (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Breakfast at your hotel.

07.45 – 08.15  : Pick up at your hotel in Ha Noi by shuttle bus.

12.00 – 12.30  : Embark at Hon Gai International harbor.

12.30 – 13.00  : Check-in, enjoy welcome drink & cruise briefing.

13.30 – 15.00  : Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay; admire the fascinating formations on the way.

15.15 – 15.40  : Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son Cave.

15.45 – 18.00  : Enjoy relaxing on a white sandy beach at Hon Co Island, swimming or kayaking.

18.00 – 19.00  : Back to junk for refreshing before having dinner on board.

20.00 – 21.00  : Relax, enjoy fresh air & overnight on board.

Day 5: Halong – Vung Vieng fishing village – Yen Duc Village – Hanoi (Breakfast, Lunch)

07.30 – 08.00  : Morning view of Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. Have breakfast in the fresh air.

08.30 – 09.30  : Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic row-boat, meet the local people and pass through the floating school and fish farms.

09.30 – 10.00  : More time for swimming in the middle of the bay.

10.00 – 11.30  : Start cruising towards the harbor while an A la carte lunch is served.

11.45 – 12.00  : Disembark. Get on the bus going to Dong Trieu province.

12.30 – 14.00  : Drive to Yen Duc village.

14.00 – 14.20  : Be admired by the odorous fresh air & the amazing tranquility in Yen Duc village. Enjoy a Quan Ho singing performance by the local singers.

14.20 – 14.50  : Explore a historical Canh mountain to learn about the brave local villagers.

14.50 – 15.10  : Visit a local house. Meet and talk to the friendly villagers.

15.10 – 15.30  : Pass through the fields to visit Canh Huong pagoda with poetic scenery.

15.45 – 18.00  : Fare well. Back to Ha Noi.