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Enjoy the very best that Northern Vietnam has to offer without covering long distances!
Your journey begins with an immersion in the Mai Chau Valley, staying with a White Thai family. The Thai are renowned for their warm hospitality, and you’ll have the chance to discover their culture — including traditional dance performances. Continue on to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a small natural paradise! Here, you’ll enjoy gentle hikes and a bamboo rafting experience on the Cham River.
The second part of your trip is dedicated to exploring both versions of Halong Bay — on land and at sea. Take your time in Ninh Binh, where you’ll cruise through the Trang An Landscape Complex, climb to the top of Hang Mua Mountain for breathtaking views over the Tam Coc Valley, and discover the ancient Bich Dong Pagodas, dating back to the early 18th century and built into the mountainside.
Finally, set sail through the enchanting Lan Ha Bay aboard one of our traditional wooden sailing boats. With an original itinerary and exquisite meals served on board, this cruise promises to be a highlight of your journey.
Truly one of our favorite tours — not to be missed!
Departure for Hoa Binh Province around 08:00, with stops along the way to admire beautiful landscapes. Lunch and visit to a Muong ethnic village, located at the foot of Thung Khe Pass.
Continue the journey to Mai Chau. Arrival at the Thai village of Pom Coong. Dinner with a local family, followed by an evening of traditional dances performed by the White Thai ethnic group.
Overnight at a homestay in a traditional stilt house.
After breakfast, enjoy a walking and cycling tour around Mai Chau to visit ethnic minority villages, set against the stunning backdrop of terraced rice fields. Then take the road to Pu Luong (about 1 hour by car). You will enter the Pu Luong Nature Reserve through a breathtaking mountain pass offering panoramic views over the entire valley.
Arrive at your accommodation in time for a delicious lunch, followed by free time to explore the surroundings, with captivating panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Afternoon: You will be transferred across a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you will begin your walk to discover the impressive waterwheels. Get close to each wheel and learn how water is channeled from the river into handmade bamboo aqueducts through simple constructions of different sizes.
At the home of a local fisherman, take a short break before preparing for a bamboo rafting experience with Dinh and his team. Float along the Cham River, enjoying the scenery while learning how to paddle and steer your handmade raft.
Disembark at the picturesque Tan Lap Bridge, then transfer back to your hotel.
After breakfast, enjoy an easy walk around the most beautiful valley of terraced rice fields just in front of your lodge. Begin by descending into the stunning valley, strolling among the rice terraces. Continue along small, vegetation-covered paths that slowly reveal the picturesque Uoi Village, nestled at the foot of a high mountain. Your camera will be busy capturing the panoramic view of the village from above!
Descend the hill to Uoi Village, then continue on to Lan Village. If time allows, we will visit a local family to learn about the traditional art of brocade weaving (not guaranteed). Cross the rice fields once more to reach the main road, where your car will be waiting.
Return to your lodge, then depart for Ninh Binh (approximately 3h30 by car). Dinner and overnight in Tam Coc.
After breakfast, set off on a bicycle ride to visit the Jade Pagoda, the Thai Vi Temple, and the rice fields of Tam Coc. Then continue to Mua Mountain (Hang Mua), where you will climb 450 steps to the top of the sugar loaf hill for a spectacular panoramic view over the entire Tam Coc area. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip on the Trang An River, famous for its 10 caves and lagoons. Return to Tam Coc by late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Tam Coc.
Included today: breakfast, lunch, dinner, guide, private car, bicycle, sampan boat, entrance fees, accommodation.
Departure from Tam Coc by car at 07:00 – your driver will pick you up at your hotel. Head towards Cat Ba Island, where your private junk awaits. Along the way, you can choose between a one-hour motorbike ride with driver, off the beaten track, or a bus transfer if you prefer not to try the motorbike experience (depending on your budget and preferences). This flexible arrangement will be explained the day before departure.
Around 12:30, you will board one of our traditional junks (according to your choice). Your junk will first pass through the Hang Vem floating fishing village in Lan Ha Bay. Sailing by wind is possible depending on weather conditions.
Enjoy this cruise as an opportunity to relax, swim, and soak up the sun on deserted beaches (weather permitting). You will also have the chance to go kayaking and discover another fishing village.
Lunch and dinner will be served on board, featuring freshly purchased seafood (fish, shrimp, squid, and shellfish) bought the same day directly from local fishermen.
Spend the night on board, anchored in a quiet cove in the middle of Lan Ha Bay.
Disembarkation is scheduled for 11:30. For the morning program, you can choose (to be decided the day before with your guide or the crew) between a 2-hour round-trip cycling excursion to Viet Hai Village or a relaxing walk around the bay or the beach. This is part of our off-the-beaten-track program, so no tourist caves are included.
Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Depending on the junk’s availability, lunch may be served on board instead — this will be confirmed at the time of embarkation.
At 12:30, meet your driver for the transfer Cat Ba – Phu Phong, followed by a local ferry crossing from Phu Long to Dinh Vu (about 20 minutes). Continue by car to Hanoi, with an expected arrival around 17:00.
All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.
Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.
If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.
No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.
However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.
You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.
That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.
It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.
Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.
You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.
Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.
One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.
Northern Vietnam Highlights in 5 Days: Authentic Hanoi, the Karst Landscapes of Ninh Binh, and a Peaceful Cruise in Lan Ha Bay
Mu Cang Chai and Sapa in 5 Days: Terraced Rice Fields, Scenic Hikes, and Authentic Encounters with the Hmong
Northern & Central Vietnam in 21 Days: Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces, Lan Ha Bay Cruise, Hue Imperial City, Hoi An’s Charm & Cham Heritage
Let’s talk and tailor it to your wishes.
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info@parfumdautomne.fr
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