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From Hua Tat to Ha Long Bay: an immersion into Northern Vietnam

Vietnam
Northern Vietnam
8 days
Authentic

Overview

Embark on an eight-day journey through the cultural and natural wonders of northern Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the traditions of the Hmong ethnic group with a homestay in Hua Tat, followed by an expedition to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Here, you will traverse breathtaking terraced rice fields, discover hidden villages, and relax in an eco-lodge nestled in the heart of nature. The days in Pu Luong also offer opportunities for deeper exploration through lush valleys and dense forests.

Next, travel to Tam Coc, where a peaceful sampan ride reveals stunning waterways framed by towering limestone karsts. Explore the Trang An complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, navigating its intricate cave systems, verdant valleys, and ancient temples by boat.

Conclude your adventure in Ha Long Bay aboard a traditional junk boat. Enjoy kayaking, cycling, and the serene beauty of one of Vietnam’s most iconic marine landscapes. Return to Hanoi with unforgettable memories of cultural discoveries and natural splendor.

Practical Information

Duration
8 days
Start / End
Hanoi/Hanoi
Guide Language
English
Regions Visited
Northern Vietnam
Best Time To Go
January to may and october to december
Ideal For
Couples / Friends / Families / Seniors
Difficulty Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotels / Ecolodges / Homestays / Traditional Junk Boat

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Itinerary

Day 1
HANOI VISIT (L, D)

Your guide will pick you up at 8:30 AM from your hotel. You will depart by private transport towards Dong Xuan Market, a historic covered market over a century old. Explore the market before enjoying a cyclo ride around the Hoan Kiem Lake area. Next, visit the St. Joseph Cathedral neighborhood.

Lunch will be served at a Hanoi specialty restaurant featuring cha ca. After lunch, head to the Temple of Literature to discover Vietnam’s first university and its rich cultural heritage. In the evening, enjoy dinner in the city center, followed by a drink on Train Street, where the train passes by four times in the evening.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Included: private transport, English-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, cyclo tickets, entrance fees to Hoan Kiem Lake pagoda, entrance fees to the Temple of Literature, overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
HANOI – HUA TAT (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart at 8:00 AM for Hoa Binh Province, which spans the mountains separating the Red River Delta from the Ma River basin. From Hoa Binh city, the road climbs, crossing the Muong Khen Pass and continuing along a mountainous route toward the Thung Nhuoi Pass. Stop to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Mai Chau Valley from the pass.

Continue through highland landscapes toward Moc Chau District, arriving late morning in Hua Tat village, home mainly to the Flower Hmong, who live on the mountainsides. Check in at a rural homestay run by a friendly Hmong couple, part of a community-based tourism project.

After lunch, embark on a 2-hour hike through the valley, passing various villages, cornfields, pine forests, and mountains. Return to the homestay to prepare and share dinner.

Overnight at the homestay (private room).

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, English-speaking guide, overnight at the homestay (private rooms).

Day 3
HUA TAT – PU LUONG (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart for the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with stops along the way to admire the scenery. Upon arrival, set out on a hike through the reserve, passing through several villages. Stop in one of the villages for lunch. Continue the afternoon trek before transferring to your eco-lodge.

Dinner is at your leisure and overnight stay at the lodge.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, English-speaking guide, overnight at the eco-lodge.

Day 4
PU LUONG (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the lodge. In the morning, depart for a beautiful full day hike through villages and terraced rice fields. Explore the rice paddies and water wheels, then head to Hieu Village for lunch. Visit the surroundings of the village, including its waterfall. Return to the eco-lodge in the afternoon.

Dinner is at your leisure and overnight stay at the lodge.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, English-speaking guide, private transport, overnight at the eco-lodge.

Day 5
PU LUONG – TAM COC (B, L)

Breakfast at the lodge, then depart for Ninh Binh Province, nicknamed the “Land Halong Bay.” Upon arrival, drop off your belongings at the hotel and have lunch in Tam Coc. Afterwards, visit Bich Dong Pagoda and climb to the top of Mua Mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tam Coc valley. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon to enjoy the swimming pool.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Included: breakfast, lunch, English-speaking guide, private transport, activities and entrance tickets, overnight at the hotel.

Day 6
TAM COC – TRANG AN – HOA LU – PHAT DIEM – TAM COC (B, L)

Breakfast at your hotel, then depart by car for the Trang An site. Enjoy an early morning sampan boat ride to avoid the tourist crowds. Afterwards, visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Lunch will be served near Trang An. In the afternoon, visit the Phat Diem Cathedral, renowned for its impressive blend of Western and Eastern architectural styles. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Dinner at your leisure and overnight at the hotel.

Included: breakfast, lunch, English-speaking guide, private transport, entrance fees and activities, overnight at the hotel.

Day 7
TAM COC – CAT BA – LAN HA BAY (B, L, D)

You will depart at 07:30 for Haiphong Province. After crossing the Tan Vu Bridge—the longest bridge in Southeast Asia spanning the sea—you will take a ferry to Phu Long Pier on Cat Ba Island. Upon arrival, private transport will take you to the small port of Ben Beo, where your junk boat awaits.

Around 12:30, embark on a 23-hour cruise in Lan Ha Bay. Lunch will be served on board as the junk sails past the fishing village of Hang Vem. Activities include swimming, kayaking, or relaxing on the upper deck while admiring the stunning scenery of the bay. Dinner and overnight stay on board the junk.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, English-speaking guide, activities, crew service, overnight cabin on the junk.

Day 8
LAN HA BAY– HANOI (B, L)

Breakfast on board the junk. The junk then sails toward the Viet Hai village. Upon arrival, enjoy a bicycle or electric cart tour over a small pass to explore the village and experience local life. If you prefer, you can relax on the deckinstead of visiting Viet Hai.

Return to the junk to check out of your cabins by 10:00 as the boat heads back to Ben Beo Pier. Lunch is served around 11:00. Disembarkation is scheduled for 11:30, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi.

End of the tour.

Included: breakfast, lunch, dinner, private transport, English-speaking guide, activities, crew service.

FAQ

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.

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+84 9 66 59 98 05

By email

info@parfumdautomne.fr

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