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Embark on a 12-day journey through North Vietnam and Luang Prabang, an itinerary designed for travelers seeking both natural beauty and cultural depth.
Your adventure begins in Hanoi, a city full of colonial charm and vibrant street life, before taking you to the breathtaking rice terraces and traditional villages of Pu Luong. Continue to Ninh Binh, often called the “Inland Halong Bay,” where dramatic karst cliffs rise above winding rivers and lush rice fields, creating an unforgettable landscape. The Vietnamese leg of your journey culminates with a memorable cruise through the legendary Halong Bay, where limestone islands and emerald waters set the stage for relaxation and discovery.
After exploring Vietnam, fly to Luang Prabang, the UNESCO-listed jewel of Laos. Here, immerse yourself in a city where ancient Buddhist temples, golden stupas, and saffron-robed monks reflect centuries of spiritual tradition. Beyond the city, discover turquoise waterfalls, peaceful riverside villages, and timeless rituals that reveal the true heart of the “Land of a Million Elephants.”
This itinerary blends scenic wonders with cultural immersion, offering the perfect balance of exploration and serenity — a journey to inspire, rejuvenate, and stay with you long after you return home.
Arrival at Hanoi Airport at 06:35. Meet your guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage.
Start your journey gently with a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, followed by a walking tour of some of its main streets and a visit to Ngoc Son Temple on the shores of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Lunch in a local specialty restaurant: Bun Cha Nem (grilled pork noodle soup served with spring rolls). You will then be able to check into your rooms in the early afternoon.
In the afternoon, your choice of visits:
Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, later transformed into a temple dedicated to Confucius; or
Museum of Ethnology, offering insight into the country’s remarkable cultural diversity.
End the day with a performance of the famous water puppet show.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart at 08:00 for Hoa Binh Province, a mountainous region separating the Red River Delta from the Ma River Basin. From the town of Hoa Binh, the road climbs in altitude, crossing the Muong Khen Pass and winding along a mountain slope towards the Thung Nhuoi Pass. Stop along the way to admire a breathtaking panoramic view over the Mai Chau Valley.
Continue your journey through high mountain landscapes towards Moc Chau District. Arrive late in the morning in the village of Hua Tat, home mainly to the Flower Hmong people, who live on the mountain slopes. Settle into a rural homestay, part of a community-based tourism project run by a welcoming Hmong couple.
After lunch, enjoy a 2-hour hike through the valley, passing through several villages, cornfields, pine forests, and mountain scenery. Return to the homestay in the late afternoon to help prepare dinner and share the evening meal.
Overnight at the homestay (private room).
After breakfast, depart for the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with stops along the way to admire the landscape. Upon arrival in the reserve, set off on a hike. You will pass through several villages and stop in one of them for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue your walk before transferring to your ecolodge.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at the ecolodge.
Breakfast at the lodge. In the morning, depart for a full day of hiking through villages and across terraced rice fields. Discover the rice paddies and traditional waterwheels, before continuing to Hieu Village, where you will enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the surroundings of the village and its waterfall. Return to the ecolodge in the late afternoon.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at the lodge.
Breakfast at the lodge, then departure for Ninh Binh Province, also known as the “Halong Bay on land.” Upon arrival, drop off your belongings at the hotel before enjoying lunch in Tam Coc.
In the afternoon, visit the Bich Dong Pagoda, then climb to the top of Mua Mountain for a magnificent panoramic view over the Tam Coc Valley.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon and take some time to relax by the pool.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at your hotel, then depart by car for the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Enjoy an early morning sampan boat ride to avoid the crowds of tourists. Afterwards, visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam.
Lunch near Trang An.
In the afternoon, head to Phat Diem Cathedral, an impressive site blending both Western and Eastern architectural styles.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
Depart around 07:30 for Haiphong Province. After crossing the Tan Vu Bridge — the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia — take the ferry to reach Phu Long Pier on Cat Ba Island. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to the small port of Ben Beo, where your traditional junk awaits.
Around 12:30, board for a 23-hour cruise in Lan Ha Bay. Lunch will be served on board while the junk sails past the Hang Vem fishing village.
In the afternoon, enjoy activities such as swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sundeck while admiring the bay’s breathtaking scenery.
Dinner and overnight on board the junk.
Breakfast on board the junk. The cruise then heads toward Viet Hai Village. Upon arrival, enjoy a bicycle ride or electric cart tour over a small pass to discover the village and its local way of life. If you prefer, you can simply relax on the sundeck instead of visiting the village.
Return to the junk and check out of your cabin at 10:00, while the boat sails back to Ben Beo Pier. Lunch will be served around 11:00, with disembarkation scheduled for 11:30.
Your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi.
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to the airport at 09:00 for your flight to Luang Prabang at 12:50.
Upon arrival, meet your guide and check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, visit Vat Xieng Thong, the most beautiful temple in the city, built in the 16th century; then Vat Visoun with its famous Melon Stupa, and nearby Vat Aham. Continue with a climb up Mount Phu Si to admire the sunset over the city. On the way back, stop by the colorful night market.
Overnight at the hotel.
A full day of exploration awaits you after breakfast. You will embark on a boat cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, located 32 km upstream. On the way, stop at the Whisky Village to see the traditional production of Lao Lao, the local rice whisky, before continuing to the caves for about an hour’s visit, where thousands of Buddha images are enshrined.
Afterward, drive through a lush forest to reach the Kuang Si Waterfalls. On the way, stop at a Hmong ethnic village. After enjoying the waterfalls, your return journey will include a visit to Ban Xang Khong, a weaving village known for its silk and traditional handmade paper.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at your hotel in Luang Prabang.
Very early in the morning, around 5:45 am, depart by private car to Ban Vat Sean to witness the alms giving ceremony to the Buddhist monks, a long procession of saffron robes. Return to the hotel for breakfast.
Rest in the morning, then visit the Royal Palace Museum.
Lunch included, and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast and then free time until departure to the airport.
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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Let’s talk and tailor it to your wishes.
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