Northern Vietnam Authentic Discovery

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by Asia Life Travel tour guide and driver. Transfer for around 45 minutes to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) for check in hotel and recover from jet lag.

Today the tour begins at 8:30 AM. Travel to the Temple of Literatureestablished during the Ly dynasty as a place of worship for Confucius and to educate royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage site "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giamwhich is considered as the first national university of Vietnam. 

Afterward, you can choose between museum options (to be decided on the tour day):

Option 1:Vietnam Women’s Museum. This highly regarded museum showcases the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam and highlights the vital role women play in society.

Option 2:Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays). A must-visit for those interested in Vietnam's cultural diversity, this museum features a vast array of interactive exhibits representing the 54 ethnic groups of the country.

Option 3: Hoa Lo Museum - The "POWS" Known as the "Hanoi Hilton", this historic site was built by the French and served during both the French colonial period and the Vietnam War. It offers documentaries of Vietnamese history in 20-21 centuaries. 

Continue spend your time for a nice walking in the French Quater to explore the history and architecture influence before stop for a cup of coffee when the train pass by.  The century-old train tracks that run through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Town have recently transformed into an intriguing attraction known as Hanoi Train Street, especially popular among travelers and foreigners. 

In the afternoon, visit a family of paper mask artisans in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Engaging with your hosts offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture, lifestyle, and changes in Hanoi. Afterward, you can either stroll through the winding streets to explore or we escort you back to your hotel for relaxing. 

After breakfast, depart to Pu Luong Nature Reserve via the scenic Mai Chau Valley, making a stop at Thung Khe Pass to admire the majestic mountains, beautiful valleys, and authentic local market.

Enjoy lunch at a homestay in Pom Coong village in Mai Chau before continuing your journey uphill to Pu Luong. 
After check in your accommodation, your tour guide will escort you on a trek to Don village. Follow winding paths and cross terraced rice fields, leading you to the "ancient rock" and the "S-shaped" village road, perfect spots for taking picture.

Your trek will extend to Leo village, home to the Thai people, before return to your mountain resort. Relax and enjoy a lovely dinner. 

At 8:30 AM, begin your adventure to Kho Muong Village, the hidden gem of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. The path will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes including rice valleys, winding streams and dense forests.

Upon arrive village, take a stroll to observe the locals as they farm, weave fabric, and bamboo baskets. Follow the trail for a short climb to Bat Cave, the largest cave in Pu Luong, featuring beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The formations within this limestone cave, along with its unique ecosystem, provide a fascinating glimpse into the area’s geological history.

Lunch will be served at a homestay, offering a wonderful opportunity to get insights into the lives of the Black Thai people.

Afterward, head back to the off-the-beaten-path for a 6 km trek of palm hills, lush gardens, and alongside streams in the valley. You’ll meet your driver at Leo village for your transfer back to the hotel after this unforgettable trekking experience.

Farewell to Pu Luong, relax during a three-hour drive through the countryside to Ninh Binh. We first visit Galaxy Cave, a hidden gem rarely visited by tourists. Start with a short boat ride, followed by a scenic walk at the base of the bamboo-covered mountains. This unique cave experience combines hiking with in-cave boating, showcasing stunning stalactites and and limestone landscapes.

After lunch, enjoy a leisurely bike ride through ancient villages and lush rice fields at the foot of the mountains, visit to the renowned Thai Vy Temple. There, you can participate in a "Dan Bau" instrument mini-show led by the 80-year-old temple keeper, and you’ll have the chance to practice under his guidance.

In the late afternoon, check in your hotel for an overnight stay in Ninh Binh.

7:30 AM: Depart from Ninh Binh to Halong with a comfortable three-hour drive through the scenic Red River Delta.

Upon arrival, be warmly welcomed to a romantic journey to explore one of the 20 most beautiful bay in the world - Lan Ha Bay.   A fantastic option for escaping the crowded tourist spots and fully immersing yourself in the enchanting beauty of nature. 

Get a short transfer by speed boat/tender from habbor to check in your comfortable private carbin before enjoying a delightful lunch with sea food choices.
Take some leisure time to admire the breathtaking scenery before setting off afternoon excursions. You can enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat rowed by fishman or try hands on kayaking to visit Bright Cave.
If the weather permit, it is an idealy of swimming in the emerald green water among thousands of limestone islands.  
As the sun sets, participate in a cooking class while the bar's Happy Hour is opened, the perfect view of Tonkin Bay.

The fine dining experience for dinner, featuring a delectable tasting menu, promises to create unforgettable moments.

Afterward, relax with your favorite drinks or you can also try your luck at squid fishing.

Start your day early with a cup of coffee or tea as you witness the romantic beauty of Lan Ha Bay. You can also join a Tai Chi class on the sun-deck.

After breakfast, board the day boat for an unique itinerary where breathtaking views await behind each limestone mountain range.

Satisfy your adventurous spirit by kayaking to hidden spots, swimming at secluded beaches nestled against limestone islands, or cycling/electric car to discover Cat Ba Island, the largest island in Ha Long Bay.

Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring a variety of seafood options. Then, relax on the sundeck as you journey back to your overnight cruise in the late afternoon.

An other cooking class and happy hour at bar is await for you. Slow down to enjoy romantic sunset with your friends and family. A delight dinner will be cooked by experience chef on cruise.

Indulge in a leisurely morning with a late breakfast and enjoy some relaxation on the boat, or get ready for a new adventure exploring Trung Trang Cave, nestled in the lush Cat Ba National Park. Experience a gentle hike through stunning natural landscapes.

After your exploration, return to the cruise to complete the check-out process. Relish a delightful brunch at the restaurant while cruising back to the harbor.

A private vehicle will transfer you back to Hanoi or the airport to continue your holiday (upon request).