In the morning, depart from Hanoi in the direction of Hoa Binh. After passing through Muong Khen, take in the picturesque views of the Thung Khe Pass and the Mai Chau valley. In Mai Hich village, you will have lunch with a local Thai family and visit the well-known tourist site. Continue your car journey into the heart of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a mountainous area home to the Thai and Muong ethnic tribes. Here, you will check in at Pu Luong Retreat, a secluded hotel nestled on slopes overlooking the region’s famous terraced rice fields. Admire the landscapes and discover the nearby villages during an easy hike, then navigate down the Cham River aboard a small bamboo boat. Dinner and overnight stay at Pu Luong Retreat.
Transfer: 4h30 // Distance: ± 170 km;
Walking: 6 km; 450 m positive – 100 m negative; ± 2h30-3h0
*Personalization options are available upon request.
On day two, you will travel to the Red River Delta to explore Tam Coc, also known as Halong Bay on land. Visit Tho Ha, a small village located in the UNESCO Natural Heritage Site of the Trang An Scenic Landscape complex. After lunch, cycle around the surrounding villages to discover the local Vietnamese life.
In the late afternoon, explore the landscape of waterways, limestone peaks and cave systems in more depth aboard a sampan. Pass through the Buddha Cave, then wind along the river that runs between the peaks. After a 90-minute boat ride, you will disembark at Linh Coc and check in at Tam Coc Garden. Enjoy some free time before dinner, then settle down for a good night’s sleep in an idyllic setting.
Transfer: 4h00 // Distance: ± 130 km
Cycling: 10 km; 170 m positive – 180 m negative; ± 1h30
*Personalization options are available upon request.
After breakfast, transfer to Halong Bay where you will embark on a memorable cruise of yet another UNESCO-listed site. You will not only get to admire the picturesque limestone islands that tower above the bay’s beautiful waters: the cruise also includes a cave visit, a stop at a small beach, and, weather permitting, kayaking and swimming in the open sea.
In the late afternoon, you will anchor for the night. Enjoy a seafood dinner before retiring to your private cabin.
Transfer: 3h30 // Distance: ± 200 km
*Personalization options are available upon request.
Awaken at dawn for picture-perfect views of the bay, then enjoy a breakfast buffet as you set sail. Savor the final moments of the trip as you return to land, including lunch on board, then disembark for the transfer back to Hanoi.
Transfer: 2h30 // Distance: ± 150 km
*Personalization options are available upon request.
