Meal: not included | Accommodation: in Hanoi

Arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll find our driver waiting to take you to your hotel in the city center. Time for relaxing after the journey. You’ll spend the night in Hanoi.

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a captivating destination that offers travelers a rich blend of history, culture, and vibrant urban life. Located in the northern part of the country, the city is known for its seamless blending of tradition with modernity, making it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to experience the heart and soul of Vietnam. Whether you're interested in history, cuisine, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, Hanoi has something for all.

Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: in Hanoi

Begin your day at 8:30 AM with a thrilling motorbike pick-up from your hotel, ensuring an exhilarating start to the journey. Feel the wind in your hair as you're whisked away to Bat Trang village, renowned for its exquisite pottery craftsmanship that dates back centuries. Engage with the local culture through an immersive pottery workshop led by skilled craftsmen, creating memories and souvenirs that will last a lifetime. A delectable lunch awaits at a charming local house, offering a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. 

The afternoon continues with a visit to the enlightening Museum of Ethnology, providing insights into the nation's diverse heritage. As the day unfolds, we'll transition to the enchanting Old Quarter, a maze of historic streets brimming with vibrant markets and hidden gems. There’s also time for a mesmerizing water puppet show, where delicate puppetry, live music, and enchanting stories portray folktales and legends. 

Back to your hotel around 5 p.m. and spend the night in Hanoi.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Mai Chau

8:30 AM – pick up from your hotel. On the morning drive to Mai Chau, we'll leave the city behind and pass through the craggy, mountainous landscape. We drive up a massive pass and end in the mountainous circus of Mai Chau around noon time. Lunch will be served in a local Thai house.

In the afternoon, a small walk around Mai Chau Valley before getting a quick transfer to the small remote village of Mai Hich, we'll check in to the traditional guesthouse of a Thai ethnic minority family, wooden and on stilts, as we love them. Then we'll take a warm-up cycling ride around the green hills letting your guide point out and explain the wonders along the way. Afterward, we return for dinner and overnight in the stilt house with our friendly Thai hosts.

The accommodation is provided by a local family in their traditional house on stilts. There’s no private room and you’ll sleep on the floor in a large communal area. The sleeping corner is set up with a single mattress (thin, but adequate), blankets (ditto), pillow, and mosquito net. The restroom is at the international standard and a few steps from the main house. An upgraded accommodation to a boutique resort is available with a surcharge.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: in Van Long

Departing from Mai Chau after breakfast, a scenic 3-hour drive leads you to the mesmerizing Cuc Phuong National Park. Upon arrival, our first stop is at the renowned Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, where you will meet some of the rarest apes and monkeys in the world and learn about the conservation efforts to save them. 

After lunch, a swift transfer takes you to the park's core and we start your 5 km trekking into the lush subtropical forest, teeming with a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, including ancient trees adorned with cascading vines. 

We'll then leave the forest around 3 p.m. and make our way to Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve, where we embark on a serene sampan ride into the mesmerizing sight of limestone karsts emerging from the emerald-green waters. Keep a watchful eye for the diverse bird species that grace the skies, or maybe even a glimpse of the captivating Delacour's langur. 

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Van Long.

Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Onboard the Treasure Junk 

We depart early for an approximate 4-hour drive to Halong City through the Red River Delta region. Upon arrival, we will give farewell to our guide and driver, since they will bring us to join our little group cruise. 

Upon arrival, we will board the Treasure Junk and start to cruise towards the boundaries of Halong Bay while a delicious lunch with fresh seafood is served (vegetarian and kid’s menus available).

Make yourself at ease and just relax after lunch. Hundreds of emerging limestone rock formations will parade all around us for about 2 hours before our first stop. We will then reach the perfect spot, where the waters of Halong and Bai Tu Long hit and wave together. Let's get ready for a closer look at the water and explore the bay in depth paddling on our own kayak.

We’ll get back on the Treasure before sunset when we will be able to enjoy a cocktail on board while we will sail to the anchorage area where we will spend the night offshore. The dinner will be served either inside or outside on the deck, depending on weather conditions. Overnight on board in our cozy air-conditioned cabin with en-suite bathroom.

Meal: brunch | Accommodation: not included

Awaken to the serene misty bay at 6:30 a.m., where coffee, tea, and cakes await. You can choose to energize your body, mind, and soul with a 30-minute Tai Chi session led by our onboard master or simply bask in the sun with coffee. Later, embark on a bamboo boat to explore a secluded floating village, meandering through floating houses and rowing boats serving various purposes. Returning to the Treasure before 9:00 a.m., we'll cruise back to the pier, followed by a brunch at 9:30. 

As we bid farewell to the majestic rocks guarding the kingdom, we'll head to the pier and get a private transfer to Hanoi airport, in good time for boarding your departure flight. End of our service.