Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Xin chao! Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival, your guide or driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour with Cyclo Ride
Begin the morning with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and hear about the man who led Vietnam’s campaign for independence from French colonial rule. After dedicating his life to the liberation of his country from foreign rule, Ho Chi Minh died in 1969 and his body was preserved for posterity. Every October the mausoleum is closed for a month and Uncle Ho is given a bit of a spruce up! Then wander the grounds to see the one pillar pagoda and the presidential palace. Next,visit the 11th century relic, the Temple of Literature, which was built in homage to the Chinese scholar Confucius.
In the afternoon start with the Museum of Ethnology that is widely acknowledged as the best in the country, with an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority people. Take a breezy cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 streets, named for the products that were sold from their shops. Today, vendors on Tin and Bamboo Streets still sell the same wares. Next, sip astrong Vietnamese coffee in a café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake - an important symbol in Vietnamese folklore. End your day with a delightful water puppet show, a traditional art that is still being performed today.
Interesting fact: Walking around the streets of Hanoi, you will often see street vendors selling fruits, vegetables, and flowers from bamboo baskets that they carry on their shoulders. These vendors, a quintessential part of the city's vibrant street life, use a traditional method of transporting goods that involves balancing two baskets on either end of a bamboo pole, which they carry across their shoulders.
Day 3: Hanoi - Pu Luong - half day tour
Discover endless mountains, fertile valley sand pristine jungle in Pu Luong, only a few hours drive from Hanoi. After lunch enjoy a half day tour of Bang village. Bang boasts the most stunning terrace rice fields in Pu Luong. After a short 5-kilometer car ride, you will descend from the pass to vast terraced paddies that stretch to the horizon. Each season offers a unique experience: harvesting crops amidst breathtaking yellow rice paddies, cultivating crops in lush green fields, or witnessing the terraces transform into small ponds reflecting the blue sky. Pause at a local house for a friendly chat. The final hour features a jungle trail along the spring, leading back to the main road where you will be transferred back to the resort.
Interesting fact: Nothing beats food made from local ingredients. Pu Luong offers fresh and delicious vegetables such as pumpkin leaves, green beans, and bamboo shoots. For an authentic meal, try the charcoal-grilled pork and grilled bamboo-tube rice. You'll discover new favorites on the table!
Day 4: Pu Luong - Full day tour
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This is a great experience combining trek and cycling. We start to descend into the beautiful valley facing the Retreat, where you can walk around tumbling rice terraces. Then we will go along small paths shrouded in vegetation to slowly reveal a picturesque Uoi village at the base of a towering mountain. It is the only place offering the bird eyes view from the top of the pass. Continue walking downhill to a local home, where you can take a bike to cycle around Lan village. Lan is tranquil and famous for its embroidery craft-job. A small stream with water from far most mountains winds the houses creating a bunch of outdoor nature bathing places for villagers after long farming days and cycling through the rice paddies and village to village, hanging bridge to explore more the scenic landscapes surrounding. Stop for lunch at a local house or at the river banks with stunning views of bunches of water Wheel. You will end up at Hieu Village, and enjoy the Hieu waterfall, the only one in the reserve. Return to the bike parking place, where you will return to the Puluong retreat.
Our tip: Pack comfortable walking shoes, as the best way to explore Pu Luong's stunning terraced fields and charming villages is on foot.
Day 5: Pu Luong - Ninh Binh
Morning at leisure.
After breakfast embark on a journey of about 3 hours to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Having been eroded over the millennia, the dilapidated ruins have nearly been absorbed by the spectacular scenery creating a mystical atmosphere that will be sure to titillate your imagination. . After lunch in a local restaurant you will continue to nearby Tam Coc, popularly known for its outstanding natural beauty and the scenic karst formations which contribute to its reputation as being the “Halong Bay on land”.
Board a small boat and meander lazily down the peaceful river while passing through a series of caves. While enjoying the sounds of soaring birds overhead and paddling along the crystal-clear waters of the river, jagged limestone hills jutting skyward out of electric green rice paddies will be sure to bring out the photographer in you. Finally, return to the pier, where your vehicle will be waiting for you for your transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh.
Interesting fact: Do you know Ninh Binh is often referred to as 'Ha Long Bay on land'? This is because of its striking scenery characterized by limestone peaks and shimmering rivers.
Day 6: Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay
Depart from Ninh Binh and travel by road to the Tuan Chau Island pier in Halong Bay Set off on your luxury cruise, where you’ll be pampered in style and comfort whilst meandering through the towering limestone cliffs and emerald green waters of Ha long Bay. Stop in Tra Bau, a secret hideaway in Lan Ha Bay that has beaches, caves and coves. You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. Back to your boat, enjoy life aboard the vessel or in your suite, and with cocktail in hand watch the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin.
Our tip: Wake up early to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay at dawn, when it's less crowded and the light is perfect for photos.
Day 7: Ha Long Bay - Hanoi
Rise with the sun and practice Vivonam on the sundeck while taking in majestic views of the surrounding bay and the cool sea breeze. Wrap up your experience with a bamboo boat trip to visit Dark and Bright Cave before cruising back to Tuan Chau Marina. You will then be transferred back to Hanoi.
Day 8: Hanoi - Quang Binh
Today fly to Quang Binh, home to Son Doong, the world's largest and most impressive cave.
Upon arrival check in your homestay. Upon arrival in Quang Binh, check in Chay Lap farmstay, your base for the next couple of days.
Chay village is surrounded by mountains and rivers. The local people mainly make a living through farming. Take a look around, you can feel tranquility exuding from every corner you pass by. Wake up to the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves and the crowing of roosters. You can take bike or boat around to see the buffaloes and the cows lazily grazing the grass, while the kids happily play on the field, and a butterfly sits right at your palm, the brightest smile comes from a random passerby, and the amazing food that can always make your day better’
Day 9: Tu Lan Discovery
Embark on a thrilling adventure with your guide and driver as they pick you up from your hotel in Phong Nha town. The journey takes you to our partner's office in Tan Hoa Village, 70 km away, where a brief overview of the trekking itinerary and safety regulations is provided. Following the briefing, sign the RELEASE FORM and equip yourself with helmets, headlamps, and safety gear for the exploration of Rat Cave, adorned with beautiful stalactites and a unique heart-shaped dome.
After the cave exploration, cross the Rao Nan River and ascend a small slope to reach the entrance of Hung Ton Cave. Descend a 15-meter ladder with safety harnesses to uncover the dry passages of the cave, featuring a million-year-old marine species fossil. Transition to the water passage, don life jackets, and swim through the underground river, eventually reaching the picturesque To Mo Valley. Enjoy lunch and a swim in the emerald-green stream before swimming back through Hung Ton Cave.The day concludes with a journey across lush green valleys and fields, returning to the Rao Nan River and walking through farmland to the partner's office. Relax, sip on cool drinks, and be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of the exhilarating 1-day Tu Lan experience tour.
Our tip: : Quang Binh experiences a tropical climate with a wet season from September to March. The dry season, from April to August, is ideal for cave exploration due to lower chances of rain and flooding.
Day 10: Quang Binh - Drive to Hue
Today you will be transferred to Hue. The journey takes around 4 hours. Upon arrival in Hue,check in your hotel and relax. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Our tip: Hue’s serene atmosphere is most penetrating in its pagodas and monasteries. For a tranquil afternoon, we can arrange a visit to the iconic seven-tiered tower of Thien Mụ Pagoda and Tu Hieu Monastery, where Thich Nhat Hanh spent his days as a novice monk.
Day 11: Hue Full Day Local Art and Handicraft
In the morning, ourguide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hue. Take a boat trip along Perfume River to visit Thanh Tien Village, well-known for over 300 years of crafting paper flowers. Meet one of the local villagers and learn how to make your own ornate paper flower. You can be sure that your visit is backing a good cause as it is supported by Backstreet Academy, a social enterprise providing struggling artists, craftsmen and home-based workers with additional income and recognition
Next visit Sinh village which is well-known for Vietnamese folk paintings in Lai An village,Phu Mau commune. This is a type of woodblock paintings commonly used in Hue for the purpose of worshiping. The paper used for the paintings are embedded with seashell powder toughness and colour retention. The artist uses black ink to smear on a woodblock, and then pressed the woodblock to the paper before finishing it with his desired touches and colours.
You will then be taken back to Hue center to have lunch at a local restaurant.In the afternoon visit Thuy Xuan Incense making village, the largest incense making village in the country which has existed for 700 years. To make incenses, the villagers usually combine cinnamon, cardamom, clove, anise and eucalyptus powder which are well mixed with water. Then the incense “dough” is coated around thin bamboo sticks taken from Nam Dong district, Binh Dien commune or Phong Soncommune before being dried under the sun. Those traditionally made incenses are bright yellow in color and have a pleasant smell. The bamboo sticks come dyed in different colours and make it a wonderful photography opportunity as well.
Trip ends with a visit to Vong Canh hill and the mesmerizing tombs of Tu Duc.You will then be transferred back to your hotel.
Day 12: Hue drive to Hoi An, via Hai Van Pass - evening Hoi An Teh Dar
Today, embark on a scenic drive from Hue to Hoi An, taking the breathtaking route through the Hai Van Pass. Marvel at the panoramic views of the coastline and lush mountains as you traverse this iconic pass. Along the way, you'll encounter picturesque landscapes that make for perfect photo opportunities.Upon reaching Hoi An, check in to your hotel and take some time to relax and unwind. Hoi An is renowned for its charming atmosphere and beautiful architecture, providing a tranquil setting for your stay.In the evening, immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Hoi An by attending the Ter Dah show. This captivating performance showcases the vibrant traditions and heritage of the Vietnamese highlanders. Be mesmerized by the bamboo cirque, daring acrobatics, and hypnotizing melodies from exotic tribal instruments. The show brings to life wild animal hunts, moonlit romance, and intriguing tales of the jungle. As you watch the Ter Dah show, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese tribal cultures and their significance. The artists' skill and creativity keep these cultural traditions alive, ensuring their preservation for generations to come. Allow yourself to be enchanted by the Ter Dah show, as it offers a unique and immersive experience that celebrates the beauty and diversity of Vietnamese tribal cultures. After the show, you can reflect on the captivating performances and the rich cultural heritage you've witnessed.
Day 13: Hoi An - Walking tour of Ancient Town including Cam Thanh village
Begin your story of Hoi An, a former port that welcomed Chinese, Dutch, French, Japanese, Portuguese and Arab merchants between the 16th to 18th centuries. Today it is renowned for its old quarter lined with two-storey Chinese shops, with elaborate carved wooden facades and terracotta tile roofs. And not forgetting expert tailor shops and delicious food! The tour includes stops at several famous landmarks. The first is Chua Ong Pagoda, dating back to 1653 and built in honor of the Chinese general Quan Cong, who is worshipped by many as a symbol of loyalty and justice. Next, pop into Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, to see the Jinshan Temple which is dedicated to the goddess of the sea and the protector of sailors. From there it’s a short walk to Tam Ky House, a 200 year old ancestral house and finally, stroll across the often photographed 17th century covered bridge built by Japanese craftsmen. The beautifully built bridge doubles as a temple and is a major landmark of Hoi An. After a Vietnamese lunch, take a short boat trip down the river and visit a craft village where local artisans make ceramics. End your afternoon with a visit to the docks and see traditional fishing boats and the unusual round basket boats that ply the water!
Our tip: For your last evening, why not take a leisurely walk or use the hotel's shuttle bus to visit Hoi An Ancient Town? Take in the charming atmosphere, indulge in some delicious local cuisine, and unwind at a riverside bar.
Day 14: Hoi An Departure
At leisure till you are transferred to the airport for your flight.
If you'd like, you can fly directly to Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho (famous for Cai Rang floating market) or Phu Quoc (to have a few days at the beach) after Hoi An.
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