Vietnam's Hidden Treasure: Off-The-Beaten-Path In 9 Days

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Hanoi Arrival⌄

   Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and meet our guide, who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it. If you cannot locate your guide, please go to the Airport information counter in the middle of the Domestic and International arrival lobby (inside the terminal) and call the emergency numbers provided in the confirmation voucher for assistance. Your driver will come to meet you up and transfer you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. Overnight in Hanoi

   Overnight: Tirant Hotel or similar(4 stars hotels)

2. 2Hanoi – Travel To Ninh Binh – Tam Coc And Mua Cave Exploration (B/L)⌄

   Have breakfast at the hotel and depart for a 3-hour drive to the Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh Province. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014, Trang An is famed for its spectacular landscape of limestone karst peaks whose sheer vertical walls rise abruptly 200m (656ft) above the surrounding land and water. The dense rainforest of the landscape that is clinging to the cliffs and peaks, blends naturally with rice paddy fields and rivers, creating a picturesque patchwork of color.

   In the afternoon, visit Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on Land”, where a skilled rower will take you on a 2-hour slow journey on the winding river and canals. Enjoy the views of the beautiful karst formations as you enter into natural caves formed under the hills.

   After the boat trip, climb to Mua Mountain, which has a shape of a bell with a base sized around 800 square meters. On the left and right sides of the staircase, there are beautiful carvings of the dragon or phoenix. The way leading to the cave formed by a long stone staircase zigzags through the karst, there are nearly 500 steps to a simple altar to Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy). Later you will be transferred to your hotel in Ninh Binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Tam Coc Rice Field or similar (4 stars hotels)

3. 3Spend Time With Locals In Tho Ha Village & Visit Galaxy Grotto (B/L)⌄

   Discover the countryside on a full-day tour of Tho Ha Village, Galaxy Grotto, and Nho Quan. Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to Tho Ha Village in Nho Quan. Enjoy a leisurely bike ride of 5-15km (3-10mi) through charming villages and scenic landscapes. Next, visit Dong Tam Hamlet for engaging agricultural activities like crab catching, fishing, and vegetable transplanting. Delight in a cooking class and lunch with a local family, savoring tasty sweet potato cakes and grilled fish. Afterward, embark on a rowboat journey from Nha Le Pier to explore Galaxy Grotto, a breathtaking cave with magnificent stalactites resembling a starry galaxy. Observe a colony of bats near the cave's end. Finally, transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh, a picturesque area in Ninh Binh province, where you will spend the night. Overnight in Ninh Binh Notes: Suggested departure time: 08:00

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Tam Coc Rice Field or similar (4 stars hotels)

4. 4Ninh Binh - Transfer to Dong Bien Village, Learn Water Puppetry Art, and Enjoy Countryside Cycling (B/L/D).⌄

   Have breakfast at the hotel and complete the check-out formalities. Today you will be transferred to Nam Dinh.

   Arrive in Nam Dinh and meet Mr. Phan, a skilled water puppet artisan. Enjoy a private water puppet show, a unique art form from Northern Vietnam. Mr. Phan is the sixth generation in his family, carrying on the tradition of water puppetry in Nam Dinh province. Hear the story of how water puppetry originated and Mr. Phan's experiences sharing Vietnamese culture worldwide. Watch a 30-minute show featuring lion dances, buffalo fighting, rice farming, and boat racing. Afterwards, try handling puppets in the water or join Mr. Phan in making and painting them. Head to Ecohost Resort for check-in and lunch. Meet your local guide for a cycling trip through the Red River Delta countryside. Visit Pham Phao Cathedral, known for its wooden carvings, and the Traditional Brass village. Observe conical hat-making at a local family's home and experience the daily life and ancestor worship traditions of the village. Return to Ecohost Resort for relaxation. Overnight at Ecohost Hai Hau.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Hai Hau Eco Host or similar

5. 5Hai Hau – Xuan Thuy National Park – Giao Thuy (B/L/D)⌄

   After breakfast, you will join a class to make a longan cake (also called Banh Nhan). Made of rice, this cake is a traditional cake of Nam Dinh. After that, we will head to Xuan Thuy National Park to explore the beautiful nature and visit the clam hut, where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we will explore the national park on a wooden boat rowing downstream to see precious birds and learn about the unique ecosystem here. Afterward, return to the mainland and visit the Bach Long salt field to see the salt-making process and experience the exciting work presented. Then drive to the homestay before sunset to enjoy a BBQ dinner and traditional art performances. Overnight in Giao Thủy Notes: Suggested departure time: 08:30

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Local Homestay in Giao Thuy

6. 6Nam Dinh – Cat Ba Island – Hiking In Viet Hai Village (B/L)⌄

   After breakfast, we'll drive you to Cat Ba Island in the Gulf of Tonkin, offering a unique route for exploring the renowned Halong Bay. The breathtaking scenery of Lan Ha Bay, with its emerald sea and thousands of limestone islands sculpted into captivating shapes, is an iconic image of Vietnam. Upon reaching Hai Phong port, we'll board a ferry to Cat Ba Island and continue to Ben Beo Pier. From there, a fast canoe will take us to a charming homestay in Viet Hai village. Nestled amidst Cat Ba's lush forests, mountains, and picturesque surroundings, this village is approximately 10 km away from Cat Ba town. Following lunch at a local homestay, we'll embark on a hike to Navi Peak, providing an overview of Cat Ba National Park. If time allows, we can ascend to the mountaintop for a panoramic view encompassing Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay, and Cat Ba National Park, before returning to the homestay. Overnight stay in Viet Hai Village. Notes: Suggested time: 08:00 Tour duration: 9 hours

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Local Homestay in Viet Hai

7. 7Viet Hai Village – Cruise In Lan Ha Bay (B/L/D)⌄

   After breakfast at homestay, say goodbye to our hosts and depart to Gia Luan pier.

   Upon arrival at the pier board on the cruise and proceed with check-in formalities. After a welcome drink and safety instructions, lunch will be served on board while cruising towards Lan Ha Bay. The cruise will stop in a beautiful place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax. Overnight on cruise Note: In case of bad weather (the boat is not allowed to push off or not allowed to overnight in the sea), the Ha Long Bay tour could be canceled without notice. We will consider other replacement tours or a refund based on the specific circumstances.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: La Regina Legend Cruise or similar (4 stars cruise)

8. 8Lan Ha Bay – Back To Hanoi (B)⌄

   Rise early today to view the sunrise at the wonder of nature with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awaken your mind and muscles. Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. After your exploration, return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor.

   Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Tirant Hotel or similar(4 stars hotels)

9. 9Hanoi Departure (B)⌄

   Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, proceed for departure and board your flight back home. Trip Ends.

   Meals: Breakfast