Vietnam and Mai Chau
A tour by the north of the country to enjoy two of the most important cities of Vietnam: Hanoi and Hoian. This program includes also the rice terraces in Mai Chau and a cruise in Halong Bay the gem of the country.
Día 01
Arrival at the International Airport in Hanoi. Welcome by the assigned guide and private transfer to the hotel. After Check-in at the hotel, we will have a typical tricycle ride across the Old Quarter.
Día 02
During this day, the traveler will have the opportunity to visit Hanoi’s most important landmarks: Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, located on an island in West Lake. The tour continues to the surroundings of Ba Dinh Square to see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. The visit proceeds to the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, the country’s first university, founded in the 11th century.
We will have time to explore the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple by crossing the red bridge.
Día 03
Private road transfer to the small village of Mai Chau, in Hoa Binh province, nestled in an idyllic valley inhabited by small ethnic minorities. Upon arrival in Mai Chau, we will embark on an initial bicycle ride of approximately 2 to 3 hours, taking us through beautiful rice field landscapes and allowing us to visit different villages and meet ethnic groups such as the Dzao, Muong, and Thai, who live in this region.
Día 04
In the morning, we will be picked up from the hotel and taken to the local Bai Sang market, where travelers will experience the hustle and bustle of the local population in this daily market, essential to their everyday life. We will then continue with a visit to a local fish farm, where the region’s water and techniques are used to their fullest potential.
Our next stop will be the small village of Suoi Lon, where we will enjoy a traditional lunch (included) in a local home.
After lunch, we will head to the small village of Phu Cuong, making several stops along the way to take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Hoa Binh Lake. The final part of our journey will be on foot, ascending to this small village inhabited by the Muong ethnic group.
At around 4 p.m., we will return to the hotel, crossing the Thung Khe Pass, which will also reward us with stunning views of the area.
Día 05
We will depart by road (approximately 3 hours) to Ninh Binh province to visit Hoa Lu and the temples of King Dinh and King Le. Hoa Lu was the capital of the region for more than 40 years, between the 9th and 10th centuries, and these temples represent the oldest history of what is now northern Vietnam.
In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to take a boat ride through Trang An and its numerous natural caves, while also enjoying the valleys and a stunning natural landscape.
Día 06
Private transfer to the coast (approximately 2.5 hours by car) to embark on a journey to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring over 3,000 islets spread across an area of 1,500 km². Various activities in the bay are scheduled aboard the selected boat.
*Note: Lunch and dinner are included on board. As an alternative, instead of Halong Bay, travelers may choose to visit Lan Ha Bay, a smaller but equally remarkable destination in terms of natural beauty and scenery.
Día 07
Brunch on board, followed by disembarkation. Private road transfer to Hanoi Airport for the flight to Danang. Upon arrival, a warm welcome from the private guide and transfer to Hoi An (approximately 50 minutes) to the selected hotel.
Día 08
We will dedicate this day to exploring Hoi An with a walking tour through the narrow streets of ancient Faifo, now known as Hoi An and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will visit temples, mansions, and the iconic Japanese wooden bridge.
In the afternoon, we will take a 45-minute sidecar motorcycle ride with a driver, passing through rice fields and the rural lands of the Cham people in the outskirts of Hoi An.
Día 09
Free time in Hoi An before the private transfer to Danang Airport to begin the departure from the country.
