From Hanoi to Ninh Binh
Duration: 4 days
Place: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh
Meals: 3 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, 2 Dinner
Highlights
A scent of adventure in the heart of Tonkin Vietnam: Explore hidden trails, ethnic villages, and majestic mountains in this authentic northern Vietnam journey.
- Hanoi is a bustling city with a mix of Vietnamese and colonial influences
- Mai Chau, a carpet of rice fields in pretty checkerboards at the foot of the Tonkinese mountain range where small authentic villages nestle
- Pu Luong is located in a valley in Thanh Hoa province. Here, nature is the keyword. Pu Luong is populated by the Thai ethnic group, who live in stilt houses with thatched or palm leaf roofs
- Ninh Binh offers a serene landscape of undulating rice fields and limestone peaks
Itinerary
-
200 km from Hanoi – 5.5 hours by road
Leaving Hanoi, it takes about 4 hours by road to reach the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, nestled in a peaceful valley of Thanh Hoa province.
Before arriving in Pu Luong, take time for a refreshing dip in the natural pool of Hieu village.
When you finally reach Pu Luong, its beauty will captivate you.
Here, nature reigns supreme – a true postcard – perfect paradise.
- Expect endless rice fields stretching in all directions, lowland and mountain forests, and sweeping bamboo groves.
- Locals call Pu Luong a “green pharmacy”: home to more than 1,100 species of medicinal plants, four of which are listed in the global Red Book of endangered flora.
- It’s also a sanctuary for rare wildlife, including the critically endangered Delacour’s langur and nearly 30 other animal species.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Lunch, Dinner -
By car or on foot – to be arranged with your guide
Pu Luong is home to the Thai ethnic group, who live in traditional stilt houses with roofs made of thatch or palm leaves.
Your guide will take you around Pu Luong.
Just outside Pu Luong, the village of Tom reveals its giant waterwheels, ingeniously built to channel water to the rice fields.
At Ban Don village, some Thai culinary influences have made their way into local kitchens.
A visit to the village of Kho Muong is a must.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Another morning in Pu Luong to discover the local lifestyles and you can stroll around the villages.
Late afternoon, continue your journey to Ninh Binh, a peaceful countryside escape just two hours away by car. Nestled in the ancient land of Hoa Lu – Vietnam’s very first capital.
Just 7 km from Ninh Binh’s city center, you’ll stop in Van Lam, a traditional embroidery village renowned for its refined craftsmanship.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
-
Ninh Binh – Hanoi: 2– 2.5 hours by road
Today, the discovery of “Halong bay on land”.
- Wrap up your journey in Hoa Lu. Wander through the atmospheric temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties.
- Board a traditional sampan for a peaceful 2-hour ride along the Ngo Dong River.
- You’ll be taken to a local, family-run restaurant where you’ll enjoy a variety of delicious regional dishes.
- Cycle through the countryside to reach Bich Dong Pagoda. If time allows and you're feeling adventurous, you can climb the stone-carved staircase leading to the pagoda Mua.
On the way back to Hanoi.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
The travel cost varies depending on the season, type of accommodation, and number of travelers
Included
- All accommodation in suggested hotels
- All flights as mentioned in the program
- All meals as mentioned in the program
- All transfers by private car and a professional driver
- All other transportation used for travel: sampan, small boat, etc...
- A professional English – speaking guide at each stage the entire time (except during free time)
- All tours as per the designed program
- All entry fees for places you visit
- All the entertainment and shows mentioned in the program
- All program activities (bike, kayak, or others...)
Excluded
- International flights to and from your home country
- Beverages, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
- Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion
- Travel insurance of any kind that you subscribe to personally
- Any free time services: including car and driver, tour guide, lunch and dinner
BOOKING POLICY
Our Booking Policy – Travel with Ease and Elegance
Because you are at the heart of everything we do at HANOI VOYAGES, we have designed a booking process that is both refined and reassuring — just like your journey with us.
With just a 20% deposit, your dream journey is already within reach!
And the remaining balance? Settle it effortlessly upon your arrival — in the comfort of our welcoming office. Choose the payment method that suits you best: international bank transfer, credit card, or cash.
No stress, no rush — only the promise of a seamless beginning to your elegant escape.
So, when everything is this simple and secure, why wait? Let the journey begin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hanoi Voyages offers a complete and varied range of accommodation options, where comfort, charm and warmth of welcome are always at the forefront. These hotels range from 3 stars to 5 stars depending on your budget.
Of course, Hanoi Voyages offers tailor-made and custom tours, so all changes are possible before departure, even after confirmation.
In case of cancellation, please contact us so that we can offer you a suitable solution.
We prioritize having a local guide specialized by region: one for the north, one for the central area, and one for the south. However, we balance the itinerary to minimize the tour guide's presence so you can save costs and enjoy other services.
It’s best to make your reservation as early as possible to find attractive prices and availability of services.
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