









From Hanoi to Halong Bay
Duration: 10 days
Place: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay
Meals: 8 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Highlights
Explore the serene beauty of Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, and Ha Long Bay on an adventure through stunning landscapes
- 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
- Halong Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site, was established in 1994 for its exceptional landscapes

Itinerary
-
Your adventure in Vietnam has started:
- Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed then privately transferred by a professional driver and an English
- Learn about Vietnamese culture while enjoying good quality Vietnamese coursing and let the excitement begin!
In the afternoon, enjoy a one – hour cyclo ride to explore:
- The charming colonial district with its leafy avenues.
- Hoan Kiem Lake and its legendary story, along with Ngoc Son Temple,
- The labyrinth of bustling streets filled with small shops in the famous and fascinating "Old Quarter," including the famous Silk Street (Hang Gai).
To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Hanoi, take a walking tour to discover:
- Walking through the iconic Old Quarter.
- Colonial architecture,
Overnight at a hotel
-
Begin your journey by unravelling the Vietnamese culture and history in the Vietnamese capital:
- Start the day at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, a revered site of national importance and a pilgrimage destination for many Vietnamese. The visit includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from the outside), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, all set within tranquil gardens and historical monuments.
- Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hanoi’s oldest Buddhist temple, beautifully located on a small peninsula beside West Lake, and Quan Thanh Temple
- Visit the Temple of Literature,
- Explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology,
- Grab a Vietnamese coffee while waiting for the train to pass by at the Train Street.
In the evening, enjoy a Water Puppet Show – a traditional and ancient art form that is unique to Vietnam.
Overnight at a hotel
Meal: Breakfast -
Hanoi - Duong Lam Village - Mai Chau: 150 km - 4h
In the morning, depart for Mai Chau, stopping en route at Duong Lam Ancient Village — a rare gem that preserves the authentic charm of a traditional Vietnamese village.
- Visit the historic village gate
- Enjoy a leisurely bike ride through tranquil lanes,
- Discover a 370-year-old house built with traditional materials like bamboo, laterite, oak, terracotta bricks, and tiles.
- Arrive in Mai Chau,
Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch -
Mai Chau - Pu Luong: 65 km - 1h30
- Cycling around the surroundings of Mai Chau to visit the villages and discover the beautiful landscapes along the way.
- Continue your journey to Pu Luong,
- Trek through Pu Luong Nature Reserve promises to be a truly unforgettable experience.
Overnight at a hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner -
Begin your trek Pu Luong Nature Reserve,
- Visit through a large number of sites
- Free time to rest or explore the village,
Every step through forest trails, winding streams, and peaceful farmlands opens a doorway into a world of harmony and simplicity.
Back to the hotel for relaxing by the pool.
Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Pu Luong - Ninh Binh: 140 km - 3h
Another morning in Pu Luong to discover the local lifestyles and you can stroll around the villages,
Late afternoon, leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind and journey south 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 – offers a journey into both natural wonder and cultural heritage.
Overnight at a hotel
Meal: Breakfast -
Today, the discovery of “Halong bay on land”.
- Board a traditional sampan for a peaceful 2 – hour ride along the Ngo Dong River, where limestone karsts rise dramatically above lush rice fields. Glide through the still waters and pass through the mysterious Tam Coc caves, known as “The Three Caves,” each echoing with ancient legends.
- The specialty of Ninh Binh is goat meat and crispy rice.
- Cycle through the countryside to reach Bich Dong Pagoda,
- Wrap up your journey in Hoa Lu, once the cradle of Vietnamese royalty. Wander through the atmospheric temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties,
Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch -
Tam Coc – Halong Bay UNESCO – Bai Tu Long Bay – CRUISE and NIGHT Onboard
Arrive at Halong International Cruise Port, welcome aboard, and safety briefing.
Check in to your private cabin.
Enjoy lunch onboard while taking in the stunning views of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Visit Thien Canh Son Cave, where you can explore the natural beauty of the cave with unique stalactites formed over thousands of years.
Join a kayaking excursion to discover the limestone islands in the bay.
Back to junk for refreshing and enjoying your relaxing time on the sundeck.
Join a Vietnamese cooking class (Banh Xeo).
After dinner, free evening or experience squid fishing before retiring.
Dinner: Savor fresh seafood with an exquisite menu of carefully crafted dishes, beautifully presented, and served by qualified staff.
Overnight on board
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Halong Bay - Hanoi: 155 km - 2h30
Wake up early to take a morning exercise with a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck.
Enjoy the morning view of the beautiful landscape with a cup of coffee or tea. Have breakfast in the fresh air.
Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village by kayak or local rowboat. Discover the cultural life of fishermen and learn how to drive a boat under the instruction of local people, or have a fisherman rowing boat for you.
Back to the boat.
Check out of the cabin and start cruising towards the harbor while a set lunch is served.
The entire crew will greet you and thank you as you arrive at the port at 11h30.
Drive to Yen Duc village in Dong Trieu province for a short break in this typical Vietnamese agricultural village which is rich in culture and traditions.
Enjoy a water puppet show performed by local artists.
Transfer back to Hanoi.
Overnight at a hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Brunch - Enjoy your free time for personal activities until your private transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
The travel cost varies depending on the season, type of accommodation, and number of travelers
Included
- All accommodation in suggested hotels
- 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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