The Spirit of North Vietnam (9 days)
Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, Hanoi

The Red River Delta combined with the picturesque mountain scenery of Mai Chau and Bai Tu Long Bay makes this an unforgettable adventure. It is an excellent way to experience the best that Northern Vietnam has to offer – beautiful scenery, traditions and culture, hiking, cycling and friendly Vietnamese people. Come with us on this colourful expedition to see why!

Day 1 Hanoi / Mai Chau
Heading along Highway No.6 to Hoa Binh Province, there is plenty of incredible mountain scenery. We arrive in the remote region of Mai Chau, a magical valley full of rice fields and serene villages which are excellent for exploring. We walk about two hours in the afternoon and descend to Xom Moi village, situated by the scenic Black River and home to the Muong people. Here we get to know a Muong family and have tea with them. Tonight our host offers us a toast before we stay overnight in their traditional house. (Lunch and Dinner are included).
Day 2 Mai Chau / Black River
We explore the Black River by morning river boat ride and a hike. We hike about 8 km along tracks and paths used by the locals, across spectacular mountain scenery spotting peaceful villages. We are rewarded with beautiful views from the river. On the way we visit a Tay village, nestled beneath a picturesque valley and have lunch there. We head over hills and hike through rainforest to the Nanh village, home to the Dao people. Here we stay overnight as guests of a Dao family. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 3 Hilltribe Hike
The day begins by crossing hills and hiking through rice terraces, passing White Thai villages and going down into the Mai Chau valley. En route we meet local villagers going about their daily life and visit a typical White Thai village, eating lunch in their house. After lunch we walk to our destination around late afternoon. We settle in with a local Thai family in a traditional wooden house. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 4 Cuc Phuong National Park
Time for relaxation. Wandering around corn fields, rice terraces. Later in the morning we walk to our waiting vehicle and make our way to Cuc Phuong National Park, which is located in Ninh Binh Province and covers over 200 sq km. This is Vietnam’s most famous park, we take a short walk in the rainforest for approximately 3 km, which offers some wildlife viewing. The night will be spent at a comfortable guest house in the park’s headquarters, which are surrounded by spectacular mountains and rainforest. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 5 Cuc Phuong National Park / Red River Delta
This morning we visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre in the park to witness the conservation efforts being made to save the endangered Langur, a primate species. After this, we relax on a leisurely boat ride across the Hoang Long river whilst enjoying our picnic lunch aboard. Afternoon finds us in the floating village of Kenh Ga, set amongst stunning limestone scenery and a network of peaceful waterways, walking around scenic outcrops and open rice fields. We stay overnight in a hotel by the town of Tam Coc. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 6 Red River Delta
A morning bicycle ride takes us into rock formations and past pretty villages to Truong Yen District. Here we get to know some local families, learn about their way of life. The rest of the time we explore the delta, strolling around villages, meeting local people and having tea in their homes. We visit a very ancient pagoda dating back over 1000 years. The night is spent back in Tam Coc. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 7 Red River Delta / Bai Tu Long Bay
Departing Ninh Binh we drive through Thai Binh and Hai Phong Provinces, onwards to Ha Long City, where we embark on a 3-hour boat trip amongst some of the 3000 spectacular limestone peaks, whilst enjoying lunch on the boat. Weather permitting, there will be an opportunity to swim in the clear waters and enjoy a short bicycle ride on Van Don Island. We spend the night in a hotel. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 8 Bai Tu Long Bay
After breakfast we spend time cycling across the island and relaxing on a pristine beach. A few hours of cruising follows – time to appreciate the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay as we discover its towering cliffs and fascinating limestone islets. Arriving in Cai Rong Island we stay overnight in a hotel. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 9 Cai Rong Island / Hanoi
Cai Rong’s breathtaking limestone scenery and fishing village life is visible during our morning’s time on the island. We cycle through picturesque part of the island and stroll around a local fishing market. En route, we stop at our pleasure to give us all a chance to interact with the local people, before we return to Ha Long City for lunch. In the early afternoon, we board our vehicle for a return journey to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 5 pm. (Breakfast and Lunch included).

The facts….
Physical activities: Your itinerary includes easy bicycle rides, walks and hikes which are mainly on gentle terrain with a 10 km walk on Day 1, a 10-12 km hike on Day 2, a 12-15 km hike on Day 3, a 5-7 km walk on Day 4, a 3-4 km walk on Day 5, a 15-18 km bicycle ride on Day 6, a 3-5 km bicycle ride on Day 7, a 15-17 km bicycle ride on Day 7, Day 8 and Day 9.

From May to September, the climate is usually humid and hot. From October to April brings cooler and more pleasant weather.

Transport: Bicycle, boat, comfortable air-conditioned car.
Tour guide(s): Friendly tour guide(s), all of whom speak excellent English and French. They are knowledgeable about local culture, history and environment.
Accommodation: Hotels (4 nights), guesthouse (1 night), homestays (3 nights). Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided.
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 7 dinners. We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, homes or markets. (We cater for Vegetarians).

Trip cost: US$785 per person for a group of 2 to 3 people.
                 US$637 per person for a group of 4 to 7 people.

The cost of the trip includes accommodation, transportation, tour guide, meals listed on the itinerary, entrance fees and permits during guided excursions.
The cost of the trip does not include travel insurance, drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water), personal expenses.
What to take: Pack essentials for 9 days, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, jacket for cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for cycling, walking, hiking and trekking. It is imperative to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: swimming suit, first-aid kit, personal articles, camera, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...