Combined Trip: Ninh Binh - Mai Chau & Halong Bay

Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Hanoi (L)

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel for a 2.5-hour drive to Ninh Binh. Upon arrival, pay a visit to the ancient capital of Vietnam - Hoa Lu and two famous temples of Dinh and Le to learn more about the long-lasting history of the region. Then, you will be transferred to Tam Coc for lunch.

After lunch, embark on a local boat for a cruise along the river lined with rice paddies and majestic karst mountains. You will be taken to a stunning cave to enjoy its unusual charm. After 1.5-hour boat ride, continue taking a bike tour for an hour on quiet roads with stunning views of rice fields, rivers, mountains and villages along the way. Drive back to Hanoi.

Hanoi - Mai Chau (L, D)

In the morning at around 8.00, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a scenic transfer to Mai Chau in Hoa Binh city. You will be taken through the endless green of lush jungles, rice paddies on smooth and winding roads dotted with rustic stilt-houses. Around noon, you will arrive in Mai Chau valley surrounded by rolling karst mountains and green rice fields. 

After some time for relaxing, there will be a local-style lunch served in a Thai traditional stilt house.

In the afternoon, take a guided biking tour along village roads through rice paddies and villages. Along the way, you may see the locals working on farms or rice fields with a smile always on their lips.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the village on your own.

In the evening, after dinner at a local homestay, you will enjoy Thai traditional dance performances and taste ruou can- the traditional alcohol with the locals. Overnight at the homestay.

Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Mai Chau (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the homestay, take a drive to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, about 35 km from the homestay. Upon arrival, set off your 2 to 3-hour walk through beautiful hill tribe villages, green rice fields to explore a stunning cave. 

Lunch will be served in the village. After lunch, riding back to Mai Chau by another way passing through beautiful rural villages. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the valley on your own.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Mai Chau trekking - Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, set off your trekking tour to visit several remote villages such as Na Meo, Na Mo, Xam Pa to learn more about the unique traditions of the locals maintained for centuries. Afterwards, head back to the homestay for lunch. Take time to relax before saying good bye to the family host to drive back to Hanoi.

Hanoi - Halong Bay (L, D)

This morning, our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a transfer to Halong city. The scenic drive will take you through the stunning scenery of rice paddies in the Red River Delta. Along the way, make a stop at Hai Duong city to have a look at Vietnamese handmade handicrafts products. 

Arrive at Halong wharf around noon. Embark on the wooden junk for a cruise on the bay. There will be a welcome drink served on board followed by a lunch as the vessel cruises through Bai Tu Long Bay.

You will visit Sung Sot Cave-one of the most beautiful caves in the bay. Marvel at the stunning stalagmites, stalactites with its amazing legend. Afterwards, kayak around Luon Cave area to explore the bay and its tunnels. 

Head back to the main vessel to cruise to the anchorage in the calm water where you have time for relaxing with a fresh swim. You also enjoy a sunset party on the sundeck with green tea and fresh fruits.

After dinner served in the restaurant, spend time chatting at the bar or enjoying night fishing.

Overnight on board.

Halong – Hanoi (B, L)

This morning, try to wake up early to immerse into the fresh air and the tranquility of the bay. After breakfast on board, the ship sets sail to Titov Island. After some time exploring the island, back to the ship and pay a visit to Hoa Cuong fishing village. Along the way, the boat will pass through various attractions such as Ba Hang fishing village, Ga Choi island, Dinh Huong islet, etc. 

Head back to the boat to take part in Vietnamese cooking class. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch while the boat cruises back to the pier. Upon arrival, disembark the boat and take a shuttle bus to turn back to Hanoi. End of service.

• See more options: Halong Bay Tours | Ninh Binh Tours | Mai Chau Tours
• Tour operator: Vietnam Aurora Travel