Rich culture & flavors of northern Vietnam

hanoi

Day 1: Fine dining in Hanoi

After your flight across the world, you will be taken from the airport to freshen up in your comfortable Hanoi hotel. Then you'll start your trip on a high, by heading out to the finest local restaurant in the city, and experiencing some of the best Vietnamese food that Hanoi has to offer. Your taste buds will be the first things to soak up the beauty of Vietnam.

hanoi

Day 2: Explore Hanoi's history & flavors

After breakfast, today begins with a fascinating exploration of Hanoi. Stroll through the old quarter, haggle with the many traders selling silk, bamboo and embroidery, or people-watch around Hoan Kiem Lake. Take time to visit the main cultural attractions, such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the One Pillar Pagoda.

The afternoon will bring a transition from the buzzing streets of Hanoi to a more hands-on experiene that will delight your taste buds: a visit to the House of Flavors, where a local chef will take you shopping for the finest ingredients and help you prepare your own Vietnamese meal! 

hanoi - Yen Duc

Day 3: Spend a day in Yen Duc village

The day will begin with a trip to Yen Duc village, where you will receive a refreshing beverage before having time to explore the village at leisure. Take a break for lunch, then visit the Canh Huong Pagoda where you'll learn from the locals about their day-to-day village life and family traditions. Gear up to help them fish, tend to their gardens and more - all the chores that make village life possible and fascinating! Your assistance will be rewarded with a fine dinner, made from locally-sourced ingredients. 

Yen Duc - Ha Long Bay

Day 4: Overnight cruising on Ha Long Bay

Start the day early with a Tai Chi session, followed by a visit to a villager's home to learn the art of making brushes and fans from the leaves of areca palm trees.

Spend the rest of the day on board a cruise ship, enjoying lunch and drinks as you experience the magnificent Ha Long Bay. Enjoy socializing with your new friends on board, as you marvel at the scenery that surrounds you. Before settling into your on-board cabin for the night, you'll have the option to explore a beautiful cave, go squid-fishing, or simply relax on the boat's top deck.

Ha Long Bay - Ninh Binh

Day 5: Kayak & swim in a surreal setting

Begin the day cruising to the beautiful white-sand beaches of Ha Long Bay - you will find it hard not to just jump from the boat into the crystal-clear waters! Worry not, as the hidden beauty of the bay will soon be yours to uncover by kayak. The cruise will later conclude with an exceptional buffet lunch, followed by a transfer to your hotel at your next destination, Ninh Binh.

Ninh Binh

Day 6: Cycle through the countryside of Ninh Binh

Today, grab your bike for a cycling excursion through the countryside to Hao Lu, a true symbol of Vietnam's natural beauty! En route you'll stop to visit an ancient citadel dating back to the 10th century, and explore striking temples and pagodas in the surrounding area. Continue your cycle over beautiful limestone peaks, passing by some more breathtaking temples on your way to your rest stop in Ninh Binh. You'll have the remainder of the day to unwind and relax, either exploring Ninh Binh at your own pace, or resting at your hotel.

Ninh Binh - Pu Luong

Day 7: Bamboo aqueducts & river rafting

After breakfast, start the day by venturing out to find amazing panoramic views across the entire valley. Then, return to your accommodation for a delicious lunch, and enjoy some free time to explore the property grounds.

Soon after, you'll set out to visit the Cham River, where you'll be amazed by the bamboo aqueduct structures. Here you'll join a rafting adventure with your guide and his team! Learn how to handle your raft like a true Vietnamese as you navigate the waters, before heading back to your retreat for dinner and an overnight stay.

Pu Luong - hanoi

Day 8: Hike through tumbling rice terraces

Today, you'll get to descend into the beautiful valley and explore tumbling rice terraces. Trek through the villages at the base of a towering mountain - you will find yourself stopping every few seconds to take photos of the amazing views!

Continue your journey, weaving your way between roads and farmland, villages and wild fields, and picturesque open land. With your head still in the clouds after this dreamy hike, transfer back to the retreat for a delicious lunch, before checking out and heading to Hanoi.

hanoi

Day 9: A final day in Hanoi

Your final day is yours to plan out as you wish. Explore the city one last time to shop for souvenirs, or simply relax in your comfortable hotel, before transferring back to the airport.

This amazing excursion is over, but with all the fun experiences you've had, the wonderful people you've met and the many photos you've snapped, you will have loads of incredible memories to take home with you!