North Vietnam -The Cradle of the Nation

Your exciting journey begins with pickup at your separately booked hotel in Hanoi. You will cross the delta of the Red River to the small village of Duong Lam, which is picturesquely nestled in the plain of the Red River. Here you will change to a bicycle and leisurely cycle through the picturesque alleys. You will stop in one of the centuries-old houses and enjoy a traditionally prepared lunch.

After lunch, you will say goodbye to Duong Lam and continue to Mai Chau. Upon arrival here, you will move into your accommodation. Mai Chau is said to be the real cradle of the nation of Vietnam. Here you will experience the history of the country first hand. Many ethnic minorities, especially the white Thai, have settled here and still live their lives as they did in ancient times.

In the evening, a traditional folklore evening with a delicious dinner and entertaining dance performances awaits you.

Awakened by everyday rural life and the crowing of roosters, you will set off after breakfast for a full-day excursion across the breathtaking landscape around Mai Chau. You will pass quaint villages with typical pile dwellings and along lush green rice fields, which are still cultivated by farmers with water buffaloes as they were a hundred years ago.

Afterwards, we will proceed to the village of Cun Pheo. This charming village is home to many Muong people. Here you will start a short hike along the surrounding rice fields. You will dive into the original country life of the Vietnamese. Lunch will be prepared for you by a local family again today.

After lunch, you will continue your hike and reach the Xam Khoe valley in the afternoon. Here you will be picked up, can refresh yourself and will be brought back to your lodge.

Enjoy dinner at the lodge.

After a hearty breakfast, you leave Mai Chau for Ninh Binh. As if from nowhere, the Bich Dong Temple, a legacy of an ancient kingdom, rises from the lush green rice fields. Here you board a small rowboat and leisurely cruise along the narrow canals. The destination of this boat tour are the Tam Coc caves. Tam Coc means "three caves" - and this cave system consists of three caves of different lengths, through which you will row. Without the rattle of an engine, you'll row undisturbed through the countryside and, if you're lucky, spot monkeys, water buffalo and herds of goats. Lunch on the way.

Afterwards, you will continue your trip to the dry Halong Bay and reach Ninh Binh in the afternoon, where you will check into your accommodation.

In the morning, leave Ninh Binh for Halong Bay, which you will reach around noon. Board a modern wooden junk built in traditional style. In the bay, you will explore one of the most impressive landscapes in Southeast Asia. On board you can enjoy the local delicacies from the sea during lunch and dinner. You will also spend the night on board.

It is recommended to get up early, as this is the best time to enjoy the bay and the surrounding atmosphere. Greet the day with a round of Tai Chi before heading back to Halong Port. On the way, you can once again admire the sight of the spectacular limestone cliffs.

Once in the port, the return trip to Hanoi will take place. Your exciting journey into Vietnam's past ends with a transfer back to your separately booked hotel.

Your accommodation: Mai Chau Ecolodge***+, Hoa Binh Province, Mai Chau, Vietnam. Mai Chau Ecolodge is surrounded by mountains and rice fields amidst unspoiled nature and fascinating tribal culture. You can reach the two villages of Lac and Porn Coong on foot. Mai Chau Ecolodge is made exclusively of natural materials, such as a thatched roof, wooden furniture and bamboo furnishings. Get back to nature and relax in the spa area of Mai Chau Ecolodge.

Your accommodation: Ninh Binh Legend***+, Ninh Khanh ward, Ninh Binh, Vietnam. The 4-star, 108-room hotel was built in the 13th century and is located in the heart of Ninh Binh city, not far from the Trang An Ecotourism Complex, Bai Dinh Pagoda, as well as Cuc Phuong National Park.

Local markets, a number of national and various international restaurants, as well as various shopping facilities are within a distance of 3 km.

Your Accommodation: Non-private Aphrodite Junk Experience - an eco-friendly cruise around Halong Bay, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Enjoy Vietnamese specialties and experience fantastic sea views from your room or from the deck of the junk. Some room types also have a whirlpool and a veranda.

Included

• Overnight stays in the aforementioned hotels incl. mentioned meals
• Overnight stay on the non - private junk Halong
• Transportation in air-conditioned car
• Entrance fees for the mentioned sights
• Local tour guides

Not included

• Drinks and meals not mentioned
• International flights
• Visa fees
• Personal expenses, such as tips, etc.

Services & Notes

• The official check-in and check-out times for all hotels are 2:00 p.m. for check-in and 12:00 p.m. for check-out