A Discovery of North Vietnam Tour Package

- A Secret Retreats journey -
7 Days / 6 Nights
from 1,700 USD /person

 

ITINERARY BOOK
 


This journey has been personally designed by Pham Dac Kham, the author of this journey, who lives in Hanoi:
“There is a bug that nothing can cure, the travel bug! I am passionate about my work, I practise it with faith, dignity and humility. Client satisfaction is my daily goal.”

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

Highlights of the Journey:

  • Secret Journeys, taking you to paths untread by mass tourism.
  • Sailing the iconic Halong Bay Tour on a traditional and luxurious sailing junk.
  • Rare opportunities to meet and learn about the lifestyles of Vietnam’s mountain peoples.
  • Experience the best of a Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Halong Bay Tour, combining history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.

From the mountains to the sea on a 7-day North Vietnam Tour Package. Trek to places in the mountainous north far from the beaten track of mass tourism and enjoy encounters with the ethnic groups in this recently opened area. Sail Halong Bay, one of the most romantic and beautiful natural wonders of the world, on a luxurious private sailing junk.


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Your Journey Day by Day

from 1,700 USD /person for 7 Days / 6 Nights

based on 2 people sharing a room

 

 
Day 1 : Hanoi Airport - Hanoi Old Quarter (-/-/-)
Your journey starts on arrival at Hanoi International Airport where our staff will be waiting to welcome and transfer you to your hotel in the historic colonial center of old Hanoi, around the Hoàn Kiếm lake. No arrangement for the day, but depending on your flight arrival, we can propose (extra charges) some visits.
Dinner on your own. We can recommend our Secret Tables in Hanoi.
HOTEL: La Siesta Classic (Deluxe room)
Day 2 : Hanoi – Ninh Binh (B/L/-)
We leave Hanoi heading north to Hoa Lu, the site of the country’s first capital of Vietnam (years 968–1009), whose ancient citadel covered almost 3 km². Although now mostly destroyed, remnants remain today.
The temples of Dinh Tien Hoang (restored in the 17th century) and Le Dai Hanh remain, and the stunning views and scenery are worth the stop.
We then head for Tam Coc town, known as Ha Long Bay on Land, where the views and photographic opportunities are endless. It is truly one of the most beautiful places in the entire country. After lunch, we board small sampans and traverse the Ngo Dong River through rice fields, where huge limestone karsts rise from these green fields. The sampans are manned by locals who, incredibly, row with their feet. During this leisure trip, the boats enter three sacred caves, Tam Coc Caves, after which the town itself was named. The boat ride takes approximately two hours and is a very peaceful and scenic time.
Check in at your peaceful retreat for the next 3 days: Aravinda.
The rest of the day is yours, free time at your leisure.
HOTEL: Aravinda Resort (Lotus Classic)
Day 3 : Ninh Binh (B/-/-)
This day is a highlight of our Ninh Binh Tours and perfect for exploring the tranquil landscapes of the region.
Ride a bike through the countryside to Thai Vi Temple. Situated in the middle of rice paddies and limestone peaks, in a calm and serene atmosphere, its original architecture follows the principles of Eastern geomancy. Continue on the bike towards Bich Dong Pagoda where, if timing allows, and you are brave enough, you may climb the stairs carved into the rock walls and access the pagoda. Your reward will be the amazing and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
We continue to Mua Cave, visiting the secret hospital used during the Vietnam War. Inside the cave, you can challenge yourself with 500 steps to the top of the mountain. Enjoy the fresh air at the “rooftop of Ninh Binh” with some breathtaking views.
In the afternoon, return to the resort and enjoy time on your own. (No meal arrangement.)
HOTEL: Aravinda Resort (Lotus Classic)
Day 4 : Ninh Binh (B/-/-)
Free time all morning after breakfast.
A visit to Phat Diem will follow to see the vast cathedral. The vaulted ceiling here is held up by massive columns 10 meters tall and meters in diameter, and during the French era, it was the center of Catholicism. The enormous bell situated on the highest tower is much larger than the one at Notre Dame. Transfer to the Nature Reserve of Van Long and take a boat ride along this beautiful wetland, enjoying spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies, lotus ponds, and towering limestone karsts.
Return to the resort for the evening (No meal arrangement).
HOTEL: Aravinda Resort (Lotus Classic)
Day 5 : Ninh Binh – Halong Bay (B/L/D)
Morning transfer from your hotel to Halong Bay by private car.
The bay includes 1,969 islands set in emerald waters and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. The bay is named after the legend of the ‘descending dragon’ or Ha Long Bay.
We have prepared a program that leads you to the discovery of Bai Tu Long, a jewel in Halong Bay and outside the well plied channels taken by the majority of Halong Bay’s tourist junks.
Once on board your sailing junk you will meet the captain and the crew, enjoy a refreshing welcome drink and settle down into your cabin for the cruise. Lunch will be served in the elegant dining room or on the outside deck when the cruise starts – a delicious menu of locally caught fresh seafood.
Take a seat on the deck and relax with fresh brewed tea while enjoying the incredible landscape as it unfolds around you; the deep jade coloured water, the limestone islands with their striking shapes rising out of the bay and marching out to the horizons around you. We will be sailing away from the “beaten tracks”, no noise, nothing to clutter your views of the all the natural beauty surrounding you. We will weigh anchor at Cap La Tra San where you can enjoy paddling around the many small islands and lonely beaches by kayak or simply enjoy swimming in the bay.
Dinner will be served around sunset, indoor or outdoor as you prefer
HOTEL: overnight on board a private junk (the Amour or the Prince)
Day 6 : Halong Bay (B /L /D)
You will rise with the morning sun surrounded by enchanting peaceful scenes. After breakfast, we continue the cruise to Cong Dam and Bai Tu Long Bay. Here you will have the chance to take a kayak and explore the hidden lagoons and the geological park of Cong Dam. Lunch will be a BBQ set on the beach before returning to your junk and continuing the cruise to Cong Do. We will cruise to Hon Co Island where you can explore the well-hidden Thien Canh Son cave before we cruise back to Cap La for the evening.
Dinner is served around sunset, indoor or outdoor as you prefer.
HOTEL: overnight on board a private junk (the Amour or the Prince)
Day 7 : Halong - Hanoi (B /L /-)
This morning you will have the opportunity to visit the Vung Vieng fishing village and witness the lifestyles of the local fisherfolk. The fisherman and their families live permanently on the water, their houses literally floating on the bay, a truly unique lifestyle. Meet the village chief and learn about daily life on Ha Long Bay.
Return to your junk for lunch, then disembark for the drive back to Hanoi.
Transfer to the airport or your next destination.

End of service.

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary


A Discovery of North Vietnam Tour Package

7 Days / 6 Nights
from 1,700 USD /person

based on 2 people sharing a room

 



The total price includes:
All accommodation in double rooms at the hotels and cruise as detailed in the itinerary.
All meals where mentioned in the program.
All transfers by private, spacious, air conditioned car, with provision of water and refreshing towels, and a professional driver.
All other transportation used for travel including sampan, small boat, etc...
A competent professional guide at each stage of the journey (except during your free time).
All tours as detailed within the program.
All entry fees for places visited within the program.
All program activities (cycling, bike, kayak, or others...).
The cruise in Halong Bay (2 nights).
Government taxes as currently in force.

The total price does not include:
International flights to and from your home country.
Beverages, personal expenses and other services not detailed in the program.
Tipping guides and drivers, which is 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 where not mentioned in the program as an included pat of the program.
Any applicable departure taxes applied to some countries (Cambodia-Laos).
Visa fees to Vietnam - but we can send you an invitation letter, which is an entry permit, allowing you to land in Vietnam.
Produce the letter to customs, with a passport size photo, and they will issue you with your visa, at a cost of only $25USD, paid directly to them.


This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Pham Dac Kham and Hanoi Voyages (License N° 01-022/2009/TCDL-GP LHQT )

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