Pu Luong – Ninh Binh – Halong Bay

Start your journey with a scenic drive from Hanoi to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. A private car will pick you up from your hotel and take you southwest, out of the city and into the countryside.

Arrive at your accommodation in Pu Luong and enjoy a fresh local lunch. You'll have time to relax before the afternoon activities begin.

Head out on a guided walk starting with a crossing over the hanging bridge at Cham River. Pass through Ba village and admire traditional stilt houses before arriving at a section of rice paddies dotted with bamboo waterwheels—an iconic part of Thai minority farming.

Wind down the day with a gentle bamboo boat ride along the calm river. These boats, still used by locals, offer a peaceful way to take in the quiet landscape.

Return to the homestay to rest, enjoy the infinity pool, or simply soak in the peaceful views of Pu Luong. Dinner and overnight stay included.

If your tour falls on a Thursday or Sunday, you'll stop briefly at Pho Doan Market, a lively trading spot for ethnic villagers.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the trailhead. The trek follows a dirt path through quiet hamlets, forested areas, and hills with panoramic views.

Reach the upper side of Hieu village, with sweeping views over the valley. On your way down, you’ll pass local homes and reach a small waterfall. Depending on the season, you can swim or walk along the stream.

Enjoy a home-cooked meal at a local family’s house. Most ingredients come straight from their garden or nearby farms.

Spend some time resting in the village before heading back by car to your accommodation. In the late afternoon, you’re free to relax at the pool or take an easy walk around nearby Bang Village.

Enjoy dinner at the retreat and another quiet night in Pu Luong.

After breakfast, begin a short trek to Kho Muong village. The trail winds past stilt houses and rice terraces, gradually revealing the remote village tucked in a valley.

Explore the entrance of Bat Cave, a limestone formation surrounded by jungle. Whether you can go inside depends on the weather.

Walk back to the homestay, freshen up, and check out. A farewell lunch will be served before your transfer.

Say goodbye to Pu Luong and travel east to Ninh Binh, where you’ll check in to a boutique resort in Tam Coc. Free time to rest for the evening.

Meet your local guide at the hotel and begin your Ninh Binh day tour.

Visit Vietnam’s former royal capital from the 10th century. Explore temples and learn about the Dinh and Le dynasties who once ruled this area.

Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local specialties like goat meat, fried rice, and vegetarian options.

Board a traditional rowboat to cruise through the caves and karst landscape of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site and film location for Kong: Skull Island.

Cycle through quiet villages and rice fields for a closer look at daily life in the countryside.

End the afternoon with a walk up nearly 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave. The panoramic view over Tam Coc and surrounding limestone peaks is worth the climb.

Return to your accommodation in Tam Coc for a well-deserved rest.

Leave Ninh Binh early by limousine or shuttle bus and head to Halong Bay. There will be a short break along the way.

Check in at the waiting lounge, sip a welcome drink, and transfer by tender to your cruise boat.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch while cruising through the lesser-visited Bai Tu Long Bay.

Reach Cap La Island, where you can kayak between the limestone cliffs or go for a refreshing swim in the bay.

Head back to the boat and relax during a sunset party on deck as the cruise anchors for the night.

Enjoy a full dinner onboard. Afterward, you can join a squid fishing activity, play board games, or simply enjoy the peaceful night scenery.

Start your day with a light Tai Chi session on the sundeck, followed by a Western-style breakfast.

Visit the limestone Thien Canh Son Cave, followed by a quick stop at the white-sand beach of Hon Co Island.

Return to the boat for a Vietnamese cooking demonstration while you pack up and check out of your cabin.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch before arriving back at Bai Chay pier.

Begin the return journey to Hanoi, with an expected arrival around 4:00 PM.