Overview

Immerse yourself in the heart of Northern Vietnam with this thoughtfully crafted 6-day adventure. From the bustling charm of Hanoi to the tranquil beauty of Mai Chau, the cultural richness of Ninh Binh, and the breathtaking vistas of Lan Ha Bay, every moment promises an authentic and unforgettable experience. This private tour blends cultural exploration, scenic wonders, and luxurious relaxation seamlessly.

Day 1 : Ha Noi arrival – City tour half day

Day 2 : Ha Noi – Mai Chau 

Day 3 : Mai Chau – Ninh Binh – Tam Coc

Day 4 : Trang An – Hoa Lu – Hang Mua 

Day 5 : Ninh Binh – Lan Ha Bay on cruise

Day 6 : Lan Ha – Ha Noi

Itinerary Details

Day 1: Ha Noi Arrival – City Tour Half Day (Private Tour)

Hanoi walking tour full day off the beaten track allows you to explore the city’s best-kept secrets. We walk and see local sites and the local living of Hanoi. This walking tour of Hanoi by Vietnam Local Adventures offers you a chance to visit Hanoi’s treasured destinations.

Stroll along the famous local attractions and destinations like Buoi Market, Botanical Garden of Hanoi, Central Citadel, B52 Lake, and the historic Long Bien Bridge. During the walk, you will enjoy the sightseeing and also get the chance to learn more about the city’s local life, history, and rich culture.

Itinerary of a Hanoi Private Walking Tour Off the Beaten Track
Start your Hanoi walking tour off the tourist trail by hopping on a taxi for a short drive (about 20 minutes) to a new part of the city. The glimpse of Hanoi’s local living starts there as you walk through a local market where locals sell various items like flowers, plants, bonsai shrubbery, birds, fish, other pets, artworks, wooden furniture pieces, stone carvings, and much more. A great chance for leisurely walking through the famous maze of narrow alleys and busy streets that would eventually lead you to B52 Lake, where you can see the wreckage of a B52 plane that crashed in 1972.

Next, we walk to the Hanoi Botanical Garden to see numerous trees and plants, which is perfect for taking a deep breath and enjoying a peaceful moment among the hustle and bustle of Hanoi.

We then set off to see the French influence in the Catholic culture at Cua Bac Church from the outside.

For those who enjoy photography, there are plenty of photo opportunities with several amazing colonial structures from the French era and tree-lined boulevards.

Afterward, we walk to a local restaurant for lunch to enjoy authentic local food with some local beer to cheer.

Our final stop is walking along the Eiffel Bridge, built by the French in the late 19th century, before getting into a car that will take you back to your hotel. Finish your trip.

Day 2: Hanoi – Mai Chau (Private Tour)

Your adventure kicks off bright and early at 8:00 AM as we pick you up from your hotel and head out on a picturesque drive toward the stunning valley of Mai Chau, nestled about 160 km from Hanoi. As the city fades into the background, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of winding mountain roads, lush greenery, and charming countryside scenes.

Upon arriving, get ready for a leisurely yet unforgettable trek. Stroll through lush forests, vibrant rice paddies, and idyllic villages, where friendly locals greet you with warm smiles. Watch as farmers go about their daily routines, offering a glimpse into a way of life deeply connected to the land.

The trek leads you to a tranquil valley, the heart of the White Thai community. Known for their hospitality and rich cultural traditions, they’ll welcome you into their home for the night. At your cozy homestay, you’ll feel the peaceful rhythm of village life, a perfect ending to an incredible day of discovery and connection.

Day 3: Mai Chau – Ninh Binh – Exploring Tam Coc and Bich Dong Pagoda (Private Tour)

Today, your adventure takes you to Ninh Binh, fondly called “Ha Long Bay on land.” After a scenic drive, we’ll arrive in the charming Tam Coc area, where you’ll swap the car for a bicycle and dive into the tranquil beauty of the countryside.

Feel the cool breeze as you pedal along paths framed by lush green rice paddies and picturesque villages. The serenity of this landscape is the perfect escape from the hustle of city life.

A true highlight awaits at Bich Dong Pagoda, a centuries-old temple set against the rugged mountainside. As you climb the stone steps and explore the pagoda’s caves, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views that feel straight out of a painting.

After a day filled with peaceful charm and natural beauty, you’ll settle into a cozy local homestay, where the warmth of the hosts will make you feel right at home.

Day 4: Trang An UNESCO Boat Ride – Hoa Lu Ancient Temples – Return to Hanoi (Private Tour)

Your final day in this enchanting region starts with a serene boat ride along the emerald waters of the Ngo Dong River in Trang An, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Drift through a wonderland of towering limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and mysterious caves that feel like something out of a dream. The peaceful vibe and stunning scenery make this a truly unforgettable experience.

Next, we’ll step back in time at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from the 10th century. Wander through historic temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties, uncovering fascinating stories of Vietnam’s royal history and cultural heritage.

After immersing yourself in the beauty and history of the day, we’ll head back to Tam Coc, where you can unwind at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing dinner at your own pace. It’s the perfect way to conclude this memorable journey.

Day 5: Tam Coc – Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay Cruise Adventure (B, L, D)

08:00 – 08:40 Our friendly guide and comfortable limousine will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, setting the stage for an incredible day ahead.
08:50 We hit the road, heading towards the breathtaking Ha Long Bay, a journey of about 2.5 hours.
10:30 Take a quick 20-minute break in Hai Duong Province to stretch your legs and refresh.
11:30 – 12:00 Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor and prepare for an exciting transition.
12:00 – 12:30 Hop on a speedboat and be warmly welcomed aboard your luxurious cruise. Sip on a welcome drink, meet the crew, and get a quick orientation about the cruise and safety guidelines before settling into your cabin.

13:00 – 13:30 Feast on a delicious Vietnamese seafood buffet or set-menu lunch as the cruise sails through the spectacular Ha Long Bay. Marvel at iconic rock formations like Con Vit Islet (Duck Islet), Thumb Islet, and Gia Luan Harbor in the Cat Ba area.

15:00 Get ready for an adventure! Explore the mystical Dark & Bright Cave (Hang Sang & Toi) with your choice of kayaking or a relaxing bamboo boat ride—an hour of sheer bliss in this natural wonderland.

16:00 Head to Tra Bau area for a refreshing swim in the emerald waters. Dive in and enjoy 45 minutes of fun and relaxation surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.

17:30 – 18:30 Unwind with an Afternoon Tea Party on board. Treat yourself to freshly prepared snacks, fruits, and drinks while savoring the stunning sunset views of Lan Ha Bay. Don’t miss the Happy Hour special: “Buy 2, get 1 free” at the Mimosa Cafe Lounge or Sky Bar on the 5th floor!

18:30 – 19:10 Join a lively cooking class led by the cruise chef. Try your hand at making traditional Vietnamese dishes like spring rolls—a fun and interactive experience.

19:10 – 19:30 Sit down to a sumptuous dinner at the restaurant on cruise.

Evening Activities: After dinner, the night is yours! Go squid fishing on cruise, enjoy live music and drinks, or sing your heart out in the karaoke room. Whatever you choose, it’s the perfect way to cap off your day.

Overnight: Drift to sleep in your cozy cabin on the cruise, cradled by the gentle waters of Lan Ha Bay.

Day 6: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi (B, L)

06:30 – 07:00 Start your day with optional Tai Chi exercises on the sundeck. Greet the morning with a peaceful stretch and stunning views of the bay—what better way to wake up?

07:00 – 07:45 Enjoy the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay’s morning landscape over a cup of tea or coffee, followed by a hearty breakfast at the cruise restaurant.

08:00 The ship cruises past the breathtaking Frog Pond area, famously featured in the Hollywood blockbuster King Kong. Here, you can dive into the emerald waters for a refreshing swim or explore the bay on a kayak—45 minutes of pure bliss.

09:30 Head back to your cabin to relax and ensure all your belongings are packed. Once ready, check out and enjoy a leisurely cruise through the bay as the ship begins its journey back to the port.

10:00 Indulge in a delicious buffet lunch on board while soaking in the final views of Ha Long Bay.

11:00 – 11:20 Say your farewells as you disembark at Tuan Chau Pier, leaving with unforgettable memories of this stunning destination.

12:00 – 12:30 Begin your return journey to Hanoi in a comfortable limousine (if pre-booked).

13:50 – 14:00 Stop for a quick break in Hai Duong Province to stretch your legs and grab a snack.

15:00 – 15:20 Arrive back in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel.

Your journey with us concludes here, but we hope the memories linger long after. Thank you for joining us, and we can’t wait to welcome you on another adventure soon!