Day 1: Hanoi / Hoa Binh / Maichau (L/D)
Pick up at your hotel and drive to the Thai minority village of Mai Chau via Hoa Binh in the heart of Tonkin. On the way stop at Song Da reservoir and then visit Muong and Dao minority villages and learn about the traditional life of the local people. Lunch in Hoa Binh before continuing to the minority village of Mai Chau. Dinner in Mai Chau.
Overnight in a stilt house.
Day 2: Maichau / Hoalu (Thung Nang) / Ninh Binh (B/L/D)
After breakfast transfer to Ninh Binh via National road 12A. Check into your hotel then visit Dinh and Le Dynastic temples. Local lunch before going to Thung Nang by bicycle or buffalo cart and boarding a small sampan for a spectacular cruise through numerous waterways and beautiful rural landscape of limestone cliffs and paddy fields. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda before returning to your hotel.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 3: Ninh Binh / Phat Diem / Haiphong (B/L/D)
After breakfast drive to the village of Kim Son and visit Phat Diem’s cathedral. On the way stop to admire the beautiful scenery and take pictures then drive back to Ninh Binh. Lunch in a local restaurant then continue to Haiphong, Vietnam’s most important seaport. On the way visit the Keo pagoda near Nam Dinh and on arrival enjoy a city tour of Haiphong.
Overnight in Haiphong.
Day 4: Haiphong / Halong / Hanoi (B/L)
After breakfast, drive to Halong. On arrival, board for a 5-hour cruise through the mystical Halong Bay and admire one of the natural marvels of Vietnam. Visit islets, natural caves and, if weather permits, enjoy a swim in the clear waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. For lunch, seafood on board will delight you. Return to Hanoi in the middle of the afternoon and transfer to your hotel. (Accommodation in Hanoi not included)