09 Days - Adventure in Tonkin

Day 01: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Mai Hich Valley (Lunch and dinner included)
Heading along Highway No.6 to Hoa Binh province, there is plenty of incredible mountain scenery. We arrive in the remote region of Mai Chau, a magical valley full of rice fields and serene villages which are excellent for exploring.

We hike about two hours in the afternoon and descend to Xom Moi village, situated by the scenic Black River and home to Muong people. Here we get to know a Muong family and interact with them.

Tonight our host offers us a toast before we stay overnight in their traditional house.

Day 02: Mai Hich - Black River (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
We explore the Black River by morning river boat ride and a hike. We hike about 8 km along tracks and paths used by the locals, across spectacular mountain scenery spotting peaceful villages. We are rewarded with beautiful views from the river.

 On the way we visit a Tay village, nestled beneath a picturesque valley and have lunch there. We head over hills and hike through rainforest to the Nanh village, home to the Dao people.

Here, we stay overnight as guests of a Dao family.

Day 03: Hilltribe Hike (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
The day begins by crossing hills and hiking through rice terraces, passing White Thai villages and going down into the Mai Chau valley. En route we meet local villagers going about their daily life and visit a typical White Thai village, eating lunch in their house.

After lunch we walk to our destination around late afternoon. We settle in with a local Thai family in a traditional wooden house.

Day 04: Cuc Phuong National Park (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
It is time for relaxation, as we wander around corn fields, rice terraces. Later in the morning we walk to our waiting vehicle and make our way to Cuc Phuong National Park, which is located in Ninh Binh Province and covers over 200 sq km.

This is Vietnam’s most famous park, we take a short walk in the rainforest for approximately 3 km, which offers some wildlife viewing.

The night is spent at a comfortable guest house in the park’s headquarters, which are surrounded by spectacular mountains and rainforest.

Day 05: Cuc Phuong National Park - The Red River Delta (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
This morning we visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre in the park to witness the conservation efforts being made to save the endangered Langur, a primate species.

After this, we relax on a leisurely boat ride across the Hoang Long river whilst enjoying our picnic lunch aboard.

Afternoon finds us in the floating village of Kenh Ga, set amongst stunning limestone scenery and a network of peaceful waterways, walking around scenic outcrops and open rice fields. We stay overnight in a hotel by the town of Tam Coc.

Day 06: The Red River Delta - Inland Halong bay (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
A morning bicycle ride takes us into rock formations and past pretty villages to Dong Dinh village. Here we get to know some local families, learn about their way of life. The rest of the time we explore the delta, strolling around villages, meeting local people and having tea in their homes.

 We visit a very ancient pagoda dating back over 1000 years and enjoy a boat trip along river. The night is in a local family to experience their way of life.

Day 07: The Red River Delta - Cat ba island - Lan ha bay - Halong bay (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Departing from Ninh Binh we drive through Thai Binh and Hai Phong provinces, onwards to Catba island, where we embark on a junk trip among the 3000 spectacular limestone peaks, whilst enjoying lunch on the boat.

 Weather permitting, there is an opportunity to swim in the clear waters and enjoy a kayak ride around the bay. Explore the hidden lagoons and caves. Overnight on classic sailing junk

Day 08: Lan Ha Bay - Catba island (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
After breakfast we spend time on relaxing on a pristine beach of Ba Trai Dao. A few hours of enjoying a junk trip and kayaking follows – time to appreciate the beauty of Lan Ha Bay as we discover its towering cliffs and fascinating limestone islets. Enjoy a 

cycling tour across the island to reach Viet Hai village to witness the daily life of local people. Overnight on Junk

Day 09: Lan Ha bay - Catisland - Haiphong - Hanoi (Breakfast, lunch included)
We continue journeying among Lan Ha Bay's breathtaking limestone scenery. We take a kayaking ride to explore some floating fishing villages.

Time is spent meeting the local fishermen & seeing their way of life, before we arrive in Catba island to take a speedboat to reach Haiphong city where you will be picked up by our driver to take you to Hanoi. This is followed by a ride back to Hanoi, arriving there at about 5:30 pm. End of our services

What to take:

Pack essentials for 9 days, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, jacket for cool evenings, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for cycling, walking, hiking and trekking. It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: swimsuit, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat.