Northern Vietnam with Pu Luong

Today you’ll fly from your selected airport to Vietnam’s charming capital, Hanoi, with connecting flight(s) along the way. 

You’ll arrive at Hanoi’s international airport, Noi Bai, where you’ll pass through immigration and collect your luggage. Your guide will be waiting outside the arrivals hall beyond the exit doors. The guide will be wearing a TourCompass uniform and holding a TourCompass sign, making them easy to spot.

You will then be transferred to your hotel in central Hanoi. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy your first impressions of the Vietnamese capital at your own pace.

We highly recommend exploring the charming and bustling streets of the Old Quarter, where every alley reveals the sights, sounds, and aromas of everyday Vietnamese life. You may also wish to take a relaxing stroll around the city’s famous Hoan Kiem Lake, whose shady trees and local atmosphere make it a popular oasis in the heart of the city. 

In the evening, treat yourself to Vietnam’s exquisite cuisine, whether you prefer dining in a restaurant or sampling the flavours from the lively street food stalls.

Today, an exciting city tour awaits as you explore some of Hanoi’s most iconic attractions.

You’ll be collected from your hotel by your guide, and the day will begin with a traditional Vietnamese coffee at a local café overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake – the city’s green heart and a natural meeting place for both young and old residents of Hanoi.

From here, you’ll walk across the iconic Huc Bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, set in the middle of the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake. The name of the bridge means “the place touched by the morning sun’s rays”. Here, you’ll hear the legend of the emperor, the magical sword, and the giant turtle, and gain insight into how the lake received its name and its special significance to the city.

You will then be driven to the Temple of Literature, a peaceful complex built in the 12th century by followers of the Chinese philosopher Confucius. With almost 1,000 years of history, the temple is a rare and beautifully preserved example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, complete with colonnades, ponds, and leafy courtyards, where young students still come to pray for good luck in their exams.

Lunch is enjoyed at the restaurant KOTO, which is far more than just a place to eat. KOTO stands for “Know One, Teach One” and is a restaurant that trains and supports disadvantaged young Vietnamese people, giving them a professional education and a fresh start in life with both vocational and personal skills for long-term employment, all while serving delicious Vietnamese dishes in calm and welcoming surroundings. You can read more about the restaurant here.

The tour then continues in a traditional cycle rickshaw, also known as a cyclo, through the Old Quarter’s maze of narrow streets and bustling trade. The Old Quarter is famous for its 36 streets, originally named after the goods once sold there: bamboo, silk, paper, and tin. Many of the street names still remain today, and the area is full of local charm, with Hanoians shopping, chatting, and serving steaming bowls of pho from the street kitchens. 

After an exciting cycle tour, you’ll visit the historic Long Bien Bridge, an iconic landmark from the French colonial era, built in the early 1900s. This distinctive iron bridge stretches across the Red River and was heavily damaged during the Vietnam War, yet today it stands as a powerful symbol of Hanoi’s resilience and history. From the bridge, you’ll gain a vivid insight into everyday life in Hanoi, as locals ride their scooters to and from work alongside cyclists and pedestrians. Looking down, you’ll spot the bustling Long Bien Market, already lively from early morning, while views across the river offer a peaceful contrast to the city’s energetic rhythm. The bridge is a favourite subject for photographers and travellers eager to capture the true spirit of Hanoi.

The day’s sightseeing tour concludes with a performance at a traditional water puppet theatre, a centuries-old Vietnamese art form in which wooden puppets dance across the water’s surface, accompanied by classical storytelling and live music.

After a memorable day, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, with the rest of the evening at your leisure.

Today, there are no excursions planned, giving you plenty of time to discover more of Hanoi at your own pace. You might like to join one of our optional tours, or perhaps you’d prefer to head out and explore the city independently.

Start your day early with a visit to the famous Train Street, when there are fewer people around and the atmosphere is calmer. Here, the train passes incredibly close to the cafés lining the tracks, offering a unique glimpse into everyday life before the city truly wakes up.

Afterwards, make your way towards the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, where narrow streets and French colonial buildings hide charming boutiques, colourful art galleries, and cosy cafés. Settle down with a Vietnamese coffee and watch daily life unfold as locals and visitors cross paths. Just a short stroll away you’ll find the iconic St Joseph’s Cathedral, whose Gothic façade and lively square make it a popular meeting place.

For lunch, seek out Hanoi’s renowned street food. Tuck into a steaming bowl of pho, savour the aroma of grilled bun cha, or grab a crispy banh mi to enjoy on the go.

You could then continue towards the Long Bien Bridge and the nearby Long Bien Market, where the trade in fruit, vegetables, and flowers spills out onto the streets, offering a vivid insight into the city’s everyday rhythm. The pace is brisk and the atmosphere authentic, whatever the time of day.

If you’re curious about Hanoi’s history, consider visiting the ancient Imperial Citadel, a testament to the city’s fascinating past. In the same area, you’ll also find the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, one of Hanoi’s most recognisable landmarks and an important site in Vietnam’s more recent history.

As night falls, Hanoi truly comes alive. The streets glow from the flames of countless food stalls, and the scent of grilled meat, fresh coriander, and fragrant broth drifts through the narrow lanes. Wander through the Old Quarter and soak up the vibrant atmosphere, or take a seat at a rooftop bar and enjoy views over the city’s buzzing nightlife.

Early in the morning, you’ll leave Hanoi and head towards the north-eastern coast, where Bai Tu Long Bay awaits. The journey takes 3.5–4 hours and leads you through a varied landscape of bustling towns, small farming communities, and lush green rice paddies. Along the way, there is a short stop where you can stretch your legs and buy some refreshments before arriving at Ha Long International Cruise Port, where your unforgettable mini cruise begins.

Bai Tu Long Bay lies directly adjacent to the famous Ha Long Bay, just further north-east and closer to the Chinese border. Both bays belong to the same geological area and are renowned for their striking scenery of thousands of limestone karsts, verdant islets, and emerald-green waters. However, Bai Tu Long Bay is far less visited, offering a calmer, more authentic, and peaceful experience. 

After check-in, you will be transferred to the ship by tender boat. On board, you will be welcomed with a refreshing drink and a short safety briefing. Once you have settled into your cabin, a delicious Vietnamese lunch is served as the ship gently sails deeper into the bay.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy a kayaking excursion around the beautiful island of Cap La – a picture-perfect area known for its majestic limestone formations and crystal-clear coves. The water is often calm and shallow, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers to paddle safely between cliffs and hidden lagoons.

Back on board, an engaging Vietnamese cookery demonstration awaits, where you will learn how to prepare classic specialities such as freshly made spring rolls or freshly caught fish.

In the evening, a delightful dinner is served in the ship’s restaurant. Afterwards, you can play games, try your hand at squid fishing, or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere of the bay beneath the starlit sky.

Please note! In the event of bad weather, the Vietnamese authorities reserve the right to suspend all sailing in the bay for safety reasons. This only happens a few times a year, but should it occur, the mini cruise will be replaced with a hotel stay and an alternative excursion.

If you’re an early riser, you can start the day with an optional tai chi session on the sundeck. Alternatively, simply soak up the tranquillity with a cup of tea or coffee in hand, gazing out across the calm waters of Bai Tu Long Bay before a light Western breakfast is served in the ship’s restaurant.

After breakfast, you’ll head to the beautiful Thien Canh Son Cave, renowned for its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations. Hidden behind a steep staircase carved into the mountainside, the cave reveals dramatic limestone pillars and cool chambers illuminated by natural daylight.

Back on board, there’s time to pack and prepare for check-out before a traditional Vietnamese lunch is served. Meanwhile, the ship cruises gently back towards the harbour, giving you a final glimpse of the bay’s enchanting landscape.

You’ll disembark at Ha Long International Port, where your guide and driver will be waiting to take you to Ninh Binh. The journey takes just under 3.5 hours.

As you approach Ninh Binh, the scenery changes noticeably. You’ll travel through a flat delta of mirror-like rivers, lush rice paddies, and small villages, while distinctive limestone mountains rise dramatically from the landscape.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll check in, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

If you wish, you can head into the centre of Tam Coc, where life unfolds along the main street, lined with local restaurants, cosy cafés, and a handful of small shops. 

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the Gia Vien district, where today’s approximately 14 km cycling tour begins. Hop into the saddle and set off at a gentle pace along small country roads, passing lush green rice paddies and local villages on your way to the Van Long Nature Reserve. There will be time for photo stops along the way, including at a local Catholic church, before continuing through the open countryside. The area around Van Long is known for its peaceful wetlands, striking limestone cliffs, and rich birdlife, creating a beautiful backdrop for your ride.

The cycling tour then continues to a local family in the village of Mai Trung, where you’ll be warmly welcomed into their home. Here, you’ll gain an insight into rural life as you take part in seasonal activities such as working in the rice fields, gardening, or feeding fish and poultry.

Afterwards, the family will invite you into their kitchen for an informal cookery session, where you’ll be introduced to Vietnamese cuisine and help prepare the dishes yourself. The experience will conclude with a home-cooked lunch, enjoyed in relaxed and friendly surroundings.

You’ll then cycle back to the starting point, a journey of just a few minutes. After returning your bike, you’ll be driven to the Trang An caves, a spectacular natural area known for its dramatic rock formations and hidden caverns. Here, you’ll board a traditional sampan and glide gently along the calm river through a network of caves and grottoes, including Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, and Thanh Truot Cave. Along the way, you’ll also pass the temples of Cao Son, Suoi Tien, and Vu Lam, as well as Skull Island, which was used as a filming location for the movie "Kong: Skull Island" in 2017.

After a two-hour boat trip, you’ll be driven back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is at your leisure.

Today you’ll set off for the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, one of northern Vietnam’s most unspoilt and atmospheric natural areas. Pu Luong is located 125 km from Ninh Binh, and the drive takes just over 3 hours.

Bordering Mai Chau, Pu Luong remains a largely undiscovered gem. Here, rice terraces stretch out like lush green carpets, drawing your gaze towards the forest-clad mountains rising high into the sky, making you feel wonderfully small within the vast landscape. The views are simply breathtaking, and the area has a remarkable ability to slow your pace and quiet your thoughts. When the terraces are filled with water, they mirror the sky and mountains – a truly magical sight. Pu Luong is one of those places where you’ll want to do nothing more than sit back and let your eyes wander across the scenery as the changing light transforms the colours and atmosphere around you.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in and immediately sense that Pu Luong is something rather special. The rest of the day is at your leisure, giving you time to unwind and take it all in at your own pace.

Today, a half-day hike in Pu Luong awaits, where nature and local traditions go hand in hand. 

You’ll be collected from your accommodation by your guide and a local guide who knows the trails, villages, and the stories behind them. The day begins with a visit to a local textile workshop, where you’ll meet skilled women from the Thai ethnic minority who carry on weaving traditions that date back several centuries. You’ll gain an insight into the traditional techniques and see how patterns and colours gradually take shape on hand-operated looms using natural dyes. You’ll also have the chance to try your hand at the craft yourself and experience just how much precision and patience it requires. There will also be an opportunity to purchase handmade rugs, bags, purses, lanterns, and more.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch before setting off on an approximately 3.5 km walk through the surrounding villages. The paths wind past lush rice terraces, bamboo forests, and small waterfalls, and along the way you’ll pass traditional stilt houses. The route is mostly flat and easy to walk, with only a few short uphill and downhill stretches.

The hike offers a wonderful insight into everyday life in the villages, where you’ll meet members of the Thai minority who live closely connected to nature and its rhythms. With a local guide by your side, you’ll also hear stories and perspectives that add extra depth to the experience.

The tour will end back at the hotel, where you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Today, you’ll leave Pu Luong behind and set off for village life in Mai Chau, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful valleys. You will be collected from your hotel, and the drive takes approximately 1½ hours.

As you arrive, the valley opens up to reveal lush green rice paddies, dramatic limestone mountains, and small villages where ethnic minority communities still live according to age-old traditions.

After checking in at the hotel, a traditional and delicious lunch awaits.

In the afternoon, you’ll borrow a bicycle from the hotel and set off with your guide along small paths through the valley’s peaceful landscape. The route is flat and stretches over 10–12 km. The roads wind between small village communities and emerald rice fields where water buffalo graze. The air is filled with the sounds of children playing and chickens clucking, as everyday life unfolds around you. Along the way, you’ll visit villages including Pom Coong and Na Phon, gaining an insight into daily life among the Thai people, one of the largest ethnic groups in the region. You’ll also pass a local market, where stalls overflow with everything imaginable. Soak up the lively atmosphere and enjoy some free time to wander around at your own pace. Afterwards, you’ll cycle back towards the hotel, passing fields where local farmers are at work as the sun gently begins to set. 

Back at the hotel, you can unwind on your veranda with a good book and simply enjoy the tranquillity.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Mai Chau and be driven to our social sustainability project in Quyet Thang, established by our local partner. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and winds through a beautiful, rolling landscape where rice paddies, small villages, and lush green hills unfold one after another.

Quyet Thang is located in the southern part of Hoa Binh Province and consists of 23 small villages, home to the Muong people among others. Families here primarily rely on growing cassava and maize on depleted soil, while challenging road conditions make it difficult to transport and sell their crops. At the same time, long-standing Muong traditions are under pressure, as many young people leave the area to seek work in the larger cities.

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a local village representative. Together, you’ll take a walk through the village and experience the calm rhythm of daily life up close. You’ll pass fields and traditional stilt houses, greet local families and meet the village children, who’ll shyly wave as you go by. You’ll also visit the community house, where residents gather for meetings and where children can come to do their homework. 

You will then visit a local village home, where you’ll join your hosts in preparing traditional dishes. Lunch is served at a beautifully laid table with local specialities, enjoyed together and offering an authentic insight into the region’s food culture. There is also time to chat with your hosts and learn more about the daily life, culture, and traditions of the Muong people.

Next, you’ll visit an elderly couple and gain insights into the Muong people’s long-standing craft traditions of weaving and bamboo work, passed down through generations. The bamboo species luong is used to create baskets, fish traps, and mats, among other things. Each pattern and technique reflects a part of the Muong people’s cultural heritage, and the products serve both as sustainable alternatives to modern materials and as unique souvenirs. You’ll have the chance to try your hand at the craft yourself, weaving your own small basket to take home.

Finally, you’ll head down to a calm river, where a peaceful boat trip on a traditional bamboo raft awaits. You’ll be provided with a life jacket, and as the raft moves upstream, you are welcome to help paddle if you wish.

By joining this excursion, you’ll be helping to make a real difference to the families of Quyet Thang. A percentage of the tour price goes directly to the project and is used for initiatives such as education and improving infrastructure, including the construction of roads and the installation of solar-powered street lighting. You can read more about the project here.

After a day filled with meaningful encounters, cultural exchanges, and insights into local life, you’ll return to Hanoi for your final night.

Today, your tour will draw to a close. You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport, where your journey home will begin. 

You’ll arrive at your chosen airport after an inspiring tour packed with cultural highlights, breathtaking natural experiences, and authentic local encounters.