6 DAYS NORTHERN VIETNAM REDISCOVERED

Arriving into Hanoi, you will be transferred into your hotel to check-in.

Discover the real Hanoi on a vintage Minsk motorcycle. Wind through the maze of backstreets, tiny alleys, local homes, schools and black markets. Thereafter, we tick off some of the must-see highlights such as the Mecca of Vietnamese, Tran Quoc, Temple of Literature, French Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Hanoi Opera House and Long Bien Bridge.

In the afternoon, hop on a vintage Gaz69 jeep to the Red River Delta countryside. See local villagers at work, stop at a tranquil banana and vegetable farm, then visit an artisan family at Bat Trang ceramic village to learn about this thousands-year-old art. Conclude with evening My Village’s bamboo circus (closed Mon & Sun) for insights into Vietnamese village life rendered with exotic folk instruments and graceful strokes.

This morning, you will enjoy a 45-minute Old Quarter cyclo tour followed by a walk to the French colonial building near the Old Quarter. Thereafter, we transfer to Ninh Binh.

Spend the entire day exploring the Ninh Binh area. Start with a 90-minute Tam Coc sampan cruise, known as “Ha Long Bay on land” before the crowd arrives. Pass by three caves, small communities, rice fields and temples as you sail across the Ngo Dong River. Visit the former capital of Hoa Lu with its citadel and emperor temples before concluding with a sampan boat trip along Van Long stream.

After checking out, we will transfer to your floating home for a 1-night Lan Ha Bay cruise. While it is part of the greater Ha Long Bay region with equally impressive karsts, it is visibly much less crowded, more pristine and offers more adventurous activities compared to its cousin.

The Lan Ha Bay islets are great for kayaking, trekking, cycling, swimming, squid fishing, village or cave visits. To make the best use of its quiet location, the exact routing and activities on offer may differ depending on your boat selection and weather condition.

The bay is most beautiful as the first rays of the sun touch the water. Rise early with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After more morning activities, enjoy relaxing time watching the vertical cliffs and tree-topped islets sail pass as we make our way back to the quay, where you will be transferred to Hanoi airport for your flight home.