Secret Hideaway Northern Vietnam 12 Days Tour Sapa Trekking, Mu Cang Chai Terraces, Mai Chau Retreat & Halong Bay Luxury Cruise

Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi

Hanoi is a blend of long-established traditions and modern imprints of Western colonization. Tree-lined boulevards and colonial buildings give the city a touch of Western elegance, while crowded blocks of tiny old houses and narrow lanes full of daily life bear the charms of the past centuries.

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your guide (and/or driver) who will be waiting at the lobby. Your guide (and/or driver) will come to meet you up and transfer you to hotel for check in and free at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Escape bustling city to Topas riverside lodge (B/L/D)

Meet your guide at hotel before taking a private transfer to Sapa. Enjoy the drive along the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley to the Tay village of Ban Ho. The Tay ethnic group is known for their traditional wooden stilt houses commonly located next to riverbanks. after lunch at the lodge, you will spend some time in the village and listen to a local storyteller share their deep knowledge of Tay & Dzao's culture and life. Continue to Nam Cang, you will arrive in Topas Riverside Lodge, a homestay with comfortable private rooms on the riverbank. Enjoy your quick lunch, then walk around to explore the village.

The Red Dzao ethnic group largely populate Nam Cang and the surrounding villages and are known for their herbal baths, local medicine and embroidery skills. The Red Dzao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes of all Vietnam’s ethnic groups. Accompanied by your host, explore the village and observe how the local villagers make paper, jewelry and embroidery. Back to the Lodge, if the weather and water level permits, enjoy a quick swim in the aside river. Or unwind your body with herbal bathing treatment before having dinner with local specialties.

Overnight at Topas Riverside Lodge

Day 3: Immerse yourself in breathtaking view of rice terraces overlooking Muong Hoa valley from Laxsik Ecolodge (B/L)

Enjoy your peaceful morning by sitting at outside terrace, having breakfast while looking the village's children swimming, playing and laughing in the river; or finding your private corner to enjoy quiet moments of this hidden place. Around 08.30 am, you will start by a short driving south toward Muong Hoa valley which is the largest rice paddy terraced among Sapa area. The walk commences at the point go down to May Bridge. After a short time to discover the ancient rock field, you follow a dirt trail going downhill to rattan bridge, waterfall and Giang Ta Chai village of Red Dao people. This portion of the trek offers stunning view of Muong Hoa valleys as well as chances to understand life of tribal peoples in remote land when paying visit to a minority's house. The trek continues toward Ta Van village of Black Hmong & Day people, then go up to main road, where your car is waiting for a transfer to Laksik Ecolodge for check in. After lunch at local restaurant, continue to explore the daily life of Black Hmong, handy-craft shop, embroidery, indigo process and join batik class in Lao Chai Village. The beautiful art of batik – using wax and dye to create patterns on cloth – has been around for centuries. Then transfer back to your lodge with your own time to enjoy swimming or relaxing.

Overnight at Laxsik Ecolodge.

Notes:  Total trekking distance: 5 km (~3 miles) / medium level

Day 4: Traverse from Mu Cang Chai's majestic masterpieces of terrace fields to the golden rice valley of peaceful Tu Le (B/L/D)

After breakfast at hotel, depart from Sapa toward southwest to Tu Le in Yen Bai Province. Today, 5-hours of scenic drive passing to Mu Cang Chai; past Hmong, La Ha and Dzao hill tribe communities. Upon arrival in Mu Cang Chai, have a lunch at local restaurant, and then continue visiting La Pan Tan Village, which having the best scenery about terrace fields. Lately, drive along an exciting stretch of road which over Tu Le and moving on Khau Pha Pass (one of the top 4 pass in North of Vietnam) to enjoy amazing scenery for its splendid vistas of mountains and valleys surrounded by lush landscape and stilt houses, inhabited mainly by the White Thai ethnic group. On arrival, check in hotel and free at leisure. After dinner, experience the natural hot mineral spring right on Le Champ’s premises with both outdoor pools and private bathrooms to enrich health, eliminate fatigue, and enjoy moments of relaxation.

Overnight at Le Champ Tu Le Resort Hot-spring & Spa

Day 5: Discovery Khau Than village of Hmong ethnic people in Tu Le (B/L/D)

After having breakfast, you will enjoy a trekking to the Hmong village on the top of Khau Than mountain, where 32 Hmong households are living, located along the mountainside right behind Le Champ Tu Le area. The scenery along the way to Khau Than village is very beautiful. Then you will be back to the resort to relax at Onsen Swimming Pool after long trekking this morning.

In the afternoon, you can walk to the entrance of resort, and freely visit Tien Nu cave, one of the most beautiful caves with unique stalactites in Yen Bai province particularly and in the Northwest region generally.

Overnight at le Champ Tu Le.

Trekking distance: 4km (~ 2miles) / Medium level

Day 6: Hideaway to Avana Retreat(B/L)

Today, you will enjoy a scenic journey from Tu Le to Mai Chau through the historical national road No.6, which cross the most spectacular mountainous landscape of Northwest Vietnam. Stop for lunch the cool air of Moc Chau town before continue driving toward Mai Chau, where offers a splendid vista of mountains and valleys surrounded by lush landscape and stilt houses, inhabited mainly by the White Thai ethnic group. Along the way, there are plenty of chances to observe local traditions which you may encounter. Late afternoon, check in at Avana Retreat and stay at your comfortable leisure time.

Overnight at Avana Retreat

Day 7: Pamper yourself with unique experiences at Avana Retreat (B)

Backdropped by mountain landscapes, Avana is a luxury retreat from which guests can plan a wide range of adventures and experiences. Whether you are in for some exploration or just reside at ease, Avana Retreat has something for everyone: private shelters cocooned in the mounts, health-restored sessions, culture craft, and much time in the open space. If you are looking for Unique Experiences, specially tailored activities will give you one-of-a-kind Avana getaway.

Overnight at Avana Retreat

Day 8: Relaxing and balancing your mental energy at Avana Retreat(B)

In the early morning, you either enjoy Waterfall Meditation to balance mental energy, or Avana offers a range of relaxing places for meditation for your choices. After slowing tasting your breakfast, you are free to explore beautiful village and local life surrounding the retreat. For those who need to improve on breathing and cleansing, Hatha Yoga is highly recommended. Suitable for practitioners of all levels, Hatha Yoga helps increase strength, flexibility, and balance. Move at your own pace, keep your stability throughout a sequence of postures and breathwork with our instructor.

Optional tour with surcharge:

If you want to explore Mai Chau, an area of 56,454 hectares of mountains, valleys, forests, rivers and rice fields, provides invigorating opportunities for both adventurers and those looking to unwind in nature, step out of the car, venture deep into the jungle, conquer the river, and discover the natural-self in you.

Overnight at Avana Retreat

Day 9: Kayak Escape in getaway Ngoi village (optional) before returning to Hanoi (B)

Wake up early to listen to breeze bird songs, lift your mind and body in Avana Retreat's well-equipped gym. The stunning view of the tropical jungle will provide fitness enthusiasts with an unforgettable workout experience.

After breakfast, free at your leisure until check-out time. We will then take you back to Hanoi.

Optional tour with surcharge:

After breakfast, check out and head out to the water and soak into the scenic mountain vistas in our top-notch kayaks. Departing from a quiet, small local wharf, row your boat into the heart of Ba Khan Lake. Like a glazing mirror in the midst of nature, the surreal scenery here is too beautiful to be true. Stop the muscle work, wind back, let the senses take in, and feel the presence of nature in every heartbeat. The feeling of freedom is a worthy reward after 120 minutes of rowing. Have lunch in the locals’ house and admire the idyllic lake view. Travel back to Hanoi afterward.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 10: Explore Hanoi like locals (B/L/D)

Drive from hotel through the historical Ba Dinh Square, where president Ho Chi Minh proclaimed the independence of Vietnam in 1945 and find out outstanding architecture, beautiful atmosphere around this square. Then reach to Lenin Garden, a communal space for locals. This also offers a perfect opportunity for people-watching, to get a better idea of the daily activities of the locals. After that, we make our way through a small alley of Hanoi, where sewing shops have been in family hands for generations and admire the daily life of local people who still practice old an old way of life in the alleys of Hanoi. Do not forget to bring your camera along to capture the unique experience.

Continue walk to visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university built in the late 11th century and explore its role in the country’s past. And enjoy your lunch at local restaurant before make a stroll around the charming Hanoi old quarter to explore the fascinating maze of back streets. Visit a Hanoi’s artisan for a private water puppet performance, where you have the rare chance to play with the puppets and make them dance.

Last but not less, visit the local market with a crowd of vendors' stores displaying all sorts of colorful groceries and foodstuffs. There is a good deal of chances for great photos with vibrant colors from a vegetable shop or a butcher's store. If you are keen to see some exotic stuffs, you will find a corner with kicking frogs, eels, silkworms and so forth and so on. Feel the energy in the air with the excitement from the locals, who are working on the ingredients for their upcoming meals at home.  Drive back to hotel.

In the evening, you will be taken to a traditional family of Hanoi with three generations in the house. All family members will greet you like friends who come from afar. You and the members of the home will be the protagonists of the dinner. You can ask the hosts anything about life, culture, habits, … so that you can see the difference between Vietnam and your country. In Vietnam, a family meal has always been an intangible string to connect family members, a time to talk to create the bond among generations. A shared meal is a vivid illustration of affection among family members. During the meal, the elderly teaches the younger customs, table manners and traditional values. The children show their caring and respect of the elderly through preparing meals and expressing etiquettes. The meal is simple, but it implies a profound love. Vietnam is famous for its long-standing history; Vietnamese also have a very dissimilar eating style. There are some features in Vietnamese way of eating. A true experience to stay and live like Hanoian with fond memories will go back when you are home away from home.

Day 11: A captivating night on a meticulously crafted cruise amidst the enchanting Tonkin Gulf. (B/L/D)

Depart from Hanoi for a 2.5-hours’ drive to Halong bay. Arrive at noon, and be greeted with a warm welcome and special tea at the Heritage Cruise’s lounge. Then it’s time to climb aboard the Cruise and check in; enjoy a welcome drink as you receive a cruise briefing and safety instructions. Sail onwards towards a natural frontier Haiphong. This secret hideaway has beaches, caves and coves, plus the spectacular natural beauty of 400 islands. You can try kayaking or simply swim in the clear waters of the bay. After your aquatic activities, return to the Heritage Cruise and enjoy the luxuries on offer onboard or just relax in your suite, watching the sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin with cocktail in hand. Activities available include an afternoon tea and the chef will also lead a Vietnamese cookery class. A delectable dining experience to remember will be served on board; Savor the finely prepared local cuisine in an intimate and romantic setting. Bask in the radiant evening views of the bay at the bar on top deck. You will also have the chance to go squid fishing or watch a movie in the restaurant. The bars are open until late.

Overnight on Halong Cruise

Day 12: Cruising and travel back to Hanoi for departure (B/L)

Start the day with a session of Vovinam on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Then take a bamboo boat out to explore the Dark and Bright Cave. Return to the ship for checkout. Enjoy a brunch while cruising back, arrive at Tuan Chau harbor and relax at our lounge while your transportation arrives. Drive back to Hanoi for your onward flight.

Services Included

• Accommodation in 4-star luxury hotels or 5-star prestige hotels according to the selected option, where available.
• Premium boutique lodges, eco-retreats or luxury hideaways in Sapa, Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le and Mai Chau according to the selected package and local availability.
• Accommodation at Topas Riverside Lodge, Laxsik Ecolodge, Le Champ Tu Le Resort Hot Spring & Spa, Avana Retreat or equivalent category according to availability and selected package.
• One overnight cruise in Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay in a private cabin, with cruise category depending on the selected package.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver for all transfers and sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.
• English-speaking local guide during sightseeing days and trekking sections as mentioned in the program.
• Airport transfers in Hanoi according to the itinerary.
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary: breakfasts, lunches and dinners as specified.
• Entrance fees for all sightseeing places mentioned in the program.
• Hanoi arrival transfer and cultural discovery according to the confirmed itinerary.
• Sapa and Nam Cang experience including Tay and Red Dzao villages, local storytelling, traditional stilt houses, herbal bath culture, embroidery, paper making and village walks according to the program.
• Muong Hoa Valley trekking experience including ancient rock field, rattan bridge, waterfall, Giang Ta Chai, Ta Van, Lao Chai, batik class and ethnic minority encounters.
• Mu Cang Chai and Tu Le experience including La Pan Tan rice terraces, Khau Pha Pass, Khau Than village trekking, hot mineral spring experience and local cultural visits according to the itinerary.
• Mai Chau / Avana Retreat stay including wellness time, nature walks, meditation, yoga or retreat-based experiences according to availability and selected package.
• Hanoi local experience including historical Ba Dinh Square, small alleys, Temple of Literature, Old Quarter, local market, private water puppet experience and home-hosted dinner according to the program.
• Halong Bay luxury cruise with meals on board, private cabin, kayaking, swimming, bamboo boat activity, Dark and Bright Cave, cooking class, sunset views or onboard activities according to the cruise program.
• Bottled water during private road transfers.
• Local taxes and service charges for included ground arrangements.
• 24/7 local support during the trip.

Services Not Included

• International flights to and from Vietnam.
• Domestic flights, if requested in a customized version of the itinerary.
• Vietnam visa stamping fee or e-visa fee, if applicable.
• Personal travel insurance, including medical, cancellation, baggage and trekking activity coverage.
• Drinks, minibar, laundry, spa treatments, wellness treatments and personal expenses.
• Meals not clearly mentioned in the itinerary.
• Single room supplement.
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels unless specifically included.
• Hotel room upgrades, suites, private villas, premium retreat villas or luxury cruise upgrades if requested.
• Optional Ba Khan kayaking, private wellness program, spa package, additional yoga session, private meditation class or special cultural performance unless clearly included in the confirmed program.
• Private photographer, private dining experience, birthday or anniversary setup if requested.
• Tips for guides, drivers, cruise crew, porters and local service staff.
• High-season, Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year or public holiday supplements, if applicable.
• Additional costs caused by weather, road conditions, cruise operation changes, local supplier changes or force majeure events.
• Any service not clearly listed under “Services Included”.