Uncovering Northern Vietnam Counter Culture 10 Days Sapa Trekking, Pu Luong Nature, Ethnic Markets & Halong Bay Cruise

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL – WELCOME DINNER (Dinner)

Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for your driver who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the Luxury Vietnam Travel  signboard with your name on it, if you cannot locate your driver, please go to the Airport information counter situated in the middle of Domestic and International arrival lobby (inside the terminal) and call the emergency numbers for assistance. Your driver will come to meet you up and transfer you to hotel for check in and free at leisure until welcome dinner.

Overnight in Hanoi

DAY 2: EXPLORE HANOI’S HIDDEN CULTURE (B/L)

In the morning, you will go to Chuong Conical Hat Village. It is well-known for its special product conical hat called “Non”, which has given a discreet charm to Vietnamese women across many generations rich and poor, big cities and rural areas. In visitors’ mind, the hat has become a unique feature of Vietnamese culture and is well-sought after. Chuong Village’s conical hats are strong, beautiful and once can be found at every corner of the country as the favorite head wear that shelter from the sun and the rain. Then move to Quang Phu Cau village, it is famous for its century-old craft of making incense. Visiting this village is an opportunity for you to learn about the traditional craft of making incense sticks and take lots of unique check-in photos. Right from the first steps to the incense village, you have encountered the busy life of the people here. The incense in Quang Phu Cau is yellow and red – the lucky color of the East, so it is very beautiful and outstanding. Therefore, this village for many years has been a place for domestic and foreign photographers to take pictures. Transfer back to Hanoi for lunch.

After lunch, visit one of the oldest sights in Hanoi - the Temple of Literature, a rare example of well-preserved traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 by emperor Ly Thanh Tong, the temple is dedicated to Confucius (Khong Tu) and honors Vietnam’s finest scholars and men of literary accomplishment. It became Vietnam’s first university in 1076.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: AN IMMERSIVE CULTURE AND NATURE EXPERIENCE (B, L)

Depart Hanoi and embark on a 4-hour drive towards heading to Mai Chau. The amazing drive through a spectacular mountain range. The typical houses you see here are house on stilt with elevated 10–12 feet off the ground. Because to avoid water damage and shelter animals from the elements. The spectacular views of the mountains and stunning valleys will make our journey today worthwhile. En route you will stop to visit Mai Chau market, it’s a great chance to take plenty of great photos of the spectacular mountains and green valley.

Upon arrival you check into the hotel

Then start to discover shimmering plains in the north of Mai Chau with this fabulous boating tour. Transfer to the village of Suoi Lon and a mild hike through its undulating outskirts. your reward is the spectacular waterfall of Go Lao, a pristine cascade of silver water where the adventurous can take a dip. Boat trip finishes with an hour-long boat cruise across the beauty-flanked HoaBinh Lake, where the humble routines of fishermen at their fishing farms is evident for all to see.

Overnight in Mai Chau

DAY 4: A STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL PULUONG NATURE RESERVE (B/L/D)

Pick up from your hotel in Mai Chau then on the way to the nature reserve, we stopped off at a chopstick factory. The tour is very brief, but offers a detailed insight into the creation process, highlighting techniques handed down from generation to generation. The residents of Pu Luong, keen to preserve their environment, have identified bamboo as an ideal resource for the manufacture of chopsticks, combining lightness, durability and respect for the environment. Continue drive to Bang village. From there, you take 2 hours trek (if you can’t make it, you can ask the tour guide from the beginning for shorter trekking route) to Bam village, then take a short drive to Don village, Pu Luong, which is the focal point that most of travelers to Pu Luong.

Overnight in Pu Luong

DAY 5: DISCOVER TRADITIONAL WOODEN WATER WHEELS – NINH BINH (B)

After breakfast, transfer to explore the beautiful countryside surrounding the Bamboo Bridge. This unique landmark spans the Ma River and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Take some time to admire the bridge, which is rebuilt every year using traditional techniques and materials. Afterward, you will walk to visit a traditional local house nestled in the picturesque countryside of Vietnam, offering you a deeper understanding of the rich culture and history of the region. Next, head to Chieng Lau Village to witness the traditional way of farming and see the ancient waterwheels at work. These machines are used to irrigate the rice paddies in the area and are powered by the natural flow of water from the Cham River. Aside from visiting the waterwheels, you can also take a walk around the area and explore the peaceful countryside. The stunning scenery with terraced rice fields and limestone mountains is a great time to enjoy. Then move to Lan Village, a famous silk village in Vietnam and the home of the Thai ethnic group. Visit a local silk-weaving household and witness the process of making traditional Thai silk from cocoon to finished product. Discover how silk is dyed, woven, and transformed into beautiful scarves, bags, and textiles.

Then drive to Ninh Binh, it is a spectacular landscape of limestone karts peaks permeated with valleys, some of which are submerged, and surrounded by vertical cliffs.

Overnight in Ninh Binh

DAY 6: AN UNFORGETABLE BLEND OF DRAMATIC LIMESTONE KARSTS (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Tamcoc and keep riding to board the small rowing boat to explore the incredible scenery of Tam Coc - a beautiful natural setting boasts endless rice paddies surrounded by towering limestone karst mountains. The boat floats through the fields and three natural caves - a precious chance to capture the breath-taking scenery and enjoy watching the water-plants underneath. Continue visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to discover the culture and architecture through 2 dynasties: Dinh and Le. Visit 2 shrines built to honor the kings, also known as the most remarkable relics. Important antiques include dragon-shaped thrones made of stone, wooden statues of Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Dai Hanh, Duong Van Nga and 2 princes at that time. The temple worshipping Dinh Tien Hoang is considered as the most beautiful one as the setting is a complex of paths, gardens and lotus pond.

Then, continue your journey to Địa Tạng Phi Lai Tự, a sacred pagoda dating back to the 10th century, nestled in a breathtaking feng shui setting. Built against the backdrop of a mountain symbolizing a golden throne, the pagoda is flanked by the Azure Dragon to the left and the White Tiger to the right — powerful symbols of protection and harmony in Eastern philosophy.

After a day full of exploration and flavors, relax at the Hanoi station before your overnight train journey, ready for the next adventure in Vietnam.

Overnight on train

DAY 7: ETHNIC MINORITY MARKET – A CULTURE MOSAIC OF NORTHERN VIETNAM (B)

Arrival Laocai station in early morning, transfer to an ethnic market which only takes place once every week to explore and enjoy the beauty of nature and local ethnic minorities' people cultures. Witness how ethnic people enjoy their lives and dress up in their traditional costumes. Besides normal goods traded in any other market, each mountainous market has its own typical products for sale. Transfer to Sapa

(Tue: Coc Ly market; Wed: Cao Son/Sincheng market; Thu: Lung Khau Nhin market; Sat: Can Cau market, Pha Long market, Sun: Bac Ha market, Muong Hum market, Muong Khuong market, Binh Lu market, Tam Duong market)

Overnight in Sapa

DAY 8: A CULTURAL JOURNEY THROUGH THE VALEYS OF SAPA’S VILLAGES(B)

You will start by a short driving south toward Muong Hoa valley which is the largest rice paddy terraced among Sapa area. The trek commences from Ta Van village of Black H’mong & Day people. on the way you will learn more about the rice cultivation by very traditional methods, from when the seed sowed to harvested, until being served as cooked rice on your table. The trip offers an opportunity to meet Black Hmong, Giay and Red Dao minorities as well as explore their different cultures.

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.

Continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao and Black Mong ethnic minority village. Take a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh

After a short time for discovery the rock field, you follow a dirt trail going uphill to rattan bridge. Then Take the rest before transfer to Laocai station get on night train to Hanoi.

Overnight on train.

DAY 9: SAIL INTO THE WORLD’S MOST BREATHTALKING SEASCAPES (B/L/D)

Arriving in Hanoi around 5.30am, you will check in a day-use hotel that is located nearby Hanoi railway station to freshen up and have breakfast. (day-use hotel include in tour price).

You will be picked you up at your day-use hotel for departing for Halong Bay, arriving at the jetty around noon. Once the cruise set sails, your lunch will be served at the restaurant on the main deck. Enjoy delicious Vietnamese foods while admiring the grace of the bay. The cruises vessel then approaches Cave – a spectacular destination with plenty of historical and archaeological values about Ha Long Culture from 10,000 years ago. You will be charmed by the magnificent complex structure with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and the most diverse ecological system in Halong Bay. And then, you will have free time for guests to paddle on colorful kayaks to explore the stunning landscape of Halong Bay. Back to the cruise, attend the afternoon tea with music on Sundeck and join in the cooking demonstration and try your skills in the art of traditional Vietnamese cooking in a truly stunning setting. Enjoy your dinner as you experience the charm of Halong Bay at night.

Overnight on-board.

DAY 10: A TIMELESS CRAFT IN VIETNAM’S HEARTLAND – DEPARTURE (B)

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. Then return to the ship for checkout. Enjoy a brunch while cruising back, arriving at harbors and transportation arrives Thu Sy commune in Hung Yen province, housing a renowned bamboo fish trap crafting village with a nearly two-century-old legacy. Visit an artist house, learn how to creating fish traps in Thu Sy involves meticulous craftsmanship and the use of natural materials. The primary material is bamboo, which is split into thin strips and then woven into the shape of a trap. The process requires precision and skill to ensure that the traps are effective and durable. These traps are used by local fishermen and are also sold as decorative items or souvenirs, reflecting the village’s rich cultural heritage. This serene locale showcases quaint traditional dwellings and scenic panoramas that have charmed countless photographers.

Drive back to Hanoi airport for your onward flight to your home.

Services Included

• Accommodation in 4-star luxury hotels or 5-star prestige hotels according to the selected option, where available.
• Best available boutique lodges, eco-retreats or premium local stays in Sapa and Pu Luong according to the selected package and local availability.
• 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 cultural discovery including Old Quarter, local markets, heritage streets, local food or cultural experiences according to the final itinerary.
• Sapa trekking experience including mountain valleys, rice terraces, ethnic minority villages and local cultural encounters according to the program.
• Ethnic minority market visit such as Bac Ha, Coc Ly, Can Cau or a suitable local market depending on travel date and final routing.
• Pu Luong Nature Reserve experience including rice terraces, Thai and Muong villages, bamboo waterwheels, village walks and nature immersion according to the itinerary.
• Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay cruise with meals on board, limestone island scenery, kayaking, swimming, cave visit, bamboo boat activity or onboard experiences according to the cruise program.
• Private boat trip, local sampan or bamboo rafting activity where mentioned in the confirmed 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.
• 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 eco-lodges or luxury train cabin upgrades if requested.
• Optional activities not mentioned in the confirmed program.
• Private photographer, special cultural performance, private cooking class or upgraded trekking specialist 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, train schedule changes, cruise operation changes, market-day changes or force majeure events.
• Any service not clearly listed under “Services Included”.