The Wild Soul of Vietnam – 13 Days

Xin chào Vietnam! Welcome upon arrival by a local tour guide and driver, and then we transfer to the hotel to relax. For the remaining time, you can relax or take a walk around Hanoi's Old Quarter and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of a sleepless night in the capital of Vietnam.

Today, we will venture out to explore Hanoi. First up, we will drive to the Museum of Ethnology, which is widely acknowledged as the best in the country and has an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam's 54 Ethnic minority peoples. Then, we will visit the Temple of Literature, which was originally built as a temple to Confucius, and the infamous Hoa Lo Prison Museum. Hoa Lo is also known as the ‘’Hanoi Hilton’’ and was where former US presidential candidate John McCain was incarcerated for over 5 years.

Then, we will have a short time at Phung Hung Street. The train will run through this area while we enjoy our coffee here. Then, we move to the Ngoc Son Temple in Hoan Kiem Lake to visit one of the most famous temples in Hanoi. Later this afternoon, we will enjoy a 1-hour cyclo tour of the French-inspired "Old Quarter". We will be free to shop in the Old Quarter, ranging from markets through to designer boutique stores to amazing contemporary art galleries. After the tour, we sit down to enjoy a performance of the city’s famous Water Puppets. The tour will finish at the hotel.

After breakfast, depart Hanoi by private car for Cao Bang, a spectacular mountainous province in northeastern Vietnam. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, passing through rolling hills, rural villages and increasingly dramatic limestone landscapes.

Upon arrival in Cao Bang, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Take some time to rest and prepare for the scenic mountain journey ahead.

After breakfast, leave Cao Bang and venture deeper into the mountainous countryside. Visit Phuc Sen Village, a traditional Nung community well known for its generations-old blacksmithing craft. Continue through the winding Ma Phuc Pass, one of the most scenic mountain passes in the region, offering panoramic views over valleys and limestone peaks.

Continue to Angel Eye Mountain, known for its distinctive natural opening through the limestone massif. From here, travel towards Phong Nam Valley, a beautiful rural area surrounded by karst mountains, rice fields and traditional villages.

Continue to Khuoi Ky Village, a traditional Tay ethnic village famous for its unique stone houses. Check in to your local homestay and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this remote mountain community.

After breakfast, visit Nguom Ngao Cave, one of the most impressive caves in the Cao Bang region. Explore its spectacular interior, where thousands of years of natural erosion have created striking stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes and formations.

Continue to Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural landmarks, located along the border between Vietnam and China. Take time to admire the impressive cascade surrounded by limestone mountains and lush countryside. If conditions permit, enjoy a bamboo raft ride for a closer view of the waterfall.

Afterward, check in to your accommodation near Ban Gioc and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

After breakfast, continue exploring the beautiful countryside around Ban Gioc. Depending on local conditions and your interests, visit Ngoc Con Valley or Phong Nam Valley, both known for their spectacular karst landscapes, rice fields, streams and peaceful ethnic villages.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the countryside, meeting local communities and experiencing the slower pace of rural life. After the exploration, begin the journey back to Cao Bang.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

After breakfast, depart Cao Bang for Ha Long Bay. The journey takes approximately 6–7 hours, taking you from the remote mountains of northeastern Vietnam towards the coast.

Upon arrival in Ha Long, check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the coastal surroundings, preparing for your exploration of the spectacular limestone islands and emerald waters of Ha Long Bay.

*Notes: Pass Hanoi, and our guide will stay overnight in Hanoi

12:00 Check-In

Warmly welcomed by Signature Team at Halong International Cruise Port. Complete the luggage check-in procedure at the waiting lounge before boarding the cruise.

12:45 Embarkation

Transferred to the Signature cruise where the cruise manager and the entire crew member warmly welcome the guests onboard. Enjoy the fresh welcome drink while receiving a safety brief and itinerary.

13:00 Lunch

Lunch is served at our cozy restaurant as the cruise departs towards Bai Tu Long Bay, a hidden gem of Ha Long Bay complex. Immerse yourself in the stunning limestone scenery.

15:00 Cong Do Exploration

The boat anchors in Cong Do area, a perfect spot for kayaking among majestic limestone islands, and swimming at pristine beaches. Guests can also unwind on the endless stretches of the white sand, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.

16:00 Leisure Time

Return to the Signature Cruise to unwind in comfort. Indulge in a relaxing massage – simply reserve in

advance with the cruise manager.

17:30 Cooking Demonstration

Take part in a hands-on Cooking Demonstration with a head chef to learn and prepare an authentic Vietnamese dish.

17:30 Happy Hour

Savor the Happy Hour with our irresistible ‘Buy 1 get 1 Free’ drink as the sun melts into a breathtaking twilight

19:00 Dinner

Enjoy a fusion set menu, the perfect comfort after a busy day.

21:00 Cheerful Evening

Evening leisure options include movies, board games in the dining room, squid fishing, and relaxing massage.

06:00 Tai-Chi Session

Begin the morning with a Tai Chi session on the sun deck, held in 30 minutes as the cruise glides toward the enchanting Thien Canh Son Cave.

06:30 Light Breakfast

A light breakfast awaits you in the restaurant

07:30 Cave Visit

Visit Thien Canh Son Cave, a wonder of two chambers cave adorned with striking stalactites and stalagmites. Conquer nearly 200 stone steps, then stroll along the white-sand beach and take in the breathtaking views of Bai Tu Long Bay.

09:00 Check-out

Return to the Signature Cruise. Take time to relax and pack up your luggage. Please leave it outside your cabin door, where our crew will collect and prepare it for you at the pier.

09:30 Brunch

Enjoy a brunch buffet in the restaurant while heading back to the cruise port

10:45 Disembarkation

The Signature crew extends a warm farewell and transfers the guests by a tender boat back to Ha Long International Cruise Port

11:30 Disembark at Ha Long International Cruise Port for the transfer to Pu Luong. The transfer will take 4 hours.

After breakfast, meet your private local trekking guide and set out on a full-day exploration of Pu Luong’s beautiful rice terraces and traditional Thai villages.

A suggested route is Don Village → Uoi Village → Lan Village → Don Village, or a similar route adjusted according to weather, trail conditions, and your interests. Follow small paths winding between rice fields, passing through lush valleys and traditional stilt-house villages while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Along the way, see traditional water wheels, local farming activities, and everyday life in the Thai communities. The trek will cover approximately 4–10 km / around 4 hours of walking, with stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and interact with local villagers.

Enjoy a local lunch during the day, either at a village house or a local restaurant, before continuing the trek and returning to your accommodation.

Today, discover a different side of Pu Luong with another full day of trekking accompanied by your private local guide.

Depending on weather and trail conditions, explore areas such as Kho Muong Valley, Ban Hieu and Ban Hieu Waterfall, following forest paths and quiet trails through the mountains. The landscape today offers a contrast to the rice terraces, with dense vegetation, limestone mountains, streams and remote villages.

Continue through traditional Thai communities and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of rural Pu Luong, far from the main tourist routes. The walk will cover approximately 6–10 km, with the exact route adjusted to your preferred pace and local conditions.

If available and worthwhile, you may also enjoy a short bamboo rafting experience on the local streams, providing a relaxing way to experience the natural surroundings.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Pu Luong before departing for Mai Chau, another beautiful mountain valley known for its Thai ethnic communities, rice fields and traditional stilt houses.

Stop in Mai Chau for a short walk through the countryside and villages, with time for local lunch or coffee depending on your preferred schedule. This provides a pleasant opportunity to experience the peaceful valley before continuing your journey.

In the afternoon, continue by private car to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. Check in to your hotel and enjoy your final evening in Vietnam at leisure.

Enjoy a relaxed and flexible final day in Hanoi, with no fixed sightseeing schedule. You can use the day to visit any places you may have missed earlier in the trip or simply enjoy the atmosphere of the city. Spend time discovering Hanoi’s local coffee culture, trying some of the city’s famous street food, browsing the shops and markets, or visiting UNIQLO and other shopping areas for some last-minute purchases. For a relaxing end to your journey, we can also recommend a good local massage or spa depending on your preferred location and style. At the appropriate time, your private driver will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport for your onward flight. Thank for choosing our vietnam vacation packages!