Hanoi and Beyond – A Journey Through Culture and Nature

This itinerary provides a balanced mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and local insights. You'll have the opportunity to explore Hanoi's rich history and heritage, immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh, and discover the diverse ecosystems of Cuc Phuong National Park.

Day 1: ARRIVAL INTO HANOI NOI BAI AIRPORT

Meet you outside of the arrivals hall and private transfer to Hanoi city, which takes around 45 minutes.

Your guide will be with you for this transfer.

Meals included: None

Day 2: HANOI CITY DISCOVERY

This day will take in the highlight sites and sights including: Streets of the Old Quarter, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, One-pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature.

Originally the streets of the Old Quarter teemed with many artisans manufacturing and selling their wares. The street names nowadays still reflect these specializations. We will explore this dynamic view of everyday street life on foot in the morning light - it is a photographer’s paradise... all kinds of portraiture, architecture and people at work - along with many street sellers and their wares.

The Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh is located in the centre of Ba Dinh Square, which is the place where Ho read the Declaration of Independence on September 2, 1945, establishing the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh's body is preserved in the cooled, central hall of the mausoleum, which is protected by a military honour guard. (inside mausoleum open Tue – Thur only). We continue to stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the mausoleum which have nearly 250 different species of plants and flowers, all from different regions of Vietnam. Also visit the simple 'stilt house' which Ho lived in and the unique 'One-Pillar Pagoda'.

The Temple of Literature was first constructed in 1070 and is dedicated to Confucius, sages and scholars. Also here is The Imperial Academy - constructed in 1076, which was the first national university of Vietnam, it has preserved its ancient
architectural style of many dynasties.

Take your seats for the Water Puppet Show at Thang Long Theatre.

Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique folk art that originated a thousand years ago during the Ly dynasty. It originated in the villages of the Red River Delta area of northern Vietnam. Today's Vietnamese water puppetry is a unique variation on the ancient Asian puppet tradition. The puppets are made out of wood and then lacquered. The shows are performed in a waist-deep pool. A large rod supports the puppet under the water and is used by the puppeteers, who are normally hidden behind a screen, to control them. Thus the puppets appear to be moving over the
water. When the rice fields would flood, the villagers would entertain each other using this form of puppet play.

With music, singing and special lighting, this is a very highly and enjoyable show for all ages.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: FROM THE CAPITAL TO THE ANCIENT CAPITAL 

This morning, we’ll drive south from the capital for a couple of hours to Ninh Binh Province. The contrast to Hanoi is remarkable.

Here in the stunning countryside is the UNESCO Natural Heritage site of the Trang An Complex. The karst tower landscape of Trang An is among the most beautiful and awe inspiring places of its kind anywhere in the world. Dominating the landscape is a spectacular array of cone shaped rock towers whose sheer vertical walls rise abruptly 200m above the surrounding land and water.

We’ll cycle through some outstanding landscapes – also known as ‘Halong Bay on Land’ passing by rice fields and small hamlets. The ride of around 2-3 km will bring us to Hoa Lu ancient capital.

From 968 till 1009, Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam before it was replaced by Thang Long in 1010. Nowadays, the ancient citadel no longer exists, but a few significant vestiges remain including 2 temples built in honour of the Dinh dynasty and one that used to rule the country during that period.

The interest of Hoa Lu lies not only in its rich history but also in its serene landscape that represents the living environment of the Red River Delta.

Leaving Hoa Lu, we’ll drive to your Ninh Binh hotel for check-in.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK 

We’ll visit Cuc Phuong National Park. This was Vietnam’s first national park – consecrated by President Ho Chi Minh in 1962. It is the country’s largest nature reserve, with tropical rain forest that covers an area of 22,2000 hectare and a buffer
zone of 6550 hectares.

The park has an amazing diversity of flora and fauna; it is counted that here there are some 97 species of mammals; 300 species of birds; 36 species of reptiles; 17 species of amphibians; 11 species of fish; 2,000 species of aquatic plants and thousands of insect species. You will be also accompanied by an expert park ranger, who will explain about the diverse species and conservation programs within the park. Many of these are listed as endangered species in Vietnam. 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: ONWARD TO HANOI CAPITAL 

At a time to suit you, we leave Ninh Binh for a couple of hours drive north to Hanoi. Check into your hotel and then you may wish to take a evening street food tour.

HANOI AFTER DARK ( Small group)
Tour Runs Nightly 6:00pm – 10:00pm
Hanoi After dark start at our stylish local Café with a cocktail and a delicious snack from one of the nearby night time vendors, before jumping on the back of the vintage Vespas.

After weaving through the magical, busy back streets of the Old Quarter, we soon arrive at a fascinating local joint, right on the railway tracks (literally!) where we try some infused rice wine and a Buffalo Jerky appetiser.

It’s back riding through the narrow streets again, as we head toward our next foodie place, a lively local restaurant serving Bun Cha. This the quintessential, must taste Ha Noi dish of rice noodles, grilled pork and meatballs, with a side of Nem (spring rolls). Simple but delicious.

We then head out of the Old Quarter and ride close by the lake toward our next venue, which is very famous in the neighbourhood! We we try the local speciality of Pho Cuon, and learn the art of wrap ‘n’ roll, Vietnamese style. with these fresh & fragrant ingredients, and the Pho noodle!

A short ride on the Vespa takes us to our final port of call, next to the superb Opera House. The halcyon days of the 1930’s may be over, however this Jazz Club will wow you with a truly unique blend of styles – 30’s style Jazz & traditional Vietnamese music!

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: DEPARTURE 

Private transfer to Hanoi Noi Bai Airport (flight details tbc).. Your guide will be with your transfer. This service marks the conclusion of your 6-day, 5-night journey.

Meals included: Breakfast

SERVICES INCLUDED

• 5 nights in good hotels with breakfast each morning
•  Bottled drinking water while on tour
•  Qualified and licensed English-speaking tour guides
• 4 Lunch in local restaurants as mentioned in the itinerary
• 1 Streetfood Dinner
• A/C private transportation with driver
• All entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
• All tolls and taxes

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• International air ticket to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax if applicable
•  Other meals where not mentioned in the program
• Personal expenses
• Travel and medical insurance
• Items not listed in the itinerary
• International air ticket to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax if applicable
• Tips for guides and drivers