11-Day Northern Vietnam Tour: Hanoi, Mai Chau, Pu Luong & Ninh Binh at an easy pace
Culture, history and local life in the mountains of the North, balanced with slow afternoons in locally owned hotels with a view. Planned for a couple in their fifties.
Is this trip right for you?
The key facts, before you read the days.
on arrival
- HNHanoi2 nights
- MCMai Chau2 nights
- PLPu Luong2 nights
cooking class - NBNinh Binh2 nights
- HNHanoi2 nights
on day 11
Suits couples & active seniors
Also works for families with teens or grandparents who enjoy gentle walks. We adjust rooms, car and pace to your group.
No steep climbs. The 1,000-step Hang Chieu and 500-step Hang Mua are free time instead. The Kho Muong village walk is easy, with a car and motorbike taxis on hand.
Guided highlights, easy free time
The two longer drives have a coffee and photo stop, and day 10 is a full free day in Hanoi.
A local guide in every region
Private English-speaking guides in Hanoi, Mai Chau, Pu Luong and Ninh Binh.
We can bring back the Hang Chieu or Hang Mua climbs, add Ha Long Bay, or swap any hotel, on request.
Day-by-day itinerary
11 days, 4 regions. Guided mornings, slow afternoons. Tap any day for times and tips.
Hanoi
Days 1–22 nights · Heritage Ham Long Hotel & Spa, Balcony DeluxeDay1
Noi Bai Airport → Old QuarterOld Quarter & street food
Private airport pick-up, then an afternoon walk through the Old Quarter with tastings along the way.
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Old Quarter & street food
Private airport pick-up, then an afternoon walk through the Old Quarter with tastings along the way.
- Private airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel in the Old Quarter.Private car~45 min
- Phung Hung Mural Street & O Quan Chuong Gate, the last surviving gate of the old Thang Long Citadel.
- Heritage House at 87 Ma May, a classic merchant tube-house (closes at 5 PM), then quiet residential alleys and local markets.
- The Huc Bridge, Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake and St. Joseph's Cathedral.
- Street food tasting: bun cha, banh cuon, grilled skewers, fruit with crushed ice and Hanoi's famous egg coffee.
Easy paceMost of the walk is flat, and the car can meet you at any point if you'd like to skip a stretch.
Day2
Ba Dinh · Temple of Literature · MuseumHeritage & the peoples of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh Complex, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology, rest time, then a traditional show.
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Heritage & the peoples of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh Complex, the Temple of Literature, the Museum of Ethnology, rest time, then a traditional show.
- Ho Chi Minh Complex & One Pillar Pagoda, early before the crowds, with a stroll through the Presidential Palace gardens.
- Coffee break under the trees on Phan Dinh Phung Street.
- Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university: quiet courtyards and turtle steles.
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology: air-conditioned galleries on the 54 ethnic groups, then the Thai stilt houses in the garden, a perfect introduction to Mai Chau and Pu Luong.
- Two hours of downtime at your hotel.
- Traditional show, your choice:Water puppet show with live orchestraIntimate Ca Tru chamber music in an Old Quarter heritage house
Mai Chau
Days 3–42 nights · Mai Chau Ecolodge, Romance Deluxe Pool ViewDay3
Hanoi → Thung Khe Pass → Mai ChauInto the Thai valleys
A scenic drive over Thung Khe Pass, a free afternoon among the rice fields, then a Thai dinner and folk dance.
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Into the Thai valleys
A scenic drive over Thung Khe Pass, a free afternoon among the rice fields, then a Thai dinner and folk dance.
- Private drive to Mai Chau on the scenic route into the Northwest.Kia Carnival~3.5 h, with a pass stop
- Thung Khe Pass (White Stone Pass): sweeping views over the valley.
- Check in at Mai Chau Ecolodge and lunch at your own pace.
- Free time: a gentle stroll on the flat paths through Na Phon village, or simply the pool and the view.
- Traditional Thai dinner with bamboo rice and grilled skewers, a White Thai folk dance show, and ruou can rice wine through bamboo straws.
Day4
Na Phon · Nhot village · Sunday marketVillages by bike & the Sunday market
A gentle guided bike ride through the villages, including the local Sunday market, then a brocade weaving workshop.
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Villages by bike & the Sunday market
A gentle guided bike ride through the villages, including the local Sunday market, then a brocade weaving workshop.
- Village bike tour with your guide on quiet, flat lanes through Na Phon and Nhot villages, past stilt houses and rice paddies.Easy, flat cyclingat your pace
- Mai Chau Sunday market: Thai and Muong villagers trading produce, herbs and handicrafts. A lively, very local morning.
- Local lunch recommended by your guide (own expense).
- Brocade weaving workshop with Thai women: natural dyes, the loom, and a small piece to weave yourself.
- Free time back at the lodge.
What changedWe removed the 1,000-step Hang Chieu cave hike and built the morning around the bike ride and the market instead.
Pu Luong
Days 5–62 nights · Hanasa Pu Luong Resort, Premium Suite with private poolDay5
Mai Chau → Pu LuongOver the passes to Pu Luong
A free morning in Mai Chau, a short scenic drive to Pu Luong, then an easy sunset walk through Don Village.
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Over the passes to Pu Luong
A free morning in Mai Chau, a short scenic drive to Pu Luong, then an easy sunset walk through Don Village.
- Free time: coffee among the rice fields or the Mai Chau town market.
- Scenic drive to Pu Luong through forested mountain passes.Kia Carnival~1.5 h
- Check in at Hanasa Pu Luong Resort and rest.
- Don Village sunset walk, an easy late-afternoon stroll between terraced rice fields and Black Thai stilt houses.
Day6
Kho Muong · Pu LuongKho Muong valley & a cooking class
An easy morning walk through a hidden Black Thai village, a slow afternoon at the resort, then a hands-on cooking class and dinner.
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Kho Muong valley & a cooking class
An easy morning walk through a hidden Black Thai village, a slow afternoon at the resort, then a hands-on cooking class and dinner.
- Kho Muong village walk with your guide: the car takes you to the trailhead, then local motorbike taxis ride down into the secluded valley (or walk down, if you prefer). Stroll through the quiet Black Thai village and its rice fields.Optional: a look inside Kho Muong bat cave, a grand limestone cave near the village
- Lunch at a rustic homestay in Kho Muong or back at the resort (own expense).
- Free time at Hanasa: your private pool, a herbal foot bath, or a nap with a view.
- Hands-on cooking class with a local chef: mountain herbs, bamboo-grilled pork, banana flower salad.
- Dinner of the dishes you just made.
Easy on the legsThe car and motorbike taxis do the climbing, so the walk itself is short and gentle. Your guide adjusts the route to your pace.
Ninh Binh
Days 7–82 nights · Emeralda Resort Tam Coc, River View DeluxeDay7
Pu Luong → Ninh BinhA slow morning, then to Tam Coc
A free morning in Pu Luong, lunch with a view, then the drive to Emeralda Resort in Tam Coc.
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A slow morning, then to Tam Coc
A free morning in Pu Luong, lunch with a view, then the drive to Emeralda Resort in Tam Coc.
- Free time at the resort: sleep in, swim, pack at your own pace.
- Lunch at the resort or a local restaurant with valley views (own expense).
- Drive to Ninh Binh, with a coffee stop on the way.Kia Carnival~3.5 h
- Check in at Emeralda Resort Tam Coc: pool, spa, and dinner wherever you like.
What changedThe bamboo raft ride has been removed, so the morning is completely free.
Day8
Bai Dinh · Hoa LuPagodas & the ancient capital
Bai Dinh Pagoda by electric car, lunch, then Hoa Lu, Vietnam's 10th-century capital. Free late afternoon.
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Pagodas & the ancient capital
Bai Dinh Pagoda by electric car, lunch, then Hoa Lu, Vietnam's 10th-century capital. Free late afternoon.
- Bai Dinh Pagoda: an electric car into the complex, the 500 Arhat corridor and the great bronze Buddhas.Optional: the 1,000-year-old Ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda set in a mountain cave (some steps)
- Lunch with Ninh Binh specialities (own expense).
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
- Free time at Emeralda: pool, spa or a bike ride around Tam Coc.
What changedWe dropped the 500-step Hang Mua climb. The late afternoon is yours to relax at the resort.
Hanoi
Days 9–112 nights · La Siesta Premium Lakeside, Deluxe RoomDay9
Trang An → HanoiTrang An by sampan
An early hand-rowed sampan through Trang An's caves and karsts, a gentle ride through the countryside, then back to Hanoi.
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Trang An by sampan
An early hand-rowed sampan through Trang An's caves and karsts, a gentle ride through the countryside, then back to Hanoi.
- Trang An sampan tour before the crowds: 2.5 hours through emerald water, limestone cliffs and caves, all seated.
- Countryside cycling on quiet paths past lotus ponds and duck farms.
- Farewell lunch in Ninh Binh (own expense) and check-out.
- Drive back to Hanoi on the expressway.Kia Carnival~2 h
- Check in at La Siesta Premium Lakeside, steps from Hoan Kiem Lake. Free time: we suggest a 90-minute herbal spa and foot bath.
Day10
HanoiLive like a Hanoian
A full free day: pho and the lake in the morning, street cafés, boutique shopping, and a bia hoi in the evening.
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Live like a Hanoian
A full free day: pho and the lake in the morning, street cafés, boutique shopping, and a bia hoi in the evening.
- Pho breakfast and a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake while locals do their morning exercise.
- Coffee under the trees on Phan Dinh Phung or Ly Quoc Su Street.
- Boutique shopping: lotus tea, O Mai dried fruit, silk and crafts.Or add: Fine Arts Museum, Bat Trang ceramics, Duong Lam village or a lotus tea ceremony
- Hidden bars or sidewalk bia hoi as the city lights up.
Guide on requestThis day has no guide by default. Ask us if you'd like one for any of the options.
Day11
Hanoi → Noi Bai AirportFarewell Hanoi
Breakfast, then a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Farewell Hanoi
Breakfast, then a private transfer to the airport for your flight home.
- Check out from La Siesta and private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).Private car~45 min
Want a climb back in, Ha Long Bay, or a different hotel? This is a starting point. Every day can change.
Customize this tripWhere you'll stay
Locally owned 4–5★ hotels with a calm, chill vibe and a view. No big international chains. Two nights each, with breakfast.
Heritage Ham Long Hotel & Spa
- Near the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake
- Room with a balcony
- In-house spa
Mai Chau Ecolodge
- Set among the rice fields
- Pool with valley views
- Bikes and walks from the door
Hanasa Pu Luong Resort
- Your own private pool
- Views over the terraces
- Quiet, deep in the reserve
Emeralda Resort Tam Coc
- River views over the Ngo Dong in Tam Coc
- Large pool and spa
- Close to Trang An and Hoa Lu
La Siesta Premium Lakeside
- Steps from Hoan Kiem Lake
- Vietnamese-owned boutique hotel
- Spa for the last evening
Transfers
All private, door to door. The two longer drives include a coffee and photo stop.
Kia Carnival, just for you
Hand-rowed sampan
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Day 1
Noi Bai Airport → HanoiPrivate car
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Day 3
Hanoi → Mai ChauKia Carnival · via Thung Khe Pass
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Day 5
Mai Chau → Pu LuongKia Carnival
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Day 7
Pu Luong → Ninh BinhKia Carnival
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Day 9
Ninh Binh → HanoiKia Carnival · expressway
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Day 11
Hanoi → Noi Bai AirportPrivate car
What's included & price
One total price for the two of you, with no separate tour prices to add up.
Included
- 10 hotel nights (double) with daily breakfast
- Private car or Kia Carnival with driver for every transfer and tour
- Private English-speaking local guide in each region
- All entrance fees, the Trang An sampan, bike tour, weaving workshop and Kho Muong motorbike taxis
- 2 dinners: Thai dinner & folk show in Mai Chau, cooking class in Pu Luong
- Water in the car and basic travel insurance
- Government taxes and service charges
Not included
- International flights and visa fees
- Other lunches and dinners (your guide helps you order)
- Drinks, spa, laundry and shopping
- Tips for guides and drivers (optional)
- Comprehensive international medical insurance
Private tour and all 10 hotel nights for 2 travellers, late September 2026. Your quote depends on your dates and hotel choices.
Customize this journey your way
This itinerary is our starting point. Change the nights, skip or add a region, bring the hikes back or add Ha Long Bay. A local lead replies within 24 hours with your tailored plan and quote, for free.
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