5-Day Northern Vietnam Hidden Trails

  • Ninh Binh
  • 0 booked
  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Language: English
  • Tour type: Adventure
  • Transport: Ferry
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
What to prepare Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date. Comfortable Footwear: Lightweight walking shoes or slip-ons are ideal for city

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5-Day Northern Vietnam Hidden Trails

Hightlight tour

Ancient city
Natural Park
Ethnic Community
  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Language: English
  • Duration: 5 Days
  • Language: English
  • Tour type: Adventure
  • Transport: Ferry
  • Accommodation: Camping

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi – Into the Green Valleys of Mai Chau

Leave the buzz of Hanoi behind and journey southwest through scenic mountain passes to Mai Chau, a tranquil valley embraced by rice fields and home to the warm-hearted White Thai ethnic group.

Midday Arrival:

  • Enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch in a local stilt house
  • Settle into a cozy eco-lodge surrounded by lush fields and peaceful village paths

Afternoon Village Cycling:

  • Pedal gently through rice paddies, thatched-roof homes, and bamboo groves
  • Meet friendly locals, learn about traditional weaving, and witness rural life up close

Overnight: Mai Chau (eco-lodge or boutique homestay)
Included: Breakfast, lunch, guided cycling, private transfer

Day 2: Mai Chau – Nature's Path to Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Take the scenic backroad into Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden gem known for its majestic terraces, jungle trails, and rich biodiversity.

Late Morning:

  • Arrive and settle into a hillside retreat with panoramic views of the valley below
  • Enjoy lunch overlooking the rice terraces

Afternoon Exploration:

  • Take a leisurely trek or walk through ethnic villages like Ban Don or Kho Muong
  • Visit a traditional waterwheel system or enjoy a short bamboo rafting experience on the Cham River

Overnight: Pu Luong (eco-lodge or nature retreat)
Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, light trek, private transfer

Day 3: Trekking the Trails of Pu Luong

Wake up to birdsong and misty mountain views before a day of active exploration and cultural immersion.

Full-Day Guided Trekking:

  • Choose a route tailored to your fitness level (4–10km)
  • Hike through cascading rice terraces, hidden valleys, and small ethnic Thai villages
  • Enjoy a local lunch in a remote village and interact with families maintaining age-old traditions

Overnight: Pu Luong
Included: Breakfast, picnic or village lunch, guided trek, dinner

Day 4: Pu Luong – Ninh Binh: Land of Karsts and Kings

Leave the mountains behind as you journey east to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land” for its otherworldly limestone cliffs rising from lush rice plains.

Midday Arrival in Ninh Binh:

  • Check into a boutique resort nestled among rice paddies or riverside cliffs
  • Enjoy lunch with a view

Afternoon Sampan Ride in Trang An or Tam Coc:

  • Glide along tranquil waterways through limestone caves and sacred temples
  • Witness scenes straight out of a fantasy novel — where nature and spirituality intertwine

Overnight: Ninh Binh
Included: Breakfast, lunch, sampan boat ride, private transfer

Day5: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Return to Hanoi

Begin your final day with a gentle exploration of Vietnam’s royal roots.

Morning Visit to Hoa Lu:

  • Walk among the temples and ruins of Vietnam’s 10th-century capital
  • Learn stories of ancient dynasties and legendary warriors

Optional Visit: Climb Mua Cave Viewpoint for a stunning panorama over rice fields and river bends (optional based on fitness and interest)

Afternoon: Return to Hanoi, arriving in the late afternoon — full of memories, photos, and a deep appreciation for Vietnam’s natural and cultural wonders.

Included: Breakfast, guided Hoa Lu visit, private transfer to Hanoi

What to prepare

  1. Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date.
  2. Comfortable Footwear: Lightweight walking shoes or slip-ons are ideal for city tours and temple visits.
  3. Basic Medication: Carry your essentials, including motion sickness tablets, insect repellent, and any personal prescriptions.
  4. Cash & Cards: Bring USD/EUR and an international bank card (Visa/Mastercard). Some rural areas may not accept cards.
  5. Luggage: Use a soft suitcase or duffel and a daypack for excursions. Space may be limited on boats or local vehicles.

 


 

Additional Information

Important Notes:
If you have any specific food requirement (vegetarian, vegan, food allergies, etc.) please inform us in advance, we will provide notices to our restaurants, tour guides and partners so they would be able to serve you the best.


 

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations will be charged as follows:

  • 60 days prior to arrival date: No cancellation charge. We Guarantee 100% Money Back.
    (Except for airline tickets are non-refundable)
  • 59 – 30 days prior to arrival date: 10% cancellation charge.
  • 29 – 15 days prior to arrival date: 20%
  • 14 – 8 days prior to arrival date: 50%
  • 7 days prior to arrival date: 100 %
  • No show: 100%
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Visa requirements depend on your nationality and stay duration. Many visitors can enter visa-free for 15-30 days, while others require an e-visa (applied online) or visa-on-arrival. Check official guidelines or contact us for personalized assistance.

  • Vietnam’s climate varies by region: North (Hanoi, Sapa): Sep–Nov (cool) & Mar–Apr (dry). Central (Hue, Hoi An): Feb–May (avoid Oct–Nov typhoons). South (Ho Chi Minh, Mekong): Dec–Apr (dry season). We tailor trips year-round—just ask!

  • Major cities accept cards, but cash (VND) is king for markets/street food. ATMs are widespread. Our tours clarify what’s included to avoid surprises.

  • Absolutely! Vietnamese cuisine offers fresh options. Notify us when booking—we’ll guide restaurants and cooks.

  • Yes! We specialize in bespoke trips—whether adventure, culture, or relaxation. Tell us your dream, and we’ll design it.

Map

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