Itinerary
- Day 1
Hanoi to Pu Luong
Meet up at Hanoi Opera House early in the morning, then climb aboard a bus heading to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. You'll break the drive with a stop at Luong Son where there's a local market run by the Muong ethnic minority, plus views over Thung Khe Pass that stretch out pretty far. After grabbing lunch at Pu Luong Eco Garden, you trek across terraced rice fields and walk over hanging bridges to reach Thai villages. Along the way you'll come across those large wooden waterwheels, then finish up with a bamboo raft ride down Cham Stream to wind down before dinner back at the lodge.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Pu Luong Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat), Dinner (Dinner at the lodge)
Included Activities
- Trek to Chieng Lau, Yen, Ba villages
- Visit local market of Muong Ethnic Minority
- Cross Hanging Bridges through terrace rice fields
- Visit remote rural villages of Thai Ethnic
- Learn about agriculture at giant waterwheels
- Bamboo raft cruise on Cham Stream
- Swimming in Infinity Pool
Landmarks/POIs Hanoi Opera House Thung Khe Pass Pu Luong Nature Reserve Cham Stream - Day 2
Pu Luong to Ninh Binh
Early breakfast happens at Pu Luong Eco Garden with views over the landscape. From there you trek through rice terraces and cross streams, heading toward the remote village of Kho Muong to meet locals and learn how they live. Then you check out Doi Cave, which happens to be the largest cave in the area. Back at the lodge you'll have lunch and can spend time relaxing by the Infinity pool or walking around the village. Later you board a bus to Ninh Binh and arrive in Trang An to check in, settle in, and have dinner at your lodge.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast in the lodge), Lunch (Lunch at Pu Luong Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat), Dinner (Dinner at the lodge)
Included Activities
- Trek through terrace rice fields to Kho Muong village
- Visit Kho Muong remote hidden village
- Learn about local people in Pu Luong
- Explore Doi Cave (Bat cave)
Optional Activities
- Relax in Infinity pool
- Walk around the village
Landmarks/POIs Kho Muong village Doi Cave Trang An - Day 3
Trang An
Breakfast comes first at the retreat, then you cycle through limestone karst formations to reach Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. There you visit two temples belonging to the first emperors from the 10th century, and climb up Ma Yen Mountain to see where the king was buried with panoramic scenery all around. A stop at a local family's home lets you sit down for tea and learn about how people live and their traditions. You get back for lunch and some downtime at the retreat, then head over to Trang An for a boat ride between the karst peaks before dinner and a quiet evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the Retreat), Lunch (Lunch at the Retreat), Dinner (Dinner in Trang An)
Included Activities
- Cycling through limestone karsts
- Visit 2 temples of first 2 Emperors at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- Hike Ma Yen Mountain to King's tomb
- Visit local family to discover daily life and culture
- Share tea with local family
- Boat ride in Trang An between karst peaks
Optional Activities
- Cycling to visit surroundings during free time
Landmarks/POIs Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Ma Yen Mountain King's Tomb Trang An - Day 4
Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay
Either arrange pickup from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel at 08:00 or meet at Aspira guest station by Tuan Chau Marina around 11:30. You board the tender to reach ASPIRA CRUISE for check-in with welcome drinks and a safety briefing. After setting sail, lunch happens while cruising the canals toward the bay. That afternoon includes exploring Dark and Lights Cave with kayaking or bamboo boat options, plus swimming near the ship. Later there's a sunset party and happy hour on deck where you can relax in the Jacuzzi, sunbathe, or join a cooking class. Dinner happens on board followed by choices like squid fishing, movies, or spa treatments before spending the night on the cruise.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch in luxury restaurant while enjoying the beauty of canals), Dinner (Dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Dark and Lights Cave
- Swimming near the ship
- Sunset Party and Happy Hour
- Traditional cooking class on board
- Tai Chi class (available option)
- Fitness center access
- Squid fishing
- Tea Ceremony on third floor after dinner
Optional Activities
- Massage service on board
- Watch movie on board
Landmarks/POIs Tuan Chau Marina Dark and Lights Cave Ha Long Bay - Day 5
Ha Long Bay to Hanoi
Wake early for either Tai Chi class or sunrise viewing on the top deck. Light breakfast is served in the restaurant, then you have leisure time kayaking around Lan Ha Bay, considered one of the most beautiful natural bays in Vietnam. You return to the boat and check out, then have brunch while sailing back toward port. A tender boat takes you to the pier at Tuan Chau Marina where you disembark. If you booked a return transfer service, you head back to Hanoi arriving around 15:00, or you simply say goodbye at the marina if there's no transfer arranged.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Light breakfast in the restaurant), Brunch (Brunch in restaurant while boat sails back to pier)
Included Activities
- Tai Chi class
- Sunrise viewing from top deck
- Explore Lan Ha Bay
- Kayaking around Lan Ha Bay
- Gym access with sunrise views
Landmarks/POIs Lan Ha Bay Tuan Chau Marina
