INTRODUCTION
HANOI – PULUONG – HALONG TRIP ( 6 DAYS): Hanoi, Maichau, Puluong, Ninhbinh, Halong.
The speciality: Hilltribe people, villages, valley, Pass, ricefield, limestone mountains, UNESCO sites….
ITINERARY OF HANOI – PULUONG – HALONG TRIP
Day 1. HANOI – MAICHAU ( 150 km) (L, D and Dance show)
This is the most popular tour in the north. You will depart Hanoi early morning for approximately 4 hour drive to Mai Chau located about 150 km southwest of Hanoi. Just an hour beyond Hanoi, after Hoa Binh Town, the road weaves through mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages.
We can take some stops on the way if you prefer. Arrive in the picturesque Mai Chau Valley surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and rice paddies. And have lunch, then spend the afternoon exploring the idyllic natural surroundings. Start the tour waking around 2- 4 hours through some villages in the Mai Chau Valley.
This evening , after dinner you enjoy a traditional Thai performance of music and dance. The Thai ethnic group has inhabited this area for centuries and much of their lifestyle and traditions have remained unchanged over the years.
Overnight in Mai Chau. ( can be Hotel or Homstay)
Note: We have our own car and time, we can do something if you like.
Day 2. MAICHAU – PULUONG ( 60 km) ( B, L, D)
Wake up among the peaceful and beautiful mountainous setting and enjoy breakfast.
Transfer to Puluong by road via a breathtaking mountain pass with panoramic views of the valley. Spend some free time to explore the beautiful retreat. Lunch will be served at Puluong Retreat ( or Local Restaurant).
After lunch, transfer to a suspension bridge over the Cham River and begin the walk in search of stunning water wheels. Get up close to each wheel and discover how water is moved from river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes.
Arrive at a local fisherman’s house and take a short rest before gearing up for a bamboo river rafting ( punt) journey. Float along the calm rivers and enjoy the views while learning how to paddle and steet the handcrafted rafts.
Arriving at scenic Tan Lap bridge, our car pick up and drive back to the hotel and relax.
In the evening, Enjoy your dinner in hotel ( or Homestay)
Overnight at Puluong.
Day 3. PULUONG – A TREKKING DAY ( 12 km) ( B , L , D )
Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a simple yet tasty breakfast among the tranquil setting of fields and mountains.
After breakfast, go on a 3.5 hr hike up and down narrow trails. Observe many traditional stilt houses of minorities and the lush canopies of greenery. Walk pass Uoi Village and Lan Village and admire the peaceful life of the villagers. Depending on the season, get to see the various farming activities and learn how colourful textiles are weaved together
Then, have a lunch in local restaurant ( or picnic lunch) . transfer back to hotel for your leisure.
On the trekking, you can have some break for rest and picture.
Your dinner will be in the hotel where you stay.
Overnight at Pu Luong
Day 4. PULUONG – NINHBINH ( 160 km) ( B , L )
We depart Pu Luong this morning at 08.00 for 3.5 hours drive to Ninh Binh province, one of the most beautiful parts of Vietnam with its dramatic scenery and historical temples. The rice fields here are beautiful and the mountains have earned the area the nickname ‘Dry Halong Bay’, a moniker borne out by the limestone karsts which dominate the landscape.
Upon arrival, begin a relaxing 5-15km biking trip around Dong Tam hamlet. (The length of the bike ride is dependent on personal choice) Pass by peaceful villages and enjoy the rustic countryside landscapes. Enjoy a late lunch before hopping aboard for a 2-hour boat trip through small canals among the paddy fields (rice fields seen between March and early June), then strolling along the curling rocky path of the foot for 200m and going up 20 steps to reach the Galaxy cave gate. Get inside the cave and admire the spectacular stalactites above the cave ceiling. Continue to discover But Hien cave, where there are many natural sparkling stalactites with shapes and figures . Then, return to the pier and for a transfer to the hotel for check-in.
There are a lot of hotels and homestay here. Dinner on your own.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Day 5. NINHBINH – HALONG BAY (160 km) ( B, L , D)
This morning, be transferred for a 3.5hr journey by road from Ninh Binh to Hai Phong and Halong. There are few places you can take your boat trip: GOT pier, TUANCHAU whalf, HALONG CITY whalf or Hongai boat station.
Arrive at the boat towards noon and proceed with check-in formalities for the overnight cruise on Halong and Lan Ha bay. After the welcome onboard, a lunch will be served while cruising towards the bay itself. In the afternoon, enjoy some visits and/or activities (depending on each boat’s itinerary) or just spend some time relaxing on-board. Towards the end of the day the boat sets anchor for the night among the karst formations. Dinner is served on board.
HANOIDRIVEGUIDES stay in Halong city for pick up you next day. Please follow the boat schedule for Halong boat trip.
Drink is not included on the boat. However, drinh is available there.
Overnight on cruise on Halong bay
Note: you can leave something in the car if you prefer .
Day 6. HALONG – HANOI ( 150 km) ( B, L )
Enjoy a fresh morning in the middle of the bay, the sun rises on the bay in the morning , do Taichi class and breakfast is served (brunch on some boats) while the vessels cruises slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi.
The hanoi-puluong-halong trip will finish at your place.
Note: Halong bay cruise tour may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
TOUR SERVICE INCLUDED
- Transfer during your trip as mentioned.
- Meals as mentioned above.
- Hotels or Homestays and Boat trips as mentioned.
- English speaking guide.
