NORTHERN VIETNAM LOOP TOUR

Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong - Ninh Binh - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi

Welcome to an adventure that takes you through the heart of Northern Vietnam! Over 7 incredible days, you will explore breathtaking landscapes, from the lush rice terraces of Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the cultural treasures of Ninh Binh heritage sites to the pristine waters of Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you will trek through hidden villages, meet local communities, and dive into Vietnam’s rich culture. This hassle-free experience includes seamless transfers, cozy accommodations, and tasty meals, so all you need to focus on is the adventure. What makes this Northern Vietnam Tour even better? This loop tour is designed with no repeated routes, giving you the most time to enjoy each unique destination, each with its own story to tell. Whether you are hiking, cruising, or simply soaking in the views, this Northern Vietnam Tour will leave you inspired. Ready to make memories? Let’s get started!

7D6N

PE184 Age

Loop tour Private tour

Tour price

Highlights

Admire water wheels and best rice terraces in Pu Luong
Interact with Thai ethnic communities in Mai Chau
Visit the ancient capital and Trang An by a scenic boat ride
Explore caves, and kayaking adventures in Ha Long Bay
Save time with a Northern loop tour, no repeated routes

Epic Loop Tours

Attractions

ATTRACTIONS

Explore the best sights

Pu Luong

Iconic Don Village

Bai Tu Long Bay

Karst islands at dawn

Ninh Binh

Top view of Mua Cave

Mai Chau Valley

In rice harvest season

Itinerary

DAY 1: HA NOI TO MAI CHAU, PU LUONG (L – D)

Mai Chau is a peaceful valley in Vietnam that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by towering mountains, the area is known for its lush rice paddies, traditional stilt houses, and the warm hospitality of the local Thai ethnic group. You can explore charming villages like Lac and Pom Coong, join in handicraft workshops, or enjoy traditional dance performances. With scenic biking routes, opportunities for leisurely strolls, and a tranquil atmosphere, Mai Chau is a perfect place to pause and enjoy the peaceful beauty of rural Vietnam, an ideal stop on any Northern Vietnam Tour.

8:30 AM: Meet your driver at your hotel in Hanoi, and depart for Mai Chau. On the way, stop at Thung Khe Pass, famous for its white limestone landscape, perfect for photos. You can also visit the small market at the top to try local snacks like sticky rice and grilled corn while soaking in the views and relaxing.

12:00 AM: Enjoy a traditional lunch at the homestay and meet your guide.

01:30 PM: Start a cycling tour around the Mai Chau valley to visit the rice fields and explore the local market.

4:00 PM: Head to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a scenic 1.5-hour drive along mountain roads, before checking in at your homestay.

7:00 PM: Savor a delicious dinner, followed by free time to unwind.

10:00 PM: Rest for the night at homestay in Pu Luong.

DAY 2: PU LUONG | Full-day Enriching Adventures (B - L - D)

Pu Luong Nature Reserve is a beautiful, a hidden gem that is perfect for anyone wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle. You will find stunning views of lush forests, terraced rice fields, and quiet valleys, ideal for trekking and taking in nature. It is also home to the friendly Thai ethnic minority, who live in simple and remote villages and offer a chance to experience their culture up close. Whether you are into trekking, exploring caves, or just relaxing by waterfalls, Pu Luong has something for everyone. It is the perfect place to escape and reconnect with nature.

MORNING TREK: DIFFICULTY LEVEL 3/5

07:00: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your homestay and get ready for the day’s adventure.

08:30: Transfer to the Meeting Point to begin a 10km trek through challenging but rewarding trails. Explore Kho Muong Village, nestled in a picturesque valley, and visit Pu Luong’s largest cave. The off-road path includes streams and mountain trails, perfect for adventure seekers.

Continue trekking to Bang Village, known for its traditional houses and stunning terraced fields.

12:30 PM: Return to your homestay for a well-deserved lunch and a short break.

AFTERNOON VISIT: DIFFICULTY LEVEL 2/5

02:00: Transfer to Ban Cong to start a 6km scenic walk.

Cross a suspension bridge to reach one of Pu Luong’s most charming villages, where the largest stream in the reserve flows. Stroll along the river, marveling at lush rice paddies, local village life, and traditional giant water wheels, a unique cultural feature of Vietnam's ethnic minorities.

Arrive at Chieu Lau Dam for a fun bamboo rafting experience. Paddle upstream alongside locals while soaking in the serene surroundings. Disembark and complete a soft walk through rice fields and villages, forming a loop back to the meeting point.

16:30: Meet your driver and return to your homestay.

EVENING: COOOKING & LEISURE

18:30: Join a cooking class to learn authentic local recipes.

19:30: Savor a traditional dinner. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing or watching the village under the stars, ending your enriching day in Pu Luong.

DAY 3: PU LUONG | Enchanting Off-Road Trekking (B - L - D)

07:00 AM: Wake up to refreshing mountain air. Breakfast is served.

08:30 AM: Get ready for a full day of trekking. Meet your guide at the hotel.

09:00 AM: Start a 6km hike along the iconic trail of Pu Luong, the accent is Don village famed for breathtaking paddy fields and Uoi – Lan Villages stood out with authentic life of Thai ethnic minority.

10:30 AM: En route to Hieu waterfall, experience off-the-beaten-track moments in the jungle at Long and Doc villages, covering an estimated 5km. Then transfer to Hieu Village.

12:30 PM: Enjoy a short, refreshing walk to a unique waterfall within the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Have lunch surrounded by the sounds of nature.

AFTERNOON: VILLAGE LIFE

Swim in crystal-clear waters and immerse yourself in local village life. Explore the mountain roads leading to the top of Hieu village. Return to the main road and be transferred back to the hotel by 4:00 PM for relaxation.

EVENING: FOOT SOAK AND LEISURE

Unwind with a soothing herbal foot soak, a perfect way to ease tired feet and recap your enriching day. Soak in the peaceful vibes of Pu Luong before enjoying a hearty dinner at 7:00 PM. The rest of the evening is yours to relax or explore.

DAY 4: PU LUONG – NINH BINH (B - L - D)

07:00 - 10:00: Have breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning with free time or take some leisurely strolls through the nearby villages before returning to your homestay to check out.

10:00: Head to Ninh Binh, a stunning destination with striking limestone cliffs, lush rice fields, and tranquil rivers. Known as Halong Bay on land it offers a unique mix of natural beauty and history. You can explore iconic sites like Trang An, Tam Coc, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, while experiencing the authentic countryside atmosphere. Whether you're into boat rides, biking, or discovering hidden temples, Ninh Binh’s relaxed vibe makes it a must-see stop on any Northern Vietnam tour.

13:30. Without heavy traffic, arrive in Ninh Binh and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by check-in at your homestay.

15:00: In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely bike ride around the villages of Tam Coc. Pedal through lush rice paddies, past traditional houses, and stunning limestone peaks. It’s a perfect way to take in the natural beauty of Ninh Binh while getting a taste of local life. The peaceful roads and breathtaking scenery will make this an unforgettable part of your visit.

04:30 PM: Return to your homestay for relaxation. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, explore the night streets, and spend the night in Tam Coc. That ends Day 3 of your tour.

DAY 5: NINH BINH FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING (B - L - D)

MORNING EXPLORATION (AFTER BREAKFAST)

Start the day with a visit to Mua Cave, where you will challenge yourself with a 500-step climb to the top. The view from above offers a stunning panoramic look at Tam Coc’s river and rice fields, perfect for photos.

HISTORIC VISIT AND LUNCH (AROUND 13:00)

Next, head to the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel to explore the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, two historic landmarks dating back to the 17th century. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.

AFTERNOON BOAT RIDE (AROUND 13:00 - 16:00)

In the afternoon, take a boat ride through Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. This stunning boat trip offers a longer, more scenic experience, lasting around 3 hours. As you cruise past beautiful rice paddies and lush landscapes, you will explore five fascinating caves, including a thrilling 1km-long underwater cave. With its longer route and impressive scenery, Trang An provides a deeper, more memorable experience than the popular Tam Coc boating site in Ninh Binh.

EVENING RELAXATION

Return to your homestay to unwind after a day filled with adventure and scenic beauty.

DAY 6: NINH BINH – HALONG BAY CRUISE (B-L-D)

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic spots, with its surreal landscape of emerald waters and towering limestone islands. It feels like stepping into another world as you cruise through this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you are kayaking through hidden caves, exploring floating fishing villages, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, Halong Bay offers an unforgettable experience. It is the perfect blend of adventure, nature, and serenity, making it a must-visit highlight on any Northern Vietnam tour.

MORNING:

Depart for a 4-hour drive to Halong Bay. You can enjoy countryside views along the way. Arrive at Halong Bay and board an overnight cruise. You are welcomed with refreshments and a brief orientation about the cruise activities.

AFTERNOON:

Enjoy a multi-cuisine buffet or set menu lunch while cruising past Halong Bay’s iconic limestone karsts and emerald waters.

Explore Sung Sot cave, Halong Bay’s largest and most famous cave. Walk through its massive chambers filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Visit Titop Island, where you can hike to the top for stunning views or relax on the sandy beach.

EVENING:

Return to the cruise for a relaxing evening. Great time to watch the sunset over Halong Bay enjoy some cocktails at your own. Enjoy a lavish dinner featuring Vietnamese, Indian, and international cuisines. Then, join in onboard activities such as squid fishing, or enjoying a movie night.

DAY 7: HALONG BAY – HANOI (B - L)

MORNING:

Start the day with an early morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck, soaking in the peaceful surroundings of Halong Bay. Then, have a breakfast as the cruise continues through the bay.

Depending on the cruise itinerary, you may visit another scenic spot or do kayaking at Luon cave, a chance to explore some hidden caves.

MIDDAY:

Get back on the boat to check out of your room, enjoy lunch while arriving back at the port, and then disembark from the cruise.

15:30: Arrive in Hanoi. Trip ends.

We offer fully private tours or flexible join-in activities, with potential price reductions, all tailored to craft your ideal experience. Chat with Us on WhatsApp!

Why us

WHY US

Experts You Can Trust

High Credibility

We’re a licensed tour operator providing Travel Insurance for all travelers. With our rich connections to locals, partners, and a well-trained team, we offer exceptional customer service.

Mountain Experts

Whether you're adventurous, prefer a leisurely pace, or seek cultural connections, satisfaction is guaranteed. With our decade-long exploration of Pu Luong, let us show you the best.

Offbeat Pioneer

We love off beaten track moments, listening to the sounds of nature and watching rural life by unusual ways. We assure you that you will share the same sentiments.

Diverse Experience

Travelers seek experiences, not just sights. We've dedicated ourselves to finding exceptional moments and sharing the best with you.

Superb Transport

We prioritize your comfort and enjoyment during the journey, which is why we provide fast and reliable transportation options to avoid the exhaustion of long bus rides.

Tour Gallery

TOUR GALLERY

Best Traveller’s Shared Photos

Testimonials

TESTIMONIALS

Happy Customers’ Feedback

If you're looking to go away from tourist destinations, this tour is for you. Although we did visit some very nice places where we did find other tourists, it was only around 2-3 other people that were in the same place as us. The rest of the time, we spent walking through rice fields and hills all by ourselves. The people we met along the way were amazing, and the food was great. We would highly recommend this tour. We had an amazing guide, Tần, that was super knowledgable and was always patient with us. Overall, I recommend this tour!

Van Anh K / Tripadvisor

What a beautiful place! We had the best time here, it was so relaxing! The staff were very friendly and everyone super happy! The rooms were super comfortable, cozy, and the sounds of nature were very relaxing. They served good food with massive portions! Our tour guide Quách looked after us great! Beware of the 'Happy Water' they make here, it is very tasty, smooth, and hard to stop drinking 😁 I only wish I could have stayed longer!

Casey B / Tripadvisor

Pu Luong Excursion is a truly amazing travel service provider in the district. I contacted them just one evening before the desired date of day tour of pu luong region. Despite the super short notice, they managed to arrange two motorbike drivers to show us around on the next day. The quoted price is also very reasonable. Next day, the two super friendly local driver showed up on time (one lady and one gentleman) at the hotel. Though they dont speak english, but its total fine with the help of google translate. We enjoyed 4-5 various points of interest and the the scenic views around the area through the safe and exciting motorbike tour. It was indeed delightful to feel the rice field and summer breeze on the pace of rides. The lady driver was very attentive in giving me assistance when walking in cave snd waterfull. And the gentleman was a cheeful young man. Overall, we got memorable experience in this tailored day tour. We appreciate much for the efficient and professional service by Pu Luong Excursion!

Svnlulu / Tripadvisor

I didn't have so many clues when I chose their trip, but i was really satisfied. The experience was coherent to what is described on the website, we stuck to the plan without fail. All the staff that I met (driver, guide, hotel staff) was really professional. Also I was really lucky because I had a private tour, since there were no other tourists :) I highly recommend visiting Lu Puong, particularly during the week,in order to not encounter so many people

Alice Ber / Google Map

We contacted Pu Luong Excursions when we had trouble reaching Pu Luong Retreat directly for booking a room. We are so happy we found Pu Luong Excursions! Jason answered all my many questions about the area as well as booking our room at the Retreat. He also coordinated picking us up from our previous retreat (Avana Retreat) to bring us to Pu Luong. He provided a wonderful private tour guide for our day of trekking in Pu Luong, and then he booked our transportation from Pu Luong to Tam Coc! We absolutely loved our guide, Tan, who took us through many villages, walked us through the rice fields, and had a boat float us down the river! He gave us history lessons as well as how the villagers live day to day. We want to do it all over again, it was so beautiful and enriching! The views from the entire Pu Luong area are simply breathtaking and every person we met was warm and gracious! We were so sad to leave it!! Many thanks to Jason for his quick responses and wonderful service to help us get the most out of our travel to Pu Luong!

Kim M / Tripadvisor

TOUR PRICE

Find your perfect fit

COUPLES

$659

All private rooms ensuite bathroom

Full meals as mentioned in the Itinerary

Private tour in Pu Luong, Ninh Binh

4-star full board Halong Bay cruise

Private deluxe car during the tour

Best Selling

FAMILY OF 3

$539

All private rooms ensuite bathroom

Full meals as mentioned in the Itinerary

Private tour in Pu Luong, Ninh Binh

4-star full board Halong Bay cruise

Private deluxe car during the tour

GROUP OF 6

$469

All private rooms ensuite bathroom

Full meals as mentioned in the Itinerary

Private tour in Pu Luong, Ninh Binh

4-star full board Halong Bay cruise

Private deluxe car during the tour

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NORTHERN VIETNAM LOOP TOUR

Highlights