Vietnam Northern loop 7 days 6 nights

Escape the bustle of the big city and set out on an adventure through the stunning countryside of the northern loop from Pu Luong to Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong National Park and Cat Ba island. This 7-day adventure takes you off the beaten path on a tour through deep valleys and tropical forest to remote jungle on the sea.

Destination:

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Tour code: NA05E
Duration: 7 days 6 nights

Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Pu Luong (L/D)
- Your guide will collect you at your hotel in Hanoi after breakfast and we’ll depart for Hoa Binh Province, which lies just 80km west of Hanoi. On the way we’ll make a stop at a local market before continuing towards Mai Chau Valley and stopping in the village of Pom Coong for a bit of rest and lunch in a typical Thai house built on stilts.
  
  After lunch, we’ll go for a hike off the beaten path through the Pu Luong Reserve, walking amidst rice fields and mountains, and crossing small villages where we’ll get to see the traditional daily life of the locals all around us in this natural paradise. You’ll get an even closer look at this when we have dinner and spend the night with a local family in one of the Thai stilt houses.
  - A 5-7 km hike.
Day 2: Trekking in Pu Luong (B/L/D)
- Enjoy breakfast made by the local Thai people you’re staying with, before starting the 5-6 hours of trekking we have planned for you. The first stretch is the hardest, containing some steep climbs and exciting river crossings, but you will be well rewarded as the next stretch is easier, and you’ll get to see absolutely stunning views of the valley and rice terraces, rainforests and streams within from your high vantage point.
  
  A picnic lunch will be served when you reach Hin Village, before continuing on to Hieu Village, considered by many to be the most aesthetically beautiful rural village in all of Vietnam.
  
  Finally we’ll reach Kho Muong village, where you can spend your time freely, either by strolling around the village and talking to locals, or relaxing in the eco homestay set up by FFI (Flora and Fauna International) in conjunction with the local communities.
  - A 12-15 km trek.
Day 3: Pu Luong - Cuc Phuong National Park (B/L/D)
- Enjoy breakfast then drive to Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh province). You will be allowed to visit Endangered Primate Rescue Center which is responsible for rescuing individual animals of rare primates. Now it is home to over 140 creatures and 100 offspring in all from 15 species of gibbon, languor and Loris.
  And next to visit Prehistoric People Cave where Ancient people lived 7500 years ago in the first part. The 2nd part where famous by 19 species of bat, it will be discovered with torch-light by yourself. A narrow way directs you to the 3 part with many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.
  After lunch, have a long trek off the beaten track about 2,5 hours to visit 1000 year old tree. You have chance to understand about many different kind of trees and plants, animals and insects.
  - A 5-7 km hike.
Day 4: Cuc Phuong - Ninh Binh (B/L)
- Enjoy breakfast then drive to Ninh Binh. Upon on arrival take a stroll around open rice fields and around the village of Ninh Xuan leaves us time for learning about agriculture and its rice cultivation. This is followed by a scenic boat ride along the Ngo Dong.
  The Ngo Dong River is one of the most serene sights in Vietnam. Best experienced aboard a local rowboat, a two-hour trip along this enchanting river passes through the Thung Nang cave system - a series of several caverns, including the stalactite-studded Thung Nang cave - and incredible karst scenery all around.
  Afternoon finds us cycling through Trang An, a maze of rivers and caves. Trang An is defined by the UNESCO World Centre by its craggy limestone facades and jade green water.
  The surrounding area are now home to tiny villages, pretty paddy fields, temples and hiking trails. We absorb the daily life and appreciate the warmth and friendliness of the local people.
  After lunch in a local family we take an easy hike around open rice fields leaving us time for learning about agriculture and its rice cultivation.
  Dinner and overnight in Ninh Binh.
Day 5: Ninh Binh - Cat Ba island (B/L)
- After breakfast we drive to Cat Ba via Cat Hai port and Hai Phong city. We reach Cat Ba island for lunch before a trek through national park. In the afternoon, you will trek to Viet Hai Village which is a haven for both bird watching and sightseeing amidst the pristine forest and at Frog Lake. Along the way, you will have the chance to see native cats, squirrels, spotted deer, snakes, thousands of butterflies, and if you’re lucky, one of the rare Cat Ba Langurs.
  
  Rounding out the day, you’ll enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a bungalow in the local village of Viet Hai.
  - A 10-12km trek.
Day 6: Cruise on Lan Ha Bay (B)
- Breakfast will be served at 07:30 followed by a walk to the top of Marine Hill which offers panoramic views of both Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. On returning to Viet Hai Village, you can try a fish massage or take some time to relax before cycling to Viet Hai Harbour. From here you will board the boat to explore the beauty of Lan Ha Bay. Lunch will be served on-board followed by kayaking excursion around Hang Luon Cave, and if it is hot, the boat will take you to some beautiful wild beaches where you can spend some time swimming and snorkelling before having dinner on-board and spending the night on the boat.
  
  ► More on Ha Long Bay cruises and wonders
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Day 7: Cat Ba island - Hanoi (B)
- After enjoying breakfast on the boat with the sun rising in the background you will continue the cruise around Lan Ha Bay, weaving among the myriad of limestone peaks. On this last day you will also get to visit a fish and shellfish farm and the colourful floating village of Cai Beo. Lunch will again be served on-board (or on land if we have new passengers waiting to embark). You will disembark at around 11:30, return to Hanoi, ending your tour of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island.
  
  ► Read more : Halong Bay, UNESCO Heritage

Tour Includes:

•    Private door to door pick-up drop-off services
•    All private transfer and transportation
•    Accommodation at ecolodges, hotels, homestays as mentioned
•    English speaking guide as per program
•    Breakfasts (B) Lunches (L) Dinners as mentioned
•    All sightseeing tickets and travel permits
•    No extra charge after confirmation

Tour Excludes:

•   Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
•   Travel insurance
•   International flight and taxes.
•   Beverage
•   Other personal expenses: drinks, souvenir, etc…

What To Take:

• Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking.
• It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...

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Accommodation List

Please note that the hotels mentioned in this list are for reference only. Depending on availability and your preference, they can be changed. If we are unable to book any hotel, it will be replaced by another hotel at least of equivalent standard and value.

Ninh Binh Palm Homestay

Address: Hamlet 5, Gia Sinh, Gia Vien, Ninh Binh, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Ninh Binh Palm Homestay currently has 10 rooms including adjacent homestay rooms and separate bungalows, most of which have a pretty garden view. From the outside, the homestay has an ancient and traditional character with elaborate unplastered brick walls, covered with thick palm leaves to ensure warmth in winter and cool in summer. Seen from the bottom, the palm roofs are covered by a beautifully woven interior pressure layer

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