Discover hidden gems in Northern Vietnam by traveling off the beaten track. While many tours focus on the popular tourist attractions, this itinerary is designed for travelers who seek to understand the authentic rhythm of local life. From the architectural heritage of Hanoi’s outskirts to the rural landcapes of Ninh Binh and the vibrant ethnic traditions of Mai Chau and Pu Luong, this journey takes you beyond the postcard views. It is an invitation to slow down, interact with local hosts, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the Red River Delta and the Northern mountains.
Your adventure begins in Hanoi, but quickly moves away from the busy city center to explore the Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace, a tranquil cultural complex in a peaceful countryside setting, and Duong Lam, one of Vietnam’s oldest settlements with 1,200-year-old houses made of laterite stone. In Ninh Binh, beside the UNESCO-listed Trang An, dive deeper into local life with unique activities including buffalo riding and traditional farming, followed by birdwatching in the lush Thung Nham Bird Park and a cycling tour to the picturesque Bich Dong Pagoda nestled among rice fields. The itinerary then winds northwest to Mai Chau Valley and Pu Luong, home to White Thai ethnic communities living in stilt houses amid emerald rice terraces, where you’ll cycle through villages, learn weaving crafts, and enjoy cultural performances.
This North Vietnam tour is perfect for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers who want a deeper connection with Vietnam. Instead of just sightseeing, you will be cycling through rice paddies, cooking with local families, hiking through nature reserves, and sleeping in peaceful settings. By combining famous sites like Trang An with lesser-known treasures, this 10-day off the beaten track in Northern Vietnam offers a perfectly balanced perspective—authentic, active, and unforgettably scenic.
Touch down in the vibrant capital of Hanoi, where the blend of ancient charm and modern energy sets the stage for your off-the-beaten-track exploration. Upon arrival at the airport, our representative greets you with a warm welcome and escorts you via private transfer to your comfortable hotel in the city center.
Take the afternoon to unwind, perhaps strolling through the nearby streets lined with colonial architecture and bustling markets, inhaling the scents of street food vendors preparing pho and fresh spring rolls. As evening falls, savor a specially arranged welcome dinner featuring regional specialties like bun cha or nem, offering a first taste of Northern Vietnam’s culinary heritage.
Night in Hanoi
Awaken to a hearty breakfast at your hotel, fueling up with fresh tropical fruits, baguettes, and strong Vietnamese coffee before embarking on a scenic drive to Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace, a hidden cultural gem nestled in the peaceful countryside just outside Hanoi.
This 8,000-square-meter complex is a living museum of Vietnamese heritage, featuring meticulously restored traditional houses, ancient artifacts, and exquisite artworks displayed amid lush gardens and lotus ponds. Wander through its serene pathways, admiring intricate wood carvings, bronze statues, and antique ceramics that tell stories of Vietnam’s dynastic past. Your English-speaking guide will share fascinating insights into the palace’s role in preserving spiritual and artistic traditions, making the visit a profound cultural dive.
Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace.
After a delicious lunch of local dishes at a nearby restaurant, return to Hanoi in the afternoon for free time. Explore the Old Quarter’s hidden alleys, shop for handmade crafts, or relax with a lakeside coffee enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
Night in Hanoi.
After a nourishing breakfast, set off for Duong Lam Ancient Village, a remarkably preserved settlement dating back over 1,200 years.
Just a short drive from Hanoi, this national relic boasts clusters of laterite-brick houses up to 400 years old, surrounded by banyan trees, wells, and communal yards that paint a picture of traditional Northern rural life. Stroll along moss-covered lanes with your guide, visiting ancient temples and family homes where locals share stories of their heritage, demonstrating traditional crafts like soy sauce making or chewy candy production. The serene ambiance, with roosters crowing and children playing in the fields, offers an authentic escape into Vietnam’s agrarian roots.
Ancient house in Duong Lam village.
Enjoy a lunch of home-cooked village specialties, such as fermented pork and fresh vegetables, in a communal setting. Return to Hanoi for a relaxed afternoon, where you might unwind with a spa session or wander Hoan Kiem Lake, letting the day’s timeless vibes linger.
Night in Hanoi.
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. Travel to a quaint village on Hanoi’s outskirts for an immersive cooking class, starting with a vibrant morning market visit where you’ll haggle for fresh ingredients like lemongrass, ginger, and seasonal produce alongside locals.
Our professional chefs will explain how to choose the best ingredients.
Take a short scenic walk through lush gardens and rice paddies, which leads to your host family’s traditional home, where you’ll wear aprons and learn to prepare classic dishes such as fresh spring rolls, pho bo, and grilled pork under the guidance of expert home cooks. The hands-on experience, filled with tips on balancing flavors, culminates in a shared meal in a warm, familial atmosphere.
Wrapping up early afternoon, return to Hanoi with the rest of the day free. Explore the Old Quarter and its hidden temples, or simply relax in your hotel.
Night in Hanoi.
After breakfast, depart from Hanoi for the enchanting province of Ninh Binh, a two-hour drive through verdant countryside that transitions into dramatic karst landscapes. Upon arrival, visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex, sprawling across hillsides with grand halls, towering statues, and intricate carvings that invite quiet reflection.
Savor a lunch of regional specialties like goat meat or rice noodles at a local restaurant, before the afternoon’s highlight. Take a serene boat ride through Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site where rowboats glide past towering limestone cliffs, hidden caves, and ancient temples. Later, ascend the 500 steps to Hang Mua Cave‘s summit for breathtaking panoramic views of rice fields and rivers snaking through the valleys, a rewarding vista that captures Ninh Binh’s ethereal beauty.
Hike for the panoramic view at Hang Mua.
Transfer to your cozy accommodation in Ninh Binh, and unwind with the evening free to stroll nearby paths or enjoy a sunset over the karsts.
Night in Ninh Binh.
Fuel up with a breakfast of fresh fruits and local delicacies before diving into a unique rural adventure at Buffalo Cave, an eco-tour site where you’ll interact with gentle water buffaloes, try your hand at traditional rice farming by planting seedlings in muddy paddies, and cast nets for fishing in crystal-clear streams. Cool off with a refreshing waterfall bath in the cave’s natural pools, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of cascading water.
Water buffalo ride in Ninh Binh.
Join a cooking class with local hosts to prepare and enjoy a lunch featuring your fresh catches and garden herbs. In the afternoon, venture to Thung Nham Bird Park, a serene 18-square-kilometer sanctuary home to over 40 bird species, where boat rides through mangroves and hikes to viewpoints reveal tranquil lakes, towering cliffs, and flocks of egrets and herons in their natural habitat. This peaceful exploration highlights Ninh Binh’s biodiversity, ending with a return to your hotel as the sun sets.
Night in Ninh Binh.
After checking out post-breakfast, embark on a scenic cycling tour through Ninh Binh’s idyllic countryside, pedaling along quiet paths flanked by emerald rice fields, lotus ponds, and dramatic limestone peaks toward Bich Dong Pagoda, a 15th-century spiritual site carved into mountainside caves with ornate altars and sweeping views. The gentle ride, dotted with stops at local farms and villages, allows you to absorb the fresh air and interact with friendly residents, perhaps sharing tea or learning about silk worm farming.
Bich Dong Pagoda.
Upon arrival, climb the stone steps to the pagoda’s upper levels for meditative moments amid ancient statues and incense. Relish a lunch of authentic Ninh Binh cuisine, like crispy rice pancakes or mountain goat stew, in a rustic setting.
The afternoon offers relaxation time. Enjoy a short boat excursion or simply lounging by the river, before settling back into your Ninh Binh hotel.
Night in Ninh Binh.
Start with breakfast before a picturesque drive to Mai Chau, pausing at Thung Khe Pass for stunning mountain vistas where mist-shrouded peaks and terraced fields unfold like a painting.
Arrive in the valley, home to White Thai ethnic groups, and enjoy a traditional lunch in Lac Village, featuring sticky rice and grilled meats wrapped in banana leaves. Check into your homestay or hotel amid stilt houses, then cycle through the lush valley, visiting weaving workshops where artisans demonstrate intricate patterns on looms and share stories of their heritage. The easy paths wind past rice paddies and bamboo groves, offering photo opportunities and a sense of peaceful immersion.
Discover The White Thai Communities In Mai Chau.
Evening brings a cultural highlight: a traditional dinner with local specialties, accompanied by ethnic music, dance performances in colorful costumes, and perhaps a sip of ruou can (rice wine) shared around a communal fire, fostering bonds in this enchanting valley retreat.
Night in Mai Chau.
Rise early to the valley’s tranquil morning mist, enjoying breakfast amid birdsong before heading to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a pristine haven of terraced rice fields, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls.
Explore remote Thai villages on foot, hiking gentle trails that meander through bamboo groves and along streams, visiting stilt houses where locals demonstrate daily life like rice harvesting or basket weaving. Discover hidden caves with sparkling stalactites, and pause for a picnic lunch of fresh, locally sourced dishes amid the scenery.
Terraced rice fields in Pu Luong
The afternoon continues with more discoveries such as spotting wildlife or swimming in natural pools, before returning to Mai Chau in the late afternoon. Unwind with a relaxing evening, enjoy the reserve’s untouched beauty.
Night in Pu Luong.
After a final breakfast, visit a bustling local market teeming with colorful produce, handicrafts, and ethnic vendors, immersing you in the vibrant community spirit. Then, climb the 1,200 stone steps to Hang Chieu Cave, a majestic cavern with wide entrances, glittering stalactites, and panoramic views over Mai Chau’s patchwork of rice fields and mountains that glow ethereally at dusk. The ascent rewards with breathtaking vistas and a sense of accomplishment.
Hang Chieu Cave in Mai Chau.
Enjoy lunch and some free time to relax or pick up souvenirs before the scenic drive back to Hanoi, arriving in the Old Quarter by early evening. Depending on your schedule, we can either take you to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight or take you back to your hotel to prepare for your following Vietnam tours.
Prices are in USD, per person.
This tour can be customized to fit your own demands. Best price and value guaranteed!
| Hotel / Group | 2 guests | 3~4 guests | 5~6 guests | 7~8 guests | 9~12 guests | Single surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Star | 1,063 | 781 | 695 | 646 | 615 | 225 |
| 4 Star | 1,261 | 979 | 893 | 844 | 813 | 405 |
– There may be cancellation fees charged by suppliers (hotels, airlines…) once these bookings are made and paid. These fee shall by paid by travelers.
– These are maximum cancellation fees to be flexible applied:
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
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