trip map - click to zoom

Day 1 : Hanoi – Tam Coc
Early this morning you are be picked up at your hotel to leave for Hoa Lu, It takes a couple of hours to drive to the southeast of Hanoi, enjoying the rural scenery along the road with stopovers for photography of the peaceful Viet Nam countryside. Arrive in Hoa Lu which is the former capital of Viet nam (968 – 1009) under Dinh and Le dynasties, there are not much to see in this place besides two remaining temples, each one nearly a thousand years old, the first one is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor, the second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Keep driving to BichDong pagodas, a complex of pagodas built into limestone mountain cliffs from 15th century with unreal scenery around. After some walk to the top pagoda, we have lunch in a local restaurant before visiting TamCoc (Three grottos) recognized as “ Ha long bay on land“, rowing boat trip would take 2 hours to see all three caves and crossing beautiful rice paddy. This is an ideal place for natural lovers. 
We head back to Ninh Binh for the night

Day 2 Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong - Mai Chau
Leaving NinhBinh behind, we head for CucPhuong, driving further into the middle of the national park where we take a walk around the Centre of Endangered Rescue. In here, precious animals, such as white short monkeys, snakes, foxes, etc.can still be encountered, we go trekking around 7km through the variety of fauna and flora of the forest in a fresh atmosphere to see the 1000 year old “Cho trees”; the huge ones would take ten arm’s length to contain their circumference and the “primitive man cave”. After picnic lunch right in the middle of the rain forest we keep driving to MaiChau. Our hosts for this evening will be the White Thai minority people. In sampling these peoples hospitality, we find out a little more of their lives and cultures with a cultural exchange following the evening meal, you are welcome to take part in their traditional festival held on travellers' requests to enjoy folk songs, dancing with Thai people - Mua Xap, pine wine - Ruou Can.

Day 3: Mai Chau – Boat Cruise on Da river - Ha Noi 
Following breakfast we embark on a lovely walk to nearby villages. We have the opportunity to spend some more time strolling around the hamlets and witnessing the beginnings of another day in rural Vietnam before going to Ben Sang dock for the 3-hour boat cruise on the Da River, exploring part of the biggest reservoir in North Vietnam, having lunch in Hoa Binh with a visit to the immense power station before driving back to HaNoi.

travel style: Independent
If you're looking for something different (perhaps group travel isn't for you) or you want an extension to your trip, an Independent adventure could be just the thing. These private itineraries will take you to a new level of personal experience and self discovery. Transport and accommodation are provided and to give you maximum flexibility, sightseeing and entrance fees are not included except those specified in the itinerary.
group size
N/A as this trip is on a private basis.
accommodation & meal inclusions
1 night in village homestay and 1 night in hotel
Ninh Binh: Thuy Anh Hotel
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 picnic lunch
Mai Chau: Homestay in Lac Village
Meals included: breakfast
*Note:This trip operates on a twin share basis (two single beds in one room) except when we are in a home-stay where we are one big happy family. Single supplements are only applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room
transport
private air-conditioned vehicles, boat
physical rating:**moderate
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or trekking or cycling of several hours in hilly terrain, in conditions that are likely to be hot and muggy. You may raise your heart rate a little bit

Tour includes:
* Local English speaking guide the whole trip 
*Accommodation with daily breakfast, entrance fees, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as itinerary. 
*Permits
Tour excludes:
* Visa costs 
* Pre/post trip arrangements
* Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature. 
* International flights 
* Arrival and departure transfers 
* Meals other than those listed 
* Travel insurance  

Tour cost: US $183 per person in the party of 2

Extra accommodation 
Start and end of tour: Ha Noi 
Single room:
Double\Twin room:
Arrival\Departure transfer
Ha Noi: 20 US$ for 1-2 passengers, 30 US$ for 3 or more 
Escort guide: US$ 15