Vietnam 12-Day Travel: Discover Alluring Nature

Highlights of the Trip 

Vietnam is a beautiful country with an abundance of natural wonders. From the lush greenery of the northern mountains to the white-sand beaches of the south, there is something for everyone when holidaying in Vietnam. The northern regions are covered in thick forests, with some of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia. The central region is mostly plains, with some striking mountain ranges and serene scattered rivers. The south is mostly made up of enticing beaches, with some areas of dense jungle. During this fascinating nature trail, you will uncover the wealth of natural beauty Vietnam has to offer, from tranquil waterfalls to striking caves – Vietnam is a magical place to explore.

During this Vietnam itinerary, explore Hanoi, Ba Be National Park, Ha Long Bay World Heritage Area, Cat Ba National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park, and Bach Ma National Park.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

Hanoi 

• Free time to explore this area.

Ba Be National Park

• Puong Cave: The cave is estimated to be around 15-30 million years old, making it one of the oldest caves in Vietnam.
• Fairy Pond: This enchanting destination is a hidden gem in the country, where nature and mythical folk tales come together.
• Widow’s Island: The real allure of Widow’s Island lies in its simple and authentic way of life.

Hai Phong City

• Admire the local street food stalls and late-night vendors.

Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay

• Trung Trang Cave (Cat Ba Island): This is estimated to be around 300 million years old, making it a significant historical and geological site.

Cat Ba Island 

• Hike and explore the various serene National Parks.

 Cuc Phuong National Park

• Endangered Primate Rescue Centre: Learn about endangered creatures and experience local culture.

Ninh Binh

• Tam Coc: Often referred to as the ‘Halong Bay on land’ due to its stunning natural beauty and similar limestone karst formations.

Hue 

• Bach Ma National Park: This 37,487-acre park is a breath-taking combination of majestic mountains, lush forests, and mesmerising waterfalls.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Traditional Water Puppetry: Embrace this traditional show in Hanoi. The roots of water puppetry can be traced back to rural festivals and rituals where villagers would create puppets out of wood and use them to entertain and tell stories to others.

Tay Ethnic Minority Village: Learn about local life and tradition in this tranquil village.

Cooking Demonstration: Enjoy a traditional demonstration on board your Ha Long Bay cruise. You will learn about the various cooking techniques used in Vietnamese cuisine.

Morning Tai Chi: Embrace this tranquil activity on board your Ha Long Bay cruise. This has become an integral part of Vietnam’s culture and tradition.

Viet Hai Village: The village is accessible only by boat or a 3-hour hike through the dense, lush jungle. This isolation has helped to preserve the traditional way of life in Viet Hai, and visitors can experience the authentic customs and traditions of the local people.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During your Vietnam travel, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including pho, a noodle soup made with clear broth, rice noodles, and various cuts of beef or chicken. Another staple in Vietnamese cuisine is banh mi, a sandwich made with a French baguette and filled with various meats and vegetables.

Seafood is also a major part of the local cuisine in Vietnam, due to its long coastline and abundance of rivers and lakes. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include banh xeo (sizzling crepes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts), cha ca (grilled fish served with fresh herbs and noodles), and mien tron (glass noodle salad with various types of seafood).

Water-based Activities and Cruises

Nang River Cruise in Ba Be National Park. 

Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay Cruise. 

Kayak in Ao Ech. 

Boat ride in Ninh Binh.

Accommodation of this Tour

Hanoi: MK Premier Bouque Hotel (a Vietnamese style hotel, located in the Hanoi Old quarter – Luxury City View room).

Ba Be National Park: Park’s Guesthouse and homestay with a local family.

Hai Phong City: AVANI Hai Phong Harbour View (international hotel in town centre, French colonial style with elegantly designed interior decor and furniture – Deluxe room).

Lan Ha Bay: Orchid Trendy Cruise (Deluxe quality boat with elegant design – Premium Balcony cabin).

Cat Ba Island: Hôtel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba – MGallery (brings a cosmopolitan touch to a classic Indochina style, while offering guests with sublimes views of Lan Ha Bay and the nearby Cat Ba National Park. – Classic room).

Cuc Phuong National Park: Cuc Phuong Resort (hotel offers spacious and well-appointed rooms. The on-site restaurant offers authentic delicacies for guests to enjoy in an elegant atmosphere – Deluxe Bungalow Double).

Hue (Bach Ma National Park): Vedana Lagoon Resort (Located by the Vedana wellness & spa with an uninterrupted lagoon view., ~5.1 miles from Bach Ma National Park – Lagoon View Deluxe).

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival.

Upon arriving at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel to begin your Vietnam itinerary. You’ll be immersed in the host of sights, sounds and smells of the bustling streets, as Hanoi is a city steeped in history where tradition is entwined with the new. Although it is a densely populated city of over seven million people, Hanoi manages to retain its charm. In the evening, you’ll have tickets for a performance of traditional Water Puppetry. This unique art form has been a popular form of entertainment in northern Vietnam for hundreds of years, and it is an interesting, light-hearted introduction to rural Vietnamese culture. The overnight stay will be in Hanoi. With its mix of traditional culture, modern amenities, and friendly people, Hanoi is sure to be a highlight of your travels.

Day 2: Hanoi – Ba Be: Embrace a Sunset Stroll.

In the morning, you’ll get ready to head out and drive the 240km to Ba Be Lake National Park in a comfortable vehicle. The journey will offer you striking mountain views across the beautiful Vietnamese scenery. You’ll make multiple stops along the way for comfort. As the sun begins to set, you’ll arrive in the quaint village of Ba Be National Park with a perfect setting to soak in the crisp forest air and take a leisurely stroll before dinner. You’ll spend the night in a local guesthouse, providing you a chance to rest and get ready for the next day’s experiences.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 3: Ba Be – A Tranquil Boat Ride.

You’ll have an entire day to explore the incredible natural beauty of Ba Be National Park, starting with an early morning motor launch taking you down the Nang River and through the grandeur of the Puong Cave. As you approach the lake, you will find yourself immediately immersed in a tranquil paradise of lush vegetation and numerous birds. Particularly interesting will be your visit to Fairy Pond and Widow’s Island, two fascinating locations with stories that have been ingrained into the local folklore. You will absolutely love the slow and peaceful experience of gliding through the calm waters of the lake, with breath-taking views that will remain with you forever. Once the sun sets, you will explore the Tay ethnic minority village for dinner before spending the night in a traditional stilt house in the park itself. Without doubt, the splendour of Ba Be National Park will be seared into your memory for many years to come. 

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 4: Ba Be – Hai Phong: Bustling Market Visit.

In the morning, you’ll leave Ba Be for Hai Phong city with an en-route stop to visit a weekly market (if available on that day). Make sure to explore the local atmosphere, discover the culture and purchase some handmade crafts or delicious snacks from the various stalls. Take the time to mingle with the locals and learn something about their everyday life. From thereon, you’ll head off to Hai Phong City in the late afternoon. Once you arrive, the city will be bustling activity and alive with street food stalls, late night vendors, and local attractions. Spend the night in Hai Phong by exploring the city’s nightlife, cultural landmarks, and vibrant street life.  

✓ Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 5: Hai Phong – Ha Long Bay: Overnight Cruise.

Arrive at Lot 32 – Tuan Chau Marina, and transfer to the Orchid Cruises by a tender boat. Upon arrival, passengers will be welcomed with some drinks and then gather at the restaurant for a cruise briefing and some safety instructions. While cruising through Ha Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay, which is one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch onboard. Later, passengers will be transferred to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island by bus. Trung Trang Valley is the largest valley in the area, covering an area of approximately 300 hectares, with a depth of 10m to 30m and is around 15km in the middle of Cat Ba National Park. The cave measures 300m lengthwise through the mountains and has been carved by nature for more than 2000 years. Visitors will be amazed by the various shapes of stalactites and be inspired to use their imagination.

Orchid Cruises offers an incomparable experience when holidaying in Vietnam. Get ready to explore the hidden gems of Tra Bau – Lan Ha Bay. Relax and recharge in the sparkling emerald waters and soak in the beauty of nature. Take a nice swim and admire the stunning view of the bay. Onboard, join a cooking demonstration and take advantage of the Happy Hour, which offers buy 1 get 1 at the bar. Enjoy a fusion dinner in an exquisitely designed space with a combination of French neoclassical style and traditional oriental touches. To make your stay as comfortable as possible, the cruise also offers massage services. Please book with the Cruise Manager directly. Take some time to marvel at the magnificence of the night on the bay. We have a bar both on the sundeck and in the restaurant that welcomes you. If you’re feeling adventurous, go fishing off the boat, or enjoy a nice leisurely swim. This experience is a must on your Vietnam itinerary!

Overnight: on board. For your Ha Long excursion, you’ll board the Orchid Trendy cruise. The boat has totally 20 stunning cabins organised and crafted according to contemporary design trends. Almost cabins have personal balconies offering your own private outside space in Halong Bay.

All cabins are air-conditioned and have windows overlooking the bay. The cabins are furnished with two twin beds or a double queen/king size bed. All meals, usually based on fresh seafood, will be provided on board. Orchid Trendy Cruise (Deluxe quality boat with elegant design – Premium Balcony cabin).

✓ Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 6: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba: Morning Tai Chi

Rise and shine! Come and experience the tranquil beauty of the bay while engaging in a calming tai chi session on the sundeck – included in your Vietnam itinerary. If you’re out for a sunrise, our sailors can provide accurate timings from 5:30 to 6:00 a.m., depending on the season. Afterward, we can refuel with breakfast at the restaurant while we continue the cruise. Later, enjoy exploring the Ao Ech area by kayak and uncover the pristine beauty of Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay. After check out, embrace a tantalising brunch onboard and disembark the cruise for an overnight stay in Cat Ba island.

✓ Brunch

Day 7: Cat Ba – Cuc Phuong – A nature filled hike.

After an early breakfast, start your day of Vietnam travel with a hike through the National Park, a journey of 18 km that will take around 6 hours. Along the way, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch at the rural Viet Hai village. After lunch, you’ll be driven to Cuc Phuong National Park, with a stop at Van Long Nature Reserve where you may be able to watch rare langurs from a sampan. You’ll then continue your journey to the National Park where you’ll stay overnight. This will be a wonderful opportunity to see the amazing wildlife and nature of the region and to experience the unique culture of the local people.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 8: Cuc Phong: Discover Subtropical Forest.

After breakfast, you’ll be able to explore an incredible subtropical forest, full of life and history. There are trees that have been alive for over a thousand years, and vines dripping from the trees. You can visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, where you can learn more about these remarkable creatures and their plight. You’ll then settle into the National Park Guesthouse for the night, surrounded by the beauty of nature. You can relax on the porch or take a stroll through the park to observe the animals in their natural habitat. As the sun sets, you can make your way back to the guesthouse and enjoy a peaceful night in the park. You’ll get to experience the wonders of nature and wildlife first-hand and come away having gained a real appreciation for the beauty of the subtropical forest.

At the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, many injured or orphaned gibbons and langurs have found a temporary home. Two rare species, Delacourt’s Langur, and the Cat Ba Golden Langur, are especially in need of conservation. While the former is in only a few places in North Vietnam, the latter is limited to a colony of 50 individuals at the Cat Ba Island National Park. Active efforts are being taken to safeguard their respective species, and the animals at the centre are undergoing a gradual program to be released into the wild once they have recovered their health.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 9: Cuc Phuong – Ninh Binh – Hanoi.

This morning, you’ll travel to Ninh Binh, a city in northern Vietnam, known for its rural scenery and ancient Buddhist temples. On arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Tam Coc, a stunning area of limestone mountains, lush green paddies, and winding rivers. During your visit you’ll enjoy a boat ride along the river, passing by three caves which form part of a picturesque landscape. After exploring the area, you’ll drive back to Hanoi for an overnight stay. Hanoi is a vibrant city full of culture and history, offering plenty of attractions for visitors. Your overnight stay in Hanoi will be the perfect end to your wonderful day in Ninh Binh.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch.

Day 10: Hanoi – Hue: Bach Ma National Park.

Your morning will be free until your guide and driver arrive to take you to board the noon flight to Hue. On arrival in Hue, a car will be waiting for you to drive you to Bach Ma National Park, 60 km away. This national park is located on the Annamite Mountain range and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. From the entrance, you’ll drive up the winding mountain roads, until you reach the guest house, which is perched high on the slopes of the mountain. The views from up here are breath-taking, with lush forests and rolling hills stretching into the horizon.

 ✓ Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 11: Bach Ma: Stroll the Rhododendron and Five-Lake’s cascade trail.

After an early breakfast, you’ll set off on your journey up the mountain, walking 500m to the summit for the stunning views and, with luck, the beautiful sunrise. You’ll then take the Rhododendron trail and Five-Lake’s cascade trail (6 km in total) through evergreen forest, where you can marvel at cascades and waterfalls. After a stop for lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll continue your journey along the Pheasant Trail (2.5 km). Here you’ll get the chance to explore more waterfalls and crystal-clear pools. Once the day is done, you’ll spend the night in the park. With so much to explore and discover, you’ll be sure to have a fun and rewarding day.

Would you like to partake in some bird watching while holidaying in Vietnam? We can have a local park guide take you, who will whistle to attract the birds. This expert will search the Pheasant Trail the day before to track down proper mating locations and guide you to areas with the highest chance of spotting pheasants. The optimal time to do this is between June to August – a must add experience to your Vietnam itinerary!

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Day 12: Bach Ma and Hanoi Departure.

You will enjoy a free morning before your guide and driver arrive, at which time they will take you to Hue. From there, you will board a flight to Hanoi, either for your departure flight or hotel accommodation. We hope you have enjoyed your Vietnam travel!

✓ Breakfast

Price

£2,857

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Map

Tour Summary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi, immerse in the city’s charm, and enjoy a traditional Water Puppetry show, reflecting rural Vietnamese culture.

Day 2: Travel to Ba Be Lake National Park, soak in the scenic beauty, and take a leisurely sunset stroll.

Day 3: Explore Ba Be National Park’s natural beauty with a boat ride, visiting Puong Cave, Fairy Pond, and Widow’s Island.

Day 4: Depart for Hai Phong, stopping at a local market en route, and explore the city’s lively atmosphere.

Day 5: Hai Phong to Ha Long Bay: Overnight Cruise. Embark on an Orchid Cruises journey through Ha Long Bay, enjoying activities onboard and exploring Trung Trang Cave.

Day 6: Morning Tai Chi. Engage in a calming tai chi session onboard, explore Ao Ech area by kayak, and continue the cruise to Cat Ba island.

Day 7: Nature-filled Hike. Embark on a nature hike through Cuc Phuong National Park, visiting the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and staying overnight.

Day 8: Explore the subtropical forest, observe wildlife, and gain insights into conservation efforts before retiring for the night.

Day 9: Travel to Ninh Binh, explore Tam Coc by boat, and return to Hanoi for an overnight stay.

Day 10: Bach Ma National Park. Fly to Hue and journey to Bach Ma National Park, known for its stunning views and diverse wildlife.

Day 11: Embark on a scenic hike along the Rhododendron and Five-Lake’s cascade trail, exploring waterfalls and pools.

Day 12: Enjoy a free morning before departing for Hue, then board a flight to Hanoi for your departure or extended stay.