Vietnam 12-Day Travel: Discover Alluring Nature

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