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Natural Highlights of North Vietnam in 5 Days
- Mai Chau
- Pu Luong
- Ninh Binh
- Hanoi
Embark on an easy and accessible Vietnam tour with this North Vietnam itinerary 5 days, perfect for everyone. Explore the natural beauty of Mai Chau, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, and Ninh Binh, often dubbed 'Halong Bay on land,' before concluding your journey in Hanoi. Immerse yourself in vibrant rice terraces, explore traditional Thai villages, and cruise the serene waters. Let this adventure ignite your soul, leaving you with lasting memories of this captivating region. This Northern Vietnam itinerary 5 days is ideal for discovering the charm and beauty of northern Vietnam.
- Experience the unique cultures of the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities in Mai Chau.
- Trek through the stunning landscapes of Pu Luong Nature Reserve and immerse yourself in the Thai communities.
- Explore the land-based version of Halong Bay.
- Glide through the captivating scenery of Tam Coc on a boat and ascend Mua Mountain to enjoy panoramic views.
Our dear travellers delving in the heart of Pu Luong
Rural tranquility and boat rides through Ninh Binh
Muong ethnicity in Ninh Binh
Rice fields and stilt houses in picturesque Mai Chau
Pu Luong's serene terraced landscapes
- Mai Chau
- Pu Luong
- Ninh Binh
- Hanoi
Day 1 Hanoi arrival - Mai Chau
Depart from Hanoi in the morning, heading toward Mai Chau, the homeland of Thai and Muong ethnic minorities, lush green tea plantations, and rice fields. Stop at Luy Ai village where the Mường people reside - a community of 26 families living in houses perched on stilts with terracotta tile roofs.
Continue your journey to Mai Chau, a verdant valley inhabited by Thai minorities. Pause en route at the summit of a pass, offering a vantage point to overlook vast tapestries of rice fields, villages with traditional houses, and mountains adorned with bamboo forests - iconic landscapes of the region.
Upon arrival, embark on a walking or cycling expedition through the rice fields and Thai villages to gain insights into their culture and daily life.
In addition to their expertise in rice cultivation, the Thais in Mai Chau are renowned for their embroidery skills, and their houses are more spacious compared to the Muongs', featuring bamboo floors on wooden stilts, roofs made of latan leaves or rattan, and large windows.
Conclude the day with an overnight stay at the hotel, enjoying the warm hospitality.
This marks the beginning of your north Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour.
Day 2 Mai Chau - Pu Luong
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic stroll through lush green rice fields, adorned with the charming stilt houses of local minority communities. Interact with the Thai villagers as they work in the rice fields.
Continue your journey to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a vast expanse covering 1700 hectares and renowned as the largest karst forest area in northern Vietnam. The reserve is predominantly inhabited by Thai minorities, who share the same language as their Thai counterparts.
Upon reaching Don village, embark on an enriching walk to explore the beauty of this village, which boasts the most exquisite and awe-inspiring rice terraces in the entire region.
Conclude your day by settling into a delightful lodge, where you can unwind and savor some free time for relaxation. Spend the night in the serene ambiance of the lodge.
Day 3 Pu Luong trek
After breakfast, set off for a day of hiking to explore the wonders of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve.
Begin by transferring to Bầm Trên village, situated atop the right ridge of Pu Luong. This area is renowned for its breathtaking rice fields that seem to float in the sky, providing panoramic vistas of the valley and the opposite side of the mountain range.
Descend through nature and local residences to reach the villages of Bầm Dưới, Bồng, and Quăn. Along the way, you'll encounter Thai people engaged in various tasks in the forests and gardens. A common sight is Thai men carrying long knives on their backs.
Continue your journey to Ươi, a spacious hamlet characterized by numerous stilt houses. In the villages of Lặn Trong and Lặn Ngoài, you'll discover Thai families who still preserve traditional weaving tools in their homes.
Pause for a lunch break in Phố Đoàn, a small town within the region. In the afternoon, proceed with your walk through Thai villages and their dwellings. As the day concludes, arrive at the house of Tý in Bản Lác village. This beautiful stilted house is home to three generations: Mr. Ty and his wife, their children, and grandchildren. Interact with family members and take a leisurely stroll in the village.
Participate in meal preparation and savor a warm dinner with your hospitable hosts. Spend the night in their traditional stilted house.
Day 4 Pu Luong - Ninh Binh (Halong bay on land)
Following breakfast, say goodbye to your hosts and embark on a scenic walk to Ban Hieu village, known as the "Deer Village," to visit the Hieu Waterfall. This village, home to around twenty Thai families, is nestled on the lush hillsides, and weather permitting, you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Continue your journey to Ninh Binh, often called the "Land Halong Bay" due to its limestone formations and scenic landscapes. Visit Hoa Lu, the former imperial capital (960-1009), to explore the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, set in a picturesque valley surrounded by rice fields and limestone peaks. Learn about Vietnam's history, particularly its millennium-long conflict with Chinese troops.
End your day with an overnight stay in Ninh Binh.
Day 5 Ninh Binh - Hanoi
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a boat journey along the Ngo Dong River to explore Tam Coc. This winding river meanders through a picturesque landscape of rice fields, limestone peaks, and passes beneath three caves nestled at the base of the rocky formations. Your boat gracefully glides on the water, guided by skilled local rowers, immersing you in the enchanting scenery.
Upon disembarking, hop on a bicycle and meander through the captivating region. Your route will take you through charming villages and past limestone peaks, allowing you to soak in the serene ambiance that defines this rural area.
In the afternoon, visit Mount Mua, a place historically known for its dance performances for the TRAN kings. Climb a white staircase consisting of 486 stone steps to reach the summit. This bell-shaped mountain offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tam Coc region, renowned for presenting the most stunning landscapes reminiscent of Halong Bay on land, featuring lush limestone peaks, expansive rice fields, and boats gracefully gliding on the tranquil rivers of the villages. Explore the Mua Cave, nestled beneath the mountain.
Return to Hanoi. This marks the end of your north Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this remarkable journey. Safe travels!
Hanoi
Gastronomy and culture
Add to the itinerary
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- Accommodation for the entire circuit, in hotels or with locals
- Travel according to the program by private car
- English-speaking guide for the visits mentioned in the program
- All activities mentioned in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites
- Economy class domestic flights with airport taxes included
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- Bottle of water during guided tours (2 x 500ml/traveler/day)
- Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc.)
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- Visa fees, payable directly at the airport customs (see VISA)
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- Personal beverages during meals: beer, Coca-Cola, fruit juice, etc.
- Other meals not specified in the program
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What they say about us
Countless travelers create unforgettable memories with us every year. Discover their testimonials about our exceptional service, stunning destinations, and the highlights of their trips !
What they say about us
Carles & his partner - Spain
January 04, 2025 - Good morning, Mrs. Thuy Do,
We finally found the time to write to you and share our travel experience.
A huge THANK YOU for this magnificent trip that was absolutely flawless!
Everything was perfect: from the hotels you selected for us to the drivers and guides (Thai, Dzung, and Anh), who were wonderful and accompanied us throughout. And, of course, the fabulous itinerary you organized for us, allowing us to discover incredible wonders, including the rice terraces in the north, the lantern-filled city of Hoi An in the center, as well as Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
You and the guides and drivers who joined us contributed immensely to making our trip an unforgettable moment of happiness.
We returned home with great sadness at leaving your beautiful country, as well as the smiles and kindness of its people.
Thank you again for your professionalism, availability, kindness, warmth, the welcome at your agency, and your smiles.
We can’t wait to come back—and
Ethan's Family - Switzerland
December 30, 2024 - Dear Nhung,
A huge THANK YOU for organizing our trip, which was flawless. And yet, we gave you so much work!
First, in crafting the itinerary, custom-tailored to include our requested visits. You contacted me several times on WhatsApp, and in the end, the itinerary suited us perfectly and fit within the budget we had set. Thank you, Nhung, for your availability, attentiveness, and patience.
Then, unfortunately, we had to test your skills and professionalism when, one day before departure, my wife had a sinus infection requiring emergency surgery. We were initially supposed to travel as a group of three—my sister, my wife, and me. Given how well-prepared the trip was, I asked my sister to go ahead. Three days after the surgery, which went very well, I decided to join my sister and pick up the itinerary mid-trip (a week later) from Ha Long Bay. Nhung was amazing and remarkably efficient. She canceled my wife's arrangements and organized my transfer to the Ha
Françoise & Claude - France
December 12, 2024 - Dear NHUNG,
A huge THANK YOU for organizing our trip, which was flawless. How much work you must have had to do for us!
First, for creating a custom itinerary, taking into account our requests for visits. To do this, you contacted me several times on WhatsApp, and in the end, the tour was perfect and fit within our budget. Thank you, Nhung, for your availability, your listening, and your patience.
Then, unfortunately, we had to test, quite against our will, your competence and professionalism when, one day before departure, my husband developed a sinus infection requiring urgent surgery. We were leaving as three—my brother and us. We had prepared the trip so well that I asked my brother to go ahead. Three days later, after the surgery went very well, I decided to join my brother and take the tour from Halong Bay (one week later). Nhung was amazing and incredibly efficient. She canceled my husband’s personal bookings and took care of my transfer to the Halon
Eric and friends - Australia
November 25, 2024 - Hello Nhung,
What a wonderful surprise this palace in Sapa is once again.
We deeply appreciate the tranquility and relaxation of this sumptuous and luxurious establishment: it's a perfect retreat after the bustling days we’ve had since our arrival.
What magnificent discoveries we’ve had in the program you organized for us.
Incredible landscapes and settings, remarkable encounters, and extraordinary people everywhere in the local life. The guides were all different but so passionate and engaging (little Linh, so endearing, Hang, and Sam, so dedicated and professional). The drivers were experienced (especially Cuong in the North, who is our favorite: so kind and attentive… and an expert at navigating the mountain roads to keep us safe).
Leonardo and his wife - France
November 15, 2024 - Dear Nhung,
I finally find the time to write to you and share the impressions that our journey to Vietnam left on us.
Beyond the wonderful memories of the 23 days we spent in Vietnam, there is a particular aspect of this trip that I wish to share with you.
My wife and I have traveled fairly extensively. Not as much as we would have liked, but over the years, we have had the opportunity to visit several countries and have learned to organize our trips quite competently and independently. We have never participated in an organized tour and have always chosen our destinations, itineraries, and experiences based on our readings about the countries we visit and our personal tastes and interests. For Vietnam, our starting point was the same, and you may recall that to define our itinerary, we initially sent you a very precise and detailed travel plan.
Véronique Demonçay - Canada
October 20, 2024 - Good evening Mrs. Trang,
We have returned home and resumed work, though with a bit of nostalgia after discovering your beautiful country.
We had an excellent trip; everything was just as planned. Our guide Thien made the stay very enjoyable by scheduling visits during less crowded times. Always kind, cheerful, and speaking excellent English, he shared his knowledge and the great cultural richness of his country. He always gave us great advice. Thank you also to Mr. Long for his careful driving and kindness.
In Cambodia, Mr. Tra (short for his name) also adapted the visit itinerary to less crowded times. He added a temple visit and the visit to the Angkor Scent Workshop. We ended up visiting the floating village of Kampong Phuck, which was closer than the one originally planned, and there weren't too many people yet. This allowed us to visit a local market as well.
Just for your information, it’s necessary to complete the e-Arrival form for Cambodia in add
Pier-Luc Desbiens - Australia
October 7, 2024 - Hello,
We booked this tour at the last minute, and Kampá Tour didn’t disappoint with their prompt organization. Our guide, Thao, was fantastic—full of energy, humor, and knowledge. We spent a lot of time on boats, drifting along the rivers and canals. We loved cycling through the quiet palm groves and cruising through the narrow waterways by sampan in Mekong Delta.
A special thank you to the entire team at Kampá Tour. We spent 15 days in a wonderful country, with remarkable people, extraordinary landscapes, and a fascinating culture... Our return flight on Sunday was also perfect, and we have already been back at work since Monday... but with many images of Vietnam still in our heads and hearts 😊
Best regards,
Pier-Luc Desbiens
Brigitte and Jean - USA
September 22, 2024 - Dear Ms. Thanh LE,
We are already back in Toulouse, and we didn’t realize how quickly time flew by.
Our 18-day Vietnam tour (August-September 2024) was an unforgettable experience.
First of all, we would like to thank your agency, "Kampá Tour," and especially you, Ms. Thanh Le. This trip, organized by your agency, was remarkably well-prepared, with representatives always attentive to our needs. The selection of hotels and destinations was meticulously planned. During our stay, we had five guides who were always there for us, making us live magical moments. A special thanks to Nhi and Lam. We loved our experiences in Sapa, Hue, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, the Imperial City, and many other places (the list is long).
Regarding safety, it was very reassuring, and we felt well taken care of before and during the trip. On the first day, we had the chance to meet you at your Hanoi office, where you handed us the documents for our tour. I highly recommend this customiz
Maria Dolores & friends - Argentina
September 12, 2024 - Hello,
We had the most amazing time and are heading back to Argentina completely in love with your beautiful country! Everything was perfectly organized, and always on time.
The hotels were so comfortable, and the guides were absolutely fantastic. Special thanks to Luis in Hanoi and Ming in Phnom Penh for their kindness and professionalism – they really made our trip extra special! Hue and Phnom Penh were simply breathtaking – such charming cities with so much history and beauty. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and we truly appreciate all the effort that went into planning this unforgettable journey.
I will be recommending your agency to all my friends and family – you have been incredible!
Big hugs and all the best,
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most interesting region to visit in Vietnam?
Vietnam is divided into three major regions: the North, the Central, and the South. Each region has its distinctive features, and the choice of the region to visit will depend on your interests.
Among the three regions, the North has more interesting things to discover. It entices travelers with its rich natural beauty (stunning bays and rivers, impressive mountains and hills, winding mountain paths, lush valleys with beautiful terraced rice fields) and cultural heritage (numerous historical monuments, ancient temples and pagodas, craft villages, a large community of ethnic minorities with authentic villages and colorful weekly markets). Without time constraints, most of our clients spend a significant portion of their trip exploring this region.
2. What is the ideal duration for visiting Vietnam?
3. Are international flights included in your travel packages?
4. Am I exempt from the visa? If not, how can I obtain it?
5. Is it easy to find a restaurant for meals on our own? How much should I budget for a lunch/dinner?
6. Can I make changes to the itinerary?
7. When and how is the balance of the trip paid?
Still have questions or hesitations?
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