- Overview
- Tour plan
- Hotel list
- FAQ
General Information
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Route: Hanoi → Pu Luong → Ninh Binh → Ha Long Bay → Hue → Hoi An
Travel Style: Nature, Culture, Walking & Rural Experiences
Ideal For: Couples, active mature travellers and culturally curious visitors who enjoy landscapes, village life, light-to-moderate walking and heritage
Activity Level: Moderate
Start: Hanoi
Finish: Hoi An / Da Nang
This journey connects northern Vietnam’s mountain valleys and rural communities with the limestone landscapes of Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay, before continuing south to the imperial heritage of Hue and the living traditions of Hoi An.
Private services are used through most of the journey, complemented by locally guided rural experiences and a shared overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay.
From mountain villages to ancient towns — discover a quieter side of Vietnam.
Introduction
Discover a more rural and culturally immersive side of Vietnam on this 13-day journey from Hanoi to Hoi An.
Begin in the capital before travelling into the mountains of Pu Luong, where terraced rice fields, traditional Thai communities and quiet village roads reveal a slower rhythm of life. Explore the valley through village walks, an Easy Rider journey with experienced local drivers, traditional brocade weaving, waterfalls, bamboo water wheels and a peaceful rafting experience.
Continue to Ninh Binh, where limestone mountains rise dramatically from rice fields and waterways. Cycle through the countryside and travel by sampan through the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Trang An before continuing to Ha Long Bay for an overnight cruise among its iconic karst islands.
Fly south to Hue to discover Vietnam’s imperial heritage alongside the rural communities surrounding the former royal capital. Cross the spectacular Hai Van Pass to Hoi An, where merchant houses, traditional craftsmanship and village life reveal the legacy of one of Southeast Asia’s historic trading ports.
Designed for travellers who value depth over speed, this journey combines iconic scenery with village encounters, local traditions and carefully paced exploration.
Day 1 — Welcome to Vietnam
Arrival in Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel in Hanoi.
After check-in, the remainder of the day is free to recover from your journey and adjust to the local time.
Depending on your arrival time, take a gentle walk through the surrounding neighbourhood, enjoy your first Vietnamese coffee or simply relax at your hotel.
No formal sightseeing is scheduled today.
Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: None
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 2 — Hanoi Beyond the Old Quarter
Heritage, Neighbourhoods & Everyday Life
After breakfast, meet your private English-speaking guide for an introduction to Hanoi that combines cultural heritage with everyday neighbourhood life.
Begin at the Temple of Literature, founded in the 11th century and closely associated with Vietnam’s traditions of scholarship and education.
Continue toward Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter, where narrow streets, traditional shophouses and long-established commercial neighbourhoods reveal layers of the capital’s history.
Walk through selected local lanes beyond the busiest streets and learn about Hanoi’s architecture, family businesses and everyday routines.
After lunch, continue toward Long Bien Bridge, one of the city’s most recognisable historic structures.
Cross into quieter riverside areas where the dense urban landscape gradually gives way to gardens, agricultural plots and local communities along the Red River.
Finish the afternoon with a traditional Vietnamese coffee or Hanoi’s famous egg coffee before returning to your hotel.
The evening is free at leisure.
Service: Private guided tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hanoi
Day 3 — Hanoi to Pu Luong
Rice Terraces, Village Life & Brocade Weaving
After breakfast, leave Hanoi by private vehicle and travel southwest toward Pu Luong.
The landscape gradually changes from the plains surrounding Hanoi to forested hills, valleys and mountain communities.
Arrive around midday and enjoy lunch before checking in to your lodge and taking some time to relax.
In the afternoon, meet your local guide for a gentle walk through the heart of Pu Luong.
Begin around Don Village and continue across beautiful rice terraces toward Uoi Hamlet, where traditional stilt houses sit beneath the surrounding mountains.
Continue to Lan Village, home to one of the valley’s long-established Thai communities.
Spend time walking through the village, meeting local residents and visiting families who continue to weave traditional Thai brocade by hand.
The experience offers an introduction not only to Pu Luong’s landscape, but also to the skills and traditions that remain part of everyday community life.
Travellers who prefer may choose a bicycle ride along quiet village roads as an alternative way to explore part of the valley.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
The evening is free to relax, with an optional local cooking activity available before dinner.
Service: Private transfer + locally guided village experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Pu Luong
Day 4 — Pu Luong Easy Rider
Mountain Roads, Villages, Bat Cave & Hieu Waterfall
After breakfast, meet your local guide and experienced riders for a full-day journey through Pu Luong.
Each traveller rides as a passenger with an experienced local driver while the guide leads the route through mountain roads, rice terraces and rural communities.
Begin through Bang Village, known for its rolling rice fields and traditional wooden houses.
Continue downhill toward Kho Muong, one of the valley’s most scenic areas.
Explore Kho Muong Village before taking a short walk toward Bat Cave, the largest cave in the Pu Luong area.
Continue through the valley toward Quan Village, where you can pause for a cup of local tea and another glimpse into everyday community life.
The journey then leads toward Hieu Waterfall.
After a short walk, reach the waterfall and enjoy lunch beside the stream.
Depending on weather and water conditions, take time to swim, relax beside the falls or simply enjoy the natural surroundings.
In the afternoon, return along a different route through the valley.
Ride alongside Suoi Gia and through quieter communities such as Coc, Danh and Leo, passing rice fields, traditional wooden homes and rural landscapes along the way.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon.
A traditional herbal foot soak provides a relaxing end to the day before dinner.
Service: Locally guided Easy Rider experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Pu Luong
Alternative: A guided walking programme can be arranged for travellers who prefer not to travel by motorbike.
Day 5 — Pu Luong to Ninh Binh
Water Wheels, Bamboo Rafting & Journey to Limestone Country
After breakfast, check out and take a short transfer to Ban Cong Village.
Begin with a gentle walk across a suspension bridge and follow peaceful riverside paths through the surrounding countryside.
Observe farmers working in the fields, water buffalo grazing and everyday village life unfolding around you.
Along the way, discover Pu Luong’s traditional bamboo water wheels, still used to channel water from local streams toward nearby agricultural land.
Continue toward Chieu Lau Dam, where local boatmen welcome you aboard a traditional bamboo raft.
Drift gently along the water and enjoy the valley from a different perspective.
After the rafting experience, continue with an easy walk through rice fields and village paths.
Return to the lodge area for lunch before meeting your private driver for the onward journey to Ninh Binh.
Arrive in the late afternoon or early evening and check in to your accommodation.
The evening is free at leisure.
Service: Locally guided experience + private transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Day 6 — Ninh Binh: Nature & Ancient Heritage
Hoa Lu, Countryside Cycling & Trang An
After breakfast, meet your private guide for a full-day exploration of Ninh Binh.
Begin at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital during the Dinh and early Le dynasties.
Explore the historic temple complex and learn why this naturally protected landscape became an important political centre in the early history of independent Vietnam.
Continue into the countryside by bicycle, travelling along quiet village roads between rice fields, limestone formations and local communities.
The cycling route can be adjusted according to your preferred pace and ability.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, continue to Trang An.
Board a traditional sampan and travel through the UNESCO-listed landscape, where rivers wind between towering limestone formations and through natural cave systems.
The slow boat journey provides a peaceful contrast to the morning’s cycling and reveals one of northern Vietnam’s most striking combinations of nature and cultural heritage.
Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon.
Service: Private guided experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Ninh Binh
Day 7 — Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay
From Limestone Valleys to Limestone Islands
After breakfast, leave Ninh Binh and transfer toward Ha Long Bay.
The journey connects two of northern Vietnam’s most distinctive limestone landscapes — from the valleys and waterways of Ninh Binh to the islands of the Gulf of Tonkin.
Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, complete boarding procedures and settle into your cabin.
Enjoy lunch on board as the vessel begins sailing among limestone islands and karst formations.
During the afternoon, participate in activities according to the selected cruise programme. Depending on the cruise, weather and local conditions, these may include kayaking, swimming, cave exploration or excursions by tender.
Return to the vessel and enjoy time on deck before dinner is served.
Spend the evening at leisure surrounded by the quiet scenery of the bay.
Service: Transfer + shared overnight cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Day 8 — Ha Long Bay to Hue
Morning Cruise & Flight to Central Vietnam
Wake to the peaceful scenery of Ha Long Bay.
Depending on the cruise programme, the morning may begin with a light activity or final excursion before breakfast or brunch is served on board.
Enjoy the final views of the bay as the vessel gradually returns toward the harbour.
After disembarkation, transfer toward Noi Bai International Airport according to the confirmed flight schedule.
Fly to Hue.
Upon arrival at Phu Bai International Airport, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel.
The evening is free to relax after the journey.
Service: Shared cruise services + transfer + domestic flight + private arrival transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch or Brunch depending on cruise programme
Overnight: Hue
Day 9 — Imperial Hue
Perfume River, Citadel & Royal Heritage
After breakfast, meet your private guide for an exploration of Vietnam’s former imperial capital.
Begin with a journey along or beside the Perfume River toward Thien Mu Pagoda, one of Hue’s most recognisable religious landmarks.
Continue to the Imperial Citadel, once the political and ceremonial centre of the Nguyen Dynasty.
Explore selected areas of the complex while learning about imperial administration, court life and Vietnam’s final royal dynasty.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit one of Hue’s major royal tombs.
Depending on the confirmed programme, this may be the Tomb of Emperor Minh Mang, known for its harmonious landscape design, or the Tomb of Emperor Khai Dinh, recognised for its elaborate architecture and blend of Vietnamese and European influences.
Rather than moving rapidly between several tombs, the experience focuses on one site in greater depth.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Service: Private guided tour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
Day 10 — Beyond Imperial Hue
Countryside, Village Life & Local Traditions
After breakfast, leave the historic centre and travel into the countryside surrounding Hue.
Explore landscapes of rice fields, waterways and village communities with your local guide.
Depending on the confirmed programme, travel partly by bicycle or on foot along quiet local roads toward a traditional village area.
Visit a local market and learn about produce, ingredients and everyday shopping in rural central Vietnam.
Continue to a historic village bridge or community landmark and hear stories about the relationship between agriculture, family life and village traditions.
Spend time with a local family or community host and discover one aspect of everyday rural life or traditional craftsmanship.
Enjoy a home-style or locally prepared lunch.
In the afternoon, continue with one carefully selected cultural experience, which may include an artisan household, incense making, conical-hat production or another community-based activity according to local availability.
Return to Hue later in the afternoon.
Service: Private/local guided countryside experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hue
Day 11 — Hue to Hoi An
Across the Hai Van Pass
After breakfast, check out and meet your private driver for the overland journey to Hoi An.
Travel south toward the Hai Van Pass, where the mountains meet the central Vietnamese coastline.
Weather permitting, stop at selected viewpoints overlooking the sea and surrounding landscape.
Continue through Da Nang and onward to Hoi An.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to discover the Ancient Town independently.
Walk beside the river, explore the lantern-lit streets or simply enjoy a relaxed evening after the journey.
Service: Private transfer with sightseeing stops
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 12 — Hoi An: Heritage & Living Traditions
Ancient Town, Craftsmanship & Countryside
After breakfast, meet your private guide for a day exploring the living heritage of Hoi An.
Begin in the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town.
Walk through streets lined with historic merchant houses and visit selected landmarks such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Chinese assembly halls and traditional residences.
Learn how Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European merchants shaped the town’s architecture, traditions and commercial life.
Continue to the local market before enjoying lunch.
In the afternoon, meet a local artisan or visit a traditional craft setting.
Depending on the confirmed experience, this may involve lantern making, pottery, woodcraft or another locally rooted craft tradition.
Learn about the techniques and stories behind the craft and the role it continues to play in the community today.
Finish the day with a gentle countryside walk or bicycle ride through village landscapes surrounding Hoi An.
Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Enjoy your final evening at leisure.
Service: Private guided heritage & craft experience
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Overnight: Hoi An
Day 13 — Farewell Vietnam
Hoi An to Da Nang International Airport
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and free time until your scheduled departure.
Depending on your flight time, take a final walk through Hoi An, enjoy a Vietnamese coffee, browse local shops or simply relax at your hotel.
At the appropriate time, meet your private driver and transfer to Da Nang International Airport for your onward journey.
For travellers requiring an international gateway connection through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, additional flight and accommodation arrangements can be organised on request.
Your journey with Oriva comes to an end.
Service: Private airport transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Suggested Accommodation
Accommodation is available in three main categories. Final hotels, lodges and cruises are subject to availability at the time of booking and may be replaced with properties of a similar standard.
3-Star
Hanoi: Mina Hotel or similar
Pu Luong: Selected local lodge or similar
Ninh Binh: Selected 3-star hotel or lodge
Ha Long Bay: Le Journey Cruise or similar
Hue: Selected 3-star hotel or similar
Hoi An: Kim An Hotel Hoi An or similar
4-Star
Hanoi: Tirant Hotel or similar
Pu Luong: Selected premium local lodge or similar
Ninh Binh: Selected 4-star hotel or resort
Ha Long Bay: La Pandora Cruise or similar
Hue: Selected 4-star hotel or similar
Hoi An: Silkotel Hoi An or similar
5-Star
Hanoi: Apricot Hotel or similar
Pu Luong: Selected premium lodge — authentic nature stay
Ninh Binh: Selected 5-star resort or similar
Ha Long Bay: Doris Cruise or similar
Hue: Selected 5-star hotel or similar
Hoi An: Palm Garden Hoi An or similar
Standard check-in: From 14:00
Standard check-out: By 12:00 noon
Early check-in or late check-out is only included when specifically stated in the programme.
For the 5-star package, accommodation in Pu Luong may offer a simpler standard than luxury city hotels. Properties are selected primarily for their natural setting, character and access to authentic rural experiences.
1. How is the tour priced?
2. What is included in the tour price?
What’s Included
- 12 nights’ accommodation based on twin/double sharing
- Daily breakfast and meals indicated in the itinerary
- Domestic economy-class flight:
- Hanoi → Hue
- Private airport transfers as specified
- Private guided Hanoi sightseeing
- Private transfer from Hanoi to Pu Luong
- Locally guided Pu Luong village and brocade-weaving experience
- Pu Luong Easy Rider experience with experienced local drivers
- Guided Kho Muong and Bat Cave visit
- Hieu Waterfall experience
- Traditional herbal foot soak in Pu Luong
- Guided Ban Cong village walk
- Traditional bamboo water-wheel visit
- Bamboo rafting experience
- Private transfer from Pu Luong to Ninh Binh
- Private guided Ninh Binh sightseeing
- Bicycle use during the included Ninh Binh cycling experience
- Trang An sampan journey
- Transfer from Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay
- 2-day/1-night shared Ha Long Bay cruise with scheduled meals and activities
- Transfer from Ha Long Bay toward Noi Bai International Airport
- Private arrival transfer in Hue
- Private guided Hue imperial sightseeing
- Private/local guided Hue countryside experience
- Private transfer from Hue to Hoi An via the Hai Van Pass
- Private guided Hoi An heritage and craft experience
- Private transfer from Hoi An to Da Nang International Airport on Day 13
- Entrance fees for sightseeing specifically included in the programme
- Local English-speaking guides during guided experiences
- Drinking water where provided by the operating supplier
- Applicable local taxes and service charges
- 24/7 local assistance from Oriva Journeys during the trip
3. What is not included in the tour price?
What’s Not Included
- International flights to and from Vietnam
- Onward domestic flight from Da Nang after the tour unless specifically confirmed
- Vietnam visa or e-visa fees, where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
- Drinks during included meals unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses such as laundry, minibar, spa treatments, shopping and telephone charges
- Optional activities, excursions or extensions
- Early check-in and late check-out unless confirmed
- Excess baggage charges, seat selection and other optional airline services
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal trekking equipment or specialist outdoor gear
- Expenses arising from flight disruptions, adverse weather, natural disasters or other circumstances beyond the operator’s reasonable control
- Any services not specifically mentioned under What’s Included
4. Why is the price higher for solo travellers?
Travelling solo usually costs more per person because many parts of the journey are normally shared between two or more travellers.
When travelling alone, costs such as accommodation, private transfers, vehicle, driver and private guide services are carried by one person rather than divided across a couple or small group.
Oriva does not normally pair solo travellers with other guests simply to reduce the price, as matching independent travellers would require the same departure date, itinerary, service level and travel preferences.
For travellers who want to keep the independence of travelling alone while managing the overall cost, Oriva also offers selected solo-friendly journeys, using shared or small-group services where appropriate while keeping your own accommodation.
5. What upgrades are available?
The journey can be personalised with a range of optional upgrades, subject to availability and additional charges.
Available options include:
- A premium private vehicle for longer overland journeys
- A higher-category lodge or room in Pu Luong
- A guided walking alternative to the Pu Luong Easy Rider experience
- A private or customised trekking programme in Pu Luong
- Premium accommodation in Ninh Binh
- A higher-category Ha Long Bay cabin or premium cruise
- Private Ha Long Bay transfer arrangements
- A premium Hue heritage experience
- A private culinary or garden-house experience in Hue
- An additional Hue countryside or lagoon experience
- A premium private transfer from Hue to Hoi An
- A private artisan workshop in Hoi An
- Additional nights in Hoi An
- A central Vietnam beach extension
- A 1-night Hanoi gateway extension
- A 1-night Ho Chi Minh City gateway extension
- Onward domestic flight arrangements from Da Nang
- Hotel category upgrades
- More flexible domestic airfare options
Speak with our team if you would like to make the journey more private, upgrade your accommodation or add extra time before or after the itinerary.
6. Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. Selected elements of the journey can be adjusted according to your interests, fitness level and preferred travel style.
The Pu Luong Easy Rider experience can be replaced with a guided walking programme, trekking can be customised, accommodation and cruise categories can be upgraded, and additional nights or beach extensions can be added.
Oriva can also arrange onward flights from Da Nang or gateway extensions through Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
7. Is a deposit required to confirm the booking?
Yes. A 20% deposit is normally required to confirm your booking.
The remaining balance is generally due 45–60 days before departure. Bookings made closer to departure may require full payment at the time of confirmation.
Some services, such as flights, cruises or hotels, may require earlier or full payment depending on supplier conditions.
8. What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation charges depend on how close to departure the booking is cancelled:
| Cancellation received | Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days before departure | 20% |
| 45–60 days before departure | 30% |
| 30–44 days before departure | 50% |
| 15–29 days before departure | 75% |
| 14 days or less / No-show | 100% |
Domestic air tickets are non-refundable once issued.
Other prepaid services, such as cruises, hotel deposits or attraction tickets, may also have supplier-specific cancellation conditions.
No refund is normally provided for no-shows or voluntarily unused services after the trip has started.
9. Can children join this tour?
Yes. Families with children are welcome, and special child rates are available when sharing a room or cabin with two adults:
- Infants aged 0–2: 10% of the adult rate
- Children aged 3–11: 85% of the adult rate
- Children aged 12 and above: Adult rate
Child fares for flights and other ticketed transport are subject to the relevant airline or operator’s policy and will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Because this itinerary includes walking, cycling, natural terrain, Bat Cave access and an Easy Rider motorbike experience, families travelling with younger children should discuss suitability and alternatives with Oriva before confirming.
10. Are there any important travel notes I should be aware of?
Yes. A few practical points are worth keeping in mind before confirming your journey.
- Accommodation: Prices are based on twin/double sharing. A single supplement applies for solo occupancy.
- Pu Luong: Lodge standards may be simpler than city hotels, especially in premium packages. Properties are selected for their natural setting and access to local experiences.
- Easy Rider Experience: Guests ride as passengers with experienced local drivers. A guided walking alternative can be arranged for travellers who prefer not to travel by motorbike.
- Bat Cave Accessibility: Access involves walking on uneven natural terrain and may include steep or slippery sections. The cave visit can be shortened, adjusted or omitted depending on mobility, weather and trail conditions.
- Walking & Cycling: Routes and distances may be adjusted according to fitness, weather, trail conditions and traveller preference.
- Domestic Flight: Flight schedule, airline, fare and baggage allowance are subject to availability until ticketing.
- Ha Long Bay Cruise: Cruise routes and activities may change due to weather, tidal conditions, safety requirements or local authority instructions.
- Local Experiences: Village, craft and community visits may vary according to season, local availability and operating conditions.
- Departure from Da Nang: The tour ends with a private transfer to Da Nang International Airport. Travellers requiring onward connections through Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or another international gateway should allow sufficient connection time; Oriva Journeys can arrange these services separately.
- Meals: Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated when advised in advance.
- Itinerary: Minor adjustments may be required due to weather, flight schedules or operational conditions while maintaining the overall character of the journey.
- Travel Documents: Travellers are responsible for valid passports, visas and applicable entry requirements.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.
