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Highlights
Discover Mai Chau’s ethnic Thai culture and stunning landscapes.
Explore Hanoi’s historical landmarks, including the Temple of Literature and the bustling Old Quarter, filled with local culture.
Hike through Mai Chau’s stunning valleys, rice fields, and traditional stilt villages, offering a true rural Vietnamese experience.
Enjoy an immersive homestay in Mai Chau, learning about ethnic Thai traditions, culture, and local crafts.
Observe the diverse wildlife and dramatic landscapes of Van Long Nature Reserve, often called Vietnam's “terrestrial Halong Bay”.
Embark on an unforgettable soft hiking adventure in Northern Vietnam, where you’ll discover the region’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. This 8-day tour takes you through Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay, combining scenic hikes, cultural immersion, and serene boat rides. Experience the charm of rural Vietnam while hiking through picturesque valleys and villages, learning about local traditions, and exploring UNESCO-listed sites.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the tranquil Mai Chau valleys, this adventure offers a perfect blend of hiking and cultural discovery. Visit Van Long Nature Reserve, often referred to as the “terrestrial Halong Bay,” and enjoy a relaxing boat ride through its flooded rice fields. Enjoy a Halong Bay cruise, exploring its stunning limestone karsts, and savor freshly caught seafood. Whether hiking through lush landscapes or immersing in local traditions, this tour is designed to offer an authentic, active exploration of Northern Vietnam.
Embark on an unforgettable soft hiking adventure in Northern Vietnam, where you’ll discover the region’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes. This 8-day tour takes you through Hanoi, Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay, combining scenic hikes, cultural immersion, and serene boat rides. Experience the charm of rural Vietnam while hiking through picturesque valleys and villages, learning about local traditions, and exploring UNESCO-listed sites.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the tranquil Mai Chau valleys, this adventure offers a perfect blend of hiking and cultural discovery. Visit Van Long Nature Reserve, often referred to as the “terrestrial Halong Bay,” and enjoy a relaxing boat ride through its flooded rice fields. Enjoy a Halong Bay cruise, exploring its stunning limestone karsts, and savor freshly caught seafood. Whether hiking through lush landscapes or immersing in local traditions, this tour is designed to offer an authentic, active exploration of Northern Vietnam.
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Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam Itinerary
Day 1 Hanoi Arrival – City Exploration
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to your hotel. In the late afternoon, meet your guide for a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, visiting Ngoc Son Temple. Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Hanoi
Distance: 28km, 0m ascent, 0m descent
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 Hanoi – Tho Ha Village & City Sights
Visit Tho Ha Village to explore its traditional architecture and rice paper production. Enjoy a Quan Ho folk song performance by a local family. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature and stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Hanoi
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Hanoi to Mai Chau – Mountain Escape
Travel to Mai Chau and enjoy lunch at a Thai stilt house. Explore Na Cut village and experience local life. Overnight at a homestay.
Overnight Location: Homestay in Mai Chau
Distance: 2 hour and 30mins, 8km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Mai Chau – Scenic Hike & Village Life
Hike from Cum Village to Mai Hich, surrounded by green valleys and rice fields. After lunch with a local family, continue hiking through the Mai Chau valley.
Overnight Location: Homestay in Mai Chau
Distance: Mai Chau – Mai Hich: 8km, 150m ascent, 200m descent
Mai Hich – Mai Chau Valley: 5 – 6 hours, 15-17km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Mai Chau to Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Travel from Mai Chau to the stunning Pu Luong Nature Reserve, home to Thai and Muong ethnic communities. Enjoy scenic views of mountains, rice fields, and lush forests along the way. Upon arrival, begin a 2-hour morning hike from Ban Don village into the valley. Pass rice terraces, local homes, and farm animals, capturing perfect photo opportunities and learning about traditional Thai village life. Return to the starting point for lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the Chieng Lau area on a 3-hour walk. Cross the Cham River bridge, stroll through rice fields, and visit villages of the Black Thai people. Wander along riversides and bamboo forests, discovering traditional trails, water wheels, and serene natural landscapes.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pu Long
Distance: 3 hours, 7.5km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 Pu Luong – Van Long Nature Reserve – Ninh Binh
Travel from Pu Luong to the “terrestrial Halong Bay” region, enjoying scenic landscapes along the way. Stop for lunch in a local village house before an easy 8 km bike ride through charming villages to meet the locals and explore the countryside.
In the afternoon, visit Van Long Nature Reserve and enjoy a 1.5-hour rowboat ride through flooded rice fields, limestone peaks, canals, and lush vegetation. Afterward, transfer to your hotel in Ninh Binh for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Ninh Binh
Distance: 1 hour, 8km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 Ninh Binh to Halong Bay
After breakfast, travel from Ninh Binh to Halong Bay (approx. 3.5–4 hours). Upon arrival, board your cruise and start exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its dramatic limestone islands and emerald waters. Enjoy lunch and dinner on board, featuring freshly caught seafood, and relax with optional night fishing as the sun sets over the bay.
Overnight Location: Overnight onboard
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Departure
Wake up early to enjoy the sunrise over Halong Bay. After a morning cruise, disembark and transfer back to Hanoi. Continue to Noi Bai Airport for your suggested return flight (after 18:00).
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
2026 Pricing for Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam The departures are available starting daily from January 1 to December 31, 2026, however the best times are March to May and October to December.
The starting price for a private tour with two people sharing a double or twin room is USD1795 per person.
Accommodation on Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam
The accommodation throughout this tour offers a mix of traditional and comfortable stays, designed to immerse you in the local culture while ensuring a restful experience. In cities like Hanoi and Ninh Binh, you’ll enjoy comfortable hotels offering modern amenities. In rural areas such as Mai Chau and Van Long Nature Reserve, you will stay in homestays with local families, providing an authentic insight into village life. The overnight boat on Halong Bay offers a unique and relaxing experience with breathtaking views, complemented by fresh seafood and tranquil surroundings. While not luxury accommodations, the focus is on comfort, local charm, and offering an authentic experience of northern Vietnam’s landscapes and culture.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
What’s Included in the Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam?
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 4 dinners are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
- Luxury Calypso cruise offers luxurious comfort on Halong Bay with stunning views, elegant cabins, and unforgettable dining experiences for a memorable overnight journey.
- Transportation by private vehicle with A/C as mentioned.
Also included
- Private air-conditioned transport throughout the tour
- All entrance fees and sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary
- Local English speaking guide
Not included
- International flight tickets and airport taxes. All internal/ regional flight tickets in economy class
- Non-private seaplane Hanoi – Halong or vice versa
- Visa fees upon arrival in Vietnam
- Tips & personal expenses. Personal insurance. Any services not clearly mentioned in the program.
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
Optional Extras
- Single occupancy upgrades
- How hard is the Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?
- Are meals included on the Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Hanoi to start this tour?
- Is the Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam in English?
- Where does the Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Vietnam?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Vietnam?
We rate this tour as a 2/5 due to its moderate level of activity, including short hikes, bike rides, and boat trips that are suitable for most travelers in good health. The terrain is generally gentle, with some areas featuring scenic but easy-to-navigate landscapes. While the tour includes a few active days, the overall pace and the fact that it involves manageable distances make it ideal for travelers of various fitness levels.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all the activities listed on the tour. Get your travel insurance.
To get to Hanoi and start your tour, you’ll need to fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which is about 30-45 minutes by taxi or Grab from the city center. You can book a direct international flight to Hanoi from major cities worldwide or catch a domestic flight if traveling within Vietnam. Alternatively, long-distance buses or trains from other cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang are also available, though they take significantly longer. Once in Hanoi, taxis, Grab, or shuttle services can easily take you to your hotel, especially in the central Old Quarter. It’s advisable to arrive a day before the tour starts to ensure you’re well-rested.
Yes, the tour guide is English-speaking.
The Soft Hiking Adventure in Northern Vietnam ends in Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. After visiting key locations like Mai Chau, Ninh Binh, and Halong Bay, the tour concludes with a return to Hanoi. The means of travel from Hanoi to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is typically by private transfer, which can be arranged by the tour operator or hotel. This is the most common and convenient option, especially for international travelers with luggage. Alternatively, taxis, ride-hailing services (like Grab), or shuttle buses can also be used, but private transfers are the most comfortable and reliable option, especially when departing from a hotel. The trip usually takes around 30-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Easia Active is a subsidiary of Easia Travel, a boutique tour operator based in South-East Asia, and dedicated to sharing the best active adventures in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Easia Travel was founded in 2000 in Vietnam, with a vision to “Make Asia Easy for You!” by allowing guests to experience the best of Asia. Find great hiking, cycling and other active adventures in SE Asia with Easia Active.
