Why visit Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau in one go? Because this is the route that is truly the heart and soul of Northern Vietnam! The travel balances the beauty of nature and local culture: Floating on the emerald water in Halong Bay, riding to the mystic caves in Ninh Binh, biking on the back roads and through the rice terraces in the heart of Mai Chau. It’s an easy, scenic loop from the Hanoi Old Quarter, one that’s perfect for couples, families, and adventurers alike, as it offers a good mix of the adventurous and the authentic. Whether you’re landing in April, taking a Mai Chau Vietnam Tour, or imagining a serene getaway, here’s your 7-day itinerary.
Why Travel to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau Together?
The combination of Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau in just one trip brings you the best route options to experience these 3 beautiful landscapes in northern Vietnam, each of them is very unique from the others, do you know Matteo? From the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, where you can practice tai chi at sunrise, to the atmospheric boat trip through caves and a Ninh Binh province, and the serene rhythms of life in Mai Chau with its stilt houses and the warm welcome of the Thai ethnic group, this tour weaves natural wonder with cultural charm. If you’re going to be checking into a hotel in Hanoi at any point tomorrow, or if you have an arrival date in April, the route is scenic and you won’t have to wait any longer than that, which is perfect when you’re trying to turn your journey into something you can share.
The magic trick of a Halong Bay Ninh Binh Tour Mai Chau is how seamlessly it fits together, from bustling Hanoi Old Quarter to the serene valleys of Hoa Binh, there’s not a single backtrack. It’s perfect for couples, families, content creators, and nature lovers in search of comfort and authenticity. Whether you are strolling through fields of green and gold rice, taking a cooking class on a boat cruise, or dancing with locals in the midst of one of the many discovery Mai Chau Vietnam Tours, this adventure guarantees you meaning, beauty, history, and connection. For an extra dose of authenticity, add in a visit to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden highland gem yet to be found by many travellers. Plus, if you’re thinking of investing in security for tomorrow, this is the trip that never lets you down.
Day-by-Day 7-Day Itinerary for Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau
Day 1 – Arrival in Hanoi & Cultural First Impressions
Morning:
Arrival in Hanoi. A warm welcome at the airport will be followed by a transfer to your hotel in Hanoi, the elegant Tirant Hotel, which is also located in the Hanoi Old Quarter, so you can conveniently approach the city center.
Allow yourself to unpack, rejuvenate, and prepare for a cultural warm-up.
Afternoon:
Stroll past the breezy shores of Hoan Kiem Lake, cross the famous red bridge to Ngoc Son Temple, and start to get a sense of local life.
Evening:
Watch a water puppet show, a popular Northern Vietnamese art performance.
Take a guided street food tour or enjoy the most authentic dishes from a hole-in-the-wall eatery.
Overnight at Tirant Hotel or Minasi Premium Hotel in Hanoi.
Water puppet (Source: dulichnewtour)
Day 2 – Full Hanoi City Tour: History & Heritage
Morning:
Stop into the serene Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area and see the beautiful Presidential Palace at Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, then explore the fascinating One Pillar Pagoda and the historic Temple of Literature.
Afternoon:
Choose between the intriguing Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, or go to Bat Trang Ceramic Village to have the opportunity to get hands-on with craft sessions.
Take a cyclo ride through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter and even visit Dong Xuan Market.
Evening:
Relax over a Vietnamese egg coffee while viewing the city’s evening bustle.
Stay overnight in Hanoi (at the same hotel as Day 1).
Bat Trang Ceramic Village (Source: doanhnghieptiepthi)
Day 3 – Cruising Through Ha Long Bay
Morning:
Leave Hanoi and journey to Ha Long Bay (3.5 hours). Stop at the halfway house for refreshments.
Embarking on the luxury Alisa/ Treasure Junk, you will be welcomed with a drink and a cold/hot towel.
Afternoon:
Tuck into a seafood lunch on board while cruising around Incense Burner, Dog Rock, and Fighting Cock Islet.
Hike around limestone caves or kayak among floating villages. Spend the day swimming on Ti Top Island or lounging on deck.
Evening:
Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class on the sundeck.
Have on board a super local gourmet dinner with special dishes, and squid fishing. Laugh and sing with new friends at the Sky Bar.
Overnight in a private cabin on the Alisa Cruise/Treasure Junk.
Alisa Cruise (Source: alisapremiercruises)
Day 4 – Tai Chi & Transfer to Ninh Binh
Morning:
Rise early for a tai chi class on deck.
Stop at the Sung Sot Cave.
There’s an onboard brunch while the cruise makes an easy return to the dock.
Afternoon:
Drive to Ninh Binh from Halong Bay (~3,5 hours).
Stay at the peaceful Hidden Charm Hotel or The Reed Hotel, set amid rivers and limestone formations.
Evening:
Feast on mountain goat and crispy rice, Ninh Binh’s specialty, at a leisurely dinner.
Free time to discover Ninh Binh province on your own.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Tai Chi Class on deck (Source: aquabay)
Day 5 – Exploring the Best of Ninh Binh
Morning:
See the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and visit the temple of King Dinh and King Le.
Start your boat trip on Tam Coc, often referred to in other ways as Halong on land.
Afternoon:
Pedal down peaceful rice field paths, pause by traditional houses, and visit the scenic Bich Dong Pagoda.
Optional: Treat your feet to a cooling herbal foot soak following the ride.
Evening:
Dinner at a rustic restaurant in the countryside, or your hotel for breathtaking views from your hotel’s rooftop.
Stay overnight in Ninh Binh (the same hotel as on Day 4).
Bich Dong Pagoda (Source: The Sinh Tourist)
Day 6 – Scenic Drive to Mai Chau & Cultural Connection
Morning:
Leave Ninh Binh and head for Mai Chau, passing the green fields of Hoa Binh province.
Pause to discover the serene Hang Pagoda, a spiritual cave complex high in the mountains.
Arrive in Mai Chau and have lunch with a Thai ethnic family.
Afternoon:
Cycle past the picturesque villages of Lac and Pom Coong—lush greenery, bamboo stilt houses, and friendly faces.
Learn about traditional weaving, stilt houses, and rice wine brewing in the nearby village.
Evening:
Join in the classic “mua sap” (bamboo dance) and share ruou can beside a warming fire.
Mai Chau Hideaway Resort or a homestay bungalow in a beautiful position overlooking the lake and the mountain range.
Mua sap (Source: daidoanket)
Day 7 – Relax in Mai Chau & Return to Hanoi
Morning:
Easy hiking through the Muong villages nearby or relax with an optional boat trip on the Da River.
Stop by Fairy Pond, a secluded jade-blue lake nestled in the hills
Afternoon:
Farewell lunch at the resort.
Scenic drive to return back Hanoi, in late afternoon, enough time to check in again or to get ready for your flight.
Evening:
Optional: Extend your stay or take other Mai Chau Vietnam Tours, or even Pu Luong Nature Reserve if you want to have more experience in the highlands.
Fairy Pond (Source: Gody)
What’s Included in Your Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau Tour
The tour price includes:
All transfers are as comfortable as your journey in a private air-conditioned vehicle or mini-bus.
6 nights at selected hotels and on board the cruise:
Hanoi-Tirant/Minasi Premium, for example
Luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay (e.g., Alisa/ Treasure Junk)
Ninh Binh province riverside resort (Hidden Charm / The Reed, etc.)
Mai Chau bungalow or homestay
All mentioned meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, Br = Brunch)
An English-speaking government-licensed Tour Guide throughout the trip
Entrance ticket to all the attractions.
Baot ride in Tam Coc; kayaking in Ha Long Bay; bike riding in Mai Chau
Cultural experience: water puppet show, cooking class, traditional Thai ethnic dance & ruou can
Daily drinking water bottles during the transfer
All programmed activities in the Halong Bay, Ninh Binh Tour Mai Chau detailed itinerary
The tour price does NOT include:
International flight tickets and airport taxes
Any visa in Vietnam (if necessary)
Travel insurance (Compulsory, Highly recommended for trekking & cruise)
Drunkenness and drinks with supper
Optional activities or personal expenses during free time.
Tips for guides, drivers, and cruise crew (optional but expected)
Waived extra charges such as the Mai Chau Vietnam Tour or the Pu Luong Nature Reserve
Essential Travel Tips for This Journey
What to Wear: From Mountain Trails to Sea Breeze– For Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau
When travelling from Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau, you’ll cover lush mountains and breezy bays, so pack with plans! Lightweight, breathable clothing is good for exploring the Hanoi Old Quarter and cruising under the sun in Ha Long Bay. A windbreaker is useful for the morning tai chi or for when sea breezes kick up out of nowhere. For Hoa Binh’s highlands and the trails that run between Ninh Binh and Mai Chau, leave the resort in hiking shoes, long trousers, and a sun hat, especially if you plan to extend with a trek in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Comfortable attire is also essential for your ride on the boat, bike rides, or when visiting the temples in Ninh Binh province.
Best Time to Explore Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau – With Ideal Weather Insights
Though you can visit this round trip at any time of the year, the best time to have Halong Bay Ninh Binh Tour Mai Chau is from March to May or from September to November, when everything is dry and nature is at its best. Are you planning to arrive in April? Perfect! Rice paddies are aglow with emerald green, and the air is cool and crisp, but you’ll enjoy your trip without the summer masses.
Pro tip: Plan to have lunch in Hanoi right when you roll into town so you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon free after hitting the ground beneath the Bia Hoi flags.
Cultural Etiquette with the Thai & Muong Ethnic Groups in Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau
One of the best parts of your sailing experience in Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau is meeting with the Thai ethnic group in Mai Chau as well as the friendly Muong people in nearby villages. Respect the entrance to a stilt house, remove your shoes, dress conservatively, and smile hello. If offered ruou can (bamboo rice wine), accept with both hands, it’s a gesture of trust and hospitality. Speaking of, don’t be afraid to ask questions while on your Mai Chau Vietnam Tour: people here are welcoming and there’s more chance of you seeing the real culture if you do so with respect.
Safety Tips for Boating, Biking & Light Trekking with Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau
Whether taking a boat ride through Tam Coc or paddling through sunlit rice fields, safety is key. Ensure you put on a life jacket during your boat trip, especially in places with open water such as Ha Long Bay. In Ninh Binh province, and on the backroads of the Mai Chau valley, don’t deviate down a trail you know nothing about, and stay off the mud after rain. Trekking to beautiful places such as Fairy Pond or through Pu Luong Nature Reserve? Bring water, wear grippy shoes, pace yourself, it’s not a race, it’s an adventure!
Why Book Your Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau Tour with Impress Travel?
When you go to Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau, it’s not just about ticking off the scenic spots; we’ll help you unlock the real Vietnam. At Impress Travel, the details of every stage of your Halong Bay Ninh Binh Tour Mai Chau are committed by local professionals who call this home. From friendly check-ins at your hotel in Hanoi, to gliding down the river on a serene boat ride through Ninh Binh province, or dancing in celebration with the Thai ethnic group of Mai Chau, your experience is filled with authentic experiences, safety, and heart. We handle the logistics, you experience the adventure.
Whether you are scheduling your April arrival, planning for Hanoi tomorrow, or looking for a more profound escape into the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, our team can chart the course that suits you now. Looking to extend your visit to the hills? Allow us to customize an exclusive Mai Chau Vietnam Tour for you. Wherever you travel in Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau with us, we’ll ensure you’re not just traveling, you’re connecting.
Contact Impress Travel Today
Hanoi Head Office: 125 Hoang Ngan, 3rd Floor, Trung Hoa, Hanoi, Vietnam
Hotline: (+84) 912 379 189
Email: info@impresstravel.com
Website: www.impresstravel.com
Conclusion
Ready to experience the best of Halong Bay, Ninh Binh & Mai Chau? Don’t miss out, reserve your 7-day journey today to unlock natural beauty, cultural charm, and lifelong memories. Whether you are scheduling a flight here for April or checking into your hotel in Hanoi tomorrow, we handle everything. Want more time in the hills? Throw in a bespoke Mai Chau Vietnam Tour, or discover the secret of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Your Northern Vietnam adventure begins right now, and we’re going to make it a good one!
Ranana
You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Ebrahim
Tour of Vietnam
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
Solly Pochee
The tour was fantastic
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating! We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC. The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T". I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all. Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team. Sulaiman Pochee
Bernard Lim
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
Derek.Schooling
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress. Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide). Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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