Hanoi & Mai Chau: Luxury Escape

📍 Noi Bai Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (35 km): 50 mins

Hanoi, a city of contrasts, defies easy categorization. It's both modern and traditional, chaotic and serene, and always full of surprises. But one thing is for sure: it's a place that’s captivating, to all the senses. 

Upon arrival at the international terminal, look for the assistant displaying your group's name on a signboard, close to the immigration area. From here, be escorted to a fast lane in the  immigration zone. Once the immigration administrative procedures are complete, continue to the baggage carousel with the airport assistant followed by the Vietnam customs clearance lane, before exiting the terminal.    

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport Terminal 2 (T2), once you've passed immigration and collected luggage from the carousel, proceed to Exit A1 then to Pillar 7 (P7), where the guide/ driver will be waiting for the 50-minute private transfer to central Hanoi. In the event that you can’t find the guide/ driver, please call the 24-Hour Customer CARE hotline: +84 917332246 

Rest of the day and evening at leisure. 

Overnight in Hanoi

Inclusions:

Today’s half day discovery of Hanoi starts at 09:00. Begin with a visit to the famed Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam - Vietnam's first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam's royalty, mandarins and members of the elite, for an incredible 800-years.  
Following the visit, a walking tour through the Old Quarter, offering an immersive experience of Hanoi’s historic core. The beauty of the Old Quarter is the connection of narrow alleys which are privately shared among the community. Walking through these hidden passageways offers a deeper glimpse into everyday life in this historic neighborhood. A leisurely stroll leads past Guangdong Hall, a preserved relic of the Chinese community in Hanoi. Continues through the bustling, narrow streets lined with traditional family-run shops, where many generations have maintained their ancestral professions. The route also includes a stop at a lively local market, where vibrant stalls brim with fresh produce, aromatic herbs, and everyday essentials, offering an authentic snapshot of local commerce. 
Stop at a hidden coffee shop located in a century-old villa for a short but fun coffee workshop. Learn the unique way of making Vietnamese specialty coffee; delicious ‘caphe trung’, aka egg coffee. Powered by caffeine, continue to the next destination or transfer back to the hotel and take a rest in the afternoon.
The evening tour begins at 18:00 with a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, offering a glimpse into the daily rhythm of Hanoians as the day winds down. Hoan Kiem Lake, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword," blends serene beauty with a captivating legend of a magical sword and a golden turtle, embodying Hanoi's history and charm.

The exploration continues with a walk through the Old Quarter before escaping the bustle in the quiet of a local home - a French-style, century-old villa. Sip green tea (as the locals like it, strong) to learn more on the fascinating multi generational lives of the past and present inhabitants. 

Dine tonight at a premier restaurant in the heart of the Old Quarter, Madame Hien, offering Hanoi specialties by famed chef, Didier Corlou. Housed in a beautifully restored French period villa, the restaurant blends Vietnamese and French influences in both its cuisine and its charming, nostalgic décor. 

Before returning to the hotel, cap off the experience with a handcrafted cocktail at a hidden bar overlooking the splendid St. Joseph's Cathedral. St. Joseph's Cathedral, an iconic landmark in Hanoi, stands as a striking example of French Gothic architecture, steeped in history and a testament to the city's past.

Overnight in Hanoi
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Hanoi – Gia Lam Airport (7 km): 20 minutes / Gia Lam Airport – Chieng Chau Station by helicopter: 70 minutes / Chieng Chau Station – Avana Retreat (30 km): 1 hour

This morning, depart the hotel for a transfer to Gia Lam Airport (7km ~ 20 mins) then embark on a helicopter for a 70 minutes flight to Mai Chau. Relish the spectacular views on the helicopter flight over the plains of the Red River Delta, soaring over the mountains to Mai Chau.

Arrive in the picturesque Mai Chau Valley surrounded by spectacular karst rock formations and rice paddies. It is also home to a variety of hill tribe groups, including the Thai and Muong hill tribe group

Upon arrival, transfer to Avana Retreat (30 km ~ 1 hour), nestled amidst stunning mountains surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of local hill tribe groups. The 36 villas and bungalows are perched on the hillside accessible by electric buggy.  
Spend the afternoon relaxing at the idyllic natural surroundings then indulge in a much deserved spa treatment (60 minutes).
Rest of the day and evening at leisure.   

Overnight in Mai Chau

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Walking & sightseeing route: 5-6 km easy walking – approx. 3 hours

This morning, leave the retreat behind to trek into the mountains. Start from Avana Retreat through the nearby forest before reaching the summit of a tranquil mountain. From this point, breathtaking views unfold over the Thai hill tribe villages below.

Continue to walk on narrow dirt paths, passing local cornfields, cassava fields, bamboo forests, and paddy rice fields to visit other villages. 

The path continues along narrow dirt trails, passing local cornfields, cassava fields, bamboo forests, and paddy rice fields, leading to other villages. Along the way, encounters with farmers and the sounds of buffalo bells ringing through the air add to the immersive experience. .

Conclude the exploration with a visit to a local house, where residents share stories and offer insights into their traditional life customs in the ethnic village.  Return to Avana Retreat by shuttle van.

The afternoon is free to unwind at the resort, indulging in its amenities or exploring the various activities offered.

Note:
- Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed. 
Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels. 

Overnight in Mai Chau
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

Free time at leisure to enjoy abundant activities at the resort: Thai weaving, rattan weaving, scented candle workshop or yoga and meditation class. Or immerse yourself in relaxing with massage, sauna and outdoor swimming pool. 

Rest of the day and evening at leisure.  
 

Overnight in Mai Chau at Avana Retreat/      Senna One Bedroom Pool Villa with breakfast - 5 Stars (Deluxe)

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Mai Chau - Hanoi (180 km): 3 hours

After a leisurely resort morning, transfer back to Hanoi or next destination.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast