Hanoi & Mai Chau: Luxury Escape

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

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 Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, your private guide and driver will assist on arrival for the transfer to the hotel (35km ~ 50 mins) for check-in.

Rest of the day and evening at leisure. 
 

Overnight in Hanoi at Capella Boutique Hotel/
Junior Suite with breakfast for 2 nights - 5 Stars (Super Deluxe)    

Inclusions:

Depart by sidecar at 0830 following a safety briefing then drive through the labyrinthine alleys of Hanoi's Old Quarter. Start the Hanoi adventure by cruising local areas to witness local Hanoian’s way of life, in the maze of backstreets. Pass by local homes, schools, streetside markets and tiny alleyways where locals live, work and play.

Continue to a teahouse in a traditional area of Hanoi. Here, enjoy a tranquil experience to gain knowledge of the world of Vietnamese tea and its merits. Start with a 10-minute ‘sound bath’ meditation with Tibetan singing bowls for deep relaxation and healing. Gain an introduction to ancient tea trees that are hundreds of years old in Vietnam and the intensive and meticulous process of making this age-old brew.    

Finish up the discovery of Hanoi with a delightful meal at a one-star Michelin restaurant with a cozy ambiance. Stepping into this vintage tea house is like stepping back in time. North Vietnamese nostalgia oozes from the hand-written signs, antique gramophone, and worn wooden furniture. Their menu echoes this journey, weaving a tapestry of flavors with Northern staples like periwinkle chả ốc and subtle crab soup, while tempting with a touch of central and southern charm. 

After lunch, return to the hotel. 

Rest of the day and evening at leisure.  

Overnight in Hanoi at Capella Boutique Hotel/
Junior Suite with breakfast  - 5 Stars (Super Deluxe) 

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

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

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

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 Walking & sightseeing route: 5-6 km easy walking – approx. 3 hours Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed. Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels.

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.
 

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

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: 180km - 3 hours

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

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast