Discover Northern Vietnam through immersive experiences, from crafting traditional puppets with a master artisan and cycling past coastal cathedrals to rescuing endangered wildlife in Cuc Phuong, trekking Pu Luong's spectacular rice terraces, and learning to cook authentic bamboo-tube rice with a local family.
Itinerary
📍 Cycling distance up to: 36km Difficulty: Medium TRansfer : about 2 hours from Hanoi to Nam Dinh and 1,5 hour from lunch stop to Ninh Binh
Our guide picks us up at 08:00 for the journey from Hanoi to Nam Dinh. Our first destination is Hong Quang Village, a charming locale where the heritage of water puppetry is meticulously preserved. We'll engage with local artisans to uncover the origins of this ancient Vietnamese art and hear stories of its survival through the ages. Best of all, we get a chance to be hands-on and try making our own water puppet!
Optional: A live water puppet performance can be arranged for an additional fee.
Then it's time to hop on our bikes for a scenic pedal along the rivers that weave through town. This ride offers a beautiful tapestry of rural life, with views of local churches, temples, and pagodas at every turn. Known as the "Land of Churches," Nam Dinh is home to over 200 catholic structures, ranging from grand European-inspired cathedrals to evocative coastal ruins. We'll stop to visit some of the most iconic ones and perhaps visit local workshops to see traditional wood carving and trumpet making in action.
Continuing our ride to Hai Anh Commune, we'll visit a 16th-century tile-roofed bridge near Luong Pagoda, a stunning example of traditional architecture. The journey provides an intimate look at local daily life and the meaningful rituals of ancestral worship. After a morning of exploration, we'll gather for lunch at an ancient house to relax and recharge before our transfer to Ninh Binh.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy—take a dip in the resort pool or indulge in a soothing massage. For the younger explorers, the resort offers a variety of creative workshops to keep them engaged, such as: Painting, Making candles,Printing traditional Dong Ho folk paintings
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner
📍 Cycling distance up to: 29km Difficulty: Easy Boat trip: about 1,5-2 hours Transfer : 30 mins
We recommend an early start this morning to embark on a tranquil boat journey through the breathtaking Van Long Wetland. As our sampans glide quietly through the water, we'll be surrounded by a spectacular backdrop of verdant rice paddies, seasonal lotus ponds, and dramatic limestone peaks. Keep your cameras ready—Van Long is a sanctuary for rare wildlife. If we're lucky, we might spot storks taking flight or catch a rare glimpse of the endangered Delacour's langur on the cliffs. It's a reflective and intimate connection with Vietnam's rich biodiversity.
Prefer a lie-in? No problem at all—we can easily swap the boat trip to the afternoon instead.
Then it's back on our bikes for a scenic pedal through local villages and markets, with rice fields nestled between towering limestone mountains. Next, we'll take a short detour from the saddle to tackle the stairs of Mua Cave. Don't be fooled by the name—the real magic lies at the top! A climb of 500 stone steps leads to a "stairway to heaven" with panoramic views that will leave you breathless. Along the way, we'll stop at Thai Vi Temple, a peaceful spot in a picturesque valley dedicated to the kings of the Tran Dynasty. After a rewarding lunch in Tam Coc, we'll board our vehicle for the transfer back to the resort for a well-deserved afternoon soak in the pool.
Overnight in Ninh Binh
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch
📍 Cycling distance up to: 35km Difficulty: Medium Transfer: about 2,5 hours
We begin our morning with a tranquil countryside ride toward Cuc Phuong National Park. The route is mostly flat, making it a perfect, gentle pedal for younger explorers. After building up an appetite on the bikes, a short uphill transfer brings us deep into the heart of the park. As Vietnam's oldest national park and its most vital biodiversity site, this is where our adventure truly gets wild!
Our exploration continues with a guided visit to a specialized rescue center. Here, we'll observe monkeys and gibbons being carefully rehabilitated for their eventual return to the jungle—a wonderful opportunity to witness the incredible variety of primates that call Vietnam home. After enjoying the playful antics of the monkeys, a short walk leads us to the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre. We'll discover the fascinating world of civets and the rare, scale-armored pangolin, learning about their unique behaviors and the conservation efforts to protect them. With interactive displays and spacious, naturalistic enclosures, it's an engaging and educational immersion into wildlife protection.
Following a rewarding local lunch, we'll board our vehicle for the journey to the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Nestled on the border of Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa provinces, this region is a visual masterpiece of cascading waterfalls, emerald rice terraces, and dense forests. It also offers an intimate glimpse into the vibrant cultures of the Thai and Muong hill tribe communities who have called these mountains home for generations.
The late afternoon and evening are yours to unwind—perhaps with a refreshing dip in the pool as you reflect on a day well spent in the wild.
Overnight in Pu Luong
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner
📍 Cycling distance up to: 31km Difficulty: medium
Our adventure continues with a scenic pedal through the heart of the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where we'll be treated to spectacular views of emerald rice terraces and limestone karst peaks. The ride then follows the scenic "S-shaped" road, weaving through cascading fields and offering an intimate look at the meaningful daily rhythms of village life.
Upon reaching Leo Village, we'll visit a traditional Thai stilt house to witness time-honored crafts in action. From the intricate art of handwoven textiles to the aromatic process of local rice wine fermentation and the preparation of herbal foot baths, it's an engaging look at the cultural richness and self-sufficiency of these mountain communities.
Continuing our journey to Hieu Village, we'll enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Hieu Waterfall. Afterward, we'll gather for a rewarding BBQ lunch at a local homestay right by the falls—a perfect spot to relax and recharge before our scenic ride back to the resort.
Overnight in Pu Luong
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch
📍 Cycling distance: no Transfer: about 4 hours from Pu Luong to Hanoi
Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy a simple yet tasty breakfast in the tranquil setting of fields and mountains.
After breakfast, Transfer to Kho Muong village for a short trek to Bat Cave (approx 800 per way), navigating its intricate passages while admiring the striking rock formations and stalactites. The exploration offers both geological interest and an opportunity to connect with the natural heritage valued by local communities.
Return to the homestay to participate in the preparation of Cơm lam—sticky rice traditionally cooked in bamboo tubes over an open flame. This hands-on culinary experience, guided by local hosts, reflects the deep-rooted food traditions of the Thai and Muong people and highlights sustainable practices that utilize local resources. Lunch is then served, featuring regional dishes often made from homegrown ingredients.
After lunch, we will get on the bus to transfer back to Hanoi, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. End the trip
Inclusions:
☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch
You might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partnerYou might also like...
Here is a selection of products that may also fit the needs of your client.
Become a partner
Get in touch
Our sales team is on hand to ensure that the process of working with us is as smooth as possible. If you should have any questions, feel free to reach out to them.
Sophie Rowley
Sales Director - UK & IrelandEXO Sales Team
Amanda Pilar
Director of Sales - Americas & ANZSales
Maya Caspary
Sales Manager - Germany, Austria, SwitzerlandEXO Sales Team
Vicky Sampson
EXO Sales Team
Rubby Alvarez
Sales Manager - Latin AmericaEXO Sales Team
Nick Ghosh
Chief Commercial OfficerEXO Sales Team
Alex Shaw
Sales Manager - Northern EuropeEXO Sales Team
Pantanida Jantsakool Pitz
General Manager - German MarketEXO Sales Team
Kate Winslow
Sales Manager - North AmericaEXO Sales Team
