12-Day Vietnam Nature & Culture Journey: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Ninh Binh – Pu Luong

Highlights

Explore the cultural heart of Hanoi, Vietnam’s historic capital

Cruise overnight through the iconic limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Discover the scenic beauty of Tam Coc & Trang An, known as “Ha Long Bay on land”

Visit ancient temples and peaceful countryside in Ninh Binh

Experience authentic village life and rice terraces in Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Trek to Kho Muong & Ban Don villages and visit the stunning Hieu Waterfall

Enjoy a perfect balance of culture, nature, and relaxation

Ideal for travelers from Australia & New Zealand seeking an authentic Vietnam journey

Itinerary 1
Day 1 – Australia (or New Zealand) – Hanoi, Vietnam

Today depart Australia (or New Zealand) for your international flight to Hanoi, Vietnam. Upon arrival, you will be met by our tour representative and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight: Flower Garden Hotel or similar, Hanoi
Meals included: In-flight

Day 2 – Hanoi

Enjoy a full day in Hanoi to explore the city’s highlights, including cultural landmarks, local streets, and daily life.

Overnight: Flower Garden Hotel or similar, Hanoi
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Hanoi – Ha Long Bay (Overnight Cruise)

Depart Hanoi for Ha Long Bay. Board your cruise and begin sailing through the spectacular limestone karsts. Enjoy onboard activities and fresh seafood.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Ha Long Bay Cruise – Hanoi

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Ha Long Bay. Continue cruising before disembarking and returning to Hanoi.

Overnight: Flower Garden Hotel or similar, Hanoi
Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch

Day 5 – Hanoi – Tam Coc, Ninh Binh

Travel south to Ninh Binh. Visit Tam Coc and enjoy a scenic boat ride through rice fields and limestone formations.

Overnight: Ninh Binh Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Trang An Grotto – Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore the UNESCO-listed Trang An Grottoes by boat, followed by a visit to the peaceful Bich Dong Pagoda.

Overnight: Ninh Binh Hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Ninh Binh – Pu Luong Nature Reserve

Journey to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, passing through rural villages and stunning mountain scenery.

Overnight: Pu Luong Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8 – Kho Muong Village – Ban Don Village

Trek through Kho Muong Village and Ban Don Village, discovering traditional Thai ethnic culture and terraced rice fields.

Overnight: Pu Luong Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 – Hieu Waterfall

Visit Hieu Waterfall and enjoy free time to relax and immerse yourself in nature.

Overnight: Pu Luong Lodge or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Pu Luong – Hanoi

Depart Pu Luong and return to Hanoi. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Flower Garden Hotel or similar, Hanoi
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11 – Hanoi Departure

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.

Overnight: In-flight
Meals included: Breakfast / In-flight

Day 12 – Arrive Australia (or New Zealand)

Arrive back home, marking the end of your Vietnam journey.

What’s Included :

Accommodation in selected 3–4★ hotels (or similar) as mentioned in the itinerary

Overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay with full onboard program

Daily breakfast at hotels

Meals as specified in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

All ground transportation in air-conditioned vehicle

Airport pick-up and drop-off services

Professional English-speaking tour guide

All sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary

Boat trips in Tam Coc, Trang An Grottoes and Ha Long Bay

All government taxes and service charges

What’s Not Included

International flights to/from Vietnam

Vietnam visa fees (eVisa assistance available upon request)

Travel insurance (strongly recommended)

Personal expenses such as drinks, laundry, phone calls, and tips

Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

Early check-in or late check-out at hotels

Tips for guides and drivers (optional, at your discretion)

Why Choose This Tour

Designed for Australian & New Zealand travelers
This itinerary is carefully paced to suit long-haul travelers from Australia and New Zealand, with a balanced mix of culture, nature, and relaxation.

Authentic Vietnam beyond the highlights
Go beyond the classic routes to explore rural villages, rice terraces, and local life in Ninh Binh and Pu Luong, offering a deeper cultural connection.

UNESCO World Heritage experiences
Enjoy an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay and explore the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex.

Small-group or private travel style
Enjoy a more personal experience with flexible arrangements, attentive service, and comfortable transportation.

Professional local expertise
Operated by Truong Sa Tourist Vietnam DMC, a trusted local operator with years of experience welcoming international guests to Vietnam.

Comfort, safety & seamless service
From airport transfers to guided experiences, every detail is well-organized to ensure a smooth and worry-free journey.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

Australian & New Zealand travelers looking for a well-organized, in-depth Vietnam experience

Couples and mature travelers who enjoy culture, nature, and a relaxed travel pace

First-time visitors to Vietnam wanting to see the highlights without rushing

Nature and culture lovers seeking scenic landscapes, local villages, and authentic experiences

Travelers who prefer comfort and safety, with reliable guides and quality accommodations

Small groups or private travelers who value flexibility and personal service

Note :  Pu Luong 

Pù Luông Highlights: Terraced Fields and Authentic Thai Villages
Pù Luông's primary landscape is defined by breathtaking terraced rice fields stretching across the valleys, interspersed with the ancient hamlets of the local Thai ethnic communities. This area offers both stunning scenery and deep cultural immersion.

Key Sightseeing & Cultural Stops:
Kho Muong Village: Famous for the stunning Kho Muong Cave and known as one of the most popular starting points for multi-day trekking in the region.

Hieu Waterfall (Thác Hiêu): A spectacular natural waterfall renowned for its clear, blue waters, which are particularly inviting during the dry season.

Don Village (Bản Đôn): The central hub where many high-quality resorts and homestays are located. Ban Don serves as a major base camp for various trekking tours into the reserve.

Outdoor Activities & Nature Exploration
Pù Luông is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers:

Mountain Trekking: Conquer Pù Luông Peak for unparalleled panoramic views of the entire nature reserve.

Bamboo Rafting: Enjoy a unique experience floating down streams and rivers on traditional bamboo rafts, often guided by local villagers.

Pho Doan Market: Experience the vibrant cultural exchange at the local market, held every Sunday, where the Thai, Muong, and Kinh ethnic groups gather to trade goods and share local culture.