Vietnamese Vistas: A 4-Day Northwest Expedition
This 4-day tour takes you through the picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures of northern Vietnam. Starting from Hanoi, you'll journey to the tranquil town of Mai Chau, known for its lush rice fields and friendly locals. After exploring the area and enjoying a traditional dinner, you'll head to Pu Luong for breathtaking mountain views, bamboo rafting, and water wheel exploration. The adventure continues to Ninh Binh, often called "Halong on land," where you'll trek through stunning scenery and enjoy a serene boat ride through the Tam Coc area. The tour concludes with a visit to the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital before returning to Hanoi, offering a blend of natural beauty and rich cultural experiences.
Itinerary
After breakfast, at 8:30 a.m, our guide and driver will transfer you to Pu Luong, a hidden gem in Vietnam's North Central region. The journey takes you through a breathtaking mountain pass, offering panoramic views of the entire valley. After about a 2-hour drive, you'll arrive at Pu Luong, where a delicious lunch awaits.
In the afternoon, we'll head to a suspension bridge over the Cham River to start our walk in search of the stunning water wheels. Get up close to these fascinating structures and learn how water is moved from the river to handmade bamboo aqueducts through simple yet ingenious constructions.
Next, we'll visit a local fisherman’s house for a short rest before embarking on a bamboo river rafting adventure with a local boatman. As you float along the calm river, enjoy the beautiful scenery while learning to paddle and steer your handcrafted raft.
After a full day of exploration and adventure in Pu Luong, we'll head back, return the car, and continue our journey to Ninh Binh. We'll arrive in Ninh Binh in the evening for an overnight stay, allowing you to relax and recharge for the next day's activities.
After breakfast at your hotel in Ninh Binh, head to explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Delve into the historical temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, immersing yourself in the rich history of the region.
Next, proceed to Tam Coc for a peaceful boat ride down the Tam Coc River. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as the river weaves through bright green rice paddies edged by towering karst mountains.
Following the serene boat ride, enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the countryside, perhaps visiting local villages or cycling through the picturesque landscapes. Conclude your day by returning to your hotel, filled with memories of historical sites and serene river landscapes.
At around 8:00 AM, after your breakfast, you will be transferred to Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam's oldest and largest national park. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the park offers an array of trekking opportunities through its lush, dense forests.
Spend the day trekking along scenic trails, surrounded by ancient trees and diverse plant life. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park, with the possibility of spotting various wildlife along the way.
After a fulfilling day of trekking and exploring the natural wonders of Cuc Phuong, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we'll start our journey back to Hanoi, concluding your adventure.
Supplementary information
Motorbike model
Honda CRF300L
| Motorcycle information | Description |
|---|---|
| Owners’ reliablility rating | : (4.7/5) |
| Power | : 27 bhp |
| Seat height | : (34.B in / 885mm) |
| Weight | : Low (337 lbs / 153kg) |
Kawasaki KLX 250
The Kawasaki KLX 250 is a versatile, lightweight dual-sport motorcycle designed for both off-road trails and city riding. With its fuel-injected 249cc engine, long-travel suspension, and agile handling, it’s perfect for adventure riders seeking performance and reliability.
| Motorcycle information | Description |
|---|---|
| Owners’ reliablility rating | : (4.7/5) |
| Power | : 24.7 bhp |
| Seat height | : 885 mm |
| Weight | : Low (337 lbs / 146 kg) |
Yamaha Tenere 700
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a highly capable adventure motorcycle, built to excel on all types of terrain while offering long-distance comfort. Combining strong power, agile handling, and proven reliability, it’s ideal for riders who want a thrilling yet dependable machine for challenging off-road routes and scenic journeys alike.
| Motorcycle information | Description |
|---|---|
| Owners’ reliablility rating | : (4.7/5) |
| Power | : 72 hp |
| Seat height | : 34.4 in (875mm) |
| Weight | : 204 kg (452lb) wet/curb |
Honda Transalp 750
The Honda XL750 Transalp is a versatile mid-weight adventure motorcycle, engineered to balance long-distance touring comfort with agile performance on diverse terrain. Featuring smooth power delivery, advanced rider aids, and Honda’s renowned reliability, it’s the perfect choice for riders seeking a dependable machine for both highway stretches and off-road exploration.
| Motorcycle information | Description |
|---|---|
| Owners’ reliability rating | (4.6/5) |
| Power | 90.5 hp |
| Seat height | 33.5 in (850 mm) |
| Weight | 208 kg (458 lb) wet/curb |
Frequently Asked Questions
Test Despite of the fact that Vietnamese government attempts to outlaw the practice, the US Dollars still acts as an alternative currency which is almost completely interchangeable with Vietnam Dong. Many prices, especially for hotels, tours and expensive restaurants, are still quoted in USD, though you can pay in dong if you’d rather - just check what exchange rate they’re using.
For everyday expenses, we recommend you carry a mix of US Dollars cash and Vietnam Dong. For larger items or when the exchange rate works in your favour, use dollars. For cyclos, local food stalls and small purchases, it’s best to use Vietnam Dong. In either case, make sure you always have a stock of small notes so that there is no need to worry about change.
Absolutely! If you and your friends are looking for a private, one-of-a-kind adventure, we’ll design a trip just for your group. Share your travel ideas with us through our Tailor Made Tour form or message us on WhatsApp (+84 962913811), and together we’ll create an itinerary that perfectly matches your interests, pace, and style.
Yes, solo travelers are more than welcome to join our scheduled group tours. We operate group departures every month. Simply contact us to check the upcoming dates, and we’ll be happy to arrange for you to join a suitable group.
Every journey is handcrafted to match your style — whether it’s off-road thrills, cultural immersion, or both. Along the way, you’ll connect deeply with local people, landscapes, and stories.
From well-maintained motorbikes and gear to 24/7 support, we prioritize your safety and comfort at every turn. Our support crew, guides, and mechanics have your back from start to finish.
We believe in giving back. By riding with us, you help support ethnic minority communities through our handmade craft shop in Hanoi — "With Love from the Mountains."
We keep our groups small to ensure a personal, flexible, and unforgettable experience — where everyone becomes part of the Frontier family.
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