Northern Vietnam Outback

This comprehensive journey south of Hanoi offers the chance to enjoy some walking in one of the most beautiful corners of Vietnam.

Highlights include a cruise on the Tam Coc River by sampan, walking in Cuc Phuong National Park and discovering local villages and the culture of this region.

As with all of our Vietnam tours, this one is entirely changeable and can be tailored to suit your interests, time and budget, so just let us know your preferences.

Day 1: Hanoi - Tam Coc - Ninh Binh

You will be collected from your hotel in Hanoi.

En-route to Ninh Binh, stop at Lam town and visit a wood carving, carpentry village and a small brass foundry.

Travel to Tam Coc, or Dry Halong Bay as it is popularly known.

This area is famous for its breath-taking scenery, where dramatic limestone formations rise sharply out of green rice paddies and wetlands.

Embark on a small, hand rowed sampan, and begin the journey along green waterways.

The name Tam Coc means 'three caves', and the boat glides past the 3 caves, green rice fields and lotus ponds.

Afterwards, visit Van Lam traditional embroidery village, where you can see local craftsmen making embroidered handkerchiefs, napkins and tablecloths.

Overnight Ninh Binh. Lunch included.

Day 2: Ninh Binh - Cuc Phuong

Drive to the Cuc Phuong National Park to start a 7km trek.

Along the way, see the 1,000 year old Wang Hsie Tree and visit a prehistoric cave where human skeletons and stone tools 7,500 years old have been found.

Also visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, to observe rare primate species.

From Cuc Phuong National Park, transfer to Hieu village. On the way, stop to visit the Cam Luong fish stream.

Continue the journey to Pho Doan market where you can take a walk to Hieu village (5km) or be dropped back by car if you prefer.

Overnight Pu Luong Retreat, Thanh Hoa. Breakfast & lunch included.

Day 3: Pu Long - Thanh Hoa

Enjoy lunch at Don village and in the afternoon, transfer to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin your walk in search of the local water wheels.

Learn how water is moved from the river to handmade bamboo aqueducts via simple constructions of all sizes.

Arriving at a local fisherman's house and prepare for your rafting trip (the rafting is very gentle).

Float along the calm river and enjoy the views, in between learning how to paddle and steer your handcrafted rafts.

Is this a Private Tour or a Group Tour?

All of our tours are private tailor made itineraries, customised for you - we can amend things to entirely suit you.

You will have your own private car, driver and guide on excursions.

What are the departure dates?

Let us know your preferred dates of travel and we will find the best and most suitable flights to fit your itinerary.

As this is a private tour, there are no set departure dates.

Which Airlines do you use?

We work with all the major airlines flying to this part of the world.

Typically for Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific would be airlines we most often use.

However, just let us know your preferred airline if you have one. We can organise flights from any regional destination in the UK.

Vietnam Airlines fly directly to both Hanoi and Saigon from the UK.

Which Hotels do you use?

We're careful with our choice of hotels, but we're guided by our customers also. If you have some preferred hotels, just let us know.

We specialise in boutique hotels and so we will often suggest some of our favourite smaller hotels where we think these will be suitable.

We keep on top of hotel developments in Indochina from our office in Vietnam and regularly inspect the hotels we use.