Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by your guide holding a sign with your name on it. He will escort you to your hotel (approx. 1-hour drive). Check in time is after 2 PM.

If time permits, in the late afternoon, down time with a one hour cyclo ride around the Old Quarter in the heart of Hanoi. A cyclo is a bicycle cab with a roof, pedaled by a driver who sits behind you, allowing you to immerse yourself in an old atmosphere of an area that perfectly captures the timelessness and nostalgia of Vietnam. The Old Quarter consists of 36 old streets named after the kind of goods or crafts that used to be made or sold on those streets. After the cyclo ride, walk around Hoan Kiem lake and visit Thanh Ha wet market to have a look at the local life. Conclude your walk over a cup of delicious Vietnamese egg coffee at one of Hanoi’s most distinctive eco-friendly cafés, tucked away in the bustling Old Quarter yet offering a surprisingly and artistic escape. Known as a “recycling café,” it stands out for its creative use of repurposed materials—old bicycle wheels, metal scraps, and plastic items transformed into unique furniture and décor—reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.

Have dinner at Koto restaurant, a Vietnam’s first social enterprise that provides hospitality training for at-risk and disadvantaged youth. Dining here directly supports education and career development.

After dinner, back to your hotel and free at leisure.

Meal: Dinner

Accommodation: Calista boutique hotel or similar

Today, you’ll explore hidden gems of Hanoi with care and respect for the environment while using electric bikes to go beyond the typical tourist path and discover Vietnam in its most authentic form. At 8:30 AM, start the tour with a welcome and bike familiarization at the meeting point.  Visit B-52 Lake – crash site of a US bomber shot down during the War. Next, explore the maze-like charm of Lang Ho Village then step into An Thai Church – one of Hanoi’s oldest churches, with late-19th-century Renaissance architecture and Catholic heritage. Lunch with a local family where you’ll experience warm hospitality and authentic home-cooked dishes. In the afternoon, travel back in time at Vong Thi Pagoda to explore the roots of Vietnamese Buddhism, then cycle through the green farmlands of Banana Island. Cross the historic Long Bien Bridge, stop at Cua Bac Church, and finish with a ride past Ba Dinh Square before returning to the meeting point. Tour finishes at 16:30. 

Free at leisure until 18:00.

When the sun goes down, step into the vibrant maze of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where every corner tells a story and every street serves a flavor. This guided walking tour invites you to experience the city like a local—through its bustling alleys, hidden food stalls, and time-honored culinary traditions.

Designed with sustainability in mind, this tour is entirely on foot - reducing environmental impact while allowing for a deeper, more authentic connection with the neighborhood. By choosing this experience, you directly support local vendors and family-run businesses, helping preserve Hanoi’s rich culinary heritage and sustain the livelihoods of the community.

As you wander through the historic streets, you’ll sample iconic Vietnamese dishes such as phở, bánh mì, bún chả, and salty coffee. Each stop is carefully selected to showcase authentic flavors, from humble street carts to generations-old eateries.

Along the way, your guide will share fascinating insights into Hanoi’s culture, history, and daily life—explaining not just what you’re eating, but the stories behind each dish and the people who make them.

Expect lively markets, the aroma of sizzling street food, and the rhythm of motorbikes weaving past as you soak in the true spirit of the Old Quarter.

Perfect for food lovers and conscious travelers alike, this tour is more than a tasting experience—it’s a meaningful journey into the heart of Hanoi.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Calista boutique hotel or similar

 Depart from Hanoi and journey northwest toward Hoang Su Phi, embracing a slower, more mindful way of travel. Along the way, take in the changing landscapes and enjoy meaningful stops where you can observe local life with respect—supporting small roadside vendors and capturing photos responsibly.

Lunch is served at a locally owned restaurant in Tuyen Quang, where your visit contributes directly to the community and helps sustain regional culinary traditions.

Arrive in Hoang Su Phi in the early afternoon and check in at Hoang Su Phi Lodge, an eco-conscious retreat nestled among terraced rice fields. Built using traditional materials and designed to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, the lodge prioritizes sustainability through low-impact operations, community employment, and support for local ethnic groups.

Later, enjoy a gentle walk through the village, offering an authentic opportunity to connect with local residents and learn about their daily lives and cultural practices in a respectful and responsible way.

Overnight at Hoang Su Phi Lodge.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hoang Su Phi lodge

After breakfast, set out on a scenic trek along winding trails through the terraced rice fields of Nam Khoa village, home to the Man Ta Pan ethnic group. As you walk, take in sweeping views of the lush landscapes while gaining insight into the daily life of the local communities. Along the way, you will meet both the Man Ta Pan and Long Tunics Dao, each with their own distinct traditions and way of life. The trek is generally moderate, though weather conditions may add a touch of challenge—so checking the forecast in advance is recommended. On clear days, sunlight beautifully illuminates the vibrant green terraces, creating unforgettable scenery.

Continue to Phin Ho village to explore tea fields and learn about the ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees, some over a century old, deeply rooted in local culture and livelihood. After a short rest, journey onward to Nam Ai village, where the Long Tunics Dao reside. Here, observe the cultural differences between ethnic groups and enjoy a delicious meal prepared with fresh ingredients from the garden. You’ll also have the chance to see and taste the renowned Shan Tuyet tea, known for its distinctive white buds.

Lunch will be shared with a Man Ta Pan family, offering a warm and authentic cultural exchange. In the evening, settle into a homestay with a Long Tunics Dao family, where you’ll experience genuine hospitality and the rhythms of local life.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Local homestay

Early in the morning, enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere and the warmth of the fireplace. After breakfast, trek through golden rice terraces to Yen Son Valley, where you will have lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, continue along the river to reach Lang Giang Village and return to the Hoang Su Phi lodge.

Check in and free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Accommodation: Hoang Su Phi lodge

After breakfast, transfer back to Hanoi (approx. 6 hour driving).

Arrive in Hanoi in the mid-afternoon. Check in hotel and free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Hotel

After breakfast, depart Hanoi for a 3-hour drive to Ha Long Bay. Arrive at the jetty in Ha Long City around noon and proceed with the check-in formalities. You will be welcomed on board on the Bhaya Classic cruise. Lunch will be served as the boat begins cruising into the heart of the bay. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing and onboard activities according to your boat’s itinerary, or simply relax and take in the magnificent surroundings. Toward the end of the day, the boat will anchor for the night among the impressive karst formations. Dinner will be served on board.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Bhaya Classic Cruise (sharing boat)

Rejuvenating the body and spirit with a refreshing Tai Chi lesson as the sun rises over the acclaimed UNESCO Heritage Site is one of the most relaxing experiences that passengers have. Practicing this beautiful art regularly can help treat a number of human ailments. 

You can choose one of the two options below:

- Sung Sot - the largest and most renowned cave will definitely awe you with many good surprises. 

- Exploring Titov Island, where you can unwind by swimming or sunbathing on the pristine beach. For those who love trekking, hike up the mountain to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Halong Bay. 

Check-out at 10:00 AM. Brunch is served breakfast on some boats) while the vessels cruise slowly through the magnificent rock formations and back towards port. 

Disembark and transfer to Yen Duc village, a peaceful rural community that has undergone a remarkable transformation since the introduction of community-based tourism in 2011. Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely bicycle ride through the village, visiting the communal cultural house and a local family home, where you’ll be warmly welcomed for an engaging conversation with your host. Take part in hands-on farming activities such as grinding and pounding rice, and gain insight into traditional wet-rice agriculture. Later, enjoy a captivating water puppet show performed by local farmers. Unlike the polished performances found in major cities, the show in Yen Duc preserves a raw, authentic charm that reflects the spirit of village life. Each ticket directly supports the preservation of this cultural heritage while helping improve local livelihoods. End your visit by relaxing in the fresh countryside air and savoring a homemade Vietnamese dinner - often praised by international travelers as one of the finest culinary experiences in Vietnam.

After dinner, transfer back to Hanoi. Check in hotel and free at leisure.

Meal: Breakfast, brunch, dinner

Accommodation: Calista boutique hotel or similar

Discover a different side of Hanoi through a meaningful, hands-on journey that connects you with local artisans and inspiring community stories. This half-day experience goes beyond sightseeing, offering authentic cultural exchange and creative interaction.

Begin your tour with a visit to a social enterprise empowering people with disabilities through handcrafted products. Meet the artisans, hear their stories, and take part in a fun workshop where you’ll create your own handmade souvenir. You’ll also learn a few basic phrases in sign language—an engaging way to connect beyond words. After the workshop, support the business by enjoying Vietnamese coffee at the cafe located within the workshop grounds. The cafe is notable for its sign language ordering system, creating a tranquil and humane atmosphere.

Continue to the traditional silk village of Van Phuc and visit an inspiring workshop where artists with disabilities transform recycled silk into unique artworks. Try your hand at creating a piece of fabric art while learning about sustainability and the power of creativity to change lives. After the workshop, you will get a small souvenir to bring home. Then stroll around the village to see different stages of local artisans make handmade silks.

Throughout the experience, you’ll enjoy genuine interactions, support local communities, and gain deeper insight into Vietnam’s culture of resilience and craftsmanship.

End your journey with a relaxing break over tea or coffee before returning to your hotel.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch

Accommodation: Calista boutique hotel or similar

Free at leisure to discover the city at your own pace. Check out hotel before noon.

Depending on your flight time, you will be privately transferred to Hanoi airport to get your international flight home. 

End of services.

Meal: Breakfast