Mu Cang Chai & Halong Bay 10-day Private Tour

Overview

Experience the perfect harmony of mountain and sea on our 10-day Mu Cang Chai & Halong Bay tour. This private, meticulously crafted itinerary takes you on a journey from the heart of the Northwest, where you'll trek through the awe-inspiring terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai, to a serene cruise through the legendary Halong Bay. If this tour captures your interest, please share your specific requirements, and we will customize the program to your satisfaction.

Trip Map

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Highlight

Hanoi: Experience the capital's vibrant culture and iconic landmarks, including a day dedicated to exploring its rich history.
Nghia Lo & Tu Le: Journey through scenic mountain passes and immerse yourself in the daily lives of ethnic minority communities.
Mu Cang Chai: Trek through breathtaking rice terraces, a UNESCO-recognized cultural landscape, and marvel at the stunning views.
Halong Bay: Cruise on emerald waters, exploring limestone karsts and caves on an unforgettable overnight experience.
Free Exploration in Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxed day to discover the city at your own pace, shop, or simply unwind before departure.

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN HANOI

Welcome to Vietnam! Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, a private driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the center of Hanoi. After checking in, you can relax and get familiar with the city. Take a stroll around the neighborhood or enjoy the hotel's facilities. In the evening, explore Hanoi's culinary scene, walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, or simply unwind at the hotel. Get a good night's rest to prepare for your cycling adventures the next day.

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Private airport pick-up/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 2: HANOI - NGHIA LO TOWN

You will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi at 8.00 AM by your private tour guide and driver. After getting out of the bustle and hustle Hanoi, you will enjoy the countryside view through the windows while driving northwestward to Yen Bai province.
Arrive at Nghia Lo town early in the afternoon, check-in our homestay at a peaceful village nearby Nghia Lo. Lunch and rest on a traditional stilt house.

In the afternoon, embark on a bicycling tour to discover the daily life of the ethnic community in the area and enjoy the beautiful scenery of villages, rice fields an mountains. Dinner and overnight at the homestay.

Overnight in Nghia Lo Town
Inclusions: Private a.c. vehicle/ Bicycles/ Tour guide/ Breakfast, lunch, dinner/ Homestay (Hotel) accommodation

DAY 3: NGHIA LO - TU LE - MU CANG CHAI

After breakfast, bid farewell to the host family and head for Tu Le town. Tu Le is a little town located at a beautiful valley at the foot of Khau Pha Pass. Upon arrival, get off the vehicle and start your morning soft trek to the valley and visit some villages. Taking photographs and meeting local people. After couple of hour, back to the town and having lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, start your drive up the marvellous Khau Pha Pass. This mountain pass is well known is winding road and stunning terraced rice paddies. The scenery over the valley from the pass is so amazing in the reason of rice, especially at the harvesting time. You will have another trek today for the afternoon to Lim Mong village. The trek lasts between 2 hours and 3 hours. On the drive to Mu Cang Chai, you will have two more photo stops which are the Parachuting Point and the Shoe Terrace. The accommodation tonight will be at another homestay.

Overnight in Mu Cang Chai:
Inclusions: Private a.c. vehicle/ Tour guide/ Breakfast, lunch, dinner/ Homestay (Hotel) accommodation

DAY 4: MU CANG CHAI RICE TERRACE TREK

This morning, you will get a transfer to a trekking point at Che Cu Nha Commune. The trek is about 12km on dirt paths to La Pan Tan Commune. This part of the nation's unique landscape will definitely offer you a great experience for your Vietnam trip. Beside the amazing terraced fields, you also have chance to visit some ethnic villages of the H'mong people. Get picked up by your private vehicle at the end of the trek and transfer to Ngoc Chien Valley (1 hour away) and visit an interesting hot spring. At this community, the ethnic Thai people are still keep the naked bathing custom. After having learned about the community bath, you can check in a nearby family for a dip to enjoy the warm bath. After that, back on your car and make your way to Mu Cang Chai's Ecolodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Overnight in Mu Cang Chai
Inclusions: Private a.c. vehicle/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Hot bath/ Breakfast, lunch, dinner/ Hotel accommodation

H'mong-and-Thai-communities-mu-cang-chai

DAY 5: MU CANG CHAI - HANOI

Take your time in this morning for the breakfast at the lodge and check out of your room at 9:00 a.m. Drive back to Hanoi, it approximately takes you about 7 hours. Lunch is at a local restaurant on the way. Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi between 5:00p.m. and 5:30p.m.
Check- back in your hotel in Hanoi, refreshment and stay overnight.

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Private a.c. vehicle/ Tour guide/ Breakfast, lunch/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 6: HANOI HIGHLIGHTS

After breakfast, you will start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Uncle Ho's house on stilts to learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam's beloved leader. Next, you will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique temple built on a single stone pillar, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university.

After a quick lunch break, you will head to the Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War, to gain insight into the country's history of struggle and resistance.

Next, you will visit the Women's Museum, which showcases the important role of women in Vietnam's history and culture. You will then take a cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to soak up the atmosphere and experience local life.

Your last stop of the day will be at Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple, where you can learn about the legend of the lake and its significance to the people of Hanoi. To wrap up the day, you will attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique and entertaining art form that has been a part of Vietnam's cultural heritage for centuries.

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fee/ Water puppet show/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 7: HANOI - HALONG BAY

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and driven to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pier in Halong City, you will board the cruise ship. As you cruise through the mesmerizing limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters, a delicious lunch will be served on board. Take in the stunning scenery as you glide along the bay. You will have the opportunity to visit a fascinating cave, where a guided tour will unveil its impressive formations. In the afternoon, you can choose to swim, kayak, or simply relax on the sun deck. As the sun sets, enjoy a delectable dinner on the boat, surrounded by the breathtaking views of Halong Bay. You will spend the night on the cruise ship, immersed in the serene ambiance of the bay.

Overnight in Halong Bay
Inclusions: Shared shuttle bus/ Cruise's in-house tour guide/ Cruise package/ En-suite cabin on the boat.

DAY 8: HALONG BAY - HANOI

Wake up early to witness the captivating sunrise over the bay. Participate in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck to rejuvenate your body and mind. After a hearty breakfast, the cruise will continue to explore different areas of Halong Bay, allowing you to discover more hidden treasures and awe-inspiring landscapes. A delicious brunch will be served on board as the boat gradually returns to the pier. Upon disembarking, you will be transferred back to Hanoi. In the afternoon, you will arrive in Hanoi and be dropped off at your hotel, marking the end of this unforgettable Halong Bay experience.

Please note that the exact itinerary may vary depending on the chosen cruise company and weather conditions.

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Shared shuttle bus/ Cruise's in-house tour guide/ Cruise package/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 9: HANOI FREE AND EASY

Enjoy your day of leisure in Hanoi today. We believe it's an opportunity to explore the city on your own, given Hanoi's rich historical significance, unique cultural aspects, diverse cuisine, and the blend of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Feel free to indulge in shopping or treat yourself to a relaxing massage. Additionally, the vibrant and captivating nightlife of Hanoi's Old Quarter awaits, providing you with an exciting outdoor experience.

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Breakfast/ Hotel accommodation

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM HANOI

Today marks the end of our incredible journey together. Depending on your departure flight time, you may have a busy morning preparing for your departure or have some leisure time to relax and perhaps do some last-minute shopping.

If your schedule allows, take this opportunity to walk and explore the vibrant streets and markets one last time, picking up souvenirs and mementos to cherish from your time in Vietnam. Indulge in the flavors of the local cuisine, soak up the atmosphere, and create lasting memories.

When the time comes, our team will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport, ensuring you reach your departure gate in a timely manner. As you bid farewell to Vietnam, take a moment to reflect on the incredible adventures, the beautiful landscapes, and the warm hospitality you have experienced throughout your trip.

Until next time!
Inclusions: Private airport transfer/ Breakfast

Watch detailed itinerary in video

Watch our quick video for a snapshot of your entire journey — all the must-see stops in one view.

FAQS

1. Is this tour customizable?

Absolutely! This itinerary is a suggested travel idea designed to inspire your journey. It serves as a starting point and can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and preferences. Whether you'd like to adjust the activities, include additional destinations, or tailor the pace of the trip, we're here to create a personalized experience just for you. Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll craft an itinerary that perfectly fits your vision.

2. What makes a private tour special?

A private tour means your journey is exclusively yours. You'll have your own professional guide and private vehicle, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can linger longer at spots you love, make spontaneous stops for photos, and enjoy an experience built entirely around your interests, not a fixed group schedule.

3. Are solo travelers and small groups welcome?

Yes, absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups of friends. As a solo traveler, your itinerary is tailored completely to you. A single supplement fee may apply for accommodation, but we will always work to find the best options for your needs.

4. What is included in the tour price?

Your personalized proposal will include a detailed list of inclusions. Typically, this covers:

Accommodation with daily breakfast
Private, air-conditioned transportation
A private, licensed tour guide
Entrance fees for all scheduled sights
Meals as specified in the itinerary

Exclusions are generally international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

5. What kind of accommodation can I expect?

We offer a wide range of accommodations to suit your style, from charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges to luxury resorts. To ensure maximum flexibility, we don't specify hotels in our sample itineraries. Your travel expert will suggest carefully selected options in your proposal, and we are happy to adjust them based on your preferences.

6. Do I need a visa for my destination?

Visa requirements vary greatly depending on your nationality and destination. While your travel expert will offer guidance during the planning stage, we strongly recommend checking the official embassy or consulate website for the most current information.

7. What is the booking process?

Our booking process is simple and collaborative:

Send a Request: Fill out the form on our website with your travel ideas.
Personalize Your Trip: A travel expert will contact you to craft a detailed proposal, which you can refine until it’s perfect.
Confirm & Book: Once you are 100% happy with the plan, you confirm your trip with a deposit.

8. What are the payment and cancellation policies?

To secure your booking, we require a deposit, which is typically 30% of the total tour cost. The final balance is due 60 days before your departure. Our cancellation policy is structured based on how far in advance the cancellation is made.

For full, detailed information, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

9. Do I need travel insurance?

Yes, travel insurance is essential for your trip. At Custom Asia Travel, we do not include insurance in our packages to allow you the freedom to choose an insurance provider that best suits your needs and guarantees your rights. Your trip is a significant experience, and having reliable insurance ensures you are well-supported in case of unexpected events.

Please note that basic insurance policies in the host country may not meet your expectations regarding support or administrative procedures. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance from your preferred provider.

Important: All customers are required to have valid travel insurance, and we request that you share your insurance details with us before departure.

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Free service! No credit card requested at this stage The note if you are a solo traveler

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