The Escapist Trips – Tour of Northen Vietnam

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport Get picked up and transferred to your hotel.
18:30: Welcome dinner and drinks.
What to expect:
Guided by local experts
Visit famous attractions of Hanoi
Experience the hustle and bustle of Hanoi
Dine at authentic local restaurants

AM: Visit Dong Cuc Village to meet Vu Gioi - the only artisan who knows all the techniques of Vietnamese Royal Embroidery.
PM: Hand-on tie dye session using indigo with a local ethnic textile expert
NOTES: In Vietnam, indigo dye comes from a plant called "cây chàm" grown in the northern mountain areas like Sapa. People use it to turn fabrics a deep blue color. Communities like the H'mong and Dzao tribes have passed down the way to dye with indigo for years. They make beautiful blue clothes and patterns by soaking the fabric in the dye multiple times and using special techniques like tie-dye. Indigo dye is important in Vietnam because it's part of their culture and history, showing off their artistic skills and traditions.

09:00: Visit Ho Chi Minh mausoleum’s complex, which includes the Presidential palace, Uncle Ho’s house on stilts, Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and One Pillar pagoda
LUNCH: Try a Hanoi specialty called Bun Cha. This dish is made of char-grilled pork served with rice vermicelli, sweet fish sauce and herbs.
18:00: Embark on the Ride of Your Life with our Hanoi After Dark tour on vintage Vespa.

AM: Head to the Endangered Primate Rescue center at Cuc Phuong National Park after breakfast at the hotel.
LUNCH: At a local restaurant.
PM: 1.5 -2 hour bicycle ride along the back roads through beautiful scenery of towering karst formations, ponds, rice paddies, and rural villages. End the day with 500 steps up to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain in Hang Mua.
BE READY TO:
Take lots of photos
Pull o 2 hours of cycling and 500 steps uphills

07:30: The journey to Ha Giang is approximately 5 hours with rest breaks along the way. Upon reaching Ha Giang city, you’ll be checked into your accommodations and then transported over to “Flipside adventures” villa for introductions to the team and a delicious BBQ lunch.
PM: Exploring the neighboring village of Tung Ba. The afternoon will be spent exploring the neighboring village of Tung Ba. An amazing spot for a dip in crystal clear waters at the base of the Khau ca mountain (home to the endangered snub nosed monkey), endemic to Ha Giang and the only place on the planet this primate survives in the wild. A truly magical area.
DINNER: At the villa where everyone can enjoy some drinks by the pool.

07:30: Breakfast at Villa.
AM: Depart Ha Giang city towards the fairytale area of Thai An national park. Charity visits to local families.
LUNCH: In the township of Quan Ba.
PM: Trek to the natural cave system of Lung Khuy.
DINNER: At the resort’s restaurant area.

AM: Hemp village in Lung Tam
LUNCH: At what was known as the only restaurant in the area up until recently.
PM: Drive consist of numerous viewpoints and stop offs scenery will change dramatically as we enter what is known as the Dong Van Geopark. Lung Khuy.
DINNER: At the restaurant area of our accommodation..

AM: Trek along the Ma Pi Leng Skypath
LUNCH: In Dong Van town.
Optional: visit French fortress that ovelooks the township
PM: Drive down the mountain sides to the Nho Que river below.
DINNER: Back at our resort for another relaxing evening with amazing views overlooking the China border.

AM: After breakfast, we go on a drive to a village of Du Gia. The route offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys, with plenty of opportunities for photo stops.
LUNCH: At Du Gia Village.
PM: Head to another hidden gem of a waterhole for a refreshing swim. Visit this historic French fort and explore the remnants while learning about the history and significance of the area. Visit nearby local school for interactions with local students and teachers.
LATE AFTERNOON: Back at Flipside Villa ready for your departure back to Hanoi.

08:30 – 09:00Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter
12:00 – 12:30:Arrive at the Waiting Lounge at Indochina Junk Office. And then, go to HaLong harbor by buggy.
12:30 – 13:00: Check-in, enjoy the welcome drink & cruise briefing.
13:15:Have lunch in the outdoor dining room (depending on the weather condition) while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long Bay, admire the fascinating formations on the way.
15:00: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic rowboat.
17:30 – 18:30 Back to junk for refreshing and enjoy “Happy Hour", springrolls cooking class.
19:00 Elegant dinner served onboard.
20:30 – 22:00 Free time for relaxing, communicating with the staff, evening activities (watching movies, listening to music, squid fishing…). Overnight on Bai Tu Long Bay.

06:15 - 7:15Start a new day with Tai Chi on the sundeck & morning view of the Bay's landscape. Have breakfast in the fresh.
08:30 - 11:15: Transfer to a day boat and cruise to Cong Dam, visit “Ha Long Pearl farm museum". Enjoy swimming and kayaking in “Hang Trinh Nu” Area.
12:30: Return to the cruise to enjoy lunch on board while immersing yourself in the splendor of the scenery here.
14:30: Head back to Lily Cruise to relax.
17:30 - 18:30: Soak up the beautiful sunset over the bay and join the "Happy Hour". You also can join a cooking class with spring rolls, a specialty of Vietnamese cuisine.
19:00 Dinner served onboard.
20:30 - 22:00 Experience the nightlife on Bai Tu Long Bay from the deck, and relax with music and drinks at the bar. If you want to participate in a night squid fishing activity, please contact the management for assistance in providing the necessary equipment. Otherwise, more games will be prepared for you.
Recommendations:
Join the morning Tai Chi Class
Book a spa session on the cruise
Wake up early to see the beautiful sunrise
Tips:
Always have your camera ready
Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
Always have cash for payments

06:15Begin the day full of energy with the Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun just rising up beyond the horizon.
06:45 - 7:15: A light breakfast will be served in the onboard restaurant. (Breakfast time is adjustable depending on the actual schedule)
07:30 - 9:00: Explore Thien Canh Son Cave, located on the top of the mountain, with a long history, geological significance, and natural beauty. We recommend bringing a camera and climbing in sneakers.
14:30: Head back to Lily Cruise to relax.
09:00 - 9:30: Return to the cruise to relax and check out at the front desk. Please place your luggage outside the door, the cabin crew will help you carry it.
09:45 A light lunch will be served in the restaurant while the boat returns to the harbor.
10:30 - 12:00 Disembark from Lily Cruise and move back to Halong International Cruise Port. Relax and wait to collect your luggage.
14:30:
Arrive in Hanoi. Trip ends.

AM Start at Hang Gai aka the Silk street, a busy place with lots to buy. Search for souvenirs, clothes, and yummy food in its colorful stalls.

Then, head to a spa for a nice massage or a relaxing bath to feel refreshed and calm.

Finish your day by walking around Hanoi's Old Quarter. Explore its narrow streets with cute shops and cozy cafes. Try tasty local snacks or enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee at a nice cafe. Relax and think about your wonderful days in this lovely city.