Day 1: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Trang An
Our
private car and guide will pick you up from hotel in
Hanoi at 8.00, a 2.5 hour drive will take you to the
rural town of Ninh Binh, which is located in one of the
most beautiful parts of Vietnam, with its dramatic
scenery, historical intrigues, religious pilgrimage
sites and endangered animal sanctuaries. The town of
Ninh Binh is an ideal base to venture out on short small
day trips.
Our first destination is Hoa Lu which is the former
capital of Vietnam (968 1009) under Dinh and Le
dynasties, there are not much to see in this place
besides two remaining temples, each one nearly a
thousand years old, the first one is dedicated to Dinh
Tien Hoang Emperor, the second commemorates the rulers
of the Le Dynasty. Keep driving to Bich Dong pagodas, a
complex of pagodas built into limestone mountain cliffs
from 15th century with unreal scenery around. After some
walk to the top pagoda, we have lunch in a local
restaurant before visiting Trang An tourism complex
recognized by Unesco as new World Natural heritage,
rowing boat trip would take 2 hours to see all three
caves and crossing beautiful rice paddy. This is an
ideal place for natural lovers.
We spend the night in Ninh Binh.
Day 2: Cuc Phuong national park - Mai Chau valley
homestay
Leaving Ninh Binh behind, we head for Cuc Phuong,
driving further into the middle of the national park
where we take a walk around the Centre of Endangered
Rescue. In here, precious animals, such as white short
monkeys, snakes, foxes, etc.can still be encountered, we
go trekking through the variety of fauna and flora of
the forest in a fresh atmosphere to see the 1000 year
old Cho trees; the huge ones would take ten arms
length to contain their circumference and the primitive
man cave. After picnic lunch right in the middle of the
rain forest we keep driving to Mai Chau. Our hosts for
this evening will be the White Thai minority people. In
sampling these peoples hospitality, we find out a little
more of their lives and cultures with a cultural
exchange following the evening meal, you are welcome to
take part in their traditional festival held on
travellers s' requests to enjoy folk songs, dancing with
Thai people - Mua Xap, pine wine - Ruou Can.
Day 3: Mai Chau - Hanoi
Mai Chau valley is inhabited by White Thai people, The
houses are quite large with palm leaf roofs and polished
bamboo-slat floors. The kitchen is located in the center
of the house; the cooking as well as the making of the
colorful tho cam, the material used by Thai minority
to make their clothes, takes place in the kitchen. The
windows are large and decorated with patterns. Each
house also has a pond to breed fish.
Following breakfast we stroll around nearby villages and
embark on the return drive to Hanoi. You will have a
chance to visit Hoa Binh hydro power plant on the way.
We will arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon.
The
3 day trip will take you from the tranquil rural scenery of Ninh
Binh, untouched primeval forest of Cuc Phuong national park to
the valleys of Mai Chau hilltribe villages and mingle with
colourful ethnic minorities. Paddling through the tunnels and
caves of Trang An, trek through montagnard villages... All is
off the beaten track drive and includes some trek in the hilly
terrains. This trip offers it all and even more unexpected
things are waiting for you...
