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DAY 1:       HANOI ARRIVAL

Day wise activities:

Morning: Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi. Private transfer to your wellness hotel or resort.

Afternoon: Check in and unwind with a welcome herbal tea and orientation.

Evening: Relax with a traditional Vietnamese spa treatment and massage to relieve jet lag.

Optional: Gentle yoga session to stretch and relax.

Details: 

Upon arrival at Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed by our guide holding a sign with your name on it. After approximately 50 minutes to 1-hour transfer, you will be at your hotel for check-in.

Hanoi or “River-bound City” as its name literally means is Vietnam’s capital with a thousand-year-old history dating back to 1010. The city’s fascinating beauty which is characterized by unique cultural relics, ancient streets of antique houses, elegant French colonial buildings, tree-lined boulevards, and romantic lakes has made it one of the most charming cities in Asia.

Meals: None

Stay overnight in Hanoi

DAY 2:       HANOI WELLNESS & CULTURAL EXPLORATION

Day wise activities:

Morning: Start the day with a sunrise meditation or Tai Chi session by West Lake.

Breakfast: Healthy, locally sourced breakfast at the hotel.

Late Morning: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a focus on cultural learning. Visit the Temple of Literature and One Pillar Pagoda.

Afternoon: Vietnamese cooking workshop, learning to prepare nutritious dishes using local herbs and spices.

Details: 

Begin your day with a serene meditation or Tai Chi session by the tranquil waters of West Lake, allowing the gentle morning ambiance to set a peaceful tone for your day ahead. Nourish your body with a healthy, locally sourced breakfast at your hotel, savoring the fresh flavors and mindfully preparing for the day’s activities. Embark on an exploration of Hanoi’s historic Old Quarter, immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of the city. Your journey of discovery includes visits to the revered Temple of Literature and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, each offering insights into Vietnam’s spiritual and intellectual heritage.

Engage your senses and culinary skills in a Vietnamese cooking workshop. Learn to prepare nutritious dishes that highlight the vibrant flavors of local herbs and spices, gaining knowledge you can take home to incorporate into your wellness routine.

As the day winds down, enjoy some personal time to relax and reflect. You might choose to indulge in a light spa treatment, further enhancing your sense of well-being.

Rest and rejuvenate overnight at your wellness retreat hotel in Hanoi, allowing the day’s experiences to settle as you prepare for the next part of your journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Hanoi

DAY 3:       HANOI – MAI CHAU WELLNESS & RETREAT

Day wise activities:

Morning: Drive to Mai Chau, a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and rice fields (approximately 4 hours).

Afternoon: Check into an eco-friendly wellness lodge in Mai Chau. Enjoy a light lunch with locally grown produce.

Late Afternoon: Guided nature walk through local villages and rice paddies to reconnect with nature.

Evening: Traditional Vietnamese herbal steam bath, followed by a healthy dinner.

Details: 

The rural valley of Mai Chau is ideal for walking. Flat, paved paths in the valley center lead through quaint villages and past picturesque rice fields whereas more adventuresome dirt trails high in the hills take you further into the breathtaking landscapes of Mai Chau.

A short drive this morning takes you to Nameo Village, the starting point for today’s trek. The sublime beauty of the Mai Chau Valley reveals itself as you pass through rice terraces, forests, and villages on this easy walk. Arrive in Buoc village, another scenic village of White Thai minority people. We will have lunch in a local house and take a short nap if you wish. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a 2-hour leisure trek around the village.

Late afternoon transfer back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay overnight in Mai Chau

DAY 4:       HIKING & LOCAL CULTURAL IMMERSION IN MAI CHAU

Day wise activities:

Morning: Energizing breakfast followed by a half-day hike through scenic landscapes, and visiting remote villages of the White Thai ethnic group.

Afternoon: Return to the lodge for a healthy lunch, then participate in a local weaving workshop, learning traditional skills from local artisans.

Evening: Evening relaxation with a sound healing session or meditation.

Details: 

Begin your day with a nutritious and energizing breakfast, preparing you for a rewarding half-day hike through the picturesque landscapes of Mai Chau. As you journey through the lush valleys and terraced rice fields, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit remote villages inhabited by the White Thai ethnic group. Here, you can interact with the locals, learn about their traditional way of life, and experience the region’s natural beauty up close.

After your hike, return to the comfort of your wellness lodge and enjoy a healthy, locally sourced-lunch. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a hands-on weaving workshop led by local artisans. This is your chance to learn traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations, offering a deeper understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

As the evening approaches, unwind with a sound healing session or guided meditation, designed to help you relax and rejuvenate after an active day. This peaceful practice will harmonize your body and mind, leaving you refreshed. You will then retire for the night in your wellness lodge, surrounded by the tranquility of Mai Chau’s serene environment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Stay overnight in Mai Chau

DAY 5:       MAICHAU – NINH BINH – MINDFUL EXPLORATION

Day wise activities:

Morning: Drive to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land” (approximately 3 hours).

Afternoon: Check-in at a boutique wellness resort. Enjoy a relaxing lunch.

Late Afternoon: Take a serene boat ride through Tam Coc, drifting among limestone karsts and emerald waters. Practice mindful breathing and presence as you float through this peaceful environment.

Evening: Sunset yoga session overlooking the tranquil rice fields.

Details: 

Our guide and driver will meet you in Mai Chau to begin your journey to Ninh Binh, a scenic and culturally rich region in northern Vietnam. As you depart from Mai Chau, you’ll leave behind the stunning mountainous landscape and venture through the lush valleys and countryside that characterize this part of Vietnam.

The drive, covering approximately 135 kilometers, will offer breathtaking views as you pass through rural villages, where you can catch glimpses of everyday life. Farmers tend to their rice paddies, buffalo graze peacefully, and children wave as you make your way along winding roads. The gradual change in landscape—from the rolling hills of Mai Chau to the karst formations and waterways of Ninh Binh—provides a beautiful contrast, showcasing the diversity of northern Vietnam’s geography.

As you near Ninh Binh, the iconic limestone mountains and rivers come into view, heralding your arrival at this UNESCO-recognized region. Upon arrival, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the scenic wonders of Ninh Binh, including a tranquil boat ride along the Tam Coc or Trang An waterways, where you’ll drift through caves and between towering karst cliffs. You’ll also have time to visit local temples, pagodas, or ancient landmarks like Hoa Lu, the historic capital of Vietnam.

This journey not only connects two of Vietnam’s most picturesque destinations but also provides an immersive experience into the rural life and natural beauty that makes northern Vietnam so special. Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, you can relax and reflect on the day’s adventure, ready to explore more of the region’s stunning landscapes and cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast

Stay ovenight in Ninh Binh