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Maestro Jrnys

Vietnam

Heritage and Hidden Valleys with Rucksack Diaries

LED BY

Mouna Nanaiah

TRIP DATES

03 Oct 26 - 09 Oct 26

PRICE PER PERSON

$1,225.00 $1,102.50

-10%

CULTURE

NATURE

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Overview Stay Itinerary FAQs

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Vietnam: Heritage and Hidden Valleys with Rucksack Diaries

TRIP DATES

03 Oct 26-09 Oct 26

BOOKING ADVANCE

$ 110.25

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About this Jrny

Vietnam is a vibrant blend of timeless traditions, bustling cities and breathtaking landscapes, inviting you on an unforgettable adventure. In Hanoi, dive into the capital’s rich culture as you wander ancient temples, lively streets, fascinating museums and enjoy the magical Water Puppet Show. Escape to the peaceful Mai Chau Valley, where scenic countryside, local traditions and delicious regional flavours offer a refreshing change of pace. Cruise through the emerald waters of Halong Bay, soak in spectacular limestone scenery, savour dinner on deck and watch the sun melt into the horizon. Return to Hanoi for a memorable farewell celebration before departing with incredible stories, lasting memories and a deeper connection to Vietnam. Join this remarkable journey and experience its charm at every turn.

This Jrny is led by Mouna Nanaiah, a full time IT professional and a passionate motorcyclist. She lives for the thrill of the open road. Alongside her partner Shyam, she has ridden over 1 lakh+ kilometers across 24 states in India, riding through mountains, deserts, coastlines, and everything in between. Together they have turned long distance motorcycle travel into a way of life.

Highlights

Discover Hanoi's cultural treasures, historic temples, museums, and lively Old Quarter streets.
Experience the enchanting Thang Long Water Puppet Show and authentic welcome dinner.
Journey through Mai Chau Valley, enjoying scenic landscapes and traditional local hospitality.
Visit Mai Hich village, embracing rural traditions and authentic Vietnamese countryside experiences.
Cruise spectacular Halong Bay, admiring limestone karsts, sunset views, and onboard dinner.

Let’s get this Jrny Rolling! 🚀

Secure your spot by paying only 10.00% of the price

This journey is currently in the Founding Phase. Your booking helps launch this Jrny.

Risk-Free: 100% refundable until departure is confirmed.
Founding Explorer Offer: Be one of the first 2 to join and save 10%

Trip price

$1,225.00 $1,102.50

-10%

Pay today $110.25

Secure My Spot

Inclusions

Meals as per itinerary

Boutique Stays

Airport Transfers

Internal Transport

Entrance Fees and Permits

English Speaking Guides

Maestro's Expertise

Inclusions

What's Included

6 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches & 6 Dinners

Stay in Boutique 3-4 star hotels (specified in the itinerary or similar)

Arrival and departure airport transfers

Comfortable minivans or coaches for internal transport, depending on group size.

Entrance Fees and permits for all included activities as per itinerary

Professional English speaking local guides

Mouna's expertise guarantees a memorable trip experience

What's Excluded

Additional meals not mentioned in itinerary

Alcoholic beverages

Camera/Video charges during sightseeing

International Flights to & from the trip's start and end point

Personal expenses (Drinks, Laundry etc.)

Tips for guides and drivers

Travel Insurance

Visa Fees (if applicable)

Led by Jrny Maestro

Mouna Nanaiah

Traveler on a Motorcycle

6 Jrnys

7 Happy Travellers

Overview

Dates

3Oct’26 - 9Oct’26

Suggested Ages

12+

Duration

7 days

Activity Level

moderate

Group Size

6 - 14

Travel Style

comfort

Price per person

$1,225.00 $1,102.50

-10%

Itinerary

Sat 03 Oct

Arrival in Hanoi

Sun 04 Oct

Hanoi

Mon 05 Oct

Hanoi - Mai Chau Valley

Tue 06 Oct

Mai Chau - Hanoi

Wed 07 Oct

Hanoi - Halong Bay

Thu 08 Oct

Halong Bay - Hanoi

Fri 09 Oct

Depart Hanoi

Let’s get this Jrny Rolling! 🚀

Secure your spot by paying only 10.00% of the price

This journey is currently in the Founding Phase. Your booking helps launch this Jrny.

Risk-Free: 100% refundable until departure is confirmed.
Founding Explorer Offer: Be one of the first 2 to join and save 10%

Trip price

$1,225.00 $1,102.50

-10%

Pay today $110.25

Secure My Spot

Stay

CHECK IN 03 Oct

2 N

CHECK OUT 05 Oct

Chalcedony Hotel Hanoi

Hanoi

CHECK IN 05 Oct

1 N

CHECK OUT 06 Oct

Sol Bungalows Resort - Mai Chau

Mai Chau

CHECK IN 06 Oct

1 N

CHECK OUT 07 Oct

Chalcedony Hotel Hanoi

Hanoi

CHECK IN 07 Oct

1 N

CHECK OUT 08 Oct

Indochina Sails Halong Bay

Halong Bay

CHECK IN 08 Oct

1 N

CHECK OUT 09 Oct

Chalcedony Hotel Hanoi

Hanoi

Your Daily Itinerary

Sat 03 Oct

Arrival in Hanoi

Arrive in Hanoi and settle into the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Relax during your private transfer to the city before soaking in its lively atmosphere. In the evening, savour a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where authentic Vietnamese flavours offer the perfect introduction to the journey ahead.

Meals Included: Dinner

Activities

Meet and Greet in Hanoi

12:00 - 15:00

Arrive at the Noi Bai International Airport (IATA Code: HAN). Once you pass immigration, retrieve your luggage and clear customs. Look for a JrnyOn representative holding a placard with your name or the JrnyOn logo at the exit. They will transfer you to your pre-booked hotel in Hanoi.

Duration: 1 hour
Distance: 32.2 kms / 20 miles

Welcome Dinner in Hanoi

19:00 - 21:00

Enjoy a warm and lively welcome dinner at a local restaurant, a perfect introduction to the flavours of Vietnam.

Sun 04 Oct

Hanoi

Begin the day with breakfast before discovering Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the tranquil Tran Quoc Pagoda, gracefully set on the shores of West Lake, then continue to the historic Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university. Explore either the Vietnam Women’s Museum or the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, offering fascinating insights into the country’s history and diverse cultures. After lunch, admire the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex and stroll through the peaceful gardens to the stilt house where Ho Chi Minh once lived. Pause at the iconic One Pillar Pagoda before wandering the lively Old Quarter. End the day with a captivating traditional water puppet performance, a uniquely Vietnamese art form that brings folklore to life.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda

08:30 - 10:00

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, perhaps sampling Hanoi’s famous pho. Explore Tran Quoc Pagoda on West Lake, and you soak in its peaceful atmosphere.

Temple of Literature

10:00 - 12:00

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, nestled in the heart of Hanoi. A symbol of learning and Confucian values, its ancient courtyards, stone stelae, and elegant pavilions offer a serene glimpse into the country’s scholarly past and cultural pride.

Vietnam Women’s Museum

12:00 - 13:00

Discover the stories of Vietnamese women through inspiring exhibits. Explore diverse roles, traditions, resilience, and cultural heritage.

Museum of Ethnology

12:00 - 13:00

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a museum in Hanoi, Vietnam, which focuses on the 54 officially recognised ethnic groups in Vietnam. It showcases their traditions, architecture, clothing, rituals, crafts and everyday life through thoughtfully curated exhibits and immersive displays.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

14:00 - 15:00

The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is a monumental site, housing the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. A symbol of national pride, the mausoleum attracts visitors to pay respects to the influential figure who led the fight for Vietnam's independence.

One Pillar Pagoda

15:00 - 16:00

The One Pillar Pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. It is regarded alongside the Perfume Temple, as one of Vietnam's two most iconic temples

Old Quarter Hanoi

16:00 - 17:00

Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a vibrant and historic district at the heart of the city, blending centuries-old charm with modern energy. Its narrow, winding streets, lined with traditional houses and colonial architecture, make it a fascinating hub for culture and history.

The area is also a haven for food lovers, offering some of Vietnam’s best street food, including pho, bun cha, and banh mi.

Water Puppet Show

17:00 - 18:00

Experience the charm of a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show, a northern art form nearly a thousand years old. Puppets glide across water, animated by hidden performers, while live musicians play age-old tunes using drums, horns, bamboo flutes, and wooden bells—bringing legends and rural tales vividly to life.

Mon 05 Oct

Hanoi - Mai Chau Valley

Depart Hanoi and enjoy a scenic drive through rolling countryside to the peaceful Mai Chau Valley. Check in before savouring a traditional lunch featuring fragrant rice, fresh seasonal vegetables, and local specialities. Spend the afternoon surrounded by lush landscapes, or hop on a bicycle to explore charming villages, emerald rice fields, and the valley's tranquil rural beauty at your own pace.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Drive to Mai Chau

08:00 - 12:00

Depart Hanoi and journey through Vietnam’s scenic countryside to Mai Chau. Admire changing landscapes as you travel, soaking in peaceful rural views.

Duration: 4 hours
Distance: 150 kms

Traditional Lunch in Mai Chau Valley

12:00 - 13:00

Check in at the hotel and savour a traditional lunch of rice, seasonal vegetables and dal. Explore the peaceful surroundings or cycle through the tranquil valley.

Tue 06 Oct

Mai Chau - Hanoi

Leave the peaceful valleys of Mai Chau behind and take a short drive to the charming village of Mai Hich. Stroll through quiet lanes lined with traditional wooden houses, emerald rice paddies, and welcoming local communities, soaking in the region’s rural charm. After lunch, continue the journey to Hanoi, pausing at a mountain pass to admire sweeping valley views. Arrive in the capital by late afternoon and end the day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Mai Hich

09:00 - 12:00

Arrive in the charming village of Mai Hich and stroll through its peaceful lanes. Pass traditional wooden houses, emerald rice paddies and meet friendly locals. Enjoy an easy walk that reveals the village's authentic rural beauty.

Lunch in Mai Chau

13:00 - 17:00

Enjoy lunch featuring Mai Chau specialities such as grilled hill pork and sticky rice. Pause at a scenic mountain pass, then continue to Hanoi with valley views unfolding before you.

Dinner in Hanoi

19:00 - 21:00

Enjoy a Hanoi dinner featuring local favourites such as pho, bun cha and crispy nem ran.

Wed 07 Oct

Hanoi - Halong Bay

Begin the day with breakfast before departing Hanoi for the scenic drive to Halong Bay. Arrive at the pier and complete the check-in formalities before boarding your cruise. Savour a delicious lunch as the vessel glides through the bay’s emerald waters, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts. Enjoy the onboard activities or shore excursions included in the itinerary. As evening falls, admire a stunning sunset from the deck, relish a delightful dinner, and unwind with an overnight stay amidst Halong Bay’s tranquil beauty.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Hanoi to Halong Bay

09:00 - 12:00

After breakfast at the hotel, relax as our car takes you to the captivating north, where the emerald waters and limestone karsts of Halong Bay await. A scenic drive leads you to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its breathtaking beauty, hidden caves, and tranquil charm—a true gem of Vietnam.

Duration: 3.5 hours
Distance: 177 kms / 109 miles

Halong Bay Cruise

13:00 - 17:00

Step aboard for a scenic cruise through emerald waters dotted with towering limestone karsts. Along the way, pause to explore a hidden grotto adorned with dazzling stalactites and stalagmites. Savour delicious meals on board as breathtaking vistas unfold around every bend, making this journey a feast for both the eyes and the senses.

Sunset on the deck & dinner

17:00 - 21:00

Relax on the deck as the sun sets over the horizon. Savour a delicious dinner featuring local specialities before retiring for the evening.

Thu 08 Oct

Halong Bay - Hanoi

Wake to the tranquil beauty of Halong Bay and enjoy breakfast, or brunch on selected cruises, as towering limestone karsts drift past. Savour the final moments on the water before checking out and returning to Hanoi. Spend the afternoon at leisure, exploring at your own pace or simply unwinding. As evening falls, gather for a memorable farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrating the flavours of Vietnam and the experiences shared throughout the journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Activities

Halong Bay to Hanoi

12:00 - 15:00

Enjoy a scenic 3.5 hours drive from Halong Bay back to Hanoi, passing through lush landscapes and picturesque villages. This journey offers a final glimpse of northern Vietnam's natural beauty before returning to the city.

Duration: 3.5 hours
Distance: 177km/ 109 miles

Farewell Dinner in Hanoi

19:00 - 21:00

Arrive back in Hanoi and soak in the city’s familiar rhythm. Celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner, reflect on vivid landscapes, rich cultures, and the stories that stay with you.

Fri 09 Oct

Depart Hanoi

Bid farewell to vibrant Hanoi as your journey comes to an end. Enjoy a comfortable transfer from Hanoi to Noi Bai Airport and take with you cherished memories of Vietnam’s rich culture, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Activities

Depart Hanoi

08:00 - 23:59

Today your JrnyOn journey comes to an end. Transport will be arranged to get you to from central Hanoi to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your flight back home. Once on the flight, you can begin to plan for your next JRNY!

Duration: 50 minutes
Distance: 35 kms

Frequently Asked Questions

You want to discover Vietnam's rich history, culture, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

You enjoy exploring ancient temples, museums, and vibrant local neighbourhoods.

You would love to experience authentic rural life in the peaceful Mai Chau Valley.

You want to cruise through the spectacular limestone islands of Halong Bay.

You enjoy cultural performances, traditional cuisine, and meaningful local experiences.

You prefer a relaxed itinerary with a balance of sightseeing, scenic drives, and leisure time.

- International flights

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Alcoholic beverages

- Personal expenses (e.g., drinks, laundry, tips for guides and drivers)

- Camera/video charges during sightseeing

- Tips for guides and drivers

- Additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary

- Early check-in and late check-out at hotels

Our Maestros join these journeys to share their expertise, passions, perspectives, and experiences with the group — whether that is photography, food, culture, storytelling, adventure, wellness, or a particular destination. They are not acting as licensed tour guides or professional tour leaders responsible for the operational management of the trip.

For the smooth running of the journey, JrnyOn will have experienced local guides, tour leaders, or operational staff accompanying the group where required. Their role is to manage logistics, coordination, safety, and day-to-day operations during the trip.

You should arrive at and depart from Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi (Code: HAN). The tour both starts and ends in Hanoi.

All foreign travellers will require a valid passport. The passport should have a validity for at least six months beyond the completion of travel. All travellers will require a visa for entry into Vietnam. Indian passport holders can apply for e-visa from https://evisa.gov.vn, which costs USD 25 and takes 3-4 days to process. Each passenger must be personally responsible for ensuring she/he possesses valid travel documentation.

Travel insurance is mandatory to protect against loss of personal valuables, illness or unforeseen late cancellations. While suppliers make every effort to ensure guests' safety, we cannot be held responsible for events beyond our control. JrnyOn does not sell travel insurance since we want you to be able to choose a policy that meets your requirements. For those looking for an insurance supplier, we can recommend Insurance Nomads. Write to them at [email protected] with your Jrny details for insurance options.

No mandatory vaccinations are required. We advise you to check with your doctor in case you have any personal requirements. Also check with your local clinic or doctor a few weeks before the trip for any change in recommendations.

Yes, airport transfers are included in this tour. These transfers will be shared with you before your travel.

There is a meet and greet followed by a welcome dinner planned on Day 1. It is recommended to arrive by early afternoon. Standard hotel check-in time is around 14:00 hours.

You can depart anytime. Generally, there are no inclusions on the tour on the last day. The hotel check-out time is usually 1100 hours or 1200 hours.

Children under 12 are not allowed on this Jrny. Children above 12 are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Normally, yes! In some cases if the exact hotels are unavailable for any reason, we'll make sure you're put up in hotels that are equivalent to the original in terms of location and facilities. Rest assured, your stay will be as promised.

Please read through the itinerary in detail to understand the intensity of the activities planned. There are some long walks scheduled. Overall for the tour on a scale from 1 - 5, a fitness level of 2 would be ideal.

Yes. The drive between Hanoi and Mai Chau takes approximately 3.5–4 hours each way. The journey to Halong Bay takes around 2.5–3 hours by road. These scenic drives are broken up with comfort stops where required.

Absolutely, a variety of vegetarian meal options will be available. Vegan options may be limited but available.

We try and cater to other diet restrictions as much as possible. But, we do focus on regional local cuisine. So there will be limitations. Please write to [email protected] with your booking number in the subject line to inform us well in advance of any such restrictions.

Northern Vietnam generally experiences warm, humid weather for much of the year, with cooler temperatures during the winter months. Hanoi, Mai Chau, and Halong Bay can experience occasional rain depending on the season, so light layers and a waterproof jacket are recommended. For the latest forecast, please check weather.com before departure.

We require a 35% advance payment at the time of booking.

The remaining balance needs to be paid in full at least 65 days before the date of travel

We have the following cancellation terms for this tour:

Cancellation up to 91 days from the date of travel: 10% cancellation charges (as per the total trip cost) will be levied, the rest will be refunded to you

From 90 - 46 days from the date of travel: 30% cancellation charges will be levied

45 days or less from the date of travel: 100% cancellation charges will be levied

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