14-Day Private Slow Tour of North Vietnam: Zero Rushing, Full Service Luxury

Experience the sophistication of travelling sustainably. Imagine a holiday with no airports, no long queues, and no waiting for baggage or drivers.

From Hanoi to Mai Chau, Pu Luong to Ninh Binh and back. Our 14 day North Vietnam loop moves at a slow pace to allow you to experience the daily lives of local villagers.

In 2026, it isn't all about seeing as many places in Vietnam in a short space of time. It is all about travelling at a steady slow pace and enjoying the cultural experiences available to you.

Gone are the days of joining a touristy group tour with thousands all being herded along like cattle in the big cities. It's now about real Vietnam and the culture you can explore in the countryside.

Our 14 day North Vietnam Slow Sustainable Loop will allow you to visit local markets, silk weavers, chopstick makers.

Hike through countrysides filled with terraced rice fields, bamboo forests & meet the local villagers. Visit caves, waterwheels, row boats, relax by infinity pools and look out over stupendous views.

This trip will help you explore the real Vietnam, staying at some amazing eco friendly lodges deep in the countryside.

Check out our brief look at what you can expect in your 14 day northern loop trip with Travel Agent Hanoi.

Why Slow Travel in 2026 is the right choice!

Economic Stability

Avoid adding fuel to the problem, I know, but pun intended, sorry. Travelling through Vietnam these days shouldn't need to leave a heavy footprint behind you. Our 14 day northern loop trip will keep the fuel charges down and the scenic drives at a maximum.

No Flight Guarantee

No flight changes, cancellations or price increases. There is no waiting and no dramas at baggage collection. Simply drive from A to B, Mai Chau to Pu Luong (one hour) and chill by your infinity pool or eco lodge in the jungle.

Truly Belong

Unpack once! With 3 to 4 nights, or how many you desire, in each location. You are free to relax, read a book, have gentle morning swims or a light hike. It's all here for the slow paced traveller who want sto simply unwind.

Your Real Vietnam 14 Day Itinerary

Hanoi - Once you have passed through the airport using our Fast Track service and arrived at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. You now have a choice. Time to relax, or wander around the Old Quarter to acclimatise yourselves and find some hidden gems for yourselves.

Meet the locals by Hoan Kiem Lake doing Tai Chi, or exercising rigorously by the lakeside. Wander down cafe street and enjoy an Egg Coffee for the first time. Or if you are peckish, try some Hanoi street food on most streets.

You now have Slow Time to have a couple of free days to wander aimlessly. But, if you wish to enjoy one exciting activity while in Hanoi. Why not take a half day sightseeing trip through the back alleys and narrow streets of Hanoi. You can charter your very own military jeep for a few hours.

If coffee is your thing, why not try a few hours of easy going coffee making & tasting. Take home some genuine Vietnamese coffee recipes to dazzle your friends back home.

Mai Chau - The Value of Serenity

This will be your first stop on your 14 day slow travel journey around the northern loop.

Before you reach Mai Chau, you will enjoy a quick stop to view the hamlet below. This is a fantastic view and shows you the rice fields, the quaint villages & the mountain range surrounding the valley.

Once you are at your ecolodge/resort, you are now free to enjoy the grounds and atmosphere that Mai Chau brings.

This maybe a slow travel journey through the countryside. But you are still allowed to explore and get the heart racing if you wish.

Activities

Gentle cycling is the best way to explore this quaint little hamlet in the mountains. Cycle around the villages, checking out the minority White Thai stilt houses which are quite unique to Mai Chau.

There are local markets selling everything from silk scarves and sheets, hats, clothing and even crossbows and knives!!

Meet up with local people in their weaving workshops try a spot of weaving yourself. Or simply buy what they have made themselves, take something home to remember Mai Chau and also put something back into the local community.

If you are in Mai Chau on a Sunday, the Pa Co Sunday market is a must to include in your itinerary. A real Vietnam local market is what many people can only dream about, but this is part of your trip with Travel Agent Hanoi.

Meal times at your eco lodge or resort, carefully prepared by amazing local chefs, bring together the whole Mai Chau experience.

Pu Luong - The Alpine Retreat

After only an hours drive, you will reach Pu Luong. A delightful set of villages nestled in among the rice fields and mountains.

Here you can enjoy light hikes to traditional villages, explore deep caves and walk through rice terraces.

If you have had enough relaxation by your infinity pool for one day. A leisurely day out should be included in your journey. This can include a trip to see the water wheels, cascading waterfalls, bamboo rafting, duck farm and weaving villages.

If you are in Pu Luong on a Thursday or Sunday, you can also visit the local Doan Market. A French colonial market which sells fresh produce, handmade crafts & traditional clothing. It is also a good chance to meet the local people from Kinh, Muong and Thai ethnic groups.

Pu Luong is also perfect to enjoy relaxing days by the pool or on your balcony overlooking the rice terraces. In the evenings you can sit back and watch the sunset over the horizon behind the mountains.

Ninh Binh - Discover Vietnam's Halong Bay on Land!

Saving the best till last, Ninh Binh is famously known as 'Halong Bay on Land", Ninh Binh. A 4-night stay surrounded by limestone karsts as far as the eye can see, clearly shows you why it gained that title. This is your slow travel alternative to a crowded & rushed Halong Bay cruise.

The region of Ninh Binh in northern Vietnam, features stunning locations like Tam Coc and Trang An (a UNESCO heritage site).

Top Things To Do in Ninh Binh

With plenty of time in Ninh Binh, you can dive deep in to the natural scenery.

Trang An & Tam Coc Boat Rides

The rowing boat rides through the caves of Trang An is something you must see to believe. Rowing through lit caves to emerge into perfect blue lagoons, is something to die for. Tam Coc has shorter rides, around 90 minutes but are still beautiful and you can also see up to Hang Mua viewpoint from your boat.

Mua Caves (Hang Mua) Viewpoint

A strenuous climb of 500 steps may seem pretty difficult. But with plenty of stops along the way, a walk up Hang Mua viewpoint is well worth it. Maybe come before breakfast and see the sunrise.

Other locations

Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu Temple, Bich Dong pagoda, Thung Nham Bird Park and many, many more. Whether you are cycling, caving, or floating down the river, Ninh Binh certainly does finish off a perfect trip to Vietnam.