Active Adventure in Vietnam and Laos

Located in Ninh Binh Province, Hoa Lu was the ancient capital of Vietnam. While the ancient citadel has largely disappeared, the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties still stand surrounded by rice paddies. After lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh, continue to the 3,500 hectare Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland natural reserve in the Red River Delta. Enjoy a boat trip taking past local villages dotted among the limestone karsts and caves, perhaps encountering rare langur and birds on the way.

Explore Mai Chau’s beautiful landscapes by bike, cycling past impossibly green rice paddies and local villages, where you can discover local traditions and soak up the scenery.

Head to Pick Noi where your guide will give you a short safety briefing and introduction to kayaking before heading off down the river. As you continue, you’ll reach a small section of light but fun rapids before arriving at the tomb of the 19th-century French explorer Henri Mouhot, who was the first European to discover Luang Prabang.

Wake before dawn to join in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks. This early morning ritual dates back generations in Laos and is an awe-inspiring sight. The monks walk through the streets of Luang Prabang accepting offerings of food from local residents and businesses. Rising early also gives you the chance to wander through the fresh market on the way back to the hotel for breakfast.

The Tat Khouang Si waterfalls feature a 90 metre main cascade surrounded by a series of pools and smaller falls. At low water, they are an unbelievable turquoise, perfect for a cooling swim. On your way there, you’ll pass the Free the Bears project – home to rescued Asiatic Black (Moon) Bears and one Malayan Sun Bear, who are often searching for food hidden in their enriched environment enclosures.

Explore the UNESCO-protected city centre and appreciate its unspoiled Laotian-colonial fusion architecture, taking in notable Buddhist temples. Visit the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong, with its traditional roofs sweeping low to the ground, the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, Wat Sene, the city’s oldest temple, and the shrines of Wat Aham and Wat Mai.

Cycle along the banks of the River Nam Pak, passing beautiful scenery and villages where workers harvest vegetables on the riverbank. You’ll reach the village of Tad Muan after around 11 kilometres, where you can learn how traditional houses are built and how the villagers hunt before cycling back to the resort.