Your first day in Hanoi takes you through the bustling streets of Hanoi with Anna & Quyen (our local guide). You will try the famous dish “Cha Ca”, a turmeric marinated fish dish served sizzling in the pan with mountains of fresh dill and green onions.

We get to know each other a little, talk about our plans, and take first steps with Journallingand then try a delicious street food dessert tucked around a corner that only the locals know about.

Creative sessions tucked inside a courtyard, behind the vibrant fresh food markets of Hanoi.

We try a northern specialty of steamed rice pancakes with pork and mushrooms for lunch, Banh Cuon. We continue exploring Hanoi, its coffee culture, narrow streets and crumbling heritage buildings in the afternoon.

Our evening adventure has us on the back of vintage vespas with professional riders taking us to the famous tastes and sights of Hanoi, including a must try Hanoi “egg coffee” (think custard coffee) and visit to “train street”.

The name “Hoan Kiem Lake”, or Sword Lake in English, originated from the Le Dynasty in the 15th century. It was associated with the legend of Emperor Le Loi returning the sword to the divine turtle after defeating the Chinese Ming Dynasty. This is the location of our creative session.

Bun Dau mam Tom. A popular northern dish made with freshly made tofu, pork, greens and a fermented shrimp past for dipping. Umami, delicious and uniquely satisfying. This is Anna’s all time favourite Vietnamese dish. We eat street side with the locals. Bring your own fork if you cant use chopsticks. Now we are truely amongst the local culture.

Spend the afternoon journalling or visit one of the incredible museums of Hanoi. The Vietnamese women’ss museum is a good start, and walking distance from our hotel.

Hanoi is surrounded by a number of craft villages, so today we venture out and explore ancient traditions and ateliers of the craftspeople. Pottery, silk traditions and Do paper making.

We head out of the city towards one of the most beautiful areas of Vietnam. We stay in Tam Coc, referred to as the “Halong Bay on Land.” It is about 2-3 hours, so bring some snacks and charged up headphones as we head south.

We taste the local specialties of roasted rice and goat curry for tonights dinner, alongside plenty of vegetable dishes.

A workshop in the morning by the tranquil waters of Tam Coc. Enjoy a Vietnamese iced coffee.

In the afternoon we take a row boat. One ofthe most delightful things you can do in Tam Coc. The rower will use her feet on the oars, to row you past he limestone karsts, rice fields and enjoy the relaxing journey. Those who think they may like to sketch the landscape as it slowly passes should bring their sketchbooks. This boat trip is included in your tour price.

Legend has it that: during the Vietnam-Mongolia war I, the Royal Family Tran moved from Thang Long (Vietnam’s Capital at that time, now is Hanoi) to Ninh Binh and Mua Cave was chosen as an entertaining place. When the King needed some entertainment, a number of beautiful dancers were supposed to come there and dance. This is the way Mua Cave got its name, which as mentioned above, literally means Dancing Cave.
Wear your sturdy shoes and hike up the 500 stone stairs to reach the peak for stunning views, or bring your sketch book and enjoy the greenery and vegetation of the surrounds, perhaps grabbing a coffee and taking some photos.

A delightful vegan lunch and Nature Journalling all day.

The largest temple complex in South East Asia. The meaning of the pagoda’s name originates from: Bai means worshiping, worshiping heaven and earth, Tien Buddha; Attach means top, is on high. Bai Dinh means worshiping heaven and earth, the Buddha is on the high mountain. The meaningful name is towards Dinh mountain, where heroic events in the history of the Vietnamese people took place.

Bai Dinh Mountain was founded by King Dinh Tien Hoang to sacrifice to heaven to pray for favourable weather and rain, and later continued to be chosen by King Quang Trung as a place to sacrifice flags to encourage soldiers before going to Thang Long to destroy the Qing army. More than 1,000 years have passed, the ancient temple is still standing there as a testament to the strong and enduring vitality of Buddhism in the spiritual life of the Southern people. Moreover, the ancient Bai Dinh pagoda is also one of the national historical and cultural relics in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, valuable both in terms of spirituality and scenic beauty.
A place to wander and journal, stay close to our guide and be curious or venture out on your own and meet us back in time for lunch on the premises.

Now it is time to visit Cuc Phuong National Park and take our lead from the park rangers for an afternoon of tranquility.

A full day in Cuc Phuong National Park again for a bliss full day of nature Journalling. Here are some facts about this reserve.

Wildlife & Conservation:

• Endangered Primate Rescue Center: This is a must-visit. You can observe various rare and endangered primate species, like the Delacour's langur, rescued from illegal wildlife trade. It's a powerful reminder of conservation efforts and a chance to sketch these unique animals.

• Turtle Conservation Center: Similar to the primate center, this facility focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating various turtle species, many of which are critically endangered. It's a great opportunity to learn about their struggles and the work being done to protect them.

• Carnivore and Pangolin Conservation Program: While you might not see these animals directly as they're often more reclusive, learning about their conservation efforts adds depth to your understanding of the park's mission.

• Night Wildlife Spotting Tours: Especially in December's cooler, clearer air, these tours offer a chance to spot nocturnal creatures like civets, flying squirrels, and even deer. Imagine journaling about the sounds and fleeting glimpses of these hidden residents!

• Birdwatching: With over 336 bird species, Cuc Phuong is a birder's paradise. December's drier conditions can make spotting easier. Focus on their calls, colors, and unique behaviors for your journal.

• Insect & Reptile Spotting: The park is home to a vast array of insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Look closely for fascinating creatures like stick insects, green snakes, and frogs.

Natural Wonders:

• Ancient Trees: Seek out the park's "thousand-year-old trees" or "Sau ancient tree" with their massive trunks, impressive buttress roots, and towering canopies. These are truly living giants that inspire awe.

• Limestone Karsts and Caves: The dramatic limestone formations are a defining feature. Explore caves like the Prehistoric Man Cave (Nguoi Xua Cave), which holds archaeological evidence of ancient human habitation, or Con Moong Cave (meaning "animals" in the Muong language), another significant archaeological site. Some caves also feature impressive stalactite formations.

• May Bac Peak (Silver Cloudy Peak): For those seeking a challenge, a hike to this 648-meter peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the entire park, surrounding lowlands, and even distant historical sites like Hoa Lu ancient capital.

• Botanical Garden: This garden collects and conserves many rare and characteristic plant species of the Indochinese region, including precious timber species, wild orchids, and medicinal plants. It's a fantastic spot for detailed plant sketches and observations.

• Yen Quang Lake and Pho Ma Cave: These offer serene settings for kayaking or simply enjoying the calm waters. Pho Ma Cave adds a touch of adventure.

Cultural & Historical Insights:

• Cuc Phuong Museum: Learn about the park's history, geology, and immense biodiversity through its extensive collection of specimens, fossils, and artifacts.

• Muong Villages: Some tours offer insights into the culture of the local Muong ethnic group, who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries. You might see their traditional stilt houses or learn about their handicrafts.

After brunch we transfer back to Hanoi for your onward travel. Make sure your flights are booked for the evening, or ask us to book you an extra night in Hanoi. Those opting for the Halong Bay extension will be transferred in the morning.