TRIP OVERVIEW
Vietnam Adventure is an 15-day travel itinerary which, as the name suggests, includes the most fascinating and traditional attractions of the mountains and nature north of Vietnam.
Walking through the streets of beautiful Hanoi and visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, the impressive monument dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, the hidden charm and antiquity of the old quarter with wonderful cuisine and the renowned water puppet show.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Halong Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and one of the seven wonders of the world, surrounded by spectacular karst mountains.
Sapa is a place of natural beauty, with cascading rice terraces, misty valleys and majestic peaks. It is also a cultural hub, home to several minority ethnic groups with unique customs and traditions.
Ha Giang is famous for its magnificent karst plateaus, spectacular rice terraces, jaw-dropping mountain passes, authentic ethnic villages and rich cultural heritage. With enchanting landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine and friendly people, Ha Giang, Vietnam, is a destination that will leave an indelible memory, crossing the famous Ma Pi Leng pass and immersing yourself in peaceful ethnic villages, Ha Giang offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
The proposed itinerary can be adapted to your specific travel needs and combined with additional routes.
Group tour: Yes
Data: As you wish
Start end: Hanoi – Hanoi
Type of tour: Heritage and Nature
Tailor-made tours: Absolutely yes!
Itinerary
Day 01: Hanoi arrival
Day 02: Hanoi – city tour
Day 03: Hanoi - Bac Ha (visit Chay river)
Day 04: Bac Ha market - Suoi Thau - Thong Nguyen (Hoang Su Phi) - Ha Giang
Day 05: Ha Giang - Lo Lo Chai village
Day 06: Lo Lo Chai village - Meo Vac
Day 07: Meo Vac - Khau Vai trekking - Bao Lac
Day 08: Bao Lac - Lenin Stream visit - Pac Bo
Day 09: Cao Bang - Ban Gioc - Cao Bang
Day 10: Cao Bang - Ba Be lake (visit Ba Be Lake)
Day 11: Ba Be - Ha Noi
Day 12: Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Day 13: Ninh Binh - Halong
Day 14: Ha Long - Hanoi
Day 15: Hanoi - Departure
Detailed itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Hanoi and visit the city
Welcome to Hanoi - the cultural and political capital city of Vietnam.
At Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by our guide and driver for transfer to the centre.
Hanoi – has been the imperial capital since 1010 with a lot of history and different names after feudal dynasties, but Hanoi – the present name which in Vietnamese means "the internal river", is located on the banks of the Red River and is home to around 7 million people.
Overnight in Hanoi.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: no
Day 02: Hanoi – city tour
The Hanoi city tour begins with a visit to the Tran Quoc Pagoda – Country Defense Pagoda – this 1,500-year-old pagoda combines ancient architecture with the poetic and mesmerizing beauty of the West Lake landscape.
Then we head towards the Ba Dinh National Square where you can see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, It is the ancient Mot Cot Pagoda – One Pillar Pagoda to represent the purity of the lotus flower. Next, we pay a visit to the Van Mieu - National Prisoner (Temple of Literature), the first university in Vietnam built in 1070. We return to the center for a walk Green lake (lake of the returned sword), the Ngoc Son Temple, The old quarter with 36 streets of own goods, Hanoi ancient house.
During the tour here, you could taste some Hanoi specialties such as Egg coffee. Our local guide will then take you to one of Hanoi's best kept secrets, a hidden cafe with breathtaking views of the picturesque Hoan Kiem Lake. This hard-to-find cafe is one of the few remaining in the city that still serves egg coffee, a delicious local delicacy that we'll sample while admiring the hustle and bustle of the city center below. Or, if coffee isn't your style, a cold beer or fresh coconut awaits you!
Let's relax after the day with one water puppet show reflecting the daily life of Vietnamese farmers (growing rice and catching fish), community entertainment (swimming competition, dragon dance) and historical legends.
Overnight in Hanoi.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 03: Hanoi – Bac Ha - visit Chay river
After breakfast, we depart towards Bac Ha, continue driving for about an hour to Trung Do village, a settlement of the Tay ethnic minority. From the village, board a boat to cruise along the Chay River (if the river water level allows) and enjoy the view of the magnificent mountain scenery along the river.
Arrive in Bac Ha, visit the H’Mong King Palace of Hoang A Tuong.
You can prepare dinner with the host. A short walk to visit the village of Tay people, we will be invited to join a local family to enjoy green tea or corn schnapps and chat with the families. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.
Overnight stay in Bac Ha.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 04: Bac Ha weekly market - Hoang Su Phi
In the morning, depart to visit Bac Ha Market, the weekly market of the surrounding tribes that has been held once a week on Sunday mornings for more than a century, is one of the largest and most colorful markets in the region. Men and women from the Black, Nung, Tay and Dzao and H’mong communities come to the market not only to buy and sell goods, but also to socialize, spend time together and make friends with other members of the community. On this occasion, they wear the most beautiful, elaborate and colorful traditional clothes.
Next, we make an extremely interesting journey from Bac Ha to Xin Man. It is unlikely that we will meet other travelers on this route, but the scenery is exceptional. Then depart to Hoang Su Phi, where we have an opportunity to admire one of the largest terraced fields in Vietnam. Founded hundreds of years ago, the district of Hoang Su Phi currently has a population of over 60,000 people, representing 17 ethnic minorities.
They live mainly by growing rice and other crops. In the rocky mountains of Hoang Su Phi district, Ha Giang province, the Dzao, H'Mong and Nung ethnic groups grow rice after rains covered the dry fields in late June.
Overnight in Ha Giang.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel, lunch
Day 05: Ha Giang - Lo Lo Chai
We wake up early enough to have our breakfast at the homestay and then, we will pass the local colorful market of Quan Ba and see the local life and culture of ethnic minorities. Then we start our journey today: we visit Thon Tha village and do a little walk around, where the Tay ethnic minority lives and then we go to visit the community of Quan Ba, where some of the most picturesque villages in the northern tip of Vietnam are located. The opportunity is unique to enjoy the wonderful view and take photos of the Quan Ba pass and the Gate of Heaven. On the way we stop at Lung Tam village, it is known as a long-standing traditional craft village of brocade weaving by the Hmong.
In the afternoon, we will visit Pho Cao village with typical H’mong houses, recognizable by the stone fences around the house, and Sung La village to visit the ancient house of the H’mong people with earthen walls. This place has become famous because it was the setting for the 2006 film “Pao's Story”, by director Ngo Quang Hai, a film adaptation of the short story “The sound of a harp behind a stone fence” by the award-winning writer Do Bich Thuy.
We will have the opportunity to observe from the outside the H’mong Royal Palace of Sa Phin, belonging to the richest and most powerful family of Chau Dong Van in the early 20th century. We continue to Lo lo Chai village - Lo Lo community village with clay houses preserved for more than 100 years.
Accommodation in homestay and, after a little rest, we suggest enjoying a cup of coffee in the village (optional).
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in homestay
Day 06: Lo Lo Chai - Meo Vac
This morning, after breakfast, we set off towards Lung Cu - the northernmost point of the country before arriving at the ancient town of Dong Van. Then, visit Thien Huong village, a centuries-old forgotten village in Dong Van. This village offers peaceful and untouched beauty. Drive along the road that winds along a cliff on one side and an abyss on the other, passing through majestic mountains and cornfields. Thien Huong is a historical village that has roots dating back centuries. It is a place inhabited by members of the Tay ethnic minority. There, you will see the old houses over 100 years old that carry an ancient style with their yin and yang tile roofs and earthen walls.
Afterwards we cross the Ma Phi Leng pass at over 2000 meters high, to take a short hike along the mountain and contemplate a beautiful panorama of the valleys and terraced hemp fields, the karst hills and the stilt houses of the
Hmong. For lunch we provide along the way and in the afternoon we take the boat to take a ride on the Nho Que River, where the Dzao live. The river flows from China through the territory of Vietnam and allows you to admire the beautiful hills and majestic waterfalls.
We continue the journey to Meo Vac, where we stop for the night.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in homestay
Day 07: Meo Vac - Khau Vai - Bao Lac
After breakfast, we go around the cultural village of the black Mong ethnic group in Pa Vi and trek in the village of Khau Vai in Meo Vac. We leave for Bao Lac, along the way we take pictures.
We continue trekking in Bao Lac - visit the small villages of Coc Xa and Na Van, nice towns where a large number of Black Lolo live...
Overnight in Bao Lac.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in homestay
Day 08: Bao Lac - Lenin stream - Pac Bo
Today we also leave immediately after breakfast in the direction of Bao Lac. Along the way we stop to visit Pac Bo Cave – Lenin stream is the place chosen by President Ho Chi Minh as the base of the revolutionary leadership and is a place with an important mark in the nation's war of resistance against the French and the Americans. We have lunch at a local family and then we continue our walk until we reach Cao Bang, to freely explore the city and where we stop for the night.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in homestay
*Fun fact: Cao Bang is located about 30 kilometers from the border with China. It is the least populated area of the country and has a multitude of spectacular landscapes with waterfalls, forests, lakes, mountain ranges and ethnic villages. Cao Bang offers trails for trekking with suggestive views of the surrounding landscape and uncontaminated areas. It is also a territory rich in natural wonders such as the Non Nuoc Geopark, the Nguom Ngao cave, the Ban Gioc waterfall, the Thang Hen Lake and much more.
Day 09: Cao Bang - Ban Gioc - Pac Bo
This morning, again after breakfast, we move towards Ban Gioc and along the way we stop to visit the village of the Nung ethnic group, where we discover both how the locals live and a peculiarity: the creation of incense. As always, on the road that we travel in the afternoon, we stop to take photographs of the rice fields while we go to see the Ban Gioc waterfall and the Quay Son river: the water, falling on the stones, forms the spectacular waterfalls. In the middle of the water, a limestone protuberance covered with trees protrudes, which divides the current into three parts, thus creating a superb view that pleasantly refreshes the atmosphere. At the foot of the waterfall flows a wide stream, transparent as a mirror and surrounded by a large quantity of flowers. We continue with a visit to the suggestive Nguom Ngao Cave, full of wonderful stalactites, and finally we return to Pac Bo for the night.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in homestay
Distance: Cao Bang city - Ban Gioc waterfall and back 170 km
Day 10: Cao Bang - Ba Be
Our day, after the usual breakfast at the homestay, includes the transfer to Ba Be, where we board a boat to navigate the natural site of Lake Ba Be, which extends for 9 kilometers in length and between 100 and 1800 meters in width, for an altitude of 145 meters. It is at the mouth of three valleys that rejoin in a circle, but it is not only a place for nature lovers, in fact in the area live about forty species of mammals, and more than a hundred species of birds, as well as numerous butterflies. After the lake we go to visit the Dau Dang Falls and take a
beautiful and pleasant excursion in the surroundings. Our boat ride continues on the Nang River that flows through a cultivated countryside before entering a landscape of limestone cliffs. On the sides of the cliffs hang small wild gardens from which hang lianas and long roots. Another attraction of the navigation is the spectacle of fishing: the lobster pots, ancient fishing tools similar to a basket, follow the course of the river, while men cast nets and others hit the rocky banks to make the shrimp fall. Still by boat we enter the Puong tunnel-cave, where the river flows only on one side, leaving a space that allows you to walk on foot and admire the stalactites of the cave. At the end of the afternoon we return and spend the night in Ba Be.
Overnight in Ba Be.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in homestay
Day 11: Ba Be - Hanoi
After breakfast by the lake and mountains, we will enjoy a peaceful trip by boat on Ba Be Lake, on the way back to the natural site of Ba Be to take the car back to Hanoi, arrival late in the afternoon, concluding your journey along the beaten paths of Vietnam.
Overnight in Hanoi.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in homestay
Day 12: Hanoi - Ninh Binh
After breakfast, we start the day with a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, also known as "Ha Long Bay on the mainland", the scenery is very similar to Ha Long, but surrounded by beautiful rice fields instead of the sea.
Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, a visit to make a climb to the Dancing Caves (Mua Caves) where they offer a stunning panoramic view of Ninh Binh. (Note: You have to climb 486 steps)
Then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your cycling adventure to explore the hidden corners of Ninh Binh. Explore the cultural treasures of Ninh Binh with a visit to the famous Bich Dong Pagoda. Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history and immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred place, guided by knowledgeable experts who will enlighten you about its rich heritage and traditions. Travel through picturesque valleys, capture breathtaking views of the limestone mountains, and capture timeless photos of authentic Vietnamese rural life.
Afterwards, boarding traditional rowing boats that float down the winding river in Tam Coc, passing three majestic caves. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rural villages and the lush landscapes that open up before your eyes.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in hotel
Day 13: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay
Morning arrival at Hanoi station and after breakfast, departure for Halong Bay – the eighth wonder of the world through the rice fields and countryside of the Red River Delta. Arrive Halong at around noon, board a boat for one cruise magnificent in the bay. During this cruise, you can admire many karst mountains, caves, lagoons in all forms. Furthermore, the light, the clouds and the fog create a magical atmosphere. Free time to do a bath or discover the bay in kayak. In the late afternoon, the ship drops anchor for the night in the bay. After your seafood dinner on board, you can participate in squid fishing or sing karaoke.
Overnight stay on board in a private cabin.
NB: The program will be as on the website of the boat you choose
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver (the private guide does not come on board)
- Meals included: breakfast in the hotel, lunch and dinner on board
Day 14: Sunrise at the bay** **Halong – Hanoi
In the morning at 6:00, those who get up early manage to participate in Tai Chi in the middle of the bay and admire the sunrise. After breakfast, we leave our junk and with sampans (typical boats) and leave for the visit to a cave/island famous or we will have time to a few bathrooms on these small and splendid beaches (if the climate allows it). After brunch (early lunch) on the junk, we return to the port of embarkation. At the end of the morning we return to Hanoi. On the way, we make a stop to visit the Phu Lang pottery village.
Finally, we return to Hanoi.
(The cruise itinerary will vary depending on the type of junk used and the sea conditions. The common guide on board will be in English/French)
- Assistance: private tour guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch on board (brunch)
Day 15: Hanoi - return flight
Free day, the private driver will pick you up at the hotel and head to the airport, to take the return flight to your home, or the flight to Siem Reap, to continue the trip to Cambodia.
- Assistance: private driver
- Meals included: breakfast at hotel
End of program
*****
Il tour include:
• Tours and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• 2 bottles of water/per day/person
• All overnight stays with daily breakfast in selected hotels
• Private tour guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary with local foods (B=breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
• Boat cruise as indicated
• Entrances and permits for all places visited
• Mineral water and towel
• Government taxes and service charges
The tour excludes:
• International airfare and airport tax
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills.
• Tips