Experience the untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage of northern Vietnam with this immersive 16-day Explore Northern Vietnam tour. Designed for adventurous travelers, this journey takes you to some of the most remote and breathtaking corners of the country, offering a deep connection with the landscapes, history, and people that make this region so unique.
Your adventure begins in the vibrant capital, Hanoi, where ancient temples, bustling streets, and French colonial architecture set the stage for your journey. From Hanoi, head to the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake, nestled amidst lush mountains and valleys. This picturesque lake is a haven for nature lovers and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Next, journey to the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc Waterfalls, located on the border with China. This natural wonder, with its cascading falls and verdant surroundings, is one of Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes. Continue to Ha Giang, where towering limestone peaks, winding mountain roads, and traditional ethnic villages offer a glimpse into a world few tourists ever see. The region’s dramatic scenery and rich cultures make it a photographer’s paradise.
In Bac Ha, explore the vibrant markets and experience the colorful traditions of the Hmong and Tay people. Then, venture through Lai Chau, an area known for its stunning landscapes and the warm hospitality of the local hill tribes. Discover the historical significance of Dien Bien, where the famous Battle of Dien Bien Phu took place, shaping the future of Vietnam’s independence.
Finally, relax in the peaceful Mai Chau valley, where lush rice fields and traditional stilt houses offer a serene setting to unwind. This 16-day journey through northern Vietnam provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the raw beauty, diverse cultures, and historical richness of this fascinating region.
Arrival at Noi Bai Airport. Meeting with guide and transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner featuring Vietnamese specialties.
Overnight in Hanoi.
AM: Depart for Ba Be Lake, a mountain area which is nearly 200km far from Hanoi. Arrival on midday.
PM: Visit Ba Be area: Nang river, grottos, and waterfall. Enjoy meals of ethnic minorities. Overnight in guest’s house.
7 hours hard trekking to visit Tay’s village accompanied by local guide. Take away lunch will be arranged. It takes 5-hour walk to the village – spend time with ethnic people. Overnight in the village of Tay people.
Trekking back to Ba Be Lake. At leisure on the day. Overnight in Ba Be guest house.
After breakfast, say goodbye to your host at homestay, the driver car will take you to Cao Bang city. It takes around 6 hours to arrive Cao Bang, then free by your own to enjoy the fresh air as well as the peaceful space of the city. Overnight at hotel.
On the way to Ban Gioc, you will have a chance to take photos of grandiose mountains, forests, and terraced rice fields. Stop at a famous blacksmith village where you can buy some high-quality knives and scissors.
Arrive at Ban Gioc waterfall at lunchtime. Located on Quay Son River, Ban Gioc is the largest waterfall in Vietnam. Traveling to this place, not only can you take some pictures of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Vietnam but you can also discover Nung, Dao and H’mong ethnic hill tribes.
In the afternoon, we will visit Nguom Ngao cave which is 4 km from Ban Gioc waterfall. Discover deeply inside the cave, you will be astonished by so many special stalagmites and stalactites which look like corals, lotus flowers, candles, terrace rice fields, etc.
Turn back to our car and drive back hotel in Cao Bang city for staying overnight.
After breakfast, continue to Ha Giang on driving. The scenery is spectacular and the road runs along the sides of the mountains on the way.You will visit the Meo Vac and join the local Lo Lo, White H’mong, Tay people in their daily local market. You’ll continue your journey onto the nearby village of the Lo Lo minority. Overnight at homestay.
After breakfast, our guide and driver will transfer you to Dong Van town where your guide can show you its charming ‘Old Streets’ near the market. Continue on a scenic route, it will take you to the Ma Pi Leng Pass from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Nho Que River – with luck you might see one of the northeast’s stunning sunsets. You will visit the small communities of Quan Ba, Yen Minh and Dong Van, some of the most picturesque villages in the northern tip of Vietnam.
After lunch, move to Ha Giang town. On the way to Ha Giang, you can see the scenery which is very spectacular with a vast limestone mountain range and perpendicular walls of rock. You’ll call in at the infamous Vuong Palace, once the home of a high-ranking H’mong family during French colonial rule. The palace attracts architecturally minded visitors due to its unusual combination of European and Chinese styles. Overnight and having dinner in Hagiang.
Today, we continue our trip to North West for Bac Ha. This day is a hard travelling by car but the scenery on route is incredible. Overnight in Bac Ha.
Visit Can Cau Market, an outstanding feature of ethnic people in the North. Buying souvenir from ethnic people. Short walk to discover some surrounding villages.
Overnight in Bac Ha.
Depart for Tam Duong.
Stop enroute to visit Sapa market which is organized weekly only in Saturday. 5 hours trekking to discover villages of ethnic minorities such as Sandiu, Hanhi, Xa that remains natural and unspoiled by mass tourism.
Overnight in Tam Duong.
Tourists Trading At Sapa Ethnic Market
Trekking by shortcut to SinHo villages. Car will run free and meet you at Sinho village. Continue to drive to Lai Chau town. Overnight in Lai Chau
Leave Lai Chau for Dien Bien Phu. Visit the old battle field. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.
Leave Dien Bien for Son La, visit the prison of French war in Son La.
Overnight in Son La
Rice Season At Mai Chau
We continue our trip to Mai Chau, join the activities to Thai minority.
Overnight at house-on-stilt in Mai Chau.
Hanoi Old Quarter
Transfer to Hanoi airport for your home flight. End of service.
Prices are in USD, per person.
This tour can be customized to fit your own demands. Best price and value guaranteed!
| Hotel / Group | 2 guests | 3~4 guests | 5~6 guests | 7~8 guests | 9~12 guests | Single surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Star | 1,894 | 1,434 | 1,115 | 943 | 859 | 303 |
| 4 Star | 2,071 | 1,613 | 1,295 | 1,123 | 1,038 | 458 |
| 5 Star | 2,617 | 2,158 | 1,838 | 1,662 | 1,573 | 915 |
– There may be cancellation fees charged by suppliers (hotels, airlines…) once these bookings are made and paid. These fee shall by paid by travelers.
– These are maximum cancellation fees to be flexible applied:
Are you interested in this tour or would you like to customize your own trip?
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