












From Hanoi to Halong Bay
Duration: 20 days
Place: Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Mai Chau - Son La - Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Sapa - Bac Ha - Ha Giang - Cao Bang - Bac Kan - Halong Bay
Meals: 17 Breakfast, 4 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Highlights
Grand Northern Vietnam Loop 20 Days: Embark on a nature-filled adventure. Explore ethnic villages and breathtaking landscapes
- Hanoi is a bustling city with a mix of Vietnamese and colonial influences
- Ninh Binh offers a serene landscape of undulating rice fields and limestone peaks
- Mai Chau, a carpet of rice fields in pretty checkerboards at the foot of the Tonkinese mountain range where small authentic villages nestle
- Sapa, located in H'Mong land, offers a glimpse of the ethnic cradle of the North
- Bac Ha and Ha Giang, the ethnic cradle of Vietnam. Unforgettable encounters with northern minorities, colorful markets. Hikes in sumptuous landscapes of rice terraces in the heart of Tonkin
- Ha Giang : A la frontière du Yunnan (Chine), le Ha Giang est une région enclavée dans les magnifiques paysages de montagnes, de forêts, et de rizières sculptées en terrasse
- Ba Be Lake, a very large natural lake in Vietnam, which consists of Pe Lam, Pe Lu and Pe Len Lakes
- Halong Bay, a UNESCO world heritage site, was established in 1994 for its exceptional landscapes
Itinerary
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Your adventure in Vietnam has started:
- Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed then privately transferred by a professional driver and an English – speaking guide to your arranged hotel for relaxation.
In the afternoon, enjoy a one – hour cyclo ride to explore:
- The charming colonial district.
- Hoan Kiem Lake along with Ngoc Son Temple.
- The labyrinth of bustling streets filled with small shops in the famous and fascinating "Old Quarter," including the famous Silk Street (Hang Gai).
To immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Hanoi, take a walking tour to discover:
- Walking through the iconic Old Quarter.
- Colonial architecture.
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Hanoi – Ninh Binh: 100 km – 2.5 h drive
Leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind and journey south to Ninh Binh. Tam Coc, nestled in the ancient land of Hoa Lu.
- Board a traditional sampan for a peaceful 2-hour ride along the Ngo Dong River. Glide through the still waters and pass through the mysterious Tam Coc caves.
- The specialty of Ninh Binh is goat meat and crispy rice.
- Cycle through the countryside to reach Bich Dong Pagoda. If time allows and you're feeling adventurous, you can climb the stone-carved staircase leading to the pagoda Mua.
- Wrap up your journey in Hoa Lu. Wander through the atmospheric temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties.
Continue the day with a visit to Phat Diem Cathedral.
Overnight at homestay.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch -
4h drive
Morning departure for a beautiful journey through the heart of Tonkin, via Hoa Binh. Admire the beautiful valleys carved by terraced rice fields.
- Discover the exterior of Vietnam's largest dam, located on the Da River in northern Vietnam.
- The scenic walk will take you through peaceful Thai ethnic minority villages of Na Thia and Chieng Chau.
- Arrive in Mai Chau.
- Explore Mai Chau’s stunning rice fields and limestone mountains, passing through peaceful villages like Pom Coong, Lac.
Homestay in the North – in an ethnic minority village
You will be welcomed into a traditional house approved to host tourists, where the host family lives on site
- Shared room with other travelers
- Mattress with fitted sheet, duvet, and duvet cover
- One mosquito net per mattress
- Shared bathroom with hot shower
- Towels provided
Meals are home – cooked by the host family, following their own culinary traditions.
Overnight at a homestay.
Meal: Breakfast -
120 km – 3h drive
Departure in the morning for a 120 km journey, approximately 3 hours, heading to Son La while crossing the high valley of the Black River. This region is home to the Black Thai, Meo, Muong, and White Thai ethnic groups.
- Admire the breathtaking landscapes of terraced rice fields and the charm of small villages.
- Arrive in Son La and visit the former French colonial prison.
- South of the town, discover natural hot springs and take a leisurely stroll through the city.
Meal: Breakfast -
170 km – 5h drive
Embark on an unforgettable Vietnam travel experience as we venture into the enchanting landscapes of Dien Bien, home to the renowned Pha Din Pass. Sublime landscapes accompany you along the way, with encounters with Black Thai, Meo, Muong, and White Thai highlanders.
- A brief stop at the picturesque Tuan Giao market (40 km from Son La), a typical Black Thai market.
- Dien Bien Phu, famous for its battle and the defeat of France. While exploring the site, you will discover military vehicle wrecks, bunkers, trenches, and images evoking this tragic battle.
- Visit the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum. Here, you can explore thousands of valuable artifacts, images, and documents that vividly depict the heroic days of the war.
- Visit to the battle site is completed with a stop at the Monument to the Fallen and the cemetery, located in the heart of Dien Bien Phu city.
- Visit A1 hill, also known as C1 Hill, is one of the most significant historical sites in Dien Bien Phu.
- Visit the Muong Thanh Bridge, is a bridge across the Nam Rom River.
- Visit the De Castries Bunker, a significant historical site in Dien Bien Phu.
- Explore the vibrant market of Dien Bien Phu.
Meal: Breakfast -
190 km – 5.5 h drive
Depart in the morning for a 190 km journey through the picturesque Nam Na Valley, passing through Lai Chau, a region home to the White Hmong, Red Hmong, Black Thai, and White Thai ethnic groups.
Along the way, stop in charming villages such as Huoi Chan, Muong May, and Lai Chau, where you can catch a glimpse of local life and the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast -
100 km – 3h drive
- Begin your journey with a visit to the local market.
- Depart for Sapa.
- Your journey then leads across the Tram Ton Pass. Take a short stroll through lush tea plantations.
- Stop at the enchanting Silver Waterfall.
- Nestled in the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Sapa is blessed with dramatic scenery, with Mount Fansipan – the highest peak in Indochina.
- On Sunday mornings, ethnic communities from the surrounding villages gather in Sapa for the bustling market. Among them, the Black Hmong, Flower Hmong, Dzao, and Red Dzao create a striking mosaic of cultures and customs.
- Enjoy some free time to immerse yourself in the charm of Sapa at your own pace.
Meal: Breakfast -
Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van – Sapa
Private transfer to Sapa for a full day of trekking through spectacular mountain scenery and vibrant local culture.
- Set off from Y Linh Ho Village, nestled in the stunning Muong Hoa Valley.
- Enjoy a 6 – kilometer trek through terraced rice fields to the village of Lao Chai, home to the Black H’Mong ethnic group.
- Continue with a gentle 2 – kilometer walk to the village of Ta Van, inhabited by the Giay ethnic group.
Meal: Breakfast -
Sapa – Cat Cat – Sin Chai – Ham Rong
Trekking on a mountain road where terraced rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see.
Visit Cat Cat and Sin Chai villages, home to the Hmong ethnic group, nestled in the picturesque Muong Hoa Valley.
In the afternoon, take a short excursion by private vehicle to Mount Ham Rong.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast -
Bac Ha – Bac Ha Market (Only Sunday) – Panhou
Every Sunday, the town of Bac Ha comes alive with the most colorful and authentic market in northern Vietnam.
Here, you’ll encounter Flower H’Mong, Tay, and Phu La people, all gathering in a dazzling display of colors and culture.
The market is a feast for the senses – vibrant, bustling, and full of life. You’ll find local handicrafts, rice wine, spices, meat, fruit, a bird market with delicate bamboo cages, and even a buffalo and horse market .
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing Bac Ha for Hoang Su Phi.
This short journey offers the opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscapes along the way.
Arrive at Pan Hou Village, a peaceful retreat nestled in the heart of the mountains.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch -
Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh – Dong Van
150 km – 4h drive
Depart for Dong Van.
Make a stop in Quan Ba to admire the Heaven’s Gate. Nearby, the Fairy Mountains rise gently from the hills.
Visit a Hmong village known for its age – old weaving tradition.
After a well – deserved lunch break, continue to the Royal Palace of the Hmong King Vuong Chi Sinh.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch -
Dong Van – Ma Phi Leng – Meo Vac – Bao Lac
150 km – 4h drive
Departure for Meo Vac, crossing the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass at over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Take a walk along the pass, one of Vietnam’s most famous and challenging roads, with its winding curves and steep cliffs.
Visit the Dao Thanh Phan village.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast -
150 km – 4h drive
Set off on a gentle hike toward Khuoi Khon.
Wander through the village paths and take time to observe the daily life of the locals. This is a rare opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Lolo culture.
Journey through the stunning landscapes of northern Vietnam. Along the way, stop to visit traditional Tay ethnic minority villages.
Arrive in Cao Bang by late afternoon and explore the city's central market.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast -
Cao Bang – Nguom Ngao Caves – Ban Gioc Waterfalls
90 km – 2.5 h drive
Begin your day with an early morning visit to the local market. Depending on the day, you might explore the lively buffalo or duck market, both of which provide a unique cultural experience.
After about 90 km, arrive at the breathtaking Nguom Ngao Caves, followed by the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfalls.
In the afternoon, return to Cao Bang with a stop along the way at the centuries – old Phuc Sen blacksmith village.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast -
130 km – 3.5 h drive
Departure for Ba Be National Park.
Transfer to Pac Ngoi village for your overnight stay with a local family. You also have the opportunity to participate in preparing dinner and experience the lifestyle of the villagers.
Overnight at a homestay.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner -
Before embarking on a scenic boat ride, you can walk a few minutes to explore the wonderful nature.
Enjoy a boat ride through the magical scenery of Ba Be Lake. Cruise along the Nang River.
Visit the Puong Cave by boat, home to a thriving colony of bats and snakes.
Disembark to visit the Dau Dang Waterfalls, followed by a hike to explore the nearby small village of Hua Tang.
Spend your overnight stay with a local family in Pac Ngoi village. You also have the opportunity to participate in preparing dinner and experience the lifestyle of the villagers.
Overnight at a homestay.
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner -
Ba Be – Boat trip – Co Loa Citadel – Hanoi
230 km – 5h drive
Transfer by small boat to the village of Pac Ngoi, then visit the Tay village of Polu.
On the way back to Hanoi, take the opportunity to visit ethnic minority villages.
Before reaching the capital, stop at Co Loa, the first fortified citadel in Vietnamese history, dating back to the 3rd century BC. Steeped in legend, this ancient site is closely linked to the story of King An Duong Vuong and his efforts to protect the newly established kingdom of Au Lac.
Then, arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Breakfast -
Hanoi – Halong: 2.5 – 3 hours by highway
- Arrive at Halong International Cruise Port, welcome aboard, and safety briefing.
- Check in to your private cabin.
- Enjoy lunch onboard while taking in the stunning views of Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Visit Thien Canh Son Cave.
- Join a kayaking excursion.
- Back to junk for refreshing and enjoying your relaxing time on the sundeck.
- Join a Vietnamese cooking class.
Dinner: Savor fresh seafood with an exquisite menu of carefully crafted dishes, beautifully presented, and served by qualified staff.
After dinner, free evening or experience squid fishing before retiring.
Overnight on board.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
Enjoy the morning view of the beautiful landscape with a cup of coffee or tea. Have breakfast in the fresh air.
- Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village .
- Check out of the cabin and start cruising towards the harbor while a set lunch is served.
- The entire crew will greet you and thank you as you arrive at the port at 11h30.
- Transfer back to Hanoi.
After disembarking from the junk, our driver will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi.
Overnight at a hotel.
Meal: Brunch -
Enjoy your free time for personal activities until your private transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.
Inclusions
The travel cost varies depending on the season, type of accommodation, and number of travelers
Included
- All accommodation in suggested hotels
- All flights as mentioned in the program
- All meals as mentioned in the program
- All transfers by private car and a professional driver
- All other transportation used for travel: sampan, small boat, etc...
- A professional English – speaking guide at each stage the entire time (except during free time)
- All tours as per the designed program
- All entry fees for places you visit
- All the entertainment and shows mentioned in the program
- All program activities (bike, kayak, or others...)
Excluded
- International flights to and from your home country
- Beverages, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
- Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion
- Travel insurance of any kind that you subscribe to personally
- Any free time services: including car and driver, tour guide, lunch and dinner
BOOKING POLICY
Our Booking Policy – Travel with Ease and Elegance
Because you are at the heart of everything we do at HANOI VOYAGES, we have designed a booking process that is both refined and reassuring — just like your journey with us.
With just a 20% deposit, your dream journey is already within reach!
And the remaining balance? Settle it effortlessly upon your arrival — in the comfort of our welcoming office. Choose the payment method that suits you best: international bank transfer, credit card, or cash.
No stress, no rush — only the promise of a seamless beginning to your elegant escape.
So, when everything is this simple and secure, why wait? Let the journey begin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hanoi Voyages offers a complete and varied range of accommodation options, where comfort, charm and warmth of welcome are always at the forefront. These hotels range from 3 stars to 5 stars depending on your budget.
Of course, Hanoi Voyages offers tailor-made and custom tours, so all changes are possible before departure, even after confirmation.
In case of cancellation, please contact us so that we can offer you a suitable solution.
We prioritize having a local guide specialized by region: one for the north, one for the central area, and one for the south. However, we balance the itinerary to minimize the tour guide's presence so you can save costs and enjoy other services.
It’s best to make your reservation as early as possible to find attractive prices and availability of services.
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