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.

Hanoi – Ninh Binh: 100 km – 2.5 h drive

We've selected the highlights for an in – depth tour of Hanoi.

Everything is included, nothing is imposed! Choose…

• Start the day at the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square. The visit includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, and the iconic One Pillar Pagoda.
• Visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple.
• Visit the Temple of Literature.

Free time: If you have some time left……

A lacquerware workshop, a Vietnamese specialty. 

https://hanoivoyage.com/blog/la-laque-vietnamienne.html

Late afternoon, leave the bustling streets of Hanoi behind and journey south to Ninh Binh, a peaceful countryside escape just two hours away by car.

Overnight at a hotel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

150 km – 4h drive

Begin your day with a short hike through the traditional villages of Bac Ha. 

Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing for Ha Giang. The journey takes you along a spectacular mountain road offering panoramic views over valleys, rivers, and rice terraces. 

Overnight at a hotel.

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.

End the day at Lung Cu Flag Tower, considered the "roof" of Vietnam.

Overnight at a hotel.

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.

Overnight at a hotel.

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.

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.

130 km – 3.5 h drive

Departure for Ba Be National Park.

Enjoy a boat ride through the magical scenery of Ba Be Lake, also known as the "Lake of Three Seas." 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.