Discover the Hidden Landscapes of Vietnam: An Unforgettable Northeast Adventure
This trip to the Northeast gives you an unprecedented opportunity to discover the hidden landscapes of Vietnam. This journey combines stunning scenery and remote trekking with plenty of encounters with local people, making it a favorite among adventurers and photographers.
Advice:
- Perfect for Adventurers: This itinerary is ideal for travelers who love trekking and adventure.
- Seasonal Tips: Winter (December to January) can be cold and foggy, so pack accordingly.
- Essential Gear: Bring trekking shoes for a comfortable experience.
- Authentic Interactions: For more interactions with local people and a truly authentic experience, we invite you to stay at a homestay with basic amenities: clean mattress, pillow, mosquito net, blankets, outside WC, and hot water shower. Hotel service is also available; please contact us for more info.
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Tour guide in: English, Français, Japanese and Korean
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Private
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Travel style: Authentic, Active, Mountain & Minority, Nature & Discover
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All meals during the tour
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Easy
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May to October
Overview
- Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
- Visit: Ha Giang – Dong Van – Bao Lac – Ba Be
- Duration: 08 Days
- Travel style: Authentic, Active, Mountain & Minority, Nature & Discover
- Category: Private tour
- Tour guide in: English, Français, Japanese and Korean
Enjoy:
- Cultural Encounters: Meet minority groups such as the Dzao, Bo Y, H'mong, Black Lo Lo, San Chi, and Tay. Engage with their unique customs and lifestyles.
- Uncharted Trekking: Explore off-the-beaten-path routes in Ha Giang and Dong Van.
- Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking, biking, and boating in some of Vietnam's most beautiful landscapes.
- Natural Wonders: Marvel at the stunning mountain landscapes including Quan Ba Twin Mountains, Dong Van Karst Plateau Heritage, Ma Pi Leng Pass, Ba Be Lake National Park, and Hua Ma Cave.
- Historical Excursion: Visit "The Windy Capital" - Tan Trao, a place rich in history.
- Homestay Experience: Stay with local families for a more authentic and immersive experience.
Itinerary
Morning:
◾ Depart from your hotel in Hanoi and head towards Ha Giang via the highway to Phu Tho.
◾ Along the way, stop to visit the Dao village in Ham Yen, Tuyen Quang.
Here, you’ll discover traditional houses on stilts, typical of the ethnic groups in this undulating region.
Afternoon:
◾ Arrive in Ha Giang and begin your trek to the Me, Lup, and Tha villages.
◾ These villages, known for their serene beauty, feature hundreds of houses on wooden stilts covered by palm leaves.
◾ In front of the houses, you’ll see small ponds for raising fish and water hyacinth cultivations for pigs.
◾ The villagers, known for their legendary hospitality, will greet you with big smiles. Visit a typical house to get a glimpse of the local daily life.
Evening:
◾ Arrive in Tha Village, located on palm-covered hills surrounded by rice fields, where you can rest and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
◾ Finally, check into your accommodation and take some free time to stroll around and experience the rhythm of daily life in the mountains before sunset.
Included:
◾ English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾ Meal: Lunch and Dinner
◾ Private transportation
◾ Entrance fees
◾ 02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾ Depart from your accommodation and head towards the Tay Con Linh Mountain range.
◾ Your itinerary includes visits to Ha Thanh, Lung Vai, Khuoi My, Na Thac, and Tha villages.
◾ Begin with a car transfer to Ha Thanh Village, where your trek up the hill starts.
◾ Although the initial part of the journey may be a bit tiring, the stunning natural landscapes make the effort well worth it.
◾ As you ascend, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the valley, mountain peak, and Ha Giang city.
Midday:
◾ After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach Lung Vai Village, home to the Dao ethnic group.
◾ Take some time to explore the village and enjoy a relaxing lunch.
Afternoon:
◾ Continue your trek on the uneven path from the top of the hill to Khuoi My Village and then to Na Thac.
◾ Along the way, you'll be accompanied by splendid views of rice terraces and have the opportunity to meet local inhabitants, gaining insight into their daily lives and culture.
Evening:
◾ Conclude your trek with a return to Tha Village in the afternoon, where you can rest and reflect on the day's adventures amidst the serene and beautiful surroundings.
Included:
◾ English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾ Private transportation
◾ 02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾ Embark on a journey to Dong Van, where magical landscapes await you along the route.
◾ Before reaching Quan Ba Pass, stop to visit a village of the Bo Y people in Quyet Tien Commune.
◾ Originally from China, the Bo Y is a small community of about 2,000 people living in the mountainous parts of the north.
◾ At Quan Ba Pass, take a short break to admire Quan Ba town and the famous Twin Fairy Mountain (Nui Co Tien).
Midday:
◾ Continue driving to the limestone rock plateau zone, often referred to as the mountainous Halong Bay.
◾ This majestic natural treasure is listed in the World Geological Park book.
◾ Along the way, enjoy a walking tour to Lung Hoa Village, where you'll discover “Nha Trinh Tuong,” a special type of house built on sticky ground, typical of the Hmong people.
Afternoon:
◾ Visit the Palace of the H'mong King (Dinh Vua Meo), which dates back 100 years.
◾ Far from the plain, the regions of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac once created an autonomous zone with their own king.
◾ They cultivated poppies, and their economy was based on the opium trade with China.
Evening:
◾ Arrive in Dong Van, check into your accommodation, and relax, reflecting on the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty you have experienced throughout the day.
Included:
◾ English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾ Private transportation
◾ Entrance fees
◾ 02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾ Depart for Lung Cu, a landmark located 1,470 meters above sea level and renowned as a symbol of Northern Vietnam.
◾ The Lung Cu flag pole stands as a testament to our nation's sovereignty. Climb 900 steps to reach the top, where you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and villages.
◾ After taking in the scenery, visit Lo Lo Chai village, home to the Lo Lo ethnic group.
Midday:
◾ Return to Dong Van town and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Afternoon:
◾ Embark on a trek through the picturesque villages in Dong Van, passing through Hau De, Ma Pia, and Ma Pang Villages along the scenic ◾ Nho Que river, which serves as a natural border between Vietnam and China.
◾ This trek offers stunning views and an opportunity to connect with the local culture and landscape.
Evening:
◾ Travel back to Dong Van at the end of the day, reflecting on the breathtaking views and cultural experiences you encountered throughout your journey.
Included:
◾ English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾ Private transportation
◾ 02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾ After breakfast at the hotel, depart from Dong Van to Meo Vac by crossing the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass.
◾ This route offers stunning views of limestone mountains, the Nho Que River, and H'mong villages nestled in the mountains.
◾ Continue your journey to Bao Lac, known for the Black Lo Lo ethnic group. This region was highlighted by the French documentary “The Journey into Unknown Land,” filmed in Khuoi Khon village, 9km from Bao Lac town, by rugby player Frederik Michalak.
◾ Enjoy lunch in Bao Lac town and check into your hotel.
Afternoon:
◾ Transfer to Coc Xa village in Na Van commune.
◾ This village of the Lo Lo ethnic group remains more authentic than Khuoi Khon village, which has become more touristic after the documentary.
◾ Walk through the rice fields and trails in the village, visit the local houses, and engage with the hosts to learn more about their daily life and traditional customs.
Evening:
◾ Return to Bao Lac town and stay overnight in your hotel, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences and stunning landscapes of the day.
Included:
◾ English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾ Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾ Private transportation
◾ 02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾Depart for Ba Be via Tinh Tuc. About 30km from Bao Lac, in Hung Dao commune, lies a beautiful village of the San Chi ethnic group.
◾Hidden behind the hills, this village is rarely visited by travelers.
◾With hundreds of stilt houses nestled on the mountainside and offering stunning views of the valley, it's a true hidden gem.
◾To reach the village, you'll walk up a 2km steep incline.
◾The higher you climb, the more breathtaking the view.
◾Visit a local family to gain an authentic insight into the life of the San Chi people.
Midday:
◾Continue your journey to Ba Be, where the magnificent nature will leave you in awe.
◾The mountains gently meet the valleys of rice terraces, creating a picturesque landscape. Make sure to stop and take photos or film whenever possible.
Afternoon:
◾Upon arrival in Ba Be, check into your accommodation in Pac Ngoi Village. Spend the rest of the day cycling through several villages of the ◾Tay ethnic group to Hua Ma Cave, located 5km from the village.
◾This cave is an attractive destination with amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites.
Evening:
◾Return to your accommodation, reflecting on the day's rich cultural encounters and natural wonders.
Included:
◾English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾Private transportation
◾Entrance fees
◾02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾Start your day with a transfer from the village to Buoc Lom Pier, where you'll embark on a relaxing boat trip along the Nang River.
◾Enjoy the beautiful scenery of forests along the river as your boat passes through Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats, and heads towards Dau Dang Waterfall.
Midday:
◾Lunch will be served at a local restaurant by the waterfall, offering a delightful break amidst nature's beauty.
Afternoon:
◾After lunch, take the boat back to the lake, making a stop at the Fairy Pond located in the middle of a pristine forest.
◾Here, you can gently cruise around the lake and, if the weather permits, enjoy a refreshing swim. Disembark around 4:00 PM.
Evening:
◾The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
◾Relax and take in the stunning sunset over the mountain ranges, reflecting on the serene and beautiful experiences of the day.
Included:
◾English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
◾Boat: Ba Be
◾Private transportation
◾Entrance fees
◾02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Morning:
◾Start your day with breakfast and enjoy the fresh air at the national park.
◾Then, travel to Tan Trao, a former Viet Minh resistance base during the First Indochina War.
◾Visit the historic banyan tree, Na Lua shack, and Tan Trao communal house where President Ho Chi Minh and his team lived and worked before the August 1945 Revolution.
Midday:
◾Continue your journey through less touristic paths distinguished by Tay ethnic villages.
◾These villages feature houses on stilts set against a backdrop of tea plantations, palm groves, and rice valleys.
◾Visit the villages to meet the locals and immerse yourself in their daily lives.
◾Don't miss the chance to stop and take photos of the stunning scenery whenever possible.
Afternoon:
◾Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon.
◾Check into your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax after your mountain getaway, reflecting on the rich historical and cultural experiences of the day.
Included:
◾English, Français, Japanese and Korean speaking guide
◾Meal: Breakfast
◾Private transportation
◾Entrance fees
◾02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
What's Included
- English, Français, Japanese and Korean Speaking tour guide following the itinerary
- All entrance fees and tickets mentioned in the itinerary
- Selected accommodations with daily breakfast
- Boat trip in Ba Be
- Private car as per the itinerary
- Meals: 7 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners
- Service charges and taxes
Not Included:
- International flights to/from your country
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Any other services not mentioned in the program
FAQs
The tour includes a variety of activities designed to offer a comprehensive experience of Northern Vietnam’s natural beauty and cultural heritage:
- Boat trips and kayaking in Ba Be Lake and Halong Bay.
- Trekking to ethnic minority villages and through scenic landscapes.
- Visits to historical sites and local markets.
- Exploring Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave.
- Engaging with local communities and experiencing their traditional lifestyles.
Yes, most meals are included in the tour package. You will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of Vietnamese cuisine:
- Breakfasts are typically provided at your accommodation.
- Lunches and dinners are often arranged at local restaurants or provided by your hosts during homestays.
- On the Halong Bay cruise, all meals are included and freshly prepared on board.
The best time to take this tour is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and ideal for trekking and outdoor activities. These periods offer moderate temperatures and less rainfall, ensuring a more enjoyable experience.
Booking the tour is simple and can be done through the Vietnam Travelers website. Follow these steps:
- Visit the tour page on the website and click on the “Book Now” button.
- Select your preferred departure date and the number of participants.
- Complete the booking form with your personal details and any special requirements.
- Make a secure payment to confirm your booking. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details and further instructions.
The cancellation policy for the “North East Vietnam Adventure – 08 Days” tour is as follows:
- Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to departure will receive a full refund minus a small administrative fee.
- Cancellations made 15-30 days prior to departure will receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellations made less than 15 days prior to departure are non-refundable. Travelers are advised to purchase travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that may lead to cancellation.
When traveling in North East Vietnam, keep the following tips in mind:
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting ethnic minority villages.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions, from hot and humid in the lowlands to cooler temperatures in the mountains.
- Carry some local currency (Vietnamese Dong) for purchases in remote areas where credit cards may not be accepted.
- Learn a few basic phrases in Vietnamese to enhance your interactions with locals.
- Ensure your travel insurance covers trekking and other adventure activities included in the tour.
