12-Day Ha Giang & Bai Tu Long Adventure: Northeast Vietnam Wonders

After a wholesome breakfast, strap on your boots for a rewarding 6-hour trek starting directly from your accommodation. The hike begins with a challenging but exhilarating ascent, immediately rewarding you with sweeping, cinematic views of endless rice terraces—a true testament to human ingenuity. Follow winding mountain paths to a vibrant village of the Red Dao ethnic group. Meet women in their signature vibrant red dresses and gleaming brocade. Learn about their traditional knowledge, particularly their use of medicinal plants for healing and relaxation. Experience the genuine warmth of their smiles and hospitality. Our journey continues through fragrant tea plantations and rolling, picturesque hills. We’ll descend to a different local village to meet the Long Dress Dao people, easily identifiable by their unique, distinctive long tunics. This is a day of deep cultural exchange and physical conquest.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, L, D, Transportation, Water, Accommodation at Panhou Retreat (Superior) or similar.

A short, comfortable transfer takes us from the quiet terraces of Thong Nguyen to Ha Giang City, setting the stage for the dramatic Ha Giang Loop ahead. We embark on a serene stroll into the peaceful Me, Lup, and Tha villages, home to the Tay ethnic group. Be transported back in time as you wander amongst hundreds of traditional wooden stilt houses with thatched palm roofs. Observe the unique local practice of fish farming in small ponds right in front of the houses. Share a moment of genuine connection with the locals and visit a traditional home to gain a deeper understanding of their tranquil, centuries-old lifestyle. Your day concludes in the peaceful Tha Village, nestled against palm-covered hills, providing a tranquil haven for your overnight homestay experience with Mr. Toi.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, L, D, Transportation, Water, Accommodation at Ha Giang Homestay (Sharing homestay).

8:00 AM – The Challenge Begins: Our full-day trek starts from Ha Thanh village into the spectacular Tay Con Linh Mountain range. Prepare for a challenging but immensely rewarding uphill journey through landscapes of rice terraces, palm forests, and limestone peaks. The effort is entirely justified by the grandiose panorama that unfolds before you—breathtaking views of lush valleys and distant mountain peaks creating a profound sense of natural fulfillment. After reaching Lung Vai village, home to the Dao ethnic group, you’ll be warmly welcomed into a local home for a delicious and well-deserved lunch. The afternoon brings a gentle descent on winding trails through bamboo forests, tea plantations, and the vast terraces of Khuoi My village. Witness the daily rhythm of life in simple wooden stilt houses before concluding your epic trek in Thon Tha village.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, L, D, Transportation, Water, Accommodation at Ha Giang Homestay (Sharing homestay).

8:00 AM – Road to the Summit: Today, we drive deeper into the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. The route itself is a highlight, offering magical and dramatic landscapes. Stop at Quyet Tien Commune to meet the Bo Y people, a small and unique ethnic community. Before reaching the summit, we pause at the Quan Ba Pass to admire the legendary Twin Fairy Mountain (Nui Co Tien), shrouded in local folklore. Continue into the "mountainous Halong Bay," where thousands of jagged, grey limestone peaks dominate the horizon. We’ll explore the unique "Nha Trinh Tuong" (rammed-earth houses) of the Hmong people in Lung Hoa Village. Cap the day with a visit to the historic Palace of the H'mong King (Dinh Vua Meo). Dating back 100 years, this structure is a silent testament to the region’s autonomous past.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, L, D, Transportation, Entrance fees, Water, Accommodation at Hoa Cuong Hotel (Double Room) or similar

We depart early for Lung Cu Flag Pole, a powerful symbol of national sovereignty situated 1470m above sea level. Climb the 900 steps to the top and be rewarded with a magnificent, 360-degree panorama of mountains, valleys, and the border landscape. Discover the remote Lo Lo Chai village, home to the unique Lo Lo ethnic group. Following lunch in Dong Van, prepare for a deep dive trek along the frontier. We follow trails through Hau De – Ma Pia – Ma Pang villages, running alongside the majestic Nho Que River canyon, which separates Vietnam and China. This trek offers stunning views and a profound sense of being at the very edge of the map.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, L, D, Transportation, Water, Accommodation at Hoa Cuong Hotel (Double Room) or similar.

After breakfast, we depart from Dong Van and cross the world-famous Ma Pi Leng Pass. Prepare for an adrenaline-fueled drive with views that will quite literally take your breath away: the stunning limestone mountains plunging into the deep gorge of the Nho Que River far below. This experience is the pinnacle of the Ha Giang Loop. We continue towards Bao Lac, a secluded area renowned for the authentic Black Lo Lo ethnic community. After lunch, we venture to Coc Xa village—a village that retains a far more authentic charm. Stroll through quiet rice fields, visit local homes, and engage in meaningful exchanges with the residents, gaining a deeper, personal understanding of the Black Lo Lo's traditions and way of life.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, L, D, Transportation, Water, Accommodation at Duc Tai Hotel (Twin Room) or similar.

Today, we transition toward the tranquility of Ba Be. Along the way, we stop in a hidden village in Hung Dao commune, home to the San Chi ethnic people. This is a stop few travelers ever make. We’ll walk up a challenging 2km incline—the higher you walk, the more spectacular the view of the valley. Be amazed by the magnificent nature of Ba Be National Park, where mountains meet tranquil valleys of rice terraces. Upon arrival at Pac Ngoi Village, settle into your traditional Tay homestay. Then, grab a bike and cycle through the peaceful Tay villages to Hua Ma Cave (5km). Explore this attractive natural wonder, admiring the amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites within its vast chambers.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, L, D, Transportation, Entrance fees, Bike rental, Water, Accommodation at Ba Be Homestay (Sharing homestay).

Transfer to Buoc Lom Pier for a relaxing boat trip along the Nang River. Be surrounded by the beautiful scenery of dense forests and limestone cliffs. The boat glides through the darkness of Puong Cave, a mysterious grotto home to thousands of bats—a truly unique experience! We continue toward the refreshing roar of Dau Dang waterfall. After a local lunch, the boat returns to the lake, pausing at the secluded Fairy Pond, hidden deep within the primitive forest. Enjoy a gentle cruise around the lake and, if the weather is kind, indulge in a cooling swim in the emerald waters. Disembark around 4:00 PM. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy, soaking in the peace and watching the gorgeous sunset paint the mountain ranges over Ba Be Lake.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, L, D, Boat trip, Transportation, Entrance fees, Water, Accommodation at Ba Be Homestay (Sharing homestay).

Enjoy breakfast amidst the pure, fresh air of the national park. We begin our journey back south, first stopping at Tan Trao, a site of immense historical significance as the former Viet Minh resistance base. Visit the historic banyan tree and Na Lua shack house for a moment of reflection on Vietnam's path to independence. Our scenic drive is distinguished by passing through less-touristic Tay ethnic villages, set against backdrops of rolling tea plantations, palm groves, and vivid green rice valleys. We make stops to meet the locals and capture stunning photos of the tranquil scenery. Arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening to savor the vibrant energy of the city, a stark and exciting contrast to your mountain getaway.

Included: English speaking guide, Meal: B, Transportation, Entrance fees, Water, Accommodation at Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room) or similar.

8:00 AM – Seamless Transfer: Our private or shared transfer collects you from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, whisking you away through the picturesque Red River Delta towards the coast. 12:15 PM – Welcome Aboard: Arrive at Sunworld Harbor and receive a warm welcome before boarding the Garden Bay Classic Cruise. 1:00 PM – Cruising Delight: A delicious Vietnamese Set Menu is served as your ship glides leisurely into the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay's Cap La area—a more tranquil and secluded paradise than its famous neighbor. 3:30 PM – Kayaking Adventure: Embark on an exhilarating kayaking adventure to discover the breathtaking natural scenery up close. Enjoy a refreshing swim, sunbathe, and relax in this serene environment. Evening Mastery & Feast: Join the Sunset Party (Happy Hour) on the Sundeck as the boat anchors for the night. Next, participate in a cooking class, culminating in a sumptuous BBQ dinner under the stars.

Included: Transportation (Hanoi - Halong), English speaking guide (on board), Meal: B, L, D, Boat, Entrance fees, Kayaking, Water, Accommodation at Garden Bay Legend Cruise (Deluxe Cabin).

6:30 AM – Tai Chi Serenity: Start your final morning with a peaceful Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck as the sun rises over the mystical bay. 7:30 AM – Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Transfer by tender to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Ride on a traditional rowing boat to explore this charming community and gain insights into the authentic local fishing life. 9:30 AM – Farewell Brunch: Return to the main boat, check out, and enjoy a final Fusion-style lunch onboard as the cruise follows a unique and scenic return route back to the harbor. 3:00 PM – Hanoi Drop-off: Our driver will meet you for the comfortable journey back to Hanoi, arriving around 3:00 PM. Evening Departure: Our private driver will ensure a seamless transfer from your Hanoi hotel lobby to Noi Bai Airport (approximately 45 minutes), marking the end of your epic 12-day journey through the Wonders of Northeast Vietnam.

Included: English speaking guide (on board), Meal: B, L, Transportation (Halong - Hanoi & Airport), Entrance fees, Morning Tai Chi, Water.