Discover Hidden Charm of North East Vietnam 12 Days Ha Giang & Ba Be

• Location: Hanoi

• Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel (Deluxe City View Room) or similar

• Inclusions: B, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Water Puppet Show

Start your morning at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university (11th century). Walk in the footsteps of ancient scholars, admiring the Khue Van Cac pavilion and the World Heritage stone steles that honor centuries of learning. Next, we open a fascinating window into Vietnam’s human diversity at the exceptional Ethnology Museum. Spend two hours gaining deep insight into the costumes, tools, and traditional houses of the country's diverse ethnic groups. The afternoon is dedicated to the elegant French Quarter, a "little Paris" of boulevards and grand colonial architecture. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, walking through the peaceful botanical gardens to see the Presidential Palace and the humble House on Stilts. Conclude your day with the unique, mesmerizing spectacle of the Water Puppet Show, an art form that captures Vietnamese folklore on water.

• Location: Hanoi - Ha Giang (280km - 5h)

• Accommodation: Ha Giang Homestay (Mr Toi) (Sharing Homestay)

• Inclusions: B, L, D, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees

Today, the true adventure begins. We depart Hanoi for Ha Giang, gateway to the legendary North. The scenic drive is a dramatic transition, with a stop in Tuyen Quang to visit a beautiful Dao village. Arriving in Ha Giang in the afternoon, you immediately plunge into the local culture with a rewarding trek through the Me – Lup – Tha villages. This serene landscape features hundreds of traditional houses on stilts set amongst peaceful ponds and palm-covered hills. Be prepared to be greeted with big smiles—the legendary hospitality of the villagers is renowned. We visit a local home to share a moment of daily life before settling into your charming local homestay in Tha Village, ready for the deep north.

• Location: Ha Giang - Dong Van (150km - 5h)

• Accommodation: Hoa Cuong Hotel (Double Room) or similar

• Inclusions: B, L, D, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees

Prepare for a day of unfiltered awe as we journey deeper into the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. The magical landscapes start early. We stop to meet the small community of Bo Y people and pause at the Quan Ba Pass to admire the iconic, breast-shaped Twin Fairy Mountain. The road then cuts through the "mountainous Halong Bay," a spectacular region of towering limestone peaks. We will explore the unique "Nha Trinh Tuong" (traditional sticky-ground houses) of the Hmong people in Lung Hoa Village. The historical climax is the visit to the Palace of the H'mong King (Dinh Vua Meo), a hundred-year-old architectural relic that tells the fascinating, autonomous history of the region.

• Location: Dong Van - Bao Lac (130km - 3h)

• Accommodation: Duc Tai Hotel (Twin Room) or similar

• Inclusions: B, L, D, Guide, Transportation

Today, you will conquer the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, often called one of the four greatest mountain passes in Vietnam. Stop at the summit to be captivated by the breathtaking, dizzying views of limestone mountains dropping steeply to the winding Nho Que River far below—a genuine moment of triumphant achievement. We continue to Bao Lac, home to the Black Lo Lo ethnic community. After lunch, we seek out authentic charm in Coc Xa village. Stroll through rice fields and scenic trails, visiting local homes and engaging in meaningful exchanges with residents. This deep cultural dive offers a rare glimpse into a remote way of life, providing a powerful feeling of connection and remoteness.

• Location: Bao Lac - Cao Bang (130km - 4h)

• Accommodation: Thanh Loan 2 Hotel (Double Room) or similar

• Inclusions: B, D, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees

Today’s drive to Cao Bang is an adrenaline-fueled reward. We traverse the notorious Khau Coc Cha Pass, a remarkable stretch of road featuring 15 levels and 14 sharp bends—a thrilling adventure rewarded by sweeping vistas of limestone mountains and rivers. We pause in the Xuan Truong Valley to visit a local family and learn about their way of life amidst expansive rice fields. Our journey culminates in a historical pilgrimage to Pac Bo Cave, a captivating location where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked immediately after returning to Vietnam from exile in 1941. Feel the solemn reverence of this historically significant site before checking into your cozy hotel in Cao Bang city.

• Location: Cao Bang

• Accommodation: Phia Thap Homestay (Sharing Homestay)

• Inclusions: B, L, D, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees

Prepare for majestic wonder at Ban Gioc Waterfall, the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam, straddling the border with China. After a two-hour drive through magical karst scenery, you will be amazed by the 30-meter high, thundering cascade. In the afternoon, explore the subterranean sanctuary of Nguom Ngao Cave, walking a hundred steps to find incredible stalactites and stalagmites. The day concludes with an authentic Nung experience in Phuc Sen, a blacksmith village. This is a rare opportunity to stay overnight in a homestay with the Nung ethnic group. While the comfort is limited, the friendly atmosphere and legendary hospitality offer a priceless, genuine connection to their authentic lifestyle.

• Location: Cao Bang - Ba Be (140km - 4h)

• Accommodation: Ba Be Homestay (Sharing Homestay)

• Inclusions: B, L, D, Guide, Transportation

Begin the morning with an invigorating 2-hour trek to a Nung craft village, specializing in traditional paper and incense sticks. You will be astonished by the incredible hospitality and the sight of rice paddies framed by limestone peaks. This trek is frequently cited by previous travelers as one of the most rewarding sections of the itinerary. We then transfer to Ba Be National Park. Upon arrival, you are welcomed by the peaceful atmosphere of Pac Ngoi village, a traditional community of the Tay people. Settle into your lake-side homestay, preparing for the tranquility that awaits.

• Location: Ba Be

• Accommodation: Ba Be Homestay (Sharing Homestay)

• Inclusions: B, L, D, Guide, Boat Trip (Ba Be), Transportation, Entrance Fees

Today is dedicated to deep serenity. Board a boat at Buoc Lom Pier for a relaxing cruise along the Nang River. We pass through the mysterious Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats, before reaching the roaring Dau Dang Waterfall. After a delicious local lunch by the waterfall, we return to the lake, gently cruising the calm waters. Stop at the secluded Fairy Pond in the primitive forest. If the weather permits, you can swim in the lake's clear water before disembarking and enjoying a stunning sunset over the mountain ranges.

• Location: Ba Be - Hanoi (210km - 5h)

• Accommodation: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel (Deluxe City View Room) or similar

• Inclusions: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental

Embrace an active final morning! Cycle through several peaceful Tay villages and pedal along the river, entering the National Park. Your destination is Hua Ma Cave, an attractive subterranean wonder known for its amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites. After working up an appetite, return for an early lunch before meeting your driver for the transfer back to Hanoi. The drive is a reflective journey, taking you from the pristine wilderness back to the bustling capital. Check into your hotel in the late afternoon and enjoy a well-deserved evening of free time after your mountain escape.

• Location: Hanoi - Bai Tu Long Bay (160km - 3h)

• Accommodation: Garden Bay Legend Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Cabin)

• Inclusions: B, L, D, Shuttle Bus (Hanoi - Halong), Onboard Guide, Entrance Fees, Kayaking, Squid Fishing

Leave the crowds behind and embark on an exclusive escape to Bai Tu Long Bay, the quieter, more pristine neighbor of Ha Long. After a seamless shuttle transfer, you’ll receive a warm welcome aboard the Garden Bay Classic Cruise. Savor a delicious Vietnamese set menu lunch as the boat cruises leisurely into the heart of the bay. The afternoon is pure adventure: a kayaking expedition to discover the breathtaking natural scenery of the limestone karsts in the Cap La area. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and then join the festive Sunset Party on the sundeck. The evening culminates with a fun cooking class followed by a sumptuous BBQ dinner on the sundeck (weather permitting), before trying your luck at squid fishing under the stars.

• Location: Bai Tu Long Bay - Hanoi (160km - 3h) - Departure

• Inclusions: B, L, Guide, Transportation, Tai Chi

Your final morning begins with an optional Tai Chi exercise on the sundeck as the sun rises over the emerald waters. After a light breakfast, a tender will take you to Vung Vieng Fishing Village. You will glide silently through this peaceful community on a traditional rowing boat (rowed by a local fisherman), learning about their unique floating way of life. Enjoy a final fusion-style lunch onboard before disembarking at Sunworld Harbor. Your private driver will be waiting to ensure a smooth, comfortable journey back to Hanoi, arriving around 3:00 PM. Finally, you will be transferred directly to Noi Bai Airport for your departure, leaving you with cherished, unforgettable memories of the hidden charms you’ve discovered.