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

Route: Hoang Su Phi Trekking (18km - 6h) | Accommodation: Panhou Retreat (Superior)

Today, you conquer the legendary rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi! After a hearty breakfast, we embark on an invigorating 6-hour trek straight from the accommodation. The hike begins with a steady ascent, immediately rewarding you with expansive, breathtaking views of distant mountains that seem to float above the undulating slopes of golden rice fields.

Our path leads to the villages of the Red Dao ethnic group. You’ll be captivated by the women in their vibrant red dresses and gleaming brocade, tending to medicinal plants used for centuries. After a satisfying local lunch, the journey continues through endless, picturesque terraces and vibrant tea plantations. We eventually reach the village of the Long Dress Dao people, easily identified by their distinctive, ornate tunics. This deep dive into cultural authenticity and natural grandeur offers profound, unforgettable encounters. We make our way back to the comfort of the Panhou Retreat, wrapping up an intensive day of exploration and discovery.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L, D), Private Transportation, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation.

Route: Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang City (80km - 2.5h) | Accommodation: Ha Giang Homestay (Mr. Toi, Sharing)

After a final, serene mountain morning, we transfer from Thong Nguyen to Ha Giang City, the official starting point of the famous Ha Giang Loop. The scenic 2-3 hour drive offers final glimpses of the high peaks before we arrive near the city.

The afternoon is reserved for a relaxing stroll to the serene Tay ethnic villages of Me, Lup, and Tha. These villages are renowned for their peaceful beauty and exceptional hospitality. You'll walk past hundreds of traditional wooden stilt houses with palm-thatched roofs, set against a backdrop of verdant hills. Observe the daily rhythm: small ponds used for fish farming and areas cultivating hyacinths. Visit a local home to gain a deeper, authentic understanding of the Tay lifestyle. Your day concludes in Tha Village, a tranquil haven nestled amongst lush fields—the perfect place to rest before the road trip begins.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L, D), Private Transportation, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation (Homestay).

Route: Ha Giang Mountain Trek (16-18 km) | Accommodation: Ha Giang Homestay (Mr. Toi, Sharing)

Rise early for a challenging and incredibly rewarding day! Our trek begins at 8:00 AM, exploring the majestic Tay Con Linh Mountain range. This region is a tapestry of rice terraces, palm forests, and towering limestone peaks. The initial section is a challenging uphill climb, but the effort is more than justified by the breathtaking, panoramic views of lush valleys and distant mountain peaks.

After a few hours, we arrive at Lung Vai village, a welcoming home to the Dao ethnic group, where we pause for a well-deserved, authentic local lunch. Post-lunch, we continue to Khuoi My village, where both Dao and Tay live in simple, beautiful wooden stilt houses. The final leg follows a narrow, descending trail, winding through tea plantations and bamboo forests, offering splendid views of the terraces before we reach Thon Tha village, concluding one of the most fulfilling trekking days in the region.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L, D), Private Transportation, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation (Homestay).

Route: Ha Giang – Dong Van (150km - 5h) | Accommodation: Hoa Cuong Hotel (Double Room)

The legendary Ha Giang Loop officially begins today! We drive to Dong Van, cruising through landscapes that transition dramatically from gentle hills to jagged, awe-inspiring rock formations. Before the famous Quan Ba Pass, we stop to visit a village of the small, unique Bo Y ethnic group—a rare cultural find.

Stopping at the Quan Ba Pass, you'll admire the famous sight of the Twin Fairy Mountain (Nui Co Tien). We continue into the Limestone Rock Plateau, a UNESCO World Geological Park and Vietnam's answer to a "mountainous Ha Long Bay." En route, discover the unique Nha Trinh Tuong houses of the Hmong people. Our final historical stop is the Palace of the H'mong King (Dinh Vua Meo), a symbol of the powerful, century-old autonomous zone that once thrived here. Arrive in Dong Van, check in, and prepare for the ultimate Northern adventure tomorrow.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L, D), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation.

Route: Dong Van Exploration | Accommodation: Hoa Cuong Hotel (Double Room)

Start the day by traveling to Lung Cu, the absolute Northernmost Landmark of Vietnam (1,470m above sea level). Conquer the 900 steps to reach the iconic Lung Cu Flag Pole, where you'll be rewarded with a magnificent, sweeping view of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and the borderlands. Discover the charming Lo Lo Chai village where the Lo Lo ethnic group resides.

In the afternoon, experience an unparalleled border trek. We navigate scenic villages like Hau De, Ma Pia, and Ma Pang, following the winding course of the Nho Que River as it dramatically separates Vietnam and China. This exhilarating walk gives you a unique perspective on the region's geography and history before returning to Dong Van.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L, D), Private Transportation, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation.

Route: Dong Van – Bao Lac (130km - 3h) | Accommodation: Duc Tai Hotel (Twin Room)

Prepare for the climax of the Ha Giang Loop—crossing the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass! Often hailed as the "King of Passes," you'll be captivated by the breathtaking panorama of limestone mountains and the sheer, colossal canyon carved by the Nho Que River far below. This cinematic vista is a truly defining moment of your tour.

We continue toward Bao Lac, a remote region famous for the Black Lo Lo ethnic community. After lunch in Bao Lac town, we visit Coc Xa village in Na Van commune. Unlike the more tourist-developed areas, Coc Xa retains an authentic, untouched charm. Stroll through rice fields, visit local homes, and engage in meaningful exchanges with the Lo Lo people, gaining a rare, deeper understanding of their culture and traditions before settling into your hotel in Bao Lac.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L, D), Private Transportation, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation.

Route: Bao Lac – Ba Be (165km - 5h) | Accommodation: Ba Be Homestay (Sharing)

Today we transition from the stark Karst Plateau to the green, soothing landscapes of Ba Be National Park. En route, we stop at a hidden gem: a picturesque village of the San Chi ethnic group in Hung Dao commune. You’ll walk up a 2km steep incline—a worthwhile effort for the reward—hundreds of beautiful stilt houses nested on the side of mountains with stunning valley views. This community remains untouched by mass tourism, offering a genuinely authentic encounter.

Upon arrival at Ba Be, we check into your welcoming Tay homestay in Pac Ngoi Village. In the afternoon, we trade the car for bikes! Enjoy a leisurely cycle through several Tay villages to the magnificent Hua Ma Cave, an attractive geological wonder famed for its amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations. Return to your homestay for a delicious dinner and a peaceful night.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L, D), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Bike Rental, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation (Homestay).

Route: Ba Be Lake Discovery | Accommodation: Ba Be Homestay (Sharing)

Awaken to the pure, fresh air of the National Park. Today is dedicated to the tranquility of Ba Be Lake. We transfer to Buoc Lom Pier for a relaxing boat trip along the Nang River. You’ll cruise through the heart of the rainforest and pass through Puong Cave, a massive natural tunnel that serves as a spectacular home to thousands of bats.

The boat continues toward Dau Dang Waterfall, where a local lunch will be served. In the afternoon, we return to the lake, stopping at the secluded Fairy Pond for a gentle cruise. If the weather permits, you are welcome to take a refreshing swim in the serene waters. The boat disembarks around 4:00 PM, leaving you free to relax, enjoy the sunset over the mountain ranges, and reflect on your Northern adventure.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B, L, D), Boat, Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation (Homestay).

Route: Ba Be – Hanoi (245km - 7h) | Accommodation: Conifer Grand Hotel (Deluxe Room)

After breakfast, we begin the scenic journey back to Hanoi. Our drive includes a powerful historical stop at Tan Trao, the former Viet Minh resistance base and the Cradle of the August 1945 Revolution. We visit the historic banyan tree, the Na Lua shack house, and the Tan Trao communal house, learning about the momentous events that defined modern Vietnam.

The remaining drive is a less touristic journey, characterized by beautiful, tranquil Tay ethnic villages with houses standing proudly on stilts, set against hills of tea and palm plantations. Enjoy final scenic stops to photograph this unique rural beauty before arriving in Hanoi in the late afternoon. Check into your hotel in the vibrant Old Quarter and enjoy some well-deserved free time after your mountain getaway.

Included: English Speaking Guide, Meal (B), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, 02 bottles of mineral water, Accommodation.

Route: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay (160km - 3h) | Accommodation: Garden Bay Legend Cruise - 2D1N (Deluxe Cabin)

Today marks the grand transition from mountain heights to coastal majesty! We transfer from Hanoi to Ha Long City via the modern highway. You'll pass through the serene series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta before arriving at Sunworld Harbor.

12:30 PM: A warm welcome awaits as you board the elegant Garden Bay Classic Cruise. You’ll be served a delicious Vietnamese set lunch as the boat begins its leisurely cruise into the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay's Cap La area—a more secluded and pristine neighbor to Ha Long. The afternoon is pure bliss: embark on a kayaking adventure to discover hidden lagoons, or simply indulge in swimming and sunbathing.

As the sun dips, join the Sunset Party on the Sundeck, followed by a fun cooking class where you learn traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The day culminates with a sumptuous BBQ dinner on the Sundeck (seasonal) and an opportunity to try your luck at squid fishing—a perfect end to a day of indulgence and natural beauty.

Included: Shuttle Bus (Hanoi-Halong), English Speaking Guide (on board), Meal (B, L, D), Boat, Entrance Fees, Kayaking, 02 bottles of mineral water, Overnight Cruise Accommodation.

Route: Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi – Departure | Accommodation: Departure

Wake up early and refresh your body and mind with a gentle Tai Chi exercise on the deck as the sun rises over the emerald bay. After a light Western-style breakfast, we prepare for the final excursion.

We transfer by tender to the Vung Vieng Fishing Village. You'll board a traditional rowing boat (rowed by a local fisherman) to intimately explore the village, gaining insight into the fascinating lives of the local fishing community. Returning to the main boat, enjoy a unique cruising route back to the harbor, followed by an early check-out and a final Fusion-style lunch onboard.

11:00 AM: Disembark at Sunworld Harbor. Our driver will meet you for the comfortable return transfer to Hanoi. Upon arrival in the city (approx. 3:00 PM), our driver will take you directly to Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) for your onward flight. You depart Vietnam with a heart full of unforgettable memories, having conquered the Northern peaks and found peace in the hidden bays.

Included: English Speaking Guide (on board), Meal (B, L), Private Transportation, Entrance Fees, Morning Tai Chi, 02 bottles of mineral water.