North Vietnam West to East: 14-Day Grand Adventure Tour

Today is a full day to immerse yourself in Hanoi's rich history and cultural landmarks.

• Morning: Our guide will pick you up to visit the Temple of Literature, a beautiful complex built in the 11th century as Vietnam's first national university. Stroll through the tranquil gardens and see the ancient stone steles, which bear the names of past scholars. Next, we'll head to the Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays) to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups through their traditional costumes, tools, and houses.

• Afternoon: Explore the elegant French Quarter, often called "little Paris" for its wide, tree-lined boulevards and colonial architecture. We'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex (outside), including the Presidential Palace and the humble stilt house where he lived. You'll also see the unique One-Pillar Pagoda, an iconic symbol of the city.

• Evening: Cap off the day with a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form that originated in the 11th century. The puppets perform on a water stage, telling stories of Vietnamese daily life and folklore, accompanied by live traditional music.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, transportation, entrance fees, water puppet show.

Leave the city behind and begin your journey into the majestic Northwest.

• Morning: Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel for the scenic drive to Nghia Lo. This town is located in the beautiful Muong Lo Valley, one of the four most important rice valleys in the Northwest. Along the way, you'll see a lush green tea plantation in Thanh Son and visit a peaceful village of the Muong ethnic group, a community known for preserving its ancient customs.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Nghia Lo. You'll take a leisurely bike ride or walk through local villages, where you can admire the authentic stilt houses of the Thai ethnic group and meet friendly locals. The gentle landscapes and serene atmosphere are a perfect introduction to the region.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, bike rental, homestay accommodation.

Prepare to be captivated by some of the most spectacular terraced rice fields in the world.

• Morning: After breakfast, we'll visit a local market in Nghia Lo before driving to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. You’ll cross a hilly region populated by the Dao ethnic group and have a chance to take photos of their vibrant culture.

• Afternoon: The journey takes us over the stunning Khau Pha Pass, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the rice terraces below. We'll stop in the famous La Pan Tan area, a legendary spot for photographers. Here, you'll admire the intricate and beautiful terraced fields, a masterpiece created by generations of H'mong farmers.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, entrance fees, homestay accommodation.

Today, we travel deeper into the highlands to the iconic mountain town of Sapa.

• Morning: After breakfast, we'll drive to Than Uyen, another beautiful rice valley. Along the way, we'll stop at Na Tam Village to meet the Laotian and Lu ethnic people, known for their unique traditions and black teeth. Take a peaceful walk to explore the village and its tranquil scenery.

• Afternoon: The journey continues to Sapa, crossing the majestic O Quy Ho Pass, the longest and highest pass in Vietnam. The grandiose landscapes from the top are a sight to behold and offer incredible photo opportunities. Arrive in Sapa in the late afternoon, a town famous for its misty climate, stunning rice valleys, and diverse ethnic tribes.

• Included: English-speaking guide, 2 meals (B, L), transportation, hotel accommodation.

Discover Sapa's natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry on a full day of trekking.

• Morning: Our guide will take you on a scenic drive to the west of Sapa town. From there, we’ll begin our trek from Y Linh Ho village. You'll follow a path downhill, interacting with friendly H'mong locals and enjoying the serene beauty of the valley.

• Afternoon: Continue to Lao Chai village, where you'll meet a local artisan who uses traditional beeswax to create unique indigo clothing. Then, trek to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay people, located on a hill with amazing views of the Muong Hoa River and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. After lunch, we'll transfer to Bac Ha, a charming town with a cool climate and home to colorful ethnic groups.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, entrance fees, homestay accommodation.

Experience the vibrant life of a traditional mountain market and explore remote border villages.

• Morning: We'll start early to visit a lively ethnic market in the Bac Ha region (Bac Ha Market on Sunday, or a different market on other days). This is not just for trading goods; it's a cultural hub where various ethnic groups meet. The vibrant colors and bustling atmosphere are truly a feast for the senses.

• Afternoon: After the market, we'll drive towards Xin Man, a town on the border with China. We’ll stop to explore remote villages of the H'mong people, where you can see clay houses and cornfields and even visit a boarding school for ethnic children. We will take a scenic hike down the Lan Ma pass, admiring magnificent rice terraces and authentic H'mong villages along the way.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, entrance fees, hotel accommodation.

Today, you'll travel to the legendary Ha Giang province, home to some of Vietnam's most dramatic landscapes.

• Morning: The drive to Ha Giang via Hoang Su Phi will surprise you with its stunning terraced rice fields and green tea hills. The views are simply breathtaking, and you'll have plenty of opportunities for photos.

• Afternoon: Upon arrival in Ha Giang, we'll start a trek to the beautiful Me, Lup, and Tha Villages. These villages, with their stilt houses and peaceful ponds, offer a serene escape. You'll be welcomed by friendly locals with big smiles, showcasing their legendary hospitality.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, homestay accommodation.

Prepare for an exhilarating journey through a UNESCO-recognized geological park.

• Morning: We'll drive to Dong Van, with a stop at Quan Ba Pass to admire the famous Twin Fairy Mountain. We’ll also visit a remote village of the Bo Y ethnic group.

• Afternoon: Enter the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, a landscape of jagged peaks and winding roads. You'll see "Nha Trinh Tuong," a special type of house built by the H'mong people. We'll also visit the Palace of the H'mong King, a hundred-year-old fortress that tells the story of the region's past.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, entrance fees, hotel accommodation.

Today is the day you'll conquer one of Vietnam's most famous passes.

• Morning: We'll depart from Dong Van and cross the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass. Here, you'll be captivated by the jaw-dropping views of limestone mountains and the winding Nho Que River below. This is an exhilarating experience that will leave you speechless.

• Afternoon: Continue to Bao Lac, a region home to the Black Lo Lo ethnic community. We'll have lunch in town before visiting Coc Xa village, which retains a more authentic charm than other tourist spots. You'll take a leisurely stroll through rice fields, visit local homes, and have meaningful exchanges with the residents, gaining a deeper understanding of their culture.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, hotel accommodation

Transition from the mountains to the tranquil beauty of Ba Be National Park.

• Morning: We'll drive to Ba Be. Along the way, we'll stop to visit a hidden village of the San Chi ethnic people, nestled on the side of a mountain. A 2km walk up a steep incline will reward you with a magnificent view of the valley and an authentic encounter with this remote community.

• Afternoon: Arrive in Pac Ngoi Village in Ba Be. You can enjoy a relaxing bike ride to Hua Ma Cave, a magnificent cave filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

• Included: English-speaking guide, all meals (B, L, D), transportation, entrance fees, bike rental, homestay accommodation.

Enjoy a serene boat trip on Ba Be Lake before returning to Hanoi.

• Morning: Take a peaceful boat trip on Ba Be Lake. You can swim in the crystal-clear water and explore the beautiful Fairy Pond. The boat will then take you along the Nang River to the Dau Dang Waterfall and the impressive Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats.

• Afternoon: We'll disembark at Buoc Lom pier. Our driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Hanoi, a 5-hour journey. Arrive in the late afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy a well-deserved rest after your mountain adventure.

• Included: English-speaking guide, breakfast, boat ride, transportation, entrance fees, hotel accommodation.

Leave the city behind for a stunning overnight cruise on the lesser-known Bai Tu Long Bay.

• Morning: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel for the 3-hour drive to Halong City. The journey takes you through the picturesque rice fields of the Red River Delta.

• Noon: Arrive at Sunworld Harbor and board the Garden Bay Classic Cruise. Enjoy a welcome drink and safety briefing before a delicious Vietnamese lunch is served as you sail into the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay.

• Afternoon: Go on a kayaking adventure to explore the breathtaking limestone islands and islets. You can also swim and sunbathe at a secluded beach.

• Evening: The boat will anchor for the night. You can join a sunset party on the sundeck and a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Vietnamese cuisine. A sumptuous BBQ dinner will be served on the sundeck, followed by free time for relaxing or squid fishing.

• Included: Shuttle bus, English-speaking guide on board, all meals (B, L, D), cruise, entrance fees, cooking class, squid fishing.

Enjoy one last taste of bay life before heading home.

• Morning: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck. After a light breakfast, a tender will take you to Vung Vieng Fishing Village, where you can explore the local life by rowing boat.

• Mid-day: Return to the cruise, check out, and enjoy an early lunch as the boat sails back to the harbor.

• Afternoon: Our driver will pick you up at the port and transfer you back to Hanoi. From your hotel, our driver will take you to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight.

• Included: English-speaking guide on board, 2 meals (B, L), transportation, entrance fees.