North Vietnam: From Mountain To The Beach 12 days

The tour sets off either in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability. You'll have the flexibility to choose between traveling by car or motorbike based on your preference, and the routes can be adjusted according to your interests.

During the half-day tour, you'll explore notable landmarks such as Vietnam's first university, the Temple of Literature, the unique One Pillar Pagoda, and the revered Mausoleum of President Ho Chi Minh, alongside his stilt house. (Please note: Visits to these sites are exterior views only; closures occur on Mon and Fri, and from Jun - Aug).

Following these historical and cultural explorations, the journey continues to West Lake, where the sixth-century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda awaits. This ancient pagoda, over 1500 years old, holds significant cultural importance in Hanoi.

To conclude the tour, indulge in a delectable lunch at an authentic Vietnamese restaurant. The remainder of the day is free for your leisurely pursuits.

Today's journey involves approximately 7 hours of travel by car alongside your tour guide, covering a distance of 260 km to reach Ba Be National Park.

En route, there will be a stop for lunch. Anticipate arriving at Ba Be in the late afternoon, where a 30-minute boat cruise awaits, guiding you to the boatmen’s home village.

Subsequently, you'll proceed to the homestay located in Pac Ngoi village, offering a traditional wooden stilt house typical of the Tay people. After settling in, take time for personal refreshment, a leisurely stroll around the village, and later, indulge in a dinner experience at the homestay.

Your tour guide will rendezvous with you for a trek to Pac Ngoi village, where the local community thrives primarily on fishing, rice cultivation, and corn farming. Explore the area by strolling along the stream's edge, catching glimpses of the charming stilt houses.

Later, hop on a bike to venture towards the Tay ethnic area, where an intriguing mountain cave awaits your exploration. Bike approximately 5 km further to reach the captivating Silk Waterfall. If weather conditions permit, take a refreshing dip or even swim in the waterfall's waters while enjoying a picnic lunch.

In the afternoon, return from the waterfall and take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Ba Be lakeshore. The sunset paints a mesmerizing backdrop, offering an excellent opportunity for stunning photographs. Take a moment to visit the local market for souvenirs before heading back to our homestay.

End your day with a delightful dinner and spend the night in the village among the ethnic community.

Around 7:30, depart from Ba Be towards Meo Vac via land transfer. Expect a journey covering approximately 260 km, taking about 6 hours. The scenic route showcases breathtaking mountain ranges and serene rivers, enhancing your travel experience.

During the trip, there will be a lunch stop and a brief break to rest.

By late afternoon, arrive at Meo Vac town, known for its communities of Lo Lo and Pu Peo ethnic minorities. Enjoy a dinner experience and spend the night at your homestay in Meo Vac.

Around 7:30, following breakfast, we embark on a journey from Meo Vac to Dong Van, situated amidst the limestone plateau inhabited by the Blue Hmong ethnic group. This region offers awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes, notably the 30km winding road connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac, showcasing breathtaking views.

Upon reaching Dong Van town, explore the vibrant Dong Van market, bustling especially on Sundays. Next, proceed to Pho Bang to visit the Vuong Chi Sinh Royal family's villa, boasting a unique fusion of Chinese and European architectural styles.

After the market visit, our route leads us through Yen Minh and Quan Ba, culminating in the stunning "Heaven Gate," atop the highest peak in the area. Along the drive, discover sugar fields and limestone peaks that seemingly touch the sky, nestled among stone forests.

By late afternoon, arrive in Ha Giang. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a local village.

Please note: The Dong Van market operates every Sunday morning. As Meo Vac, Dong Van, Yen Minh, and Ha Giang are remote regions, local restaurants may differ in standards from those in larger cities. Meals will be in line with local cuisine.

Around 7:30, depart from Ha Giang towards Bac Ha town. The journey spans approximately 240 km, taking about 6 hours, with an expected arrival in the later afternoon.

If time permits, there will be a brief stop at Thai Giang Pho village, home to the Flower Hmong people. This presents an excellent opportunity to experience the authentic daily life of ethnic minority communities in the Vietnamese mountains.

Upon arrival in Bac Ha, check-in at the hotel. Dinner will be at your own leisure, and you'll spend the night at the hotel.

Around 6:30 AM, depart from Bac Ha to visit the vibrant weekly ethnic market. Along the way, immerse yourself in the serene lifestyles of various ethnic groups, including the Flower H'mong, Black Dzao, Tay, Dzay, Ha Nhi, and Nung. Witness the bustling market scene where locals gather not just for trading but also to connect, sharing their joys and sorrows, and exchanging experiences after the harvest season.

At the market, observe the vibrant local life and cultural exchanges among the minorities.

Following the market visit, embark on a boat ride along the Chay River. Experience the awe-inspiring sensation of being surrounded by towering rock mountains. Disembark the boat to explore a village of the Tay Minority situated in Trung Do village by the riverside.

After the boat excursion, proceed to Bao Nhai, a small town, before returning by car to Sapa. Enjoy dinner at your leisure and spend the night in Sapa.

Please note: The schedule for the markets includes Coc Ly on Tuesdays, Sin Cheng & Cao Son on Wednesdays, Lung Khau Nhin & Muong Khuong on Thursdays, Can Cau on Saturdays, and Bac Ha Market on Sundays. Depending on your travel dates, a market visit will be arranged accordingly.

The trekking excursion in Sapa commences at 9:30.

Upon breakfast, your local guide will arrive to accompany you on the trekking adventure.

Begin the journey by trekking to Y Linh Ho village, situated along the Muong Hoa river. From there, continue onward to Lao Chai village, home to the Black H’mong people, one of Sapa's prominent minority groups. The Black H’mong have their distinct language and don traditional indigo blue attire.

Next, trek to Ta Van village, perched at an elevation of 1200 meters above sea level and inhabited by the Zay people. The Zay community comprises approximately 38,000 individuals who primarily reside in the Northwestern Vietnam mountains.

Following your exploration of Ta Van village, return to Sapa town by car. Enjoy leisure time to discover Sapa and spend the night at the hotel in Sapa.

Embark on a 3 km trek towards the Southwest of Sapa, heading to Cat Cat village, the residence of the Black H’mong, a renowned ethnic community in Sapa. Take your time to unwind in the village, marvel at the stunning waterfall, a remnant of a hydroelectric power station.

Indulge in a picnic lunch by the riverside before continuing your 3 km trek to Sin Chai village, nestled at the base of Fansipan Mountain, known as “the Roof of Indochina.” Along the path, revel in the breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Upon returning to the main road, transfer back to Sapa town via jeep, covering a distance of approximately 3 km.

Later, you’ll be chauffeured to Hanoi in a shared limousine.

Being picked up for a transfer to Halong Bay, where an overnight cruise awaits.

Upon arrival, the crew will warmly welcome you and assist with cabin check-in. While the boat navigates around the bay, savor a delightful seafood breakfast served on board.

Following lunch and a brief respite on the cruise, engage in various exhilarating onboard activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, and refreshing swims in the ocean.

As the day winds down, return to the main boat to unwind, relish a delectable dinner, and partake in entertaining onboard games. Spend the night on the cruise, surrounded by the tranquility of Halong Bay.

The following day in Halong Bay, it's advised to rise early to relish the bay's beauty. Engage in Tai-chi sessions or simply unwind on deck, taking in the breathtaking sunrise.

Savor a delightful breakfast and brunch while the boat gracefully cruises amidst the awe-inspiring limestone formations of the bay.

Around noon, the cruise concludes at Halong harbor. You'll then be transported back to Hanoi airport for your departure flight. Meals will be at your discretion, concluding the services.