Unveiling the Hidden Charms of Northern Vietnam 17-Day Tour

Arrive Hanoi, transfer to hotel, enjoy traditional water puppet show

• Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant heart of Vietnam, where traditional charm meets modern allure. Upon arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you'll be greeted by our guide and driver, who will escort you to your hotel for check-in.
• After settling in, you'll take a leisurely walk with our guide to the theater to enjoy the Water Puppet Show, a captivating traditional Vietnamese performance. Following the show, you'll savor a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. 
• Spend the night in Hanoi.

Join city tour around Hanoi, have a cyclo trip around Old Quarter

• 08:00 AM: After breakfast at the hotel, our tour guide will pick you up to begin your Hanoi city tour. 
• We'll start with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. Here, you'll explore the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where Uncle Ho’s body is preserved. Next, you'll see the Presidential Palace, an elegant example of French architecture set within lovely gardens, and the Ho Chi Minh Stilt House, which showcases the simple lifestyle of Vietnam's revered president. We’ll conclude this area with a visit to the One Pillar Pagoda, renowned for its unique architectural style.
• After lunch, you'll head to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. Following this, we'll visit the Museum of Ethnology to deepen your understanding of Vietnamese culture. The tour continues with a traditional cyclo ride through the Old Quarter’s 36 ancient streets, offering a leisurely way to experience the blend of historical and modern aspects of the capital.
• The tour will conclude around 04:00 PM, leaving you free time to shop or relax in Hanoi. Overnight in Hanoi.

• 8:30 AM: We’ll embark on a picturesque journey to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc in Ninh Binh province, a 3-hour drive from Hanoi. 
• In Tam Coc, you’ll enjoy a sampan ride along the Ngo Dong River, which leads to the stunning Tam Coc grottoes. As you glide through the river, you'll be surrounded by lush green hills and rice fields that shift colors with the seasons—green before harvest and golden during harvest time. Our local guide will also arrange a short biking excursion at a scenic spot.
• After exploring Tam Coc, we’ll continue to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Here, you'll visit the Dinh-Le Sanctuary, see statues of the Emperors, and explore other historical relics. 
• Following the visit, we'll return to your hotel for check-in and a relaxing evening. 
• Overnight in Ninh Binh.

• 08:00 AM: After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we will set off for Mai Hich in Mai Chau. The journey takes us through the picturesque paddy fields of Old Doai village and local street markets. We'll stop at Thung Khe Pass to take in the stunning views of the valleys and hills. 
• Next, we’ll enjoy a traditional lunch at the scenic Lac village. Feel free to explore the village before we continue our journey deeper into Mai Hich village, a serene spot known for its beautiful jungle landscapes and tranquil rural culture.
• Upon arrival in Mai Hich, you'll be welcomed by the village hosts and given your room to rest. In the afternoon, you can either cycle or walk around the village to appreciate the natural beauty and rural activities, such as stilt houses, fish ponds, and terraced rice fields. Observe and engage with the daily farming routines of the local community.
• In the evening, you'll enjoy a home-cooked dinner featuring local specialties made from fresh ingredients, complemented by local rice wine. 
• Optional activities after dinner include a Cultural Show performed by local women in traditional dress, where you can enjoy folk dances and songs. You might also participate in a traditional bamboo pole dance, a fun way to connect with the locals.
• Overnight at a homestay in Mai Hich.

• Wake up to the refreshing and serene morning of the northwest mountainous region! Start your day with breakfast in a local setting.
• Then, embark on a trek through villages and bamboo forests, visiting Thai, Mai Ha, and Buoc villages as you travel from Mai Hich to Lac Village.
• After a lunch break, continue your adventure with a bamboo rafting experience on the Xia River. As you paddle along the peaceful river, the lush bamboo on the banks will add to your relaxation. Take a stroll through corn and rice fields and observe the daily life of the local community. Return to your homestay for a peaceful night in the heart of the village.
• Overnight in Mai Hich homestay.

• After an early breakfast, we'll depart from Mai Hich for a full day transfer to Tu Le in Yen Bai.
• Along the way, we'll pass through the Thanh Son tea plantations in Phu Tho province. Be sure to take in the breathtaking views of the valleys and tea fields and seize the opportunity to meet some of the women who work as tea pickers, demonstrating how they harvest the tea leaves.
• Upon arrival, check in to your homestay and enjoy dinner. 
• Overnight in Tu Le.

• As morning arrives, bid a fond farewell to your host and embark on a journey to Mu Cang Chai, renowned for its breathtaking terraced fields. Along the way, stop at Khau Pha Pass, one of the top four passes in northern Vietnam, to take in the stunning scenery.
• Visit and engage with local communities in villages such as Che Cu Nha and La Pan Tan, the latter being one of the three communes renowned for its beautiful terraced fields and home to just 540 H’Mong families. Enjoy panoramic views of the hillside villages before arriving at your homestay as the sun begins to set.
• Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your local host and enjoy a cozy dinner together.
• Overnight in Mu Cang Chai.

• Enjoy free time until you check out of your homestay midmorning.
• Today, we travel from Mu Cang Chai to Sin Ho in Lai Chau. Unlike other well-known mountain destinations that attract large numbers of tourists, Sin Ho remains relatively unexplored. It boasts a unique beauty unmatched by any other highland region in northern Vietnam. This highland town, linked to neighboring areas by lofty mountain passes, offers breathtaking views of a landscape unparalleled anywhere else in the country. The winding roads to Lai Chau may be challenging, but the stunning scenery on both sides makes for an intriguing journey.
• After approximately 4-5 hours, you'll arrive in Sin Ho, freshen up, and get to know local life over an indigenous dinner with your hosts.
• Overnight in Sin Ho.

• In the morning, we will set off early to experience the enchanting views from Cloudy Hill. Next, we’ll explore the picturesque Pu Dao ethnic village and observe locals going about their daily activities. After a lunch break, we’ll visit O Rock Mountain and the Thai King’s mansion, which is situated between the Nam Na and Black Rivers. From this palace, you can take in expansive views of Muong Lay, including the strategic routes to Phong Tho, Sapa, Muong Te, and downstream to Peace, as well as the route to Laos via Dien Bien.
• Return to your homestay for dinner and relaxation.
• Overnight in Sin Ho.
• Optional activities include a herbal bath in wooden tubs or a massage.

• After breakfast with a local family, pack your belongings and continue your journey toward the Lao Cai area. Along the way, you'll encounter numerous picturesque terraced fields, perfect for photography. We’ll make stops to interact with local people and gain insights into their way of life with the assistance of our guide.
• The region is home to various ethnic minorities whose lifestyles differ significantly from those in urban or flatland areas. It’s not uncommon for drivers or guides to have limited communication with some locals, as they may speak only minimal Vietnamese. Today’s itinerary doesn’t include touristy spots. The highlight is crossing one of Vietnam’s four highest passes, O Quy Ho, with several stops to admire the breathtaking views of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley, and the stunning flower and vegetable farms.
• Upon arrival, check in to your homestay in Sin Chai village. Then, take a short trek around the village of the Red Dao minority, where you can explore the pristine surroundings and engage with locals who are eager to share their textile weaving and dyeing techniques. You’ll have the opportunity to observe local daily life while enjoying a dinner featuring regional specialties at your homestay.
• Overnight in Sin Chai.

• Awaken and savor breakfast in the mountains, surrounded by fresh air and the sounds of nature. Afterward, prepare for an off-the-beaten-path hike to Thanh Kim village. The challenging trail may be strenuous, but it rewards you with stunning views of the valleys below and the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of the mountains. This hike offers a great chance to immerse yourself in the natural life of the ethnic minority groups residing in these highlands.
• Following a picnic lunch, you’ll descend to Ban Ho, a charming Tay ethnic village situated by the Muong Bo River. The Tay people are known for their beautiful stilt houses and delicious cuisine. In the late afternoon, consider visiting the Lavie waterfall, just a few hundred meters from the village, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear water.
• Overnight in Ban Ho.

• Today's trek presents another challenging adventure with steep ascents and descents. Starting from the picturesque Ban Ho village, you'll hike uphill to Nam Toong village, home to the Red Dao minority. The breathtaking scenery and landscapes will soon unfold before you, and you may meet local villagers working on their farms along the way. A delicious lunch awaits you at a local home, where you'll be warmly hosted.
• After lunch, you'll descend into the valley to reach My Son village, inhabited by the Xa Pho minority, one of the smallest ethnic groups in Northern Vietnam. From there, take a short walk to Thanh Phu village, home to the Tay minority. The trek will mostly be downhill, and after about half an hour, you'll be rewarded with one of the day's most stunning views of a lush green valley along the Red River. Your trek concludes in Ta Thang village, where you'll be transferred by car back to Lao Cai.
• Overnight in Lao Cai.

• After breakfast, we will drive to Bac Ha Market, where you'll observe locals trading goods and exchanging products, and get a glimpse of their traditional clothing and daily customs.
• Next, en route, we suggest visiting the H’mong King’s Palace, a historic building constructed by the French and Chinese. In the afternoon, enjoy a light trek to Ban Pho, a village of the Flower H’mong minority. Local families will greet you with green tea and corn wine and provide a brief overview of their customs.
• Following this, we’ll explore the intriguing and somewhat somber Hoang A Tuong Mansion, a former powerful residence with over a century of historical stories. As the sun sets, take in the dramatic landscapes on the return journey to Bac Ha, where you will have dinner and settle in for a relaxing night at your homestay.
• Overnight in Bac Ha.

• Conclude your memorable journey filled with highs and lows, pack your belongings, and begin the return trip to Hanoi. Along the way, we’ll take a break for lunch before continuing the drive to your hotel in Hanoi for check-in and relaxation.
• Overnight in Hanoi.

• Treat yourself on the final stretch of our journey with a couple of days in Halong Bay, where you can relax amid the stunning scenery of 1,600 islands and islets.
• 07:45 – 08:15 (approx.):

- Our guide will meet you at your hotel for pickup by shuttle bus or private car.

- Enjoy the serene countryside, farmlands, and the Red River delta en route. 

- Have your camera ready for some great photo opportunities. There will be a comfort break during the approximately 3½-hour drive from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

• 12:00 – 12:30 (approx.):

- Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and board the cruise. Refresh with a welcome drink and meet the captain and crew during the cruise briefing.

- Check into your cabin, take some time to relax, and then set sail while lunch is served.

- Enjoy a local lunch either in the dining room or at the outdoor dining area.

• Afternoon:

- Arrive at Surprising Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt) and explore the cave to discover how it got its name.

- Proceed to the Titop Island area, where the boat anchors in tranquil waters surrounded by scenic islets. Visit Titop Island for swimming and snorkeling or take a short trek to the top for panoramic views of Halong Bay.

- Return to the boat's sleeping area.

• Early Evening:

- Head to the sundeck to watch the sunset and enjoy a Sunset Party, a perfect opportunity to meet new friends, share travel experiences, or simply admire the view.

- An authentic Vietnamese dinner is served.

- After dinner, unwind with a wide selection of cocktails at the bar, or engage in onboard activities such as reading, games, movies, or squid fishing.

• Overnight on board.

• 06:30: For early risers, join us on the sundeck for a Tai Chi session. This practice helps focus the mind and energize the body, setting a positive tone for the day.
• 07:00 – 08:00:
• Enjoy a local breakfast.
• 08:00: Soak in the stunning views of the Bay and its dramatic limestone islets as we cruise through the tranquil emerald waters towards Luon Cave (Hang Luồn). Choose to explore the cave by kayak or comfortably aboard a bamboo boat rowed by locals.
• 09:00: Check out of your cabin at your leisure while the cruise continues to showcase other beautiful highlights of the bay.
• 10:00: Participate in a brief cooking class where you’ll learn how to make spring rolls, followed by an early lunch.
• 12:00: Return to shore and disembark as the crew bids you farewell. Transfer by minibus or private car back to Hanoi.
• Overnight in Hanoi.

• Check out and meet our driver in the hotel lobby for your transfer to the airport. Board your departure flight home. Farewell and see you next time!