18 days best of Northern Vietnam
2 days Hanoi, 3 day Mai Chau and Pu Luong, 3 day Sapa, 4 day Ha Giang Loop, 1 day Hanoi 3 days Halong Bay, 2 days Ninh Binh
Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
Transfer from the Airport to the Old Quarter.
Check-in to Hanoi Backpackers Hostel.
Enjoy a Vietnamese massage.
Have dinner at the hostel's rooftop bar.
Day 2: Hanoi
Start the day with breakfast at the hostel.
Embark on a Hanoi city tour.
Have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day Mai Chau and Pu Luong Nature Reserve Itinerary
Day 1: Mai Chau Arrival and Village Exploration
7:00 - 8:00: Pick up at your Old Quarter hotel in a comfortable van/bus.
10:00: Short break.
11:30 - 12:30: Scenic photo stop of Mai Chau Valley, arrive in Mai Chau.
12:30: Enjoy a traditional lunch in a home setting (vegetarian option available).
14:30: Bicycle ride with your guide, see farmers at work and visit peaceful villages.
17:00: Free time for cycling, walking, and shopping.
19:00: Savor dinner with traditional Vietnamese dishes, watch a dance show, and try "ruou can" traditional wine.
Day 2: Trekking in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
7:30 - 8:30: Enjoy breakfast.
8:30 - 10:30: Drive 35km to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, stopping to see chopsticks factories and take photos.
10:30 - 12:30: Arrive in Pu Luong, take a 10-minute break, then start trekking to explore the mountains and rice terraces.
12:30 - 15:30: Lunch in the village and rest before resuming trekking and returning to Mai Chau.
19:00: Dinner and rest for the next day's activity.
Day 3: Explore Remote Villages and depart to Sapa
07:30: Breakfast.
08:30: Cycle 2km before trekking to remote rural villages: Na Meo, Na Mo, and Xam Pa to see rice terraces and learn about local culture.
12:00: Back to the homestay, check out, and have lunch.
13:00: Free time for shopping and relaxation.
Depart for Sapa
Day 3: Sapa - Homestay (15 km or 6.5 hours)
Arrive in Sapa from the night bus.
Head to a local restaurant for breakfast and relaxation.
The tour starts at 9 am from the breakfast restaurant in Sapa.
Visit Cat Cat village, cross Muong Hoa River’s hanging bridge, and trek uphill through bamboo forest.
Enjoy rice terraces and mountain views on Hoang Lien Son mountain.
Lunch at a Hmong family's restaurant in Y Linh Ho village.
Continue to Lao Chai, a large Hmong village, then to Ta Van village for the night.
Rest, shower, and optional cooking class before dinner.
Day 4: Ta Van - Homestay (18 km or 6.30 hours)
After breakfast, explore the surroundings and rice fields.
Trek uphill to Giang Ta Chai waterfalls, and learn about Red Dao culture.
Visit a Red Dao family, cross hanging bridges, and lunch in Giang Ta Chai.
Explore Su Pan, a Black Hmong community, and reach Ban Ho village.
Interact with Red Dao, Tay, and Black Hmong ethnic groups.
Check in to a Tay family homestay, rest, shower, and await dinner.
Day 5: Ban Ho - Sapa (3km around 3 hours)
After breakfast, trek to Nam Toong village, learn about the Red Dzao minority.
Return to Ban Ho, lunch, and catch transportation to Sapa by 3 pm.
(Around 3 pm in Sapa town, take a bus to Ha Giang.)
**Day 6: Arrival and Ha Giang Introduction**
- Arrive in Hanoi and choose between van or motorbike travel options.
- Van option: Be picked up between 6.15-6.45 am and transported to Ha Giang for lunch and team meeting.
- Motorbike option: Meet the guide at your hotel in Ha Giang at 9.00 am.
- Safety procedures and bike skill practice session.
- Lunch at 12.30 pm, followed by a trip briefing.
- Ride to Dao homestay in Nam Dam, Quang Ba District, with photo stops along the way.
- Enjoy sunset view from Lung Khuy Cave.
- Check into the homestay, have dinner, and rest in Nam Dam Village.
**Day 7: Linen Village and Border Ride**
- Breakfast at the homestay.
- Visit Lung Tam village to witness hemp linen making.
- Cross a mountain via shortcut to Yen Minh for lunch.
- Ride towards Vietnam-China border with stops at Hmong Opium King's house and Extreme North Point.
- Check into a hotel in Dong Van.
- Dinner with optional happy water.
**Day 8: Ma Pi Leng Pass and Tranquil Scenery**
- Depart after breakfast.
- Venture towards Ma Pi Leng, the most beautiful pass in Vietnam.
- Hike 7km capturing breathtaking photos.
- Cruise via Tu San Abyss Alley and lunch at Meo Vac.
- Continue to Du Gia with a coffee stop in Mau Due.
- Weather permitting, swim in a secret waterfall and spend the night in Du Gia.
**Day 9: Scenic Route to Cao Bang Province**
- After breakfast, head to Cao Bang province.
- Visit Me Pia Pass with 14 switchbacks.
- Lunch at Me Pia Pass and continue to Pac Bo.
- Explore historically significant Pac Bo and stay overnight.
**Day 10: Journey to Ban Gioc Waterfall**
- Begin journey to Ban Gioc Waterfall after breakfast.
- Ascend Ma Phuc Pass for stunning views.
- Arrive at homestay, rest, and swim.
- Enjoy drinks with hosts during dinner.
**Day 11: Truc Lam Phat Tich Pagoda and Nguom Ngao Cave**
- Breakfast and coffee.
- Hike to Truc Lam Phat Tich pagoda for panoramic views.
- Visit Nguom Ngao Cave, known for its stunning stalactites.
- Return journey to Cao Bang city with a blacksmith workshop stop.
- Arrival in Cao Bang city around 2 pm.
Arrive back to Hanoi 9pm
Day 12: Hanoi
Start the day with breakfast at the hostel.
Enjoy a Vietnamese massage.
Have lunch at Cha Ca Thang Long.
Watch the water puppets show.
Choose either Katze vegan Restaurant or savor beef pho at Pho Suong.
Day 13: Hanoi to Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay (L, D)
7:45 am: Meet the tour guide at Hanoi Central Backpackers Hostel for departure.
Travel by bus and boat to Halong Bay, enjoying scenic views of Cat Ba Island.
Arrive during lunchtime on the cruise, embark on a day of activities in Lan Ha Bay - Halong Bay.
Cruise around Lan Ha Bay, witness the floating village, and experience the fisherman's life.
Lunch is served aboard the cruise.
Cruise to a quieter area for activities like boat jumping and swimming.
Continue to another side of the bay and stop for a sunset party before an overnight stay on the Hideaway cruise.
7:00 - 7:30 pm: Enjoy a BBQ dinner followed by a party.
Day 14: All Day Adventure in Lan Ha Bay & Viet Hai Village - Catba National Park (B, L, D)
Start the day with breakfast on the Hideaway cruise from 7:30 am to 8:30 am.
Day excursion: The day boat takes you to tranquil spots in Catba National Park.
Visit a remote village with a unique local settlement.
Begin an adventure with cycling through the village, passing traditional houses and a tunnel.
Trek through the jungle (wear hiking shoes), enjoy panoramic views from the trek's end.
Break for lunch and fish massage at a local mountain foot restaurant.
Return to the Hideaway cruise for sunset and a party.
7:00 - 7:30 pm: BBQ dinner and party time.
Day 15: Halong Bay to Hanoi (B; L)
Breakfast served from 7:30 am to 8:30 am.
Enjoy a leisurely morning with options like swimming or kayaking.
8:30 am - 9:30 am: Opportunity for kayaking in a quiet bay.
Allow 30 - 40 minutes for showering and packing before checking out.
Lunch at 10:30 am and start the journey back to Hanoi.
Expected arrival back at the hostel around 5 pm.
Tour concludes.
Day 16: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel – Tam Coc Boating – Overnight at Tam Coc Bungalow (Meal included: Lunch, Dinner)
7:30 – 8:15 am: Our guide and bus pick you up from the hotel and start driving to Ninh Binh.
Stop for a short break to stretch your legs.
Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel to visit King Dinh and Le Temple.
Buffet lunch with Vietnamese Cuisines in our restaurant.
Afternoon: Boat ride to visit Tam Coc (2 cave areas) via rice fields.
Check in at Tam Coc bungalow, attend a cooking class, and swim in the pool.
Dinner around 19:00, bar time by the pool.
Day 17: Local Market – Cycling to Mua Cave, Bich Dong Pagoda – Hanoi (Meal included: Breakfast, Lunch)
6:30 am: Have breakfast, visit the morning local market.
Cycle to Mua cave (5 km from the bungalow) through rice fields and old houses.
Visit Mua cave, and trek up Dragon Mountain for a Love Valley view.
Cycle back to the bungalow, check out, and have lunch.
Afternoon: Cycle through peaceful villages to visit Bich Dong Pagoda.
Walk up, enjoy panoramic views, and have afternoon tea.
Get on the bus to Hanoi.
19:30: Arrive in Hanoi, and drop-off at your hotel. Trip ends.
Day 18: Hanoi Departure
Have breakfast at the hostel.
Depending on your next destination, you can either head south to Danang, Hoi An, or to the airport.
- The total price is 945 USD
- The package includes transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities.
- Supplements: 20 USD/day for Ha Giang Loop driver (easy rider).
- Excludes alcoholic drinks, insurance, tips, and airport pickup.
- Remember to customise this itinerary to your preferences and plan in advance for a smooth journey.
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