Overview

This week-long tour of the mountainous landscapes of Northern Vietnam is ideal for nature-lovers and photography enthusiasts. However, anyone bitten by the travel-bug and interested in Vietnamese art, culture and cuisine will find this tour delightful! Encounter the green forests covering the majestic mountains, rugged plateaux, waterfalls, and isolated caves of the north, and also learn about the various ethnic minority groups that live in these areas. You will also explore the historical and cultural highlights of Hanoi City.  

8 Nights 9 Days Available on request Hanoi
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • All local transport and domestic transfers
  • All meals and beverages included in the itinerary
  • All local permits and tickets 

What is NOT included in the tour

  • International airfare
  • Additional meals and beverages
  • Additional services not included in the itinerary
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Visit the Sacred Pagoda and the Perfume Pagoda
  • Explore the local craft villages near Hanoi
  • Enjoy homestays with local families at Ha Gian, Dong Van, and other communities
  • Admire the breath-taking landscape of the Dong Van Plateau
  • Visit the Ba Be National Park
Itinerary
Day 1 (Arrival at Hanoi, Sacred Pagoda and Craft Villages Tour) (-, L, D)
  • Arrive at the capital city Hanoi; the crown jewel of Northern Vietnam. After having lunch at the hotel, set out to explore the several cultural and historical landmarks in the city.
  • Drive to the Thap Pagoda, a thirteenth-century temple built during the reign of King Tran Thanh Ton. The pagoda showcases traditional wood carving and sculptures on its walls; some of the notable statues among these are those of the Buddha with a thousand hands and eyes.
  • Go on to visit the Dong Ho village that is famous for its block painting craft. The artisans paint pictures with natural colours on Diep paper.
  • You will also stop at the Bat Trang pottery village, where you can try your hand at pot-making as well! This day tour will give you a different perspective on Vietnamese small-scale craft and the cottage industry.
Day 2 (Perfume Pagoda Tour) (B, L, D)
  • The Perfume Pagoda is located around 70 kilometres away from Hanoi. It derives its name from the fragrance of the flowers it is surrounded by during the spring. Admire the view of the mountains where the Perfume Pagoda stands along with other temples.
  • Afterwards, cruise on the Yen River on a boat past vast stretches of lush paddy fields and forested mountains.
  • Upon your return from the relaxing boat ride, you will be taken to a famous Buddhist pagoda situated within a cave. The annual Pagoda Festival is held in this cave during the first three months of the lunar spring, which attracts numerous pilgrims from all over Asia. Experience the exotic natural beauty of the caves and the tranquillity of the pagoda at once.
  • Return to Hanoi for lunch, and spend the rest of the day in leisure, or walk around the newly explored streets to come across more unexpected delights!
Day 3 (Nature Trail – Ha Giang) (B, L, D)
  • Start your journey to Ha Giang from your hotel early in the morning. View the beautiful mountainous landscape along the way, and stop to have lunch at a restaurant nearby.
  • Get a glimpse of rural Vietnamese lifestyle at your homestay at the Tien Thang Village at the outskirts of Ha Giang. The village belongs to the Tay ethnic minority group. The villagers have preserved their unique identity and culture for generations. Their keen sense of identity is evident in their architecture of stilt houses. The crowd of palm trees make the village exceptionally beautiful.
  • Enjoy a traditional dinner at your homestay.
Day 4 (Nature Trail – Dong Van Rock Plateau) (B, L, D)
  • After breakfast, take a trip to the Dong Van Rock Plateau, a UNESCO enlisted World Geopark. You will be awed by the rugged stony landscape of the plateau that is home to many hill tribes.
  • Travel towards the northernmost tip of Vietnam to reach the H’mong royal house at Sa Phin. Enjoy an unforgettable experience of the majestic mountainous scene and interact with the impeccably dressed villagers. Explore the villages and enjoy meals at local restaurants.
Day 5 (Nature Trail – Meo Vac and Cao Bang) (B, L, D)
  • Visit the Dong Van Townlet before leaving for Meo Vac. Embark on a remarkable journey through the Ma Pi Leng mountain pass. Thousands of young volunteers had painstakingly built this roadfor the benefit of the local inhabitants.
  • Meo Vac is home to Lo Lo and Pu Peo ethnic groups. They have preserved their distinct cultures and attire for centuries. You will observe the locals as you continue your journey to Cao Bang. This place has played an essential role in the Vietnam War and houses numerous relics related to Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary activities. It also houses significant cultural monuments such as the Mac Dynasty Temple, and beautiful natural spaces like the NguomNgao Cave, the Thang Hen Mountain Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall.
  • Upon arrival, have lunch at your hotel and go on to explore the city, or stroll along the bank of the Bang Giang River.
Day 6 (Nature Trail – Ban Gioc Waterfall) (B, L, D)
  • Visit the vibrant Cao Bang Market to look at the array of products sold there, starting from fresh food to traditional garments.
  • After the visit, drive to the Ban Gioc Waterfall. Situated in the TrungKhanh District, the waterfall is famed to be the fourth largest waterfall in the world that lies on a national border (in this case between China and Vietnam).
  • Proceed to the NguomNgao Cave which is located close to the fall. The cave is spacious and adorned with stalactites of varied shapes.
  • After lunch, visit the Hang Village where you will spend the night at a homestay. The village is inhabited the Tay ethnic minority group and isn’t far away from the waterfall.
  • Dinner will be served at your homestay.
Day 7 (Nature Trail – Ba Be National Park) (B, L, D)
  • Visit the Ba Be National Park, a picturesque site with its rolling hills in the background. Explore the Puong Cave by boat. The river Nang flows through this 300-meters long cave. Do not forget to stop at the Widow Island, the name being derived from a local legend.
  • Finish your lunch at an eatery near the national park, and visit another Tay village where a homestay will welcome you for the night.
Day 8 (Visit to Hua Ma Cave, Return to Hanoi) (B, L, D)
  • Walk through the national park and visit some ethnic villages located within. The Pac Ngoi village by the lake is particularly charming. Go on to explore the Hua Ma Cave, located deep within the mountain. You will be enchanted by the shimmering walls, the high ceilings with hanging stalactites.
  • Enjoy your lunch at the village, and bid adieu to the spectacular mountains of Northern Vietnam as you leave for Hanoi.
  • You can spend the evening relaxing at a café, or visiting the market for some last minute shopping!
Day 9 (Departure) (B, -, -)
  • Enjoy a Vietnamese breakfast at your hotel, and as you wait for your departure flight, browse through the amazing collection of photographs you have built up in the last few days. The memories of the stunning landscapes of Vietnam, its lush forests, rolling hills, crystal-clear lakes and mysteriously beautiful caves will remain fresh in your mind for many days to come.
Pickup point
Directions.
Hanoi, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam View on Map