Northern Vietnam Adventure - 13 Days

Begin your Vietnamese adventure as you arrive in Hanoi. Our private driver will be ready to greet you at the airport, holding a sign with your name. They'll accompany you to your accommodation, conveniently located in the city centre, placing the intriguing Old Quarter within easy reach.

Spend your day exploring the vibrant streets at your own pace, or simply unwind at the hotel after your journey.

Begin the day with a pick-up by our tour guide, followed by a drive to our first destination.

Arrive at Quang Phu Cau, renowned for its incense stick production. Take the opportunity to learn traditional techniques from local artisans and capture striking photographs of the vibrant scenery.

Board the bus for a short 10-minute drive to a village famed for crafting traditional Vietnamese conical hats. Here, you'll not only observe but also participate in the hat-making process and personalise your creation - a meaningful souvenir to remember Vietnam by.

Enjoy a meal with a local family or at a riverside restaurant, depending on group size. Depart for the lacquer art village, our final stop.

On arrival, you'll witness the intricate art of lacquerwork. Visit family-run workshops where local artisans demonstrate their craft. Try your hand at painting lacquer, creating a unique piece to take home.

Bid farewell to the village as we return to the comfort of our bus. En route to Hanoi, we'll visit a popular clothing export surplus shop, offering insights into the local garment industry and the chance to purchase branded items at appealing prices.

In the morning, we depart Hanoi by private car for Bac Ha in the Sapa region, a journey of approximately five hours. As we drive through winding roads, catch your first sight of Bac Ha village nestled in a valley amidst open hillsides and rustic farmland.

Upon arrival, take a moment to stretch before we embark on a trek to our homestay in Ta Van Chu, covering roughly 10 km (6 miles). Once there, you'll find a comfortable and peaceful retreat, surrounded by untouched farmland. The remainder of the day is reserved for you to relax at your leisure.

Begin your day with breakfast at your homestay before heading to the vibrant Bac Ha fairground market. Here, explore stalls offering locally dyed fabrics, hemp plants, and handmade textiles.

Depending on the day, you may also experience the unique atmosphere of nearby ethnic markets. Tuesday: Coc Ly Market, Wednesday: Sin Cheng Market, Thursday: Cao Son Market or Lun Khau Nhin Market, Saturday: Can Cau Market, Sunday: Bac Ha Market.

After exploring the market, embark on a 5 to 6-hour trek to a hill tribe village, pausing for a picnic lunch en route. The journey will take you through terraced farmland and bamboo scrub, offering breathtaking views of emerald valleys, stunning rice terraces, and majestic mountains.

As evening falls, return to your homestay in Bac Ha for the night.

In the morning, we embark on a scenic drive to Ha Giang Province, renowned for its stunning highland landscapes, including forests and terraced rice and corn paddies. The majestic mountains of Quan Ba Pass dominate the skyline.

Ha Giang, which borders southern China, is often referred to as Vietnam's final frontier. Upon arrival, we take time to relax and acclimate. Later, we explore local markets and shopfronts, offering a glimpse into a bygone era.

We then visit the local museum before heading to Cuom Village, where you'll see the colourful traditional attire of the local people. The evening is yours to explore at leisure.

Today, we embark on the first of several picturesque drives through Ha Giang province, renowned for its stunning mountain views. Our first stop is the Minh Tao Market, where we can peruse local wares.

Next, we’ll explore the village of Nam Luong, soaking in its charming surroundings. Continuing our journey, we visit the Lung Tam textile village, famous for its traditional weaving techniques.

Then, we tour the Vuong Family Palace in Sa Phin commune, an intriguing structure styled like a royal Manchu palace. This was once the residence of the Hmong King, offering us a glimpse into the region's royal history.

We conclude the day by travelling to Dong Van.

This morning, we embark on Vietnam's most breathtaking road, winding 15 km to the summit of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, renowned for its dramatic peaks and unique canyons.

Following this, we descend to Meo Vac for lunch and visit the local market. Our day includes a four-hour, moderate trek around Dong Van, suitable for those with average fitness. The trek offers stunning views and excellent opportunities for capturing photos of lush valleys and rice paddies.

Later, we drive approximately four hours to Bao Lac, passing by terraced rice fields. This small northern town is home to the Black Lo Lo ethnic group, known for their colourful attire and intricate bronze drum craftsmanship. The drums hold significant cultural importance, used in funerals and key family ceremonies, guiding souls to their ancestral origins.

Today, we travel to Ba Be Lake, a journey of approximately four hours. Upon arrival, we embark on a boat excursion through Ba Be National Park, visiting Vietnam's largest natural lake. As we navigate the river, we disembark for light walks to admire the striking waterfalls feeding the lake, while observing the diverse local flora and fauna.

In the afternoon, we return to the shore and proceed to a family-owned guesthouse in Pac Ngoi village, where we will spend the night. Your hosts will prepare lunch, after which you have the freedom to explore the picturesque surroundings at your leisure.

In the evening, gather for a home-cooked dinner with the family, offering a wonderful opportunity to delve into local culture and gain insights into their way of life.

After breakfast, we will embark on a boat trip to explore the lake and navigate the Nang River towards the stunning Dau Dang Waterfalls. Take a leisurely walk around the area to enjoy the natural beauty of the falls.

We will then return to the boat to travel up the river, crossing the lake from north to south. Afterwards, we head back to your homestay to prepare for our transfer to Hanoi.

Our friendly guide will pick us up, and we'll set off for Ninh Binh province. We'll take a brief 15-20 minute break to relax.

We arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010, where you can explore Vietnamese history during the feudal era under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties. We’ll cycle around the village to see the local lifestyle. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

We will experience a 1.5-hour bamboo boat journey in Tam Coc. Be captivated by the stunning scenery of paddy fields, waterways, and an impressive cave system, part of the landscape often dubbed “Ha Long Bay on land”. We board the bus to return to Hanoi.

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel in Hanoi and set off for Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning landscapes. Our cruise team will greet us in the hotel lobby.

Around noon, we arrive at the jetty and board our cruise. After a warm welcome and check-in, lunch is served as we begin our voyage through Halong Bay's striking array of islets.

In the afternoon, engage in various activities tailored by each boat's itinerary or simply relax on deck and enjoy the serene surroundings.

As evening approaches, the boat anchors at a picturesque location, providing a perfect opportunity to witness the tranquil sunset before enjoying dinner. We spend the night aboard the cruise.

Please note: In case of adverse weather, modifications or cancellations may occur if boats are unable to depart the port. Our travel consultant will organise alternative plans if necessary.

Start your day early to witness a stunning sunrise, followed by breakfast in the dining room. Join us for a rejuvenating Tai Chi class on the sun deck, perfect for awakening both mind and body.

We will then set off to explore a limestone cave, renowned for its impressive stalagmites and stalactites. After our cave adventure, we'll return to the boat to check out and savour a brunch as we sail back to the harbour. You will later be transported to your accommodation in Hanoi.

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast on your final day in Vietnam. After checking out of the hotel, you have time to explore local markets and pick up some souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, your private driver will take you to the airport for your flight home.