An Adventure of Northeast Vietnam

Overview

  • Duration:8 days 7 nights
  • Tour Type:Adventure & Nature
  • Language:English, French, German, Italian
This eight-day loop starts and ends in Hanoi, crossing Ha Giang’s high passes and frontier roads to Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Lung Cu, Dong Van, and Meo Vac—including Ma Pi Leng and a boat ride on the Nho Que River. You continue to Pac Bo and Cao Bang for history and highland scenery, then visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, and Phuc Sen Forging Village. The journey finishes at Ba Be Lake with a boat trip to Fairy Pond, An Ma Temple, and Ba Goa Island before returning to Hanoi. English-speaking guiding, entrance fees on the itinerary, and meals as marked (B/L/D) structure each day around Vietnam’s northern mountains, ethnic cultures, and natural landmarks.

Highlights

  • Private airport meet-and-greet and transfer to your Hanoi hotel on arrival day.
  • Ha Giang Km 0, Heaven’s Gate, Twin Mountains, and scenic drive to Yen Minh.
  • Tham Ma Pass, Lung Cam, Pao’s House, Vuong Family Palace, Lung Cu Flag Tower, Lo Lo Chai.
  • Ma Pi Leng Pass views and boat ride through the deep limestone gorge on the Nho Que River.
  • Optional Sunday Highlanders’ Market in Meo Vac; Me Pia (14-Floor) Pass; Pac Bo, Le Nin Spring, Coc Po Cave.
  • Ban Gioc Waterfall by boat, Nguom Ngao Cave, and Phuc Sen Forging Village near Cao Bang.
  • Tay stilt-house stay at Ba Be Lake, boat tour to Fairy Pond, An Ma Temple, and Ba Goa Island.

Itinerary

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Day 01: Hanoi Arrival

Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to exit gate and look for our driver who will be waiting at the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it.
Transfer to hotel for check in and relax (Check in time is 14:00 and early check in is not included).
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 02: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Yen Minh (B/L/D)

Have breakfast.
Today you’ll depart from Hanoi and travel north toward Ha Giang, a land of soaring mountains and winding roads. Along the way, there will be two stops as the journey covers roughly 300 km.
Upon reaching Ha Giang city, we’ll pause at the symbolic Km 0 milestone on Nguyen Trai Street—the marker that signifies the beginning of every adventure into this northern frontier. From here, leave the city behind and continue toward Quan Ba. The closer you get, the more the scenery reveals its dramatic beauty: deep valleys on one side, rugged peaks on the other, all connected by winding mountain roads.
Your first highlight is Heaven’s Gate, perched at 1,500 meters above sea level, where you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding valleys and ranges. The drive continues to the Twin Mountains, a striking natural formation rising gently from rice fields. Further along the Can Ty slope, you’ll pass the famous solitary Nghien tree before reaching Yen Minh town in the evening. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner.
Overnight in Yen Minh.

Day 03: Yen Minh – Lung Cu – Dong Van – Meo Vac (B/L/D)

Savor your local breakfast before moving from Yen Minh to Lung Cu.
The road first takes you over Tham Ma Pass, with its sharp bends and steep slopes—a challenge for many travelers but rewarding with a perfect photo spot at the top.
Continue to Lung Cam Cultural Village to see H’Mong houses, including Pao's House, once featured in a well-known film. Not far away lies the Vuong Family Palace, standing proudly among limestone peaks. From here, ascend to Lung Cu Flag Tower—the northernmost point of Vietnam and a landmark of sovereignty, pride, and unity.
A short walk brings you to Lo Lo Chai Village, where rammed-earth houses with clay roofs and stone fences stand alongside traditional crafts such as embroidery and woodcarving. Afterwards, descend to Dong Van Town for lunch and a short rest around the ancient streets. In the afternoon, continue to conquer Ma Pi Leng Pass for sweeping views of the Dong Van Karst Plateau and the emerald Nho Que River, ending the day with a boat ride through Southeast Asia’s deepest limestone gorge.
Overnight in Meo Vac.

Day 04: Meo Vac – Pac Bo – Cao Bang (B/L/D)

If your visit falls on a Sunday, start with the Highlanders’ Ethnic Market in Meo Vac for an authentic cultural experience. Journey through Bao Lac Town and ascend the challenging 14-Floor Pass (Me Pia Pass), pausing for breathtaking photography. After lunch, we continue to Pac Bo, the historic site where Ho Chi Minh once sought refuge, visiting Le Nin Spring and Coc Po Cave. This quiet valley is also where he spent his early days in 1941, translating revolutionary texts and laying the groundwork for Vietnam’s independence movement. Arrive in Cao Bang by late afternoon, check in to your hotel, and enjoy dinner before an evening of leisure. On weekends, a stroll along Kim Dong Pedestrian Street offers a glimpse into local life.
Overnight in: Cao Bang

Day 05: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave (B/L/D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to Ban Gioc Waterfall, cascading from the Quay Son River along the Vietnam–China border. One of Southeast Asia’s most majestic waterfalls, its terraced falls create layers of white froth against emerald waters and limestone cliffs, offering a truly breathtaking spectacle. You’ll board a boat to get closer to the falls and experience their full grandeur. Afterward, enjoy a lunch featuring local flavors, then explore the vast Nguom Ngao Cave. According to legend, this was once the tiger’s home, which is why the Tay people named it Nguom Ngao. Nestled in a mountain in Gun Village, Trung Khanh, Cao Bang, the cave presents a geological marvel with intricate stalactites and stalagmites formed over 300 million years. Conclude the day with a visit to Phuc Sen Forging Village to witness traditional local craftsmanship before returning to your hotel in Cao Bang for the night.
Overnight in: Cao Bang.

Day 06: Cao Bang – Ba Be Lake (B/L/D)

After bidding farewell to Cao Bang, you’ll travel to Ba Be, covering approximately 110 km and passing through scenic routes such as Tai Ho Sin, Cao Bac, Khau Khang, and Gio Pass. Lunch will be arranged along the way, near Gio Pass. Upon arrival, settle into a traditional stilt house hosted by the Tay ethnic community and spend the afternoon exploring the lakeside surroundings or taking a gentle walk through nearby trails. In the evening, enjoy a home-cooked dinner in the cozy ambience by the serene lake.
Overnight in Ba Be.

Day 07: Ba Be - Hanoi (B/L)

Begin your morning with breakfast at the stilt house, accompanied by mist rising over Ba Be Lake. You will board a boat and meander across the jade waters of Ba Be Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Vietnam. The boat will take you to Fairy Pond, An Ma Temple, and Ba Goa Island, all set against tranquil waters and lush, forested hills. After exploring these scenic spots, you will enjoy a lunch of local specialties before transferring back to Hanoi. Along the way, your vehicle will stop at souvenir shops in Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen, giving you the chance to pick up unique local crafts.
You will arrive in Hanoi in the evening, allowing time to relax and unwind after the day’s drives.
Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 08: Hanoi Departure (B)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will have free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace before your transfer to the airport for your flight back home

Tour maps

Includes/Excludes

  • All transfers and air-conditioned vehicles as per program.
  • Accommodation at 3–4–5 star hotels as selected, including daily breakfast (twin/double room); specific Hanoi examples in source: La Passion Classic (3★) Deluxe or Conifer Grand (4★) Deluxe—subject to availability and equal alternatives.
  • Local English-speaking guide (other languages on request).
  • Entrance fees for destinations listed in the itinerary.
  • Meals as indicated: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner (see day-by-day meals).
  • Two bottles of water per person per day on the coach.
  • International/domestic airfares.
  • Drinks and meals not listed in the program.
  • Vietnam visa (e-visa available; source notes approx. USD 25/person via https://evisa.gov.vn/).
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses (telephone, shopping, etc.).
  • Tipping/gratuities (source suggests USD 5–7/pax/day for guide and driver on private tours).
  • Single supplement; early check-in and late check-out; room upgrades.
  • Any extra costs from force majeure, delays, accidents, or events beyond operator control.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to enter Vietnam?

- Most travelers need a visa to enter Vietnam. However, citizens of some countries can enjoy visa exemptions for short stays. You can apply for an e-Visa online, which is valid for up to 90 days for single or multiple entries. For more information, please visit https://evisa.gov.vn/
- To avoid last-minute issues, we strongly recommend applying for your visa as early as possible, especially during peak travel periods or public holidays.
- For urgent cases, we can assist with urgent visa processing and fast-track airport services upon request.

What are food options?

- We cater to diverse dietary needs, such as Halal, Indian, Western, vegan, and gluten-free, provided we are notified in advance.
- Special meal requests at select restaurants may involve additional fees based on local availability. Any extra costs will be communicated to you clearly for your approval.

What should I know before travelling? (Clothing, Power Outlets, Transport, Safety, Tips)

- Bring light, breathable clothing like cotton or linen for warm climates, and pack extra layers if visiting cooler or rainy regions. Comfortable shoes and a raincoat or umbrella are recommended.
- Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs, with a standard voltage of 220V. It is advisable to carry a universal adapter to ensure the safe charging of your electronic devices.
- Vietnam is safe for tourists, including solo women, but watch out for pickpockets in crowds. Use taxi apps like Grab for affordable and safer city transport.
- The currency is Vietnamese Dong (VND). We recommend you carry some cash for small purchases such as street food or souvenirs.
- Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. If you do Private Tour, tipping fee should be 3 USD/pax/day.

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