Leaving Hanoi behind – a vibrant capital known for its centuries-old architecture, lively markets, and rich culinary traditions – your journey heads north into Vietnam’s mountainous heartland. As the landscape gradually changes, bustling city streets give way to rolling hills, terraced rice fields, winding rivers, and remote ethnic villages.

Ha Giang Province welcomes you with its dramatic highland scenery and remarkable cultural diversity. Along the way, observe daily rural life unfolding across the countryside: farmers tending rice paddies, water buffalo grazing peacefully, and ducks wandering through village paths. Numerous photo stops allow you to capture these authentic moments of life in Vietnam’s northern mountains.

En route, stop at Nguyen Tat Thanh Square in Tuyen Quang City – a spacious civic square and symbolic landmark where local political, social, and cultural activities take place.

Upon arrival in Ha Giang City, visit Kilometer Zero (Km 0), an iconic marker that signifies the gateway to the Ha Giang Plateau. More than just a photo stop, it represents the starting point of an unforgettable journey through one of Vietnam’s most scenic and historically rich regions.

Overnight in Ha Giang City.

Today’s journey takes you deeper into the heart of the Ha Giang Plateau, where dramatic limestone peaks, sweeping valleys, and winding mountain roads create one of Vietnam’s most spectacular landscapes. As you travel north, the scenery becomes increasingly rugged and remote, offering insight into the daily lives of ethnic minority communities such as the H’mong, Tay, and Dao, each with their own customs, traditional dress, and distinctive cuisine.

Your day begins with a gentle stop at Me Village, located just a few kilometers from Ha Giang City. This peaceful rural hamlet is an ideal place for an early stroll, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air, observe traditional straw-roofed houses, and admire endless green rice fields stretching toward the hills.

Continuing the ascent, you pass through the iconic Quan Ba Heaven Gate, the first major mountain pass on the Ha Giang Loop. From the viewpoint, enjoy panoramic views over the valley below, including the famous Twin Mountains rising gracefully from the farmland.

The road then leads through Yen Minh, a region known for its cool pine forests and quiet highland scenery. Here, you’ll catch your first real glimpse of local hill tribe life, as villagers work the land and tend their crops along the roadside.

Entering the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark, the landscape transforms into a striking world of limestone formations sculpted over millions of years. Along Highway 4C, stop at the legendary Tham Ma Pass, a steep and winding mountain road once used by locals to test the strength of their horses. The dramatic curves and sweeping views make this one of the most memorable photo stops of the day.

Nearby, discover the surreal Moon Surface (Moon Rock Field) in Lung Hoa B Village. This extraordinary limestone “stone forest,” shaped by centuries of erosion, resembles a barren lunar landscape and remains one of Ha Giang’s lesser-known natural wonders.

Continue to visit the historic Hmong King’s Palace, a century-old residence of Vuong Chinh Duc, once the most powerful H’mong leader in the region. The palace blends Chinese, French, and H’mong architectural styles and offers fascinating insight into the region’s complex history.

Arriving in Dong Van Old Quarter, step back in time as you stroll through streets lined with century-old houses featuring traditional tube-house designs and yin-yang tiled roofs. The old town remains a lively cultural hub where ethnic communities gather to trade, socialize, and preserve their heritage.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening walk through the old quarter.

Overnight in Dong Van.

Leaving Dong Van, today’s route winds through some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in northern Vietnam before crossing into Cao Bang Province. Towering cliffs, deep river gorges, and isolated villages define the landscape, offering a truly authentic highland experience.

The highlight of the morning is the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, often regarded as the most spectacular mountain pass in Vietnam. From its lofty viewpoints, admire sheer limestone cliffs plunging into the emerald waters of the Nho Que River, which flows from China into Vietnam through a deep canyon.

Descending into the valley, arrive in Meo Vac, a charming H’mong town surrounded by rugged mountains. Nearby, visit a local ethnic village, where you can observe traditional lifestyles, learn about local customs, and experience the quiet rhythm of life in this remote region.

In the afternoon, continue the journey toward Bao Lac, a peaceful highland district in Cao Bang Province. The drive takes approximately three hours, with scenic stops along the way for photos and refreshments as the road winds through forested hills and river valleys.

Arrive in Bao Lac in the late afternoon and settle into your accommodation.

Overnight in Bao Lac, Cao Bang.

The journey brings you to Ba Be Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam and one of the most tranquil landscapes in the country.

As we travel deeper into the Ba Be National Park eco-tourism area, you will be embraced by towering limestone ranges and lush, verdant primary forests. This region is the ancestral home of the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups, where traditional stilt houses, age-old lakeside fishing techniques, and unique customs have been preserved almost perfectly through generations.

Experience the simple, rustic pace of life at Pac Ngoi Village. This small hamlet, nestled peacefully along the lake’s edge, is a Tay community known for its authentic stilt houses and a lifestyle that remains in perfect harmony with nature.

Afterward, we proceed to the Bo Lu – Ba Be area, where you can unwind and soak in the stillness of the water.

Overnight in Ba Be.

Leaving the northern highlands behind, today’s long but scenic drive takes you through Thai Nguyen Province, famous for its rolling tea plantations and cultural heritage, before continuing east toward the coast.

En route, visit Hua Ma Cave, an impressive limestone cave near Ba Be Lake, renowned for its vast chambers, dramatic stalactites, and atmospheric lighting. The cave’s natural formations have been shaped over millions of years, creating a truly otherworldly environment.

Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnic Minority Cultures in Thai Nguyen. Set along the Cau River, this national museum showcases the traditions, architecture, and daily life of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The expansive outdoor exhibition recreates six major cultural regions, offering an immersive cultural experience.

In the afternoon, continue toward Ha Long City, with refreshment stops along the way. Arrive in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Ha Long.

A morning in Ha Long begins gently, with a cool sea breeze and the first light of day dancing across the emerald waters. The journey leads visitors to the Bai Chay Lighthouse, a prominent symbol of Ha Long City. Standing at 55.5m, it is the tallest lighthouse in Vietnam, offering not only a fascinating visit but also breathtaking panoramic views of the entire bay.

Afterward, guests can take a leisurely stroll to breathe in the fresh salt air at Bai Chay Beach, taking in the serene beauty of the blue sea and white sands in the quiet morning light.

Sunworld: Experience Sun World Ha Long—a premier seaside entertainment complex located along the beautiful Bai Chay beach. Spanning 169 hectares, it offers a wide array of attractions, including the Queen Cable Car, theme parks, indoor game zones, and exciting experiences for all ages.

The second and third days of the journey offer two distinct ways to experience Ha Long Bay—a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its thousands of limestone karsts rising from the jade-green water.

OPTIONAL TOUR: OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE (125 USD/ person (Twin-shared))

DAY 1: Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay

11:30 Arrive at Halong International Cruise Port – Bai Chay – Ha Long, express check-in before boarding.

12:15 Check-in aboard with a welcome drink from crew member while the manager introduces the safety briefing and the boat cruises to the Bai Tu Long Bay.

13:15 Let your vacation start with a delicious lunch in the restaurant.

15:30 Discover Thien Canh Son cave located on top of mountain, containing the long history of geological value and natural beauty. Recommend you bring camera and wear sport shoes for hiking.

17:30 Enjoy your time with the beautiful sunset on the bay and join “Happy Hour”

18:00 Cooking class on sundeck with the Deep Fried Spring rolls, one of the unique flavor of Vietnamese food.

19:30 Dinner will be served on sundeck or restaurant.

21:00 Feel free to relax on boat, join Squid fishing at the area of Reception deck.

Note:Cruise itinerary may vary depending on weather and operational conditions. Detailed cruise schedule will be confirmed upon booking.

FOR GUESTS NOT JOINING THE OPTIONAL TOUR ON DAY 2:

Free time to relax or explore Halong City.

Overnight at hotel in Halong bay.

OPTIONAL TOUR: OVERNIGHT ON CRUISE

Day 2:

06:30 Start your day with the Taichi on sundeck.

07:00 Light breakfast serve in dining room.

07:45 Visiting Vung Vieng floating fishing village, one of the biggestvillages in HaLong Bay, you will have the chance to learn about fishermen’s living and feel free with some option activities: bamboo boat or kayaking.

09:00 Back to the main boat for relaxing and check out at the reception, please put all your luggage at the outside of your cabin door, crew member will help to bring luggage on land.

09:45 Brunch is served in the restaurant while the boat heads back to the harbor.

11:00 Disembark at the harbor.

Note: Cruise itinerary may vary depending on weather and operational conditions. Detailed cruise schedule will be confirmed upon booking.

FOR GUESTS NOT JOINING THE OPTIONAL TOUR ON DAY 6:

Today, the journey offers you the chance to explore Ha Long City at your own pace with two exciting choices: delve into local history and culture at the Quang Ninh Museum.

13.00: All members are to assemble at the designated location for transfer back to Hanoi.

In the afternoon, the group will travel back to Hanoi. Your exploration of the capital begins at the legendary Trang Tien Ice Cream shop—a nostalgic treat that has been a part of Hanoi’s collective memory for generations. From here, enjoy a leisurely stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, the “heart” of the capital, where you can feel the unique blend of ancient charm and vibrant modern life.

The journey continues to Ngoc Son Temple, a sacred sanctuary perched on Jade Island in the middle of the lake. To reach the temple, you will cross the iconic scarlet-red The Huc Bridge. This site is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual values of Hanoians. From the temple grounds, you can enjoy a serene view of the ancient Turtle Tower and find a rare moment of peace in the bustling city center.

Note: Please dress modestly (shoulders and knees must be covered) when visiting temples and pagodas.

Before the program concludes, take a walk through the Hanoi Old Quarter, where narrow streets are steeped in history and reflect the characteristic lifestyle of the capital.

To wrap up the journey, our tour guide will escort the group back to the drop-off point at the Hanoi Opera House.