Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa, Ha Giang Loop, Mai Chau, Pu Luong | 15 Days
Embark on a comprehensive 15-day expedition through Northern Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes and cultural treasures. This immersive journey takes you from the historic streets of Hanoi to the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, through the terraced rice fields of Sapa and Ninh Binh, along the breathtaking Ha Giang Loop, and into the serene valleys of Mai Chau and Pu Luong. Experience authentic encounters with diverse ethnic minorities, stay in traditional homestays, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and navigate some of Vietnam's most dramatic mountain passes. Perfect for adventurous travelers seeking a deep connection with Vietnam's northern regions, this carefully crafted itinerary balances natural wonders, cultural experiences, and active exploration while providing comfortable accommodations and delicious local cuisine throughout.
Accommodation: NT Elysian Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Airport transfer (or pick-up from desired location) Check-in Welcome drinks Enjoy the pulsing streets of Ha Noi and an optional complimentary dinner of your choice
Accommodation: Private cabin on the cruise
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Morning starts with hotel pickup for Ha Long Bay. Around noon, reach Tuan Chau port and board your luxury cruise by speedboat. Enjoy lunch while sailing among stunning rock formations. Afternoon brings swimming and kayaking at Tra Bau island. Later, relax on deck to watch sunset, join a cooking class, and enjoy dinner. Evening offers games, karaoke, and squid fishing for entertainment.
Accommodation: NT Elysian Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start with a peaceful morning tai chi session on the ship as the sun rises. Enjoy breakfast before visiting Quan Y cave by bus. Return to the ship, check out, and have a final meal while sailing back. Leave the ship before noon and travel to Hanoi. Rest at your hotel in the Old Quarter, then choose between a relaxing foot massage or exploring local food. Evening is yours to enjoy in the city.
Accommodation: Trang An Heritage Garden
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Morning begins with hotel pickup in Hanoi for your journey to Ninh Binh. Enjoy a quick rest stop along the way. First explore impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda with its 500 stone statues, massive bronze bell, and golden Goddess of Mercy statue. Midday brings local cuisine at Trang An Heritage restaurant, with options for all diets. Afternoon features a peaceful 90-minute rowboat ride through UNESCO-listed Trang An, famous for its cave system seen in "Kong: Skull Island." Return to Trang An Heritage Garden to check in, pay a visit to the swimming pool, and finish with a complimentary dinner at the restaurant for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Massage VIP cabin while transferring to Sapa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin with a relaxing breakfast at your accommodation. After checking out, join a short cycling adventure to experience local village life, or simply unwind by the pool. Visit historic Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, to explore temples and learn about the country's royal dynasties. Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local dishes before boarding a rowboat through Tam Coc's "Halong Bay on land" with its rice fields, limestone formations, and three magnificent caves. Later, climb 500 steps at Mua Cave for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Return to Trang An Heritage Garden to refresh and enjoy dinner before departing for Sapa in a comfortable luxury massage cabin.
Accommodation: Private room at Lustig Hostel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Arrive early morning at Sapa bus station and transfer to your hotel for a local breakfast and to meet your guide. Begin exploring Cat Cat and Shin Chai villages, historic French colonial areas that have been popular resorts since the early 1900s. Visit the Hydropower station and discover the beautiful Cat Cat waterfall. Experience local H'mong culture firsthand as you observe traditional crafts including weaving, silver carving, and the making of hand-forged farming tools. Complete a scenic 4km walk back to Sapa town. Enjoy dinner in the evening before overnight accommodation at Lustig hotel.
Accommodation: Private room at rural homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin your morning with a scenic walking tour to the traditional hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. These peaceful settlements are home to H'mong and Dzay ethnic minorities. As you descend into the valley below Sapa, you'll encounter local residents going about their daily lives. The journey offers authentic opportunities to interact with village families and learn about their customs firsthand. Enjoy a casual lunch either during your walk or as guests in a local family home, adding to the cultural immersion of your experience.
Accommodation: VIP cabin while transfering to Ha Giang / Private room at rural homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a morning meal at your homestay before starting your 10km trekking adventure. Your path takes you through two distinct ethnic minority villages - home to Red Dzao and H'mong communities (Giang Ta Chai and Su Pan). Along the journey, discover a picturesque waterfall and unique rattan bridge. After climbing to Su Pan village, meet your bus for transportation back to Lustig hostel where you can relax and have dinner before beginning your next adventure on the Ha Giang Loop.
Accommodation: Private room at rural homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A captivating journey beginning with exploration of the rugged Dong Van rock plateau, followed by traversing the challenging Tham Ma slope that stretches for 8km. You'll then arrive at the breathtaking Quan Ba Heaven Gate with its panoramic vistas, and marvel at the mystical Co Tien twin mountains rising majestically from the landscape. The route features spectacular winding roads cutting through dramatic natural scenery before a refreshment stop in the quaint Yen Minh town. The adventure continues with a return to the stunning Tham Ma pass for memorable photographs, then winding through the verdant Sung La valley with its terraced fields. The historical King Cat palace offers a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. The expedition concludes in the charming Dong Van Town, where you'll rest and dine amid the atmospheric mountain setting.
Accommodation: Private room at rural homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a full day in northern Vietnam starting with breakfast at 7:30AM, followed by a visit to the northernmost Lung Cu flagpole and nearby lunch. In the afternoon, experience Ma Pi Leng Pass, Vietnam's most beautiful mountain route, take a 2km nature walk, and marvel at the 1km-deep Tu San gorge with the Nho Que river flowing through it. End your day in Pa Vi village with dinner, drinks, and overnight accommodation.
Accommodation: NT Elysian Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with breakfast from 7:30-8:30AM before heading to Dong Van old town at 9AM. Continue to Meo Vac town for lunch, then return to Ha Giang city by 5PM, concluding your Ha Giang Loop Tour. Travel back to Hanoi with expected arrival at 11PM, where you'll stay at the NT Elysian hotel.
Accommodation: Private room at rural homestay
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Experience the beauty of Mai Chau Valley in this full-day adventure. Starting with a 7:30 AM hotel pickup, you'll journey along scenic mountain roads where Muong and Thai ethnic villages are nestled between valleys and hills. At Thung Khe Pass (10:50-11:30 AM), enjoy stunning panoramic views and browse a local Muong market. After lunch, explore the valley by bicycle, seeing farmers at work and visiting villages where locals weave traditional scarves. Enjoy free time for additional cycling or shopping before dinner, which features authentic Thai cuisine. Groups of five or more will experience a traditional dance performance and have the opportunity to taste "ruou can," the local rice wine served through bamboo straws.
Accommodation: Private room at rural homestay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel 35km to the magnificent Pu Luong Nature Reserve, with interesting stops along the way to observe local chopstick manufacturing factories and capture memorable photos of the scenic landscape. Upon arrival at the reserve, take a brief 10-minute rest before embarking on an invigorating trek through Pu Luong's breathtaking terrain. Marvel at the dramatic mountain vistas and meticulously crafted rice terraces that characterize this protected area. Pause for a delicious lunch in a local village, allowing time to rest and immerse yourself in the serene rural atmosphere. After lunch, continue your exploration with more trekking through this ecological wonder before returning to Mai Chau. Enjoy some free time to relax and reflect on the day's adventures. The evening brings a satisfying dinner, followed by a restful night's sleep in preparation for tomorrow's activities.
Accommodation: NT Elysian Hotel
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Begin your day with breakfast before meeting your Thai tour guide. Embark on a 2km cycling journey that leads to the trailhead for your trekking adventure. The trek will take you through remote rural communities including Na Meo, Na Mo, and Xam Pa villages, where you'll witness stunning rice terraces carved into the hillsides. This immersive experience offers valuable insights into the unique culture and traditional customs of these isolated villages. Your guide will share local knowledge and help you connect with the authentic way of life preserved in these remote highland communities.
Accommodation: Day use at NT Elysian Hotel
The journey ends here! Explore Hanoi for last-minute shopping or a farewell lunch / dinner before transferring to the airport for your departure flight