Unveiling the Northwest of Vietnam

Welcome to Hanoi, the vibrant capital of Vietnam. Upon landing at Noi Bai International Airport, our guide and driver will warmly greet you and transfer you to the hotel for check-in and some rest after your long journey.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may spend the afternoon exploring the city at leisure. Stroll through the 36 bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where each street has been historically dedicated to a different trade, and soak up the lively atmosphere of local life.

The journey continues with a visit to Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), the symbolic heart of the city. Around the lake, you will find the Ngoc Son Temple and the Pen Tower (Tháp Bút), a historic complex that reflects Vietnam’s folk traditions and spiritual heritage.

In the late afternoon, you will get to enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show. A unique and ancient art form that originated in northern Vietnam. Performed on a water stage with colourful wooden puppets, the show vividly depicts scenes from rural life, legends, and Vietnamese folklore in a way that is both entertaining and culturally enriching.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, followed by an overnight stay in Hanoi.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast at your hotel, begin the day with a visit to Phu Tay Ho Temple, dedicated to the Holy Mother Lieu Hanh, one of Vietnam’s revered deities. Located on the edge of West Lake, Hanoi’s largest lake, spanning nearly 500 hectares, this is also a beautiful spot to enjoy sweeping views of the city’s most tranquil waters.

Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), home to more than 1,500 artifacts showcasing the daily life, customs, and traditional attire of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. The museum also features an impressive outdoor exhibition of life-sized ethnic houses and traditional architecture, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country’s cultural diversity.

Lunch today will feature a local specialty: Bun Cha Hanoi, a flavorful dish of grilled pork served with rice noodles and accompanied by a variety of herbs and vegetables.

In the afternoon, visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Mausoleum, the humble stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived, and the surrounding gardens. Nearby, discover the iconic One Pillar Pagoda, originally built in 1049 based on the dream of Emperor Ly Thai Tong.

The day concludes at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first national university, established in 1070. Dedicated to Confucius and scholars, this complex reflects the country’s deep traditions of learning and culture.

Dinner at leisure and overnight stay in Hanoi.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast at the hotel, depart with your guide for Hoang Su Phi (approx. 300 km – 6 hours by road). This remote district in Ha Giang Province is renowned for its breathtaking terraced rice fields, which glow golden during harvest season, and the cultural heritage of the Red Dao ethnic minority.

Upon arrival, check in at Ho Thau Eco-Village, a community-based lodge nestled amid mountains and valleys. Take some time to settle in and admire the surrounding landscapes before beginning your afternoon adventure.

In the afternoon, enjoy a light 2–3 hour hike up to Chieu Lau Thi Peak — whose name translates as “Nine Steps of Heaven.” Once a French military observation point, the summit offers sweeping panoramas over Hoàng Su Phì’s rugged terrain and vast rice terraces, a view that captures the wild beauty of Vietnam’s northern highlands.

Dinner will be served at a local homestay, where you’ll experience the warmth of Red Dao hospitality.

Overnight: Hoang Su Phi (Homestay)

Optional: Hotel accommodations can be arranged upon request.

In the morning, we will set out on a scenic hike through Nam Hong and Nam Nghi villages, home to the Red Dao and Long-Dress Dao communities. Here, many locals still wear their traditional attire, and you’ll witness daily rural life surrounded by spectacular mountain landscapes. The trail passes through slopes planted with corn, cassava, and terraced rice fields that stretch endlessly across the hillsides. During harvest season (September–November), the golden rice terraces transform the valley into a breathtaking natural masterpiece.

Enjoy lunch before continuing your journey by car toward Quan Ba via Hà Giang (approx. 100 km – 2.5 hours). On arrival, explore the Quan Ba Heaven Gate, originally constructed by the French in collaboration with local tribal leaders in the early 20th century. The gate once served as a strategic checkpoint to control the cultivation and trade of opium across the Đồng Văn Plateau.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Nam Dam Village, a Red Dao settlement surrounded by majestic mountains and forests. Here, you will experience authentic village life while staying in a traditional Dao homestay. Dinner will be prepared by your hosts, offering a taste of the region’s rustic flavours.

Overnight: Nam Dam (Homestay/Local Village)

Begin the morning with a gentle 1.5-hour hike around Nam Dam Village, giving you the chance to soak in the peaceful rural atmosphere and observe the daily life of the Red Dao people against a backdrop of forested mountains.

Afterward, set off by road toward Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark (approx. 130 km – 4 hours). Rising 1,250 meters above sea level and covering more than 600 km², this UNESCO-recognized site is the largest karst plateau in Vietnam and one of Asia’s most significant geological parks.

The drive offers striking views of jagged limestone peaks and barren rocky landscapes that illustrate the resilience of the H’Mong people who inhabit this remote region. Despite harsh conditions with scorching summers and freezing winters, they have carved out a way of life by transforming the stony hills into fertile maize fields. This remarkable adaptation has created a “corn civilization” comparable in cultural importance to the rice civilizations of the Red River and Northwest regions.

Along the way, several fascinating stops are planned:

• Pho Cao Old Quarter: where you can admire traditional earthen houses with tiled roofs.
• Lung Cu Flag Tower (Lũng Cú): perched atop Dragon Mountain at Vietnam’s northernmost point. Here you’ll encounter H’Mong and Lô Lô villages, where weaving traditions are still preserved.
• The Palace of H’Mong King Vương Chính Đức (1865–1947): an architectural gem blending Chinese and European influences, reflecting the artistry and cultural pride of the H’Mong elite.

Arrive in the Dong Van (Đồng Văn) district by late afternoon. Stroll through its narrow streets and discover the old town, with century-old houses that evoke the atmosphere of a bygone era. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Dong Van.

Overnight: Dong Van

If your visit falls on a Sunday, you’ll have the unique chance to experience the weekly markets of Dong Van and Meo Vac. These colourful gatherings are a highlight of life in the northern mountains, where ethnic groups such as the H’Mong, Dao, Lô Lô, and Tày come together in vibrant traditional dress to trade livestock, handicrafts, and produce.

In the morning, set off on a scenic hike through the limestone forests around Dong Van. This lesser-travelled route follows the border with China, passing rough karst hills and isolated villages of the H’Mong, offering sweeping views of the Nho Que River winding through dramatic valleys and maize fields.

Later, drive toward Meo Vac (20 km – approx. 40 minutes), home to the Lo Lo and Pu Peo communities. The journey takes you along the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, a 20-kilometre mountain road often hailed as the most spectacular stretch in northern Vietnam, with cliffs plunging sharply into the valley below.

In the afternoon, continue by road to Bao Lac (120 km – approx. 3 hours). Along the way, stop at ethnic minority villages for photos and short walks, immersing yourself in the diverse cultures of the highlands.

Arrive in Bao Lac by late afternoon. Nestled on the banks of the Gam River, this small town is home to Tay, Nung, and Black Lo Lo communities, who preserve many of their age-old traditions. Dinner will be served at your accommodation.

Overnight: Bao Lac

In the morning, visit a Black Lo Lo village hidden among the surrounding mountains, where traditional wooden houses and colourful attire reflect the community’s enduring cultural heritage.

Continue your journey toward Ba Be Lake (approx. 160 km – 4 hours), whose name means “the lake of three seas” in the local Tay language. According to legend, the three sections of the lake are called Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng. Often described as “Ha Long Bay among the mountains,” Ba Be is the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam and has been listed among the world’s 20 most beautiful lakes. Its waterfalls, rivers, valleys, caves, and towering limestone cliffs are nothing short of spectacular.

On arrival, board a motorboat along the Nang River, surrounded by dramatic karst scenery. Visit Puong Cave, home to a large colony of bats, before continuing to the astonishing Dau Dang Waterfall. Enter the serene waters of Ba Be Lake itself to explore hidden corners and stop at An Ma Temple, perched on a small island in the lake. If the weather permits, you may even take a refreshing swim.

This evening, settle into a traditional Tay stilt house homestay in Pac Ngoi Village, located by the Ta Leng River. Stroll around the village to meet locals who make their living from fishing and rice cultivation, and learn more about the daily life of the Tày people, Vietnam’s second-largest ethnic group after the Kinh. Dinner will be served at your homestay.

Overnight: Ba Be (homestay in Pác Ngòi Village).

After breakfast, depart for Ban Gioc Waterfall (approx. 240 km – 6 hours), travelling along a scenic road lined with lush vegetation typical of Vietnam’s northeast. As you approach the Chinese border, the roar of cascading water signals your arrival.

Standing 30 meters high and more than 100 meters wide, Ban Gioc is the largest waterfall in Vietnam. Its powerful flow tumbles down in three tiers, divided by rocky outcrops, creating an awe-inspiring natural spectacle. The surrounding karst mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, making this one of the country’s most iconic landscapes.

On the return journey to Cao Bang (approx. 100 km – 2.5 hours), stop to explore the remarkable Nguom Ngao Cave, located just one kilometre from the falls. Stretching several kilometres, the cave dazzles visitors with illuminated chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites of fantastic shapes. One cavern extends for over 100 meters, resembling a vast underground cathedral carved by nature.

Arrive in Cao Bang City by late afternoon. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant before checking into your hotel for the night.

Overnight: Cao Bang

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Bac Son Valley (approx. 150 km – 3 hours 45 minutes). The route follows the historic Colonial Road No. 4 (RC4), a road of great significance during the French colonial era, passing through Dong Khe and That Khe on the way.

Arrive in Bac Son in the afternoon. Nestled in a scenic valley, the town is surrounded by lush green mountain ranges and fertile terraced fields that glow golden during harvest season.

In the late afternoon, enjoy a hike up Na Lay Peak (about 600 meters above sea level). The climb involves nearly 1,200 stone steps, but the reward is a breathtaking panoramic view of the valley, which is a photographer’s dream. From the summit, you can admire the harmonious patchwork of rice fields, rivers, and villages set against the dramatic karst backdrop.

Later, settle into a traditional Tay homestay in Quynh Son Village, where stilt houses line the valley floor. Dinner will be served at your host’s home, offering an authentic taste of local hospitality.

Overnight: Bac Son (homestay)

After an early breakfast, depart with your guide for Ha Long Bay (approx. 210 km – 4.5 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized twice for its outstanding natural beauty and geological value. You will arrive around midday.

Board your cruise and begin a 3-day, 2-night journey through Ha Long Bay. Upon embarkation, you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing drink, introduced to the crew, and given a briefing about the program for the coming 23 hours before settling into your private cabin.

Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as the boat glides into Bai Tu Long Bay, where thousands of limestone islands rise dramatically from emerald waters, resembling a mythical landscape sculpted by nature.

In the afternoon, you may choose to relax on a secluded beach (weather permitting), paddle a kayak through hidden lagoons, or simply unwind on deck as the sun dips below the horizon.

Return to the cruise ship in the evening for a seafood dinner, followed by onboard activities such as night squid fishing or enjoying a cocktail on the sundeck under the starlit sky.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay (Cruise)

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of Ha Long Bay and enjoy breakfast on board as the cruise sets sail deeper into the bay. Today’s journey takes you further into Bai Tu Long Bay, often described as a paradise at sea, home to more than 400 islands and islets of striking shapes.

During the morning, the boat will anchor at a secluded spot where you may choose to swim in the emerald waters or simply float and relax amid the limestone cliffs.

Return to the boat for a freshly prepared lunch on board.

In the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to relax on the sundeck or join a kayaking excursion, paddling through hidden lagoons and dramatic karst formations to fully appreciate the majesty of the bay.

Dinner and overnight stay on the cruise.

Overnight: Ha Long Bay (Cruise)

Rise early to witness the sunrise over Ha Long Bay, a magical moment as the first light of day paints the limestone peaks in golden hues. Enjoy breakfast on board while the crew lifts anchor and the boat makes its way toward Vung Vieng Floating Village.

Here, you’ll board a small rowing boat to explore the village, drifting past floating houses and fish farms while learning about the daily life of fishing families who have lived on the bay for generations.

Return to the cruise for a delightful à la carte lunch as the vessel sails back toward Hòn Gai Harbour. Disembark around midday and continue your journey by road to Ninh Binh (approx. 2.5 hours), often called “Ha Long Bay on land” for its stunning karst landscapes and river valleys.

In the afternoon, set out on a cycling excursion through the Ninh Binh countryside, passing rice paddies, waterways, and limestone peaks. Return to your hotel for relaxation and leisure time in the evening.

Dinner at your own preference and overnight in Ninh Bình.

Overnight: Ninh Binh

After breakfast at the hotel, begin the day with a leisurely two-hour rowboat journey along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Cốc, often called “Ha Long Bay on Land.” Glide through three natural caves (Tam Cốc means “three caves”), past towering limestone cliffs, and alongside flooded rice paddies that change colour with the seasons.

Continue with a cycling excursion through local villages, weaving deeper into the rice fields and rural landscapes. Ride along country trails through Hai Nham Village, eventually reaching Bich Dong Pagoda, a cluster of three ancient temples built into the slopes of Ngu Nhac Mountain. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, the setting is both spiritual and scenic.

In the afternoon, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the seat of Vietnam’s first dynasties during the 10th and early 11th centuries. Explore the temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, which, despite their age, retain the elegance of wood and stone carvings crafted by 17th-century artisans.

End the day with a visit to Phat Diem Cathedral (approx. 20 km away), the cradle of Catholicism in Vietnam. Built from stone and wood, this unique complex combines traditional Vietnamese pagoda architecture with European Gothic elements, reflecting the country’s cultural fusion.

Dinner at leisure and overnight in Ninh Binh.

Overnight: Ninh Bình

After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time to relax or make use of the hotel’s facilities. Later, your driver will transfer you to Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (approx. 3 hours by road) for your onward flight.

This marks the end of your unforgettable 14-day journey through Northeast Vietnam with Mekong Mosaic, filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and authentic local experiences.

Departure at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi)