Unveiling the Northeast 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

After breakfast, 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. This remote community offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Vietnam’s most distinctive ethnic groups, whose customs and way of life have been preserved for generations.

After the visit, continue your scenic journey to Cao Bằng (approx. 140 km – 3.5 to 4 hours). The route winds through dramatic mountain landscapes, limestone karsts, providing some of the most beautiful scenery in northern Vietnam.

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some time at leisure. Depending on your arrival time, take a walk around the city, visit the local market, or relax at one of the coffee shops along the Bằng River while enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of this charming provincial town.

Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, where you can sample regional specialties unique to the northeast highlands.

Overnight: Cao Bằng

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 Ba Be Lake (approx. 220 km – 5 to 6 hours), travelling through the spectacular mountain landscapes of northeastern Vietnam. Along the way, enjoy views of limestone karsts, forested valleys, and small ethnic minority villages scattered throughout the countryside.

Arrive at Ba Be in the afternoon. Often described as "Ha Long Bay among the mountains," Ba Be is Vietnam's largest natural freshwater lake and one of the country's most beautiful natural treasures. Surrounded by towering limestone mountains and dense tropical forest, the lake forms part of a UNESCO-recognised national park renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.

Upon arrival, embark on a relaxing boat excursion across the tranquil waters of the lake. Cruise through stunning karst scenery and visit highlights such as An Ma Temple, located on a small island in the middle of the lake.

Later, settle into a traditional Tay stilt-house homestay in Pac Ngoi Village, beautifully situated on the lakeshore. Take a leisurely walk around the village to discover local life and learn about the customs and traditions of the Tay people, one of Vietnam's largest ethnic minority groups.

Dinner will be served at your homestay, featuring home-cooked regional dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients.

Overnight: Ba Be Lake (Tay homestay)

After breakfast at your homestay, begin your journey back to Hanoi (approx. 240 km – 5 hours). The drive takes you through the picturesque countryside of northern Vietnam, passing rolling hills, traditional villages, and scenic mountain roads.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Take the opportunity to explore the capital at your own pace, whether strolling through the charming streets of the Old Quarter, browsing local boutiques and art galleries, relaxing at a lakeside café, or simply unwinding after your adventure through Vietnam's northern highlands.

Overnight: Hanoi

After breakfast at your hotel, depart Hanoi and travel south to Ninh Binh (approx. 100 km – 2 hours), a region renowned for its dramatic limestone landscapes, tranquil waterways, and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on Land" Ninh Binh offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in northern Vietnam.

Upon arrival, enjoy the day at leisure to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings. You may choose to explore the countryside by bicycle, visit local villages, or simply unwind at your resort while admiring the spectacular karst formations that rise from the rice fields.

For those wishing to venture out, Ninh Binh offers a variety of attractions, from ancient temples and pagodas to scenic river valleys and nature reserves. Your guide can provide recommendations based on your interests.

As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely evening surrounded by the serene beauty of the Vietnamese countryside.

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 your hotel, depart Ninh Binh and travel to Ha Long Bay (approx. 180 km – 3.5 hours), one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon arrival at the cruise terminal, complete check-in procedures and board your luxury cruise. As the vessel sets sail through the waters of the bay, enjoy a welcome drink while taking in the breathtaking scenery of thousands of limestone islands rising from the sea.

Lunch will be served on board as you cruise deeper into the bay. During the afternoon, participate in the cruise’s activities, which may include kayaking, visiting caves, swimming, or exploring secluded beaches, depending on the itinerary of your chosen vessel.

As evening approaches, return to the ship to relax on the sundeck and admire the spectacular sunset over the bay. Dinner will be served on board, followed by leisure time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Ha Long Bay.

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, 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)