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North Vietnam 17 Days Off the Beaten Track Tour | Ha Giang Loop, Mu Cang Chai & Halong Bay
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Overview
- Explore the hidden beauty of Northern Vietnam on this 17-day North Vietnam tour, thoughtfully designed for travelers seeking authentic experiences, cultural immersion, and spectacular landscapes beyond the usual tourist routes. This North Vietnam off-the-beaten-track tour takes you on a unique journey through Hanoi, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, Bac Ha, Ha Giang, and Halong Bay—showcasing some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled regions of Vietnam.
- From cycling through peaceful valleys in Mai Chau and trekking in the lush Pu Luong Nature Reserve to discovering the stunning rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and experiencing the vibrant Bac Ha Market, each destination offers a deeper connection to local life. Continue your adventure through the dramatic mountain landscapes of the Ha Giang Loop, where ethnic cultures and raw natural beauty create unforgettable moments. This North Vietnam itinerary perfectly blends adventure, culture, and meaningful travel experiences for those looking to book an authentic Vietnam tour.
- Your journey concludes with a relaxing overnight cruise in Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can unwind among limestone karsts and emerald waters. Whether you are planning a private North Vietnam tour or a small group tour, this 17-day Vietnam tour package offers the perfect balance of exploration and comfort, creating an unforgettable journey through Northern Vietnam.
Places you’ll see
Itinerary
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Upon your arrival, you will be greeted by the guide and driver, who will take you directly to the downtown massage salon. You can indulge in an oriental oil massage, which will rejuvenate you and eliminate fatigue after a long flight. Dinner is at your leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi.
Note: Generally, the check-in time is 2:00 PM.
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After breakfast, your day kicks off with a visit to the square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, honoring the nation's founder. Your guide will narrate the country's independence history before you capture memories in photos.
Next, head to the Defense Pagoda (Tran Quoc) by West Lake, ending your morning with an insightful trip to the Hanoi Ethnography Museum, showcasing Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures.
Lunch awaits at a local eatery.
In the afternoon, a fascinating stroll through the Hanoi Old Quarter awaits you. Start with the Long Bien Bridge - Paul Doumer Bridge (Trần Nhật Duật Street side) and continue to Cao Thắng Street, famous for its traditional spices. Then, explore the Đồng Xuân Market, the largest market in Hanoi, and soak in the lively atmosphere of Hàng Mã Street, known for its decorative items, Chinese toys, and colorful lanterns.
Continue your exploration through Lương Văn Can, Lãn Ông, and Hang Buồm streets, taking the time to visit the Bạch Mã Temple (76 Hang Buồm Street), the oldest temple in Hanoi. Take a well-deserved break at Café Market (Hanoi Coffee Station, 44 Hang Bè Street or another café boutique) to enjoy a complimentary coffee.
Capture the vibrant atmosphere by Hoan Kiem Lake before attending a mesmerizing Hanoi water puppet show in the evening.
Dinner is on your own, followed by an overnight stay at the hotel in Hanoi.
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After breakfast, embark on a journey to Thác Bà Lake, arriving around noon. Surrounded by palm trees and ethnic villages, you'll settle into a traditional stilt house in the White Trouser Dao ethnic community, experiencing the village's rustic charm and warm hospitality.
Visit Ngoi Tu Cultural Village to learn about the lives and cultures of the Dao and Tay people. Explore Thác Bà Hydroelectric Plant, one of Vietnam's first hydroelectric plants, and understand its historical significance.
Enjoy a peaceful night in a stilt house, soaking in the tranquil ambiance and authentic cultural experience of Thác Bà Lake.
Dinner and overnight stay at a homestay or bungalow, depending on your budget.
Morning:
Early Breakfast: Start with a hearty breakfast.
Trekking: Explore nearby forested areas, enjoying the rich biodiversity and fresh air.
Thuy Tien Cave: Visit this off-the-beaten-path cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, adding a sense of adventure.
Afternoon:
Lunch: Return to your accommodation for lunch and a short rest.
Lake Activities: Continue exploring Thác Bà Lake with activities like kayaking or fishing. Visit secluded islands for a peaceful retreat.
Hoang Lien Son Viewpoint: Head to a viewpoint for a panoramic view of Thác Bà Lake and its surroundings.
Evening:
Dinner and Overnight: Stay at a homestay or bungalow, depending on your budget.
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Morning:
Departure: Leave around 8:30 AM after breakfast, heading to Mù Cang Chải.
Tea Plantation: Stop briefly at a green tea plantation.
Midday:
Tu Le Valley: Take a one-hour walk amidst the rice fields and Thai villages.
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
Khau Pha Pass: Stop for panoramic views of the terraced rice fields, recognized as a national heritage site.
Photo Stops: Several stops along the way to capture the best viewpoints, especially in La Pan Tan valley.
Evening:
Arrival in Mù Cang Chải: Arrive by late afternoon. Spend the night in a traditional stilt house with a local family.
Dinner and Overnight: Stay at a homestay or bungalow, depending on your budget.
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Morning:
Breakfast: Start early with a hearty breakfast.
Trek to La Pan Tan: Begin your trek from Mù Cang Chải town towards La Pan Tan terraced fields. Enjoy lush landscapes, local villages, and stunning rice terraces.
Midday:
Photo Break: Capture the breathtaking scenery at the first viewpoint of La Pan Tan.
Continue Trekking: Visit local H’mong villages, learning about their traditional farming methods and daily life.
Lunch Break: Enjoy lunch at a local homestay or designated picnic area. Rest and rehydrate.
Afternoon:
Trek to Mam Xoi Viewpoint: Continue to the Mam Xoi viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the surrounding terraced fields.
Mam Xoi Viewpoint: Spend time taking in the stunning views and capturing photos.
Evening:
Return: Head back to your accommodation to freshen up and rest.
Dinner and Overnight: Stay at a homestay or bungalow, depending on your budget.
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Morning:
Departure: After breakfast, head to Sapa.
O Quy Ho Pass: Pass through the O Quy Ho pass, part of the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Enjoy stunning views of Sapa valleys and reach Heaven's Gate at 1900m altitude.
Afternoon:
Free Time: Enjoy free time in Sapa town to explore on your own.
Meals: Meals are on your own.
Evening:
Overnight: Stay in Sapa.
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Morning:
Breakfast: Start with a hearty breakfast.
Trekking: Head towards Lao Chai village via Y Linh Ho village, immersing yourself in the local culture and scenic beauty.
Midday:
Lunch: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant in Lao Chai village.
Afternoon:
Trek to Ta Van: Continue your trek to Ta Van village. Stroll through the picturesque surroundings, observing the traditional lifestyle of the locals.
Evening:
Dinner: Dinner on your own.
Overnight: Stay at a homestay or bungalow, depending on your budget.
Morning:
Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast.
Departure: Leave Sapa and head towards Bac Ha, passing through mountainous regions near the Chinese border.
Midday:
H'mong Villages: Walk through Ban Pho 1 and Ban Pho 2 villages, known for their delicious corn alcohol.
Lunch: Lunch on your own.
Afternoon/Evening:
Arrival in Bac Ha: Stay with a Tay family in their traditional stilt house.
Dinner: Enjoy dinner and homemade rice wine in a warm atmosphere.
Overnight: Stay at a homestay or hotel, depending on your budget.
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Morning:
Market Visit: Visit a vibrant weekly market. The market location varies: Coc Ly (Tuesday), Sin Cheng (Wednesday), Cao Son or Can Cau (Saturday), and Bac Ha (Sunday). Meet various ethnic groups and explore the market's sections with goods like food, fabrics, and livestock.
Midday:
Lunch: Free lunch at a restaurant in Bac Ha.
Afternoon:
Ngai Phu Cho: Transfer to Ngai Phu Cho, inhabited by the Phu La ethnic group, and enjoy a two-hour walk with views of terraced rice fields.
Return to Bac Ha: Relax and rest for the night.
Evening:
Meals: Dinner on your own.
Overnight: Stay in Bac Ha.
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Morning:
Breakfast: Start with breakfast.
Hoang A Tuong Palace: Short visit before leaving Bac Ha.
Midday:
Journey to Ha Giang: Travel through lush landscapes, rice terraces, and charming villages.
Afternoon:
Tha Village: Arrive at Tha village, home to the Tay ethnic group. Discover local farmers' daily life with a short walk.
Evening:
Dinner: Enjoy dinner with a local family.
Overnight: Stay in a homestay with showers and hot water.
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Morning:
Gate of Heaven: Ascend a grand pass to Đồng Văn Geological Park for panoramic views of the karst landscapes.
Lùng Tám: Visit the brocade weaving village.
Midday:
Lunch: Lunch on your own.
Afternoon:
Sủng Là: Stop in Sủng Là to visit a traditional house and walk through H’Mong and colorful Lo Lo villages.
H'Mong King's Palace: Visit the unique Palace of the H'Mong King Vương Chí Sình, made of plateau stones.
Evening:
Arrival in Đồng Văn: Several stops to admire karst rocks on the way.
Meals on your own.
Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Đồng Văn.
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Morning:
Happiness Road: Journey along the "Happiness Road" from Đồng Văn to Mèo Vạc (25 km). If time allows, enjoy a cruise on the Nho Quế River from Tu Sản alley.
Midday:
Local Villages: Visit Pả Vi village and other local villages, immersing in the rich culture. Have lunch on your own in Mèo Vạc at a traditional restaurant.
Afternoon:
Return to Ha Giang Town: Begin the journey back to Ha Giang Town, cherishing the memories of the northern region.
Evening:
Meals on your own.
Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Ha Giang.
Morning:
Departure: After breakfast, return to Hanoi.
Afternoon:
Arrival in Hanoi: Check into your hotel.
Evening:
Meals on your own.
Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Hanoi.
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Morning:
Departure: Pick up from your hotel at 8 AM and transfer to Halong Bay.
Midday:
Boarding: Board the boat at Tuan Chau Port around noon. Enjoy a welcome drink, cruise briefing, and a deluxe Vietnamese set menu lunch.
Afternoon:
Cruising: Explore Halong Bay's serene areas including Incense Burner, Dog Stone Islet, Fighting Cock, and Finger Islet. Visit Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt).
Evening:
Activities: Attend a fruit and vegetable carving lesson. Enjoy dinner with fresh seafood, followed by activities such as board games or squid fishing.
Overnight: Stay on the boat.
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Morning:
Optional Activities: Wake up early for coffee, tea, and pastries. Participate in a Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck at 6:45 AM.
Titov Island: Visit Titov Island, climb to the peak for a panoramic view or relax on the beach.
Midday:
Breakfast: Full breakfast served on the boat. Settle bills and prepare for disembarkation.
Return to Hanoi: Arrive at Tuan Chau port at 11 AM and transfer back to Hanoi.
Evening:
Meals: Dinner on your own.
Overnight: Stay at a hotel in Hanoi.
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Leisure Time: Enjoy breakfast and leisure time before your airport transfer.
Departure: Head to the airport for your flight back home. Meals are on your own discretion.
End of the Northern Vietnam off The Beaten Track Itinerary!
Meeting & Pickup
Available
Useful Information
Expand All- Drinks and meals not mentioned.
- International airfare and departure taxes.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, drinks… etc.
- Vietnam visa fees (If you are not exempt from the visa).
- All other services not specified in the itinerary
- Any gratuities and tip to driver and tour guide ($3-5/person/day for both guide & driver).
* Notes:
- Domestic flights: We quote separately and can book for you without fees.
- Surcharged for Gala dinner on 24th and 31st December if any.
- Surcharged for Public holidays (30/4-1/5, Lunar New Year).
- The timing of check-in and check-out at the hotels: Check-in at 14:00, check-out at 12:00. (Early check-in/late check-out is upon your request).
- A single supplement is required if you are traveling alone.
- The triple room is possible upon your request.
- All customers participating in the tour must have a passport and identification document when leaving the country.
- Backpack, toiletry bag, sunscreen/cap, water bottles, camera(optional), extra pair of clothes, personal medication, track pants and cotton T-shirt, sweater/ warm jackets for the night.
- Dry fruits, energy bar, chocolates, torch per person with extra batteries, moov spray, dettol solution or salt to avoid leeches, sports shoes or trekking shoes or comfortable shoes with good grip, personal hygiene items: medicine, face towel, shower gel, brush, toothpaste.
- Deposit 50% tour price when signing up and pay the remaining amount 10 days before starting date.
- In case of tour cancellation: (Tour cancellation time is calculated by working days, excluding Saturday, Sunday and public holidays and New Year).
- After the deposit, if you cancel the tour, the company will not refund the deposit.
- If you cancel or change the tour within 20 - 29 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 70% of the tour price.
- If you cancel or change the tour within 10 - 19 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 90% of the tour price.
- If you cancel or change the tour 9 working days before the departure date, please pay the fee of: 100% of the tour value.
* Notes:
- Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months from the date of return.
- If you are a foreigner or overseas Vietnamese, please bring all your passports (bring both passports in case you have 2 citizenships), and Vietnamese visa (attached to your passport or separate sheet) while on tour.
- Please follow according to the tour program, do not separate from the group. If there is a need to separate from the group, please notify the consultant when registering for the tour for more information and additional costs (if any).
- Customers aged 70 years or older require a health certificate to travel abroad from a doctor and must be accompanied by a relative under 60 years old (healthy). Guests over 75 years old, please pay a premium insurance (the fee varies depending on the tour).
- The program may change depending on the flight situation, the hotel in at the site will be officially confirmed on the day of the group meeting, 2-3 days before the departure date. The attractions may not be in the order in the program. During the peak weeks in the site, the hotel may not be in the central area but still ensure the hotel standard according to the program.
- In case of cancellation of the tour right after registration until 10 days before the departure date, you will be subject to a 30% penalty on the travel fare.
- In case of cancellation of the tour within 5-10 days before the departure date, you will be charged 50% of the travel fare.
- In case of cancellation of the tour within 3-5 days before the departure date, you will be charged 75% of the travel fare.
- If you cancel the tour within 0 – 3 days before the departure date, you will be charged 100% of the travel fare.
* Notes:
- In case of tour cancellation due to objective incidents such as natural disasters, epidemics, postponement and cancellation of transportations service... Tourist will not be responsible for any additional compensation other than refund tour fee.
- Above is the maximum cancellation penalty, this cost can be reduced depending on the conditions of each service provider for Tourist.
- The tour cancellation time is calculated for working days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays and New Year.
- If the travel program is canceled or changed by either party due to a force majeure reason (fire, weather, accident, natural disaster, war, delay and cancellation of the public transport plus…), the two parties will not bear any obligation to compensate for the loss that has occurred and not bear any liability. However, each party is responsible for trying its best to help the aggrieved party to minimize losses caused by force majeure.
- Children under 2 years old: 30% of adult price (baby sharing bed with parents).
- Children from 2 to under 12 years old: 90% of adult price (kid sharing bed with parents), 100% of adult price (kid has their own bed).
- Children from 12 years old and up: 100% of the adult price.
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Customer Reviews
Review details
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DEDeb | Israel
Apr 24, 2024Customized tour to Vietnam
Have just returned from a wonderful trip to Northern Vietnam. Mia from Auasia Travel customized a private tour for four people which suited us perfectly. The itinerary covered everything we wanted to see and more. The accommodations were also excellent, and the connecting flights good. Having our own guide and driver, rather than being part of a larger group meant we never felt rushed. We had a ..More -
BRBrian S | France
Apr 16, 2024Well-paced holiday that we all loved
From the moment that we contacted Auasia Travel and our consultant My we were confident the trip would be good. My kept in touch and fine tuned our itinerary to exactly what we needed. Landing in Hanoi we were greeted by our tour guide Sen and driver. Sen was excellent with his knowledge and stories during our Northern Vietnam trip. All our tours were fantastic and some how everything ran ..More -
CHChris C | Poland
Apr 10, 2024Wonderful 17 days around North Vietnam arranged by Auasia Travel
We have just completed a wonderful trip of 17 days around Vietnam arranged by Auasia Travel. An amazing Tour, visiting the wonderful sights of North Vietnam, learning many things about a great country and leaving with lasting memories. Overall, the tour was excellent, well organized, professional with very helpful staff at all levels. Tour guides were fluent English speaking, extremely helpful, ..More
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