Discover the captivating landscapes of Northern Vietnam off The Beaten Track on this thrilling hiking adventure. Traverse mountainous roads, immerse yourself in the local culture, and experience the charm of homestays in remote villages. Meet friendly ethnic minority groups, including the Hmongs, Red Daos, and Thais. End your journey with a cruise through the stunning Halong Bay, surrounded by iconic sugarloaf-shaped rocks and turquoise waters.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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