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Tonkin Ethnic Minorities – 12 Days

Vietnam
Northern Vietnam
13 days
Authentic

Overview

This itinerary is perfect for those who want to truly explore Northern Vietnam and the cultures of its ethnic minorities, once known as Tonkin.

After discovering Lan Ha Bay (a quieter part of Halong Bay) aboard one of our traditional wooden sailing junks, you will head to the far north of the country. Sapa, the former hill station, will be the starting point of your mountain adventure. You will meet the local ethnic communities living around Sapa, visit Bac Ha and its minority market, and then continue to Ha Giang province. Along the winding roads of the Dong Van Plateau, you will be amazed by breathtaking landscapes. We will also take you hiking in Hoang Su Phi district, a hidden gem famous for its stunning terraced rice fields. This area will delight both trekkers and photographers! Finally, your journey will end with the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, located on the eastern border with China.

This is a journey full of colors and emotions, waiting for you to experience.

The private tour includes the services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide for all excursions.

Practical Information

Duration
13 days
Start / End
Hanoi
Guide Language
English
Regions Visited
Northern Vietnam
Best Time To Go
May to November
Ideal For
Couples / Friends / Families / Seniors
Difficulty Level
Medium
Accommodation
Hotels

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi (L, D)

Arrival in Hanoi. After meeting our team, you will begin exploring the city. In the morning, you will visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest in the Vietnamese capital, and the Temple of Literature, the first university in Vietnam. After lunch, you will stroll through the Old Quarter of the 36 Guild Streets, discovering it on foot and by electric car. The tour will end in the French colonial district, where you will see the Post and Telegraph Office, the former Indochina Bank, the Tonkin Governor’s Residence, the iconic Metropole Hotel, the Opera House avenue, and the History Museum (exterior view). Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: Airport pickup by your guide, private vehicle for the day, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, entrance fees, lunch, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2
Hanoi - Ninh Binh (B, L)

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi around 7:30 a.m. You will then head to Ninh Binh province. The program for this first day includes discovering the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, followed by a boat trip through the Trang An eco-tourism site. Afterwards, you will relax at your accommodation in Tam Coc.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car rental, entrance fees, and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3
Ninh Binh - Cat Ba island - Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D)

You will leave by car with your guide around 7:00 a.m. and head toward Cat Ba Island. It takes about 3.5 hours to reach the ferry terminal. The ferry will take you to the island. You will then cross the island by motorbike (our local colleagues will drive you) to reach Ben Beo pier, located at the southern tip of the island. Lunch will be followed by a cruise on our traditional junk boat (Quatre Saisons or Majonq). In the afternoon, enjoy kayaking and swimming. Dinner and overnight on board.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car and junk boat rental, entrance fees to Lan Ha Bay, overnight on board.

Day 4
Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba island - Hanoi - Overnight train (B, L)

We recommend waking up early to enjoy the sunrise from the upper deck of the boat! After breakfast, you can choose between a bike ride to Viet Hai village or cruising and swimming in a sheltered cove in Lan Ha Bay. You will return to Cat Ba Island around 12:00, where your car will be waiting for you. Return to Hanoi is scheduled around 4:30 p.m.

Late afternoon and dinner at leisure before heading to Hanoi train station for your overnight train to Lao Cai (Sapa).

You will spend the night on the train.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, car and junk boat rental, bicycle rental, train tickets.

Day 5
Lao Cai - Sapa (B, L)

You will arrive early in Lao Cai, where your guide and driver will greet you. Transfer by car to Sapa. After breakfast in town, you will set off to explore the surrounding villages. Enjoy a walk from Lao Chai to Ta Van village (about 4 km) and discover the ancient rock carvings. Lunch with a local family. On the way back, stop at Ban Ho village, then return to Sapa for a visit to the church and its market. Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car transfers, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, overnight at hotel.

Day 6
Sapa - Bac Ha (B, L, D)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will head towards Bac Ha. If today is a Saturday, you will stop en route at Can Cau Market for a visit. If it’s a Sunday, you will depart early to reach Bac Ha Market directly. After lunch at the market, you will explore the former palace of the Hmong King, Hoang A Tuong, a unique blend of Asian and European architecture. The day continues with visits to the Ban Pho and Nakheo villages. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private car with driver, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, activities, overnight homestay.

Day 7
Bac Ha - Hoang Su Phi (B, L, D)

After breakfast with your hosts, you will head to the market (if today is Sunday). You will then take the road to Hoang Su Phi via Sin Man (weather permitting), a region inhabited by ethnic groups such as Viet, Tay, Dao, Hmong, and Nung. The journey offers breathtaking landscapes of terraced rice fields, with plenty of stops along the way to visit villages and admire the scenery. Arrival at your Panhou Ecolodge in Hoang Su Phi by late afternoon. Dinner on-site and overnight in a bungalow.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private car with driver, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, activities, overnight at the ecolodge.

Day 8
Hoang Su Phi - Nam Dam Village (B, L, D)

After breakfast at the ecolodge, you will set off for a half-day hike to explore the stunning terraced rice fields. Along the way, you will discover several Tay villages, with a traditional lunch at a local home. In the afternoon, you will continue by road to Nam Dam, a village located near Ha Giang.

Dinner and overnight at a homestay.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide and a local escort, private car with driver, overnight at a homestay.

Day 9
Nam Dam - Dong Van - Meo Vac (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the homestay, then departure for the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Enjoy a panoramic view of Tam Son villagewith its Nui Doi (“Twin Mountains”). Stop at Yen Minh, then pass through Pho Cao, a village with houses surrounded by grey stone walls. Continue to Pho Bang, an old village inhabited by a Chinese community that still preserves its traditions. Journey through the Sung La Valley and visit Lung Cam village. You will also discover an old Hmong houseand the residence of the former Hmong king, an architectural blend of Hmong, Chinese, and French influences.

Visit Dong Van with its old quarter of traditional houses and its market. Then, take the road to Meo Vac (a Dao village) and reach the Ma Pi Leng Pass, recognized in 2010 by the Global Geoparks Network (GGN).

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Meo Vac.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, private car with driver, activities, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 10
Meo Vac - Bao Lac - Cao Bang (B, L)

Drive to Cao Bang via Bao Lac. Several stops along the way to discover Tay and Dzao villages. Arrival in Cao Bang at the end of the day. Dinner on your own in town and overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car with driver, activities, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 11
Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Cao Bang (B, L)

After breakfast, depart for an excursion to the spectacular Ban Gioc waterfalls, a natural border between China and Vietnam. On the way, visit Nung villages known for their traditional blacksmithing and incense-making crafts. Return to Cao Bang. Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car with driver, activities, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 12
Cao Bang - Hanoi (B, L)

Return to Hanoi after breakfast. On the way, visit the historic site of Pac Bo and the small village of Truong Ha Commune, located at the confluence of two rivers, hence its name which means “source.” Lunch en route. Dinner on your own and overnight at a hotel in Hanoi.

Included today: Breakfast, lunch, private car with driver, activities, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, overnight at the hotel.

Day 13
Hanoi - departure (B)

Last day in Hanoi. You can plan additional visits with our team or simply enjoy your last day taking your time and doing some shopping.

FAQ

All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.

Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.

You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.

That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.

It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.

Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.

You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.

Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.

One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.

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