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12-Day Northeast Vietnam and Halong Bay & Ninh Binh

Vietnam
Northern Vietnam
12 days
Authentic

Overview

Embark on a 12-day journey through Northeast Vietnam, combining breathtaking landscapes, authentic encounters and rich cultural immersion. From Hanoi to the remote mountains of Hoang Su Phi, along the legendary roads of Ha Giang and the Dong Van plateau, this adventure takes you deep into the country’s most unspoiled and authentic regions.

Between ethnic villages, terraced rice fields and dizzying mountain passes, each stage offers new discoveries and moments of wonder. The final part of the itinerary leads you to Ninh Binh and Halong Bay, where peaceful cruises, limestone karsts and iconic scenery create a serene interlude — the perfect way to end this unforgettable journey.

Practical Information

Duration
12 days
Visited Region
Northern Vietnam
Start/End
Hanoi/Hanoi
Tour Guide Language
English
Ideal for
Everyone
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Hotel / Ecolodge / Homestay / Junk

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi - Hoang Su Phi - Nam Hong (B, L, D)

07:00 – Meet your bus driver and transfer to Tan Quang, where your private car will be waiting to take you to Hoang Su Phi. Lunch will be served en route, with arrival expected in the early afternoon.

Afternoon – Upon arrival, set off on a hike through the villages of Ban Giang and Giang Ha, before descending towards Nam Hong. Equipped with good walking shoes, you will cross terraced rice fields and traditional hamlets, stopping along the way to meet locals and learn about their way of life.

Dinner and overnight at a homestay in Nam Hong, within the Red Dao community.

Day 2
Nam Hong – Khoa Thuong – Nam Ai (B, L, D)

Trekking according to your preference: you can choose a 13–14 km route or a longer version of 17–18 km.

After breakfast, set off for a full day of hiking through the spectacular landscapes of the region.

Picnic lunch in the heart of nature or at a local house, depending on the chosen itinerary.

Dinner and overnight at a homestay with a family of the Black Dao ethnic group.

Day 3
Nam Ai - Ho Pien - Ha Giang (B, L, D)

Trekking according to your preference: you can choose a 10–12 km route.

Picnic lunch in the heart of nature or at a local house, depending on your preference.

After lunch, meet our driver and depart for Ha Giang (about 3 hours by road).

Arrival in Ha Giang in the evening.

Dinner and overnight at a homestay.

Day 4
Ha Giang - Dong Van (B, L, D)

We take a spectacular road from Ha Giang to Dong Van, a succession of mountain passes and valleys offering breathtaking panoramas, especially at Quan Ba, the famous “Heaven’s Gate.”

Along the way, we will stop to visit ethnic minority villages, take photos, and meet the local people.

Lunch in a local restaurant. Arrival in Dong Van around 4:00 pm.

Dinner and overnight in Dong Van.

Day 5
Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (B, L, D)

The day begins with a visit to the local market of Dong Van, where villagers stock up before returning to their mountain hamlets.

We then follow a path leading to the French fortress of Pu Lo, built in 1890 and abandoned in 1945. From its heights, we enjoy a breathtaking view over the entire region.

The journey continues along what is considered the most spectacular road in Vietnam, winding 15 km up to the summit of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, a stunning maze of barren peaks and deep canyons found nowhere else in the world.

We take a sampan boat ride on the Nho Que River (about 1 hour) before descending towards Meo Vac for lunch.

In the afternoon, return to Bao Lac, with arrival expected by late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse at Khuoi Khon village, Bao Lac.

Day 6
Bao Lac - Ban Gioc (B, L, D)

After breakfast, visit the Black Lolo village, then depart for Cao Bang (180 km – about 5 hours by road) through magnificent landscapes.

Along the way, we will discover several ethnic markets (located every 8 to 10 km), where the Flower Lolo, White Hmong, and Red Dao gather. The women of these minorities, dressed in beautiful traditional cotton garments, welcome us warmly. Their smiles, accentuated by their black-lacquered teeth, reflect an ancient custom.

Dinner and overnight in Cao Bang, at a hotel near the Ban Gioc Waterfalls.

Day 7
Ban Gioc Waterfalls - Nguom Ngao cave - Ba Be National Park (B, L, D)

Visit the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, located on the border with China. Also known as the Detian Falls, they are among the most beautiful natural wonders of Vietnam. Rising over 70 meters high, the waterfalls cascade down multiple tiers, forming several streams separated by rocks and lush vegetation.

Continue with a visit to the Nguom Ngao Cave, one of the largest natural caves in Vietnam, famous for its impressive limestone formations.

Lunch in a local restaurant, then depart for Ba Be (150 km – about 4 hours by road).

Arrival in Ba Be in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight at a homestay.

Day 8
Ba Be National Park (B, L, D)

Breakfast with your hosts, then enjoy a half-day boat trip on Ba Be Lake and the Nang River, surrounded by stunning mountain and cliff landscapes. During this excursion, you will discover the Dau Dang Waterfalls and the Puong Cave.

Afternoon – take a bike ride to visit Hua Ma Cave.

Return to Pac Ngoi for dinner and spend a second night in a homestay.

Day 9
Ba Be National Park - Hanoi (B, L)

Return to Hanoi via the small mountain road passing through Cho Chu and Cho Don.

Lunch in a local restaurant. Visit the Thai Nguyen Museum of Ethnology, then continue to Hanoi, arriving around 6:00 pm.

Day 10
Hanoi - Ninh Binh (B, L, D)

Breakfast at your hotel, then departure for Ninh Binh province, often referred to as the “Inland Halong Bay.”
Start with a sampan boat ride in Tam Coc.
Lunch at a local restaurant, then check in at your hotel.
In the afternoon, enjoy a bike ride through the surrounding countryside. Visit Bich Dong Pagoda and climb Mua Mountain for a stunning panoramic view over the Tam Coc area.
Return to your hotel at the end of the afternoon. Dinner at leisure in Tam Coc.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 11
Tam Coc - Cat Ba island - Lan Ha bay (B, L, D)

Today is the day you discover Halong Bay! You will depart around 7:30 AM for Haiphong province. After crossing the Tan Vu Bridge — the longest sea-crossing bridge in Southeast Asia — you will take the ferry to Phu Long pier on Cat Ba Island.
Upon arrival, a bus will take you to the small port of Ben Beo, where the Quatre Saisons junk awaits. Around 12:30 PM, embark on a 23-hour cruise through Lan Ha Bay. Lunch will be served on board while the junk sails past the floating fishing village of Hang Vem. Depending on the wind, sailing with the traditional sails may be possible.
On the program: swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sundeck while admiring the beauty of the bay.
Dinner and overnight on board the junk.

Day 12
Lan Ha bay - Cat Ba island - Hanoi (B, L)

In the morning, the junk cruises towards Viet Hai fishing village. Upon arrival, enjoy a ride by electric car or bicycle over a small pass to explore the village and experience local life. Alternatively, you may choose to swim or relax on the sundeck instead of visiting Viet Hai.
Return to the junk to check out of your cabins at 10:00 AM while the boat heads back to Ben Beo pier.
Lunch is served around 11:00 AM.
Disembarkation is scheduled for 11:30 AM, followed by transfer back to Hanoi by car/bus.

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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+84 9 66 59 98 05

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info@parfumdautomne.fr

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