Northern Vietnam Lodges – 10 Days

Authentique

Northern Vietnam Lodges – 10 Days

Vietnam

Northern Vietnam

10 days

Authentic tour

Overview

Embark on a journey through the most stunning landscapes of Northern Vietnam with this comprehensive 10-day tour.

You’ll explore Hanoi, the Mai Chau valley, Pu Luong Nature Reserve, the surroundings of Sapa, and the breathtaking Lan Ha Bay. Stay in some of the most beautiful eco-lodges set amidst spectacular scenery.

This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking a perfect balance of authenticity and comfort.

Practical Information

Duration

10 days

Start / End

Hano

Guide Language

English

Region Visited

Northern

Best Time To Go

All year

Ideal For

Couples / Friends / Families / Seniors

Difficulty Level

Easy

Accommodation

Hotel

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1

Hanoi (L)

Morning arrival in Hanoi, meet at the airport and transfer to the city center.

With your guide, you’ll visit the Temple of Literature (Van Mieu), founded in the 11th century by Emperor Ly Thanh Tong to honor scholars and great writers.

Next, explore the remnants of the colonial era: the former Governor-General’s Palace of Indochina, built in 1906; the neo-Gothic Saint Joseph’s Cathedral; and the Hanoi Opera House, built in 1911 by Garnier. You will also visit the One-Pillar Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot).

End the day with a cyclo ride through the lively Hoan Kiem district, famous for its 36 streets and traditional guilds.

Dinner on your own and overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: Services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car with driver, entrance fees, lunch, overnight at the hotel.

Day 2

Hanoi - Mai Chau (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart for Mai Chau (approximately 4 hours by car).

After lunch at your ecolodge, enjoy a bike ride along the flat paths through the small villages of Na Phon, Kha, Na Hi, and Mai Hich surrounding Mai Chau, to explore the stunning countryside. You may encounter rice cultivation for some, net fishing for others, sewing and weaving workshops in local houses, or even bamboo shoot drying activities along the way.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional Thai music and dance performance. This ethnic group has lived in the region for centuries and proudly preserves its customs and traditions.

Your lodge: The Mai Chau Ecolodge is nestled in the heart of mountains and rice fields, offering spectacular views. It is a true haven of peace and charm, immersed in a magnificent natural setting.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car and driver, entrance tickets, overnight at the ecolodge.

Day 3

Mai Chau - Pu Luong (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will have free time to relax and explore the surroundings of your ecolodge. Enjoy the stunning views over the rice fields and the peaceful setting.

Then, depart for the Pu Luong Nature Reserve, crossing a mountain pass with breathtaking views of the valley. Arrival at Pu Luong Retreat for lunch.

In the afternoon, transfer to a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you will start a walk to observe the famous handmade bamboo water wheels. Visit a fisherman’s house, then take a bamboo raft ride to discover the spectacular landscapes.

Your lodge: Nestled on a hill with panoramic views of the rice fields and mountains, Pu Luong Retreat is built using local materials, offering one of the most authentic experiences possible.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car and driver, entrance tickets, overnight at the ecolodge.

Day 4

Pu Luong Nature Reserve (B, L, D)

After breakfast, depart for a 6-hour hike to discover the stunning terraced rice fields (difficulty level adjustable according to your fitness).

During the walk, visit remote mountain villages set amid breathtaking landscapes.

After a picnic lunch in the heart of nature, enjoy free time to refresh by the river, then return to Pu Luong Retreat.

Dinner and overnight stay on site.

Included in the day: Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, entrance tickets, overnight at the ecolodge.

Day 5

Pu Luong - Hanoi - Overnight train to Lao Cai. (B, L)

After breakfast, depart for a new 3-hour hike and meet the locals living in the hills above the lodge. Discover their daily life and colorful textile weaving.

After lunch at Pu Luong Retreat, return to Hanoi in the late afternoon and transfer to Hanoi train station to board a comfortable sleeper train to Lao Cai, on the Chinese border. Overnight on board the train.

Included in the day: Breakfast, lunch, services of a English-speaking Vietnamese guide, private car with driver, train tickets (sleeper).

Day 6

Lao Cai - Bac Ha - Topas Ecolodge (B, L, D)

Arrival at Lao Cai station in the morning. Meet your guide and transfer along a beautiful mountain road to one of the ethnic markets of Upper Tonkin, depending on the day of arrival (Bac Ha on Sunday; Can Cau on Saturday; Coc Ly on Tuesday, etc.).

After the market, take a walk through the village of Thai Giang Pho, crossing a stunning valley inhabited by the Tay people in their stilt houses. Discover their traditions and customs, with lunch served along the way.

In the afternoon, drive to Sapa and continue to Topas Ecolodge, a gem nestled in the heart of nature.

Dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Your lodge: Perched atop two cone-shaped hills at the bottom of Sapa’s spectacular valley, Topas Ecolodge is a rare authentic gem. Built from local white granite and based on sustainability principles, this upscale accommodation offers an exceptional experience immersed in nature.

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

Day 7

Sapa surroundings (B, L, D)

Half-day visit to the Lech village of the Red Dao ethnic group. Along the way, you can stop to admire the stunning landscapes: terraced rice fields, lush vegetation, and local ethnic villages. You will discover the daily life of the Red Dao people and see the women embroidering their clothes with brightly colored threads. The women traditionally wear a red scarf on their heads.

In the afternoon, enjoy free time to relax and soak in the lodge’s peaceful surroundings.

Lunch and dinner at Topas Ecolodge.

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

Day 8

Sapa - Nam Cang - Hanoi (B, L, D)

In the morning, drive to Hoang Lien National Park until the starting point of the trek near Sin Chai village. You are now off the beaten path, enjoying beautiful views of high mountains, waterfalls, and deep valleys. The trails will soon lead you to the Dao village of Nam Nhiu, where you will meet the villagers, enjoy a cup of green tea in their home, and discover their daily way of life.

Continue along a quiet path until you reach Nam Cang village. Lunch is served at Nam Cang Riverside Lodge, with the jungle behind the lodge and the river in front.

Nam Cang village is located in the most remote area of Sapa. The Dao women wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes among all ethnic groups in Vietnam. Herbal baths, traditional medicine, and embroidery are some of the skills the Red Dao have preserved.

Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the surroundings of the village, learning how villagers practice rice-paper writing, jewelry making, and embroidery. You may also take a refreshing swim in the river.

Return to Hanoi by road and check in at the hotel.

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

Day 9

Hanoi – Cat Ba island – Lan Ha Bay (B, L, D)

Your driver and guide will pick you up around 7:30 AM at your hotel.

First, you will take a ferry to reach the island. After the ferry, to reach Cat Ba town (about 30 km away), where our traditional junk is moored, we suggest a one-hour motorbike ride with a driver, off the beaten path.

Around 12:30 PM, you will board our traditional boat, the Four Seasons. The junk will first sail past the fishing village of Hang Vem in Lan Ha Bay. Sailing is possible depending on the wind. Enjoy this trip to relax, swim, and sunbathe on deserted beaches (weather permitting). In the afternoon, you will also have the option to go kayaking and explore beautiful coves.

Lunch and dinner are served on board and can be adapted to your dietary requirements.

You will spend the night on board, anchored in a cove in the middle of Lan Ha Bay.

Included in the day: Private car transport from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island, crossing the island by motorbike, entrance tickets to Lan Ha Bay, private cruise on the Four Seasons, lunch and dinner, kayak rental, overnight on board.

Day 10

Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba island - Hanoi (B, L)

Breakfast on board the junk before starting the morning program you chose with your guide the day before: a 2-hour cycling tour to reach the village of Viet Hai, or sailing in the bay and swimming on a beach. Lunch is served on the junk before returning to shore.

Return to Cat Ba Island around 12:00 PM. You will then take the car back to Hanoi.

Dinner is free and overnight at the hotel.

Included in the day: Breakfast and lunch, cruise on the Four Seasons junk, bike rental, private car with driver, services of a Vietnamese English-speaking guide.

FAQ

Is this a private or group tour?

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

I’m traveling alone — can I book this tour?

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.

Is the international flight included?

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

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

When is the best time to do this tour?

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.

Who is this tour designed for?

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.

Can this tour be customized?

Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.

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

How do I book this tour?

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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Authentique

Northern Vietnam Lodges – 10 Days

Overview

Practical Info.

Photos

Itinerary

FAQ

Destinations

Overview

Practical Information

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

FAQ

Destinations Visited on this Tour

Estimated Budget

Other Tours

Like this tour?

By phone

By email

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