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For photography lovers and those captivated by breathtaking landscapes, this tour is a true invitation to discover Northern Vietnam at its finest. Over 15 days, you will have the unique opportunity to explore iconic terraced rice fields, majestic mountains, lush valleys, and well-preserved ethnic villages. Each stop along the journey presents a living canvas, perfect for capturing the natural and cultural richness of the region.
Starting from Hanoi, with its historical sites and vibrant cultural traditions, the tour takes you to the spectacular rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and offers an immersive experience in the authentic villages of Sapa and Bac Ha, famous for their colorful markets and diverse ethnic communities.
Autumn, in particular, reveals the full splendor of this route. During this season, the rice terraces display shades of gold and green, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding mountains. This natural spectacle, combined with interactions with local communities and cultural discoveries, makes it an ideal itinerary for photography and nature enthusiasts.
The tour also includes magical stops in Ninh Binh, often called the “Halong Bay on land,” and an unforgettable cruise through Lan Ha Bay. This circuit goes beyond simply showcasing rice terraces—it captures the very essence of Northern Vietnam, a region where every corner tells a story and offers unforgettable moments to frame with your camera. Get ready for an unparalleled visual and cultural adventure!
Arrival at Hanoi Airport at 06:35. You will be welcomed by your guide and driver, then transferred to your hotel to drop off your luggage. Start the day gently with a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a walking touralong some of the main streets and a visit to Ngoc Son Temple on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Lunch at a local specialty restaurant featuring Bun Cha Nem (noodle soup with grilled pork and spring rolls). In the early afternoon, check into your rooms. Afterwards, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, now a cultural and historical site.
Dinner is at your own leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Included for the day: Private transportation, English-speaking guide, lunch, overnight at the hotel.
Departure for Chuong Village, renowned for the traditional crafting of the Vietnamese conical hat. Here, you can observe the meticulous process of creating the Non, primarily made from palm leaves.
Next, continue to Vac Village, specialized in birdcage making. The artisans of Vac are celebrated for their skill and creativity, producing beautiful and functional cages that are highly sought after.
After lunch, the journey proceeds to Quang Phu Cau Village, located about 35 km from central Hanoi. Quang Phu Cau is famous for its incense production, and a stroll through the village allows you to see this traditional craft up close.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon. This full-day excursion provides a unique insight into the rich artisanal heritage of the region.
Included for the day: Breakfast, lunch, private transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel, then depart with your guide and driver. Begin the day with a visit to the charming Duong Lam Village, known for its ancient laterite houses and historic temples dedicated to Vietnamese kings. Stroll through its peaceful alleys, discover local crafts, and enjoy a traditional lunch prepared with fresh ingredients.
In the afternoon, head to the Thai town of Muong Lo, located in the heart of a vast plain of green rice fields surrounded by mountains. In the late afternoon, settle in with a local family for an authentic cultural immersion. Share a convivial dinner featuring local specialties, learn about their customs, and spend the night in a stilt house—a unique experience at the heart of Vietnamese tradition and hospitality.
Overnight: Homestay with the local family.
Drive towards Mu Cang Chai, passing through the charming Tu Le region, renowned for its lush rice fields and peaceful landscapes. Stop for a 1.5-hour walk through the rice terraces, where you can closely observe the daily work of the locals and soak in the serenity of this rural environment.
Along the way, explore the Hmong villages of Nga Ba Kim and La Pan Tan, famous for their spectacular terraced rice fields—true works of art sculpted by generations of farmers. These landscapes, among the most impressive in Vietnam, change color with the seasons, offering breathtaking panoramas.
Continue your journey to Mu Cang Chai, arriving in the late afternoon—a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Settle in for the night in this picturesque setting, perfect for resting and preparing for more fascinating discoveries in this preserved region.
Overnight: Mu Cang Chai.
After breakfast, depart for Sapa, with several stops along the way to capture the stunning mountain landscapes in photographs. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your adventure.
In the afternoon, embark on a 3- to 4-hour trek through the picturesque villages of Ma Tra and Lu Khau, where you can admire the terraced rice fields and meet the warm local inhabitants. Your walk will lead you to Ta Phin village, home to the Red Dao community, an ethnic group that preserves unique traditions.
After dinner, enjoy a moment of relaxation with a herbal bath, a traditional Red Dao specialty, perfect for revitalizing yourself after a full day (optional, at your own expense).
Overnight: Sapa.
After breakfast, transfer by car to the starting point of the hike. Today’s trek is more challenging than the previous day but rewards you with breathtaking landscapes off the beaten path.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. At the end of the hike, depart by car towards Bac Ha, arriving in the late afternoon.
Dinner is at your own leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Bac Ha.
Start your day with a visit to the famous Bac Ha ethnic market, a vibrant and colorful gathering place where local communities come together each week. This market, one of the most iconic in Northern Vietnam, is a feast for the senses. Ethnic minority people, dressed in their richly embroidered traditional costumes, sell handicrafts, livestock, and local specialties. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, discover handmade fabrics, jewelry, and taste regional delicacies.
After this authentic experience, depart for Ha Giang, a province still untouched by mass tourism, renowned for its breathtaking mountainous landscapes. The journey offers spectacular panoramic views of verdant valleys, remote villages, and winding rivers—perfect moments to admire the raw beauty of Northern Vietnam. Upon arrival in Ha Giang, settle in for dinner and overnight, ready to explore this unique and charming region.
After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable day along one of Vietnam’s most spectacular routes, connecting Ha Giang to Dong Van. This breathtaking journey winds through twisting mountain passes, deep valleys, and majestic peaks, offering stunning panoramas at every turn.
Along the way, stop at Quang Ba, known as the “Gateway to Heaven,” to admire incredible views over the surrounding valleys—a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to visit several ethnic minority villages, observing their traditional way of life and interacting with warm, welcoming locals. These authentic encounters provide a unique cultural immersion in this pristine region.
A lunch at a local restaurant will punctuate your day of discoveries before continuing on to Dong Van, where you will arrive in the late afternoon around 4:00 PM. Settle in for dinner and overnight in this small mountain town, ready to uncover more treasures in the next stages of your journey.
Start your day with a visit to the local market in Dong Van, a lively place where the ethnic minorities of the region come to trade agricultural products, handicrafts, and local specialties. Immerse yourself in this authentic atmosphere, where the colorful traditional costumes and warm smiles of the locals reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Continue with a visit to Pu Lo Fortress, a historic site offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, perfect for admiring the rugged beauty of Northern Vietnam. Next, travel along the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most impressive routes in the country. This journey winds through towering karst formations and vertiginous canyons, providing breathtaking landscapes that will remain etched in your memory.
Once there, enjoy a peaceful one-hour sampan ride on the Nho Que River, surrounded by majestic cliffs, for a serene moment in the heart of nature. After lunch in the small town of Meo Vac, continue your journey to Bao Lac, arriving in the late afternoon. Check into a homestay in the village of Khuoi Khon, an authentic place inhabited by local ethnic minorities, and share a convivial dinner for a unique cultural immersion. Spend the night in this tranquil setting, ideal for rest and rejuvenation.
After breakfast, set out to explore the village of the Black Lolo, an ethnic minority known for its unique traditions and intricately patterned costumes. This special visit will allow you to observe their traditional way of life and discover their local crafts.
Next, take the road toward Cao Bang, a journey of approximately 180 km through stunning mountainous landscapes. Along the way, stop at ethnic markets, where you will have the opportunity to meet local minorities such as the Flowered Lo Lo, White H’mong, and Red Dzao. These vibrant and lively markets offer a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of the inhabitants. Women dressed in their traditional attire will welcome you with warmth and smiles, adding a personal touch to this cultural experience.
By late afternoon, settle into a homestay near the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, a peaceful and authentic setting. After a convivial dinner, enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and rest in preparation for the discoveries awaiting you the next day.
Start your day with a visit to the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, located on the border between Vietnam and China. With majestic cascades over 70 meters high, these falls are among the most impressive natural wonders in Vietnam. Be amazed by the power of the water tumbling over terraces amidst lush greenery, and take advantage of this unique spectacle to capture stunning photos.
Continue your exploration with a visit to Nguom Ngao Cave, one of the largest natural caves in the country. Inside, discover a fascinating underground network of stalactites and stalagmites in a variety of shapes, formed over millions of years. This subterranean adventure provides a captivating contrast to the external beauty of the waterfalls.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head towards Ba Be, famous for its eponymous lake and breathtaking natural landscapes. The 150 km (approximately 4-hour) drive passes through peaceful rural areas, offering wonderful opportunities to admire the Vietnamese countryside. You will arrive in Ba Be in the evening, ready to explore this natural gem the next day.
After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable cruise on Ba Be Lake and the Nang River. Nestled amidst towering mountains and lush forests, this lake is a true haven of peace and one of Vietnam’s natural treasures. As you glide along the water, admire the serene landscapes surrounding the lake and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this pristine environment.
During the cruise, make a stop to visit the Dau Dang Waterfalls, where the water flows through a wild and picturesque setting, and then explore Puong Cave, an impressive natural tunnel carved into the limestone by the Nang River, home to colonies of bats.
After this morning full of discoveries, begin the journey back to Hanoi (approximately 350 km, around 6 hours). Along the way, enjoy the rural scenery and take a few breaks to relax. Arrival in Hanoi is expected in the early evening, between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, marking the end of your adventure in Northern Vietnam.
Travel by private transport to Cat Ba Island, a destination renowned for its spectacular landscapes of limestone mountains, lush forests, and crystal-clear waters. Along the way, you will cross by ferry, already enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
Once on the island, continue to Beo Harbor, the departure point for your cruise. Upon arrival, board the Four Seasons Junk, a traditional boat with authentic charm, for a unique experience on the waters of Lan Ha Bay.
The program includes a delicious lunch prepared on board, followed by relaxing and immersive activities. Explore the surroundings by kayak, paddling between the karst islets, and enjoy a refreshing swim in calm, clear waters.
End this magical day with a peaceful overnight stay on the junk, gently rocked by the waves and surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the bay.
Start the day with breakfast on board your junk, enjoying the tranquility and the majestic scenery of Lan Ha Bay. Then, embark on a biking excursion to the charming village of Viet Hai, nestled in the heart of Cat Ba National Park. This small, remote village offers an authentic glimpse of local life, surrounded by karst mountains and lush forests.
Return to the junk for a delicious lunch while admiring the enchanting bay landscapes one last time. After checking out of your cabins, you will disembark around 11:30 AM, marking the end of your cruise.
Continue your journey by road to Tam Coc, often called the “Halong Bay on land” due to its spectacular karst scenery. Along the way, enjoy typical rural views of Northern Vietnam. Arrive in Tam Coc in the late afternoon, ready to explore this unique region the following day.
After breakfast at the hotel, set out to discover Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Immerse yourself in the history of this heritage-rich site by visiting the temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le kings, surrounded by impressive karst landscapes.
Next, head to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage eco-tourism site, where you will embark on a boat trip through natural caves and winding rivers, flanked by spectacular rock formations. Return to Tam Coc for a typical lunch before continuing your exploration of this magical region.
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a complex of temples nestled on a mountainside, offering stunning views of the surroundings. Then discover Hang Mua Cave, accessible after climbing 500 steps, which rewards you with a breathtaking panoramaof the rice fields and karst cliffs.
At the end of the day, take the road back to Hanoi, carrying unforgettable memories of the enchanting landscapes of Tam Coc and its surroundings.
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.
Northern Vietnam Highlights in 5 Days: Authentic Hanoi, the Karst Landscapes of Ninh Binh, and a Peaceful Cruise in Lan Ha Bay
In 18 days: Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, Sapa, and a visit to Luang Prabang with its waterfalls and ancient temples**
Embark on an 8-day immersive tour exploring Hua Tat, Pu Luong, and the two Ha Long Bays (both maritime and terrestrial).
21-Day Vietnam Tour: Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces, Lan Ha Bay Cruise, Mekong Delta, and Beach Relaxation in Phu Quoc
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