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Embark on a 12-day journey along the Rice Terrace Route and Halong Bay, an itinerary that combines spectacular landscapes with authentic encounters at the heart of Vietnam. From Hanoi, set out to explore the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai, ranked among the most beautiful in Asia, before immersing yourself in the mountain culture of Bac Ha, Xin Man, and Hoang Su Phi, where ethnic minorities continue to preserve their ancestral traditions.
Hikes through majestic mountains, visits to remote villages, and strolls through vibrant local markets punctuate this adventure, offering unique insights into Vietnam’s rural life. The journey concludes in style with a relaxing cruise on Halong Bay, where limestone peaks and emerald waters create the perfect setting to end your northern Vietnam exploration.
Arrival at Hanoi airport at 06:35 AM. Meet your guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel to drop off your luggage.
Begin the day gently with a cyclo ride through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a walking tour of some of its main streets and Ngoc Son Temple on the banks of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Lunch at a local specialty restaurant with Bun Cha Nem (grilled pork noodle soup served with spring rolls). In the early afternoon, check into your rooms.
In the afternoon, choose between visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university later dedicated to Confucius, or the Museum of Ethnology, which provides insights into the country’s ethnic diversity.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show.
Overnight at the hotel.
08:00 – Your guide and driver will pick you up for a journey to Duong Lam (Mong Phu), a typical village of the Red River Delta and considered the cradle of Viet (Kinh) civilization. The village is renowned for its ancestral houses, some of which have been in the same families for over 300 years. There, you will visit the communal house and Mia Pagoda, before enjoying lunch in one of the village’s ancient homes.
In the afternoon, take Route 32, crossing hilly landscapes dotted with tea plantations, before passing over Khe Pass. By the end of the day, arrive in Muong Lo, a Thai settlement located in the heart of a vast rice plain — the second largest in the North after Dien Bien Phu — and surrounded by majestic mountains.
Dinner and overnight at a homestay in Muong Lo.
After breakfast at your homestay, depart for Mu Cang Chai via Nga Ba Kim. The road winds through mountains rising over 2,000 meters, offering magnificent panoramas of terraced rice fields. Pass through the Hmong village of Nga Ba Kim before stopping for lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit La Pan Tan village, famous for its spectacular rice terraces. A hike of about two hours will take you to Cau Ba Nha, a hilltop village with breathtaking views. Along the way to Mu Cang Chai, admire grandiose landscapes and, depending on time and interest, make a stop for a short walk in Phinh Ho village.
Arrive in Mu Cang Chai by late afternoon.
Overnight stay in Mu Cang Chai.
After breakfast, depart for Sapa. Along the way, enjoy stunning mountain scenery and villages inhabited by ethnic minorities. Several stops are planned to admire the landscapes and take photos.
Arrive in Sapa by late morning and take a stroll through the lively town, soaking up its unique mountain atmosphere. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, with good walking shoes, set off on a 3–4 hour trek through the villages of Ma Tra and Lu Khau before reaching Ta Phin, a village inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic group.
Optional after dinner: enjoy a traditional Red Dao herbal bath (at your own expense).
Spend the evening immersed in local life, taking part in the activities of your host family.
Overnight at a homestay in Ta Phin.
After breakfast, transfer by car to the starting point of your trek. Today’s route is more challenging than the previous day, but rewards you with spectacular, off-the-beaten-path landscapes — perfect for a full immersion in nature.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
At the end of the trek, depart for Bac Ha. The drive crosses beautiful mountain scenery and offers the chance to appreciate the diversity of the region’s ethnic villages. Arrive in Bac Ha by late afternoon.
Dinner at leisure and overnight at the hotel.
Depending on the day of your visit, you may discover one of the weekly minority markets around Bac Ha: Coc Ly (Tuesday), Sin Cheng (Wednesday), Lung Phinh (Friday), Can Cau (Saturday), or Muong Khuong or Bac Ha (Sunday).
These colorful markets are essential gathering places for ethnic minorities, who come to exchange products, news, and traditional know-how. You will also experience the bustling livestock section, where buffaloes, horses, dogs, and cats are traded — a unique and deeply traditional form of commerce.
After the visit, drive to Hoang Su Phi, one of the most unspoiled regions of Ha Giang province, renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes and terraced rice fields.
Arrive in the afternoon at Pan Hou, an eco-lodge nestled in the heart of nature, where traditional bungalows blend harmoniously with the surrounding mountains and rice valleys of Hoang Su Phi.
End of the day at leisure to relax and enjoy the peaceful setting of the eco-lodge.
Overnight in a bungalow.
Breakfast at your lodge, then set off for a two-day trek. Picnic lunch en route, followed by dinner and overnight stay with a local Black Dao family.
Breakfast with your hosts, then continue the trek towards Ho Pien village. Picnic lunch en route, followed by dinner and overnight stay with a local Black Dao family.
After breakfast, depart by car from Hoang Su Phi towards Vu Linh, a village located on the shores of Thac Ba Lake. The journey takes you through spectacular mountain landscapes, with deep valleys, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority villages.
Along the way, stop to meet a Dao or Tay community and learn about their traditional lifestyle. You will have the chance to interact with the locals and discover their customs and handicrafts.
Lunch in a local restaurant or with a host family, featuring regional specialties made with fresh ingredients.
In the afternoon, discover Thac Ba Lake. Arrive in Vu Linh, a White Dao village located on the banks of one of Vietnam’s largest artificial lakes. Embark on a boat trip across the lake, passing green islets and floating villages — a peaceful moment in the heart of pristine nature.
Return to shore and settle into a traditional stilt house for an authentic homestay experience.
Evening at leisure to relax, stroll around the village, or share a convivial dinner with your host family.
Overnight at a homestay in Vu Linh.
Breakfast at your homestay, then departure for Hanoi.
Arrival in Hanoi in the afternoon.
Night at the hotel.
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel around 8:00 AM, heading to Cat Ba Island. / Alternatively, take the bus (departing between 7:30 and 8:00 AM) from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island. First, you will board a ferry to reach the island. After the ferry, to get to Cat Ba town (about 30 km away), where our junk is located, we offer a one-hour motorbike ride with driver, off the beaten track. If you prefer, you may continue by bus instead of trying the motorbike experience.
Around 12:30 PM, embark on our traditional boat, the Quatre Saisons. The junk first sails through Hang Vem fishing village in Lan Ha Bay. Depending on the wind, sailing with traditional sails may be possible.
During the cruise, take time to relax, swim, and enjoy the sun on deserted beaches (weather permitting). You will also have the opportunity to kayak and discover a floating fishing village.
Lunch and dinner are served on board, featuring fresh seafood (fish, shrimp, squid, shellfish) purchased the same day from local fishermen.
Overnight in a cabin on board.
Breakfast on board, then cycle to Viet Hai village on Cat Ba Island.
At 10:00 AM, check out of your cabins. A brunch will be served around 11:00 AM.
Return to Cat Ba Island around 12:00 PM to take either the bus or a private car (according to your choice).
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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Let’s talk and tailor it to your wishes.
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