Off The Beaten Path Trekking Through Northeast Vietnam 6 days

Morning

At 08:00, your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi, marking the beginning of your scenic journey to Ha Giang. As you travel through Tuyen Quang, you will be mesmerized by the stunning landscapes of endless tea plantations, majestic mountains, and ethnic minority villages.

Afternoon

Stop for a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Tuyen Quang, where you can savor authentic dishes of the region. Afterward, continue your journey to Ha Giang.

You will arrive in Ha Giang by the late afternoon. If time permits, you’ll have a chance to explore the town, stroll around the streets, and interact with the friendly locals to learn more about their unique culture and way of life.

Enjoy a tasty dinner and stay overnight in a traditional Tay house. The peaceful environment and the crisp mountain air will ensure you a restful night in preparation for the exciting days ahead.

Morning

After obtaining your travel permit from the immigration office, you will embark on an exciting journey to Dong Van, with the route taking you through breathtaking mountain passes.

Stunning views of towering peaks and deep valleys will unfold before your eyes as you make your way to Tam Son, a quaint mountain village that is the perfect place for a peaceful lunch. Here, you will have the opportunity to enjoy local specialties while soaking up the peaceful atmosphere of this charming village.

Afternoon

Next, the adventure continues as you visit the H'mong King Palace, an impressive historical fortress built by Vuong Chi Duc in the early 1900s. The palace is designed in the traditional Chinese architectural style, a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region.

After this cultural stop, you will head to Dong Van, where winding roads lead you deeper into the heart of Ha Giang. Expect to arrive around 18:00, with plenty of time to check into your hotel and freshen up.

To end the day, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at a local restaurant where you can sample the traditional flavors of the region. Finally, relax at the hotel, preparing for the exciting adventures that lie in the days ahead.

Distance & Est. time: Trekking 8 km

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, ready for an exciting journey through northern Vietnam's breathtaking landscapes.

If it's Sunday, you can head to the lively Dong Van Market, where locals from nearby villages come to trade goods. The market is a vibrant mix of colorful textiles, fresh produce, and handmade crafts, offering a unique glimpse into the region's ethnic cultures.

After exploring the market, you have a trek tour to the historic Pu Lo Fortress, built in the 19th century. Located on a hilltop, the fortress provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Then, climb 8 km to the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass. Known for its dramatic limestone peaks and deep canyons, this mountain pass offers some of Vietnam’s most awe-inspiring views. Be sure to take a moment to snap photos and enjoy the scenery.

Next, descend into the Meo Vac Valley, where you'll find another lively local market to explore. Travelers can wander through the vibrant stalls and interact with the friendly locals, learning about their traditions and way of life.

As the day progresses, continue your journey through winding mountain roads and cross rivers, soaking in the stunning landscapes. Arriving in Cao Bang, you will savor a delicious dinner, followed by a restful overnight stay in your accommodation.

Today is the highlight of your adventure. After breakfast, embark on a 2-hour drive to Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Northern Vietnam. Spanning 300m in width, this magnificent waterfall sits on the border between Vietnam and China.

Spend time marveling at the beauty of the falls, taking in the misty spray and stunning surroundings. For an even closer look, travelers can choose to hop on a bamboo boat that takes you right up to the base of the waterfall, where you can feel the refreshing spray and experience the landscape from an incredible vantage point.

After exploring the falls, venture into the Nguom Ngao Cave, where you can explore vast underground chambers filled with unique stalactites and stalagmites formed over millennia.

Travel through winding mountain roads that lead to the Nung village of Quang Uyen, where you will enjoy a traditional dinner at a local house. Spend the night in a cozy, traditional Nung house.

Morning

A delicious breakfast will set the stage for an exciting journey. It will take you about 3 hours to drive to Cho Ra, a charming town where you will stop for lunch.

Afternoon

After enjoying a local meal, it is time to take a scenic boat ride through the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake. The boat ride will take you past the three lakes that make up the vast Ba Be Lake system and along the winding Nang River.

The boat then ride through Puong Cave, which will take you through steep terrain with distinctive cat-ear-shaped cliffs, offering stunning views of the surrounding natural beauty.

As you continue to sail through the lush landscapes, you will pass by the iconic Widow Island and visit the picturesque Cam Village, both of which are must-see attractions in the area. After the boat tour, nature lovers can take a refreshing swim in the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake, the perfect way to relax and reconnect with nature.

The day will end with a short trip to your accommodation where you will spend the night. Enjoy a delightful BBQ dinner surrounded by stunning natural scenery.

Distance & Est. time: Trekking 5 - 7 km

Morning

At about 07:30, start your day early with breakfast at the homestay before embarking on a trekking tour in Ba Be National Park from Bo Lu Village. Your guide will share insights into the local wildlife, plants, and ecosystems as you hike along the Tham Khit pathways to an ancient cave, then wander by the lake to panoramic views of the ranger station’s animal observation huts.

Continue your journey with a 2 km hike to An Ma Temple, a sacred Tay site honoring mountain and lake gods, as well as revered feudal generals. The hike offers stunning views of the park with scenic vistas of the surrounding mountains.

Afternoon

After the excursion, enjoy a relaxing lunch before beginning your journey back to Hanoi. The return trip offers one last chance to marvel at the beauty of Northern Vietnam.