NORTHERN VIETNAM EPIC ADVENTURE – 12 DAYS

Today you’ll discover the cultural and historical treasures of Hanoi.

Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, and the fascinating Museum of Ethnology, offering insight into the country’s 54 ethnic groups.

Experience the iconic “Train Street” where daily life unfolds just inches from passing trains, and in the evening, enjoy a traditional Water Puppet Show, an art form unique to Vietnam.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Hanoi.

Depart for the northern province of Ha Giang, a land of dramatic mountains and ethnic diversity. The drive passes through lush countryside and rural landscapes dotted with rice paddies and small villages. Upon arrival, explore Tay minority villages at the foot of the Tay Con Linh range. Meet local families living in traditional stilt houses and learn about their way of life. Dinner with your hosts.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight with a local Tay family in Ha Giang.

Journey along one of Vietnam’s most stunning mountain roads toward the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Stop at Lung Tam to visit a Hmong linen workshop and at Sa Phin to explore the Hmong King’s Palace — an architectural gem blending local and Chinese influences. Continue to Dong Van, a picturesque town surrounded by towering limestone peaks.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Dong Van.

A breathtaking day of travel through the Ma Pi Leng Pass, known as one of Vietnam’s most scenic routes. Take a short hike down to the Nho Que River for a peaceful boat trip between steep limestone cliffs. Then continue to Bao Lac, home to the Black Lolo ethnic group, made famous by the French TV show “Rendez-vous en terre inconnue.” Enjoy dinner and hospitality in a local home.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Bao Lac (homestay).

Travel through remote mountain landscapes and ethnic Lo Lo villages en route to Ba Be National Park.
Upon arrival, take a short walk through lush forest to the lakeside village of Pac Ngoi, inhabited by Tay people. Enjoy the tranquility of the lake and surrounding hills.

Breakfast and dinner included. Overnight in Pac Ngoi village (homestay).

Board a local boat to explore Ba Be Lake and the Nang River. Visit Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats, and continue to the Dau Dang Waterfall. Stop for lunch at a riverside restaurant, then return to the lake and visit the Fairy Pond hidden deep in the forest. Time for swimming if weather permits.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Ba Be.

In the morning, take a leisurely bicycle ride to Hua Ma Cave, one of northern Vietnam’s most beautiful limestone caverns. Later, return to Hanoi, arriving by early evening. Free time to relax.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Hanoi.

Drive south to Ninh Binh, known for its dramatic karst scenery and emerald rice paddies. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and the temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. Then enjoy a countryside cycling trip before boarding a small sampan for a tranquil boat ride through the limestone grottoes of Tam Coc.

Breakfast included. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Depart for the legendary Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of stunning limestone islands rising from turquoise waters. Board a traditional wooden junk for an overnight cruise through the quieter Bai Tu Long area. Visit Thien Canh Son Cave, paddle a kayak, or swim in secluded lagoons. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and a delicious seafood dinner on board.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. Overnight on the cruise.

Wake early for sunrise over the bay and join a Tai Chi session on deck. Visit a floating fishing village before brunch on board. Disembark then transfer back to Hanoi.

Enjoy your final day at leisure for shopping or relaxation before your airport transfer for departure.

Breakfast included.