Northeast Vietnam Grand Tour 10 Days

Ha Noi - Arrival

Arrive in Ha Noi and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Early evening, begin your journey with the Hanoi After Dark Vespa tour, accompanied by a private driver. This experience offers an exciting and stylish way to discover the city after sunset. Riding on a vintage Vespa, you witness Hanoi’s streets come alive with a bustling, vibrant, and colorful nighttime atmosphere. The route showcases the striking contrasts between the historic Old Quarter, the elegant French Quarter, and the dynamic modern districts. Along the way, you savor the essence of Hanoi’s cuisine through carefully selected local dishes. Each stop reveals authentic flavors and stories that reflect the city’s rich culinary heritage. The evening concludes at a trendy bar, where you can relax with premium drinks and enjoy live music in a comfortable setting.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

Hanoi full day city tour

Take a full day tour to explore Ha Noi’s illustrious history. In the morning, visit the imposing marble edifice housing the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum (CLOSED ON MONDAYS & FRIDAYS) before moving onto his wooden stilt house and the One Pillar Pagoda. You will then explore the first university of Vietnam, the Temple of Literature, which is imbued with the profound philosophies of Confucianism. In the afternoon, visit the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Ngoc Son Temple and an ancient Vietnamese "long house". A one-hour cyclo tour of Ha Noi’s Old Quarter allows you to catch a glimpse of ancient Ha Noi and learn about traditional Vietnamese architecture.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

(Fri) Ha Noi - Ha Giang – Nam Dam (370km)

Early departure for a long journey from Ha Noi, you will arrive in Ha Giang at noon time for the lunch. Relatively undiscovered, this “off-the-beaten-track” destination is unique for its well-preserved traditions and local culture. Afternoon, take a scenic drive to Quan Ba, a small town in the province with stops en route for photographs at Heaven’s Gate and the Fairy Mountain. Start your soft trek down to Nam Dam Village (populated by the Long Dress Zao ethnic minority, ~ 5km, 2h, level 2.5/5). You will have an opportunity to walk around to get a taste of very authentic rural daily life. Afterwards, observe the locals completing their daily work and making their way home. Check in at a local Dao  homestay.

Overnight in Nam Dam.

(Sat) Nam Dam - Dong Van (105km)

After breakfast, drive to the Quyet Tien Market (Saturday) where the minority groups of the Nung, White Hmong, Po Y, Dao Lanten and Tay gather to trade their produce. Proceed to visit a White Hmong village which specializes in flax weaving. This is a wonderful opportunity to stretch your legs and explore the village. There will be another visit to a village of the Zao Lanten before taking a lunch break. After lunch, proceed to Sung La to discover a LoLo house and its people (the LoLo minority is one of Vietnam's least-common ethnic people and are only found within this region). Afterwards, visit the impressive ancient Hmong King Palace before reaching Dong Van Town. Arrive in the late afternoon and check into a hotel.

Overnight in Dong Van.

(Sun) Dong Van - Meo Vac – Cao Bang – Phia Thap (250km)

In the morning, visit the Sunday Dong Van minority market (one of the most beautiful minority markets in Vietnam). Before reaching the peak of Ma Pi Leng, you will be able to admire the panoramic views of a rocky mountain, a river and paddy field terraces. Visit Meo Vac Market where cattle are traded then proceed to Cao Bang via Tinh Tuc. Upon arrival in Phia Thap, experience a warm welcomed from a hospitable family who offers overnight accommodation in their stilt house. Although the place only provides basic comfort, you will find the stay an unforgettable experience. Have a memorable dinner with a local family.
Overnight home stay in a house on stilts.

Phia Thap – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Khuoi Ky Village

After breakfast, continue your cultural exploration with visits to a traditional handmade paper village, where you will learn about the production of natural paper and paper fans, followed by a stop at a local blacksmith village producing agricultural tools. Later in the morning, depart for the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, widely regarded as the most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. After lunch, enjoy a short hike around the falls before visiting the impressive Nguom Ngao Cave. In the late afternoon, arrive at Khuoi Ky Ancient Stone Village, check in to your bungalow, explore the unique stone houses, and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight at Khuoi Ky.

Ban Gioc – Phong Nam – Ba Be Lake

Enjoy breakfast before departing for Phong Nam Village, a tranquil Tay ethnic village set amidst poetic rural landscapes. Continue to God’s Eye Mountain (Heaven Gate), one of Cao Bang’s most iconic natural landmarks. After lunch, travel onward to Ba Be National Park, arriving in the early evening. Check in to your bungalow and unwind in the peaceful natural surroundings, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Ba Be.

Overnight in Ba Be.

Ba Be Lake – Ha Noi

After breakfast, embark on a scenic boat excursion on Ba Be Lake, visiting Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall, Widow Island, and a traditional Tay fishing village along the lakeshore. Return by private vehicle for the drive back to Ha Noi with a lunch en route, arriving in the early evening and concluding your journey.

Overnight in Hanoi.

Hanoi – Ha Long Bay

In the morning, enjoy a private transfer from your hotel in central Hanoi to Ha Long Bay via the modern expressway. The journey offers a pleasant glimpse of Northern Vietnam’s countryside, with expansive rice paddy fields and rural landscapes along the way. Upon arrival at the Ha Long cruise terminal, complete embarkation procedures and step aboard your luxury cruise vessel. A refreshing welcome drink is served as the cruise gently sails into the heart of Ha Long Bay – a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Savor a refined lunch at the elegant onboard restaurant while admiring the spectacular limestone karsts rising from emerald waters.

During the afternoon, participate in carefully curated activities such as visiting a magnificent limestone cave, kayaking among dramatic islets, or simply relaxing on the sundeck as the sun sets over the bay. As evening falls, indulge in a gourmet dinner in an intimate and sophisticated setting, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay.

Overnight onboard.

Morning Cruise – Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Begin the day with the gentle light of sunrise over the bay. Enjoy breakfast onboard as the cruise continues its scenic route through towering limestone formations and calm waters. Take in the final highlights of Ha Long Bay before disembarkation. After leaving the cruise, return to Hanoi by expressway, arriving in the early afternoon. The journey concludes with unforgettable memories of an elegant escape into nature.

Overnight in Hanoi/Or next departure.