Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Northern Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes. From Ha Giang’s serene Thon Tha village to the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc Waterfall and tranquil Ba Be Lake, experience the heart of Vietnam’s culture and nature. Traverse the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, marvel at Nho Que River, and soak in the charm of ethnic villages. A perfect blend of adventure and serenity awaits.

Itinerary Details

Day 01: Ha Giang – Thon Tha Village – Quan Ba (L, D)

8:30–9:00 AM: After a hearty breakfast, our friendly driver and guide will pick you up from your Ha Giang hotel to kickstart the epic Ha Giang Loop adventure!

Highlights of the day:

• 13:00: Recharge with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before diving into the journey.
• Snap a photo at the iconic Km0 Milestone, marking the start of the Loop.
• Explore the charming Thon Tha Village, where life slows down amidst nature.
• Conquer the winding Bac Sum Pass and take in its spectacular views.
• Stand in awe at Heaven Gate and admire the serene Quan Ba Twin Mountains, a true natural wonder.

17:00–17:30 PM: Arrive in Quan Ba’s – Nam Dam Village, check into your cozy homestay, and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation.
18:30: Relish a flavorful dinner at the homestay’s restaurant, then spend the evening at your own pace, soaking up the tranquility.

Overnight in Nam Dam Village – a peaceful haven in Quan Ba.

Day 02: Quan – Yen Minh – Lung Cu – Lo Lo Chai Village – Dong Van (B, L, D)

08:00: Start your day with a hearty breakfast and check out from the homestay before hitting the road for another amazing adventure.

Morning highlights:

• Wind your way through the scenic Tham Ma Pass, where every turn reveals stunning views.
• Explore the cultural charm of Lung Cam Cultural Village and visit the iconic Pao’s House, a gem of local heritage.
• Step back in time with a stop at the historic King’s Palace, a fascinating piece of Hmong history.

12:30 PM: Take a break to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, refueling for the afternoon ahead.

Afternoon exploration:

• Climb up to the legendary Lung Cu Flag Tower, proudly marking the northernmost point of Vietnam.
• Immerse yourself in the warmth and traditions of Lo Lo Chai Village, a hidden treasure of cultural beauty.

17:00: Arrive in Dong Van Old Town, where you can stroll the ancient streets and unwind with a cup of coffee in a cozy, historic setting.
18:30: Savor a flavorful dinner at a local restaurant. Afterward, relax and enjoy a peaceful evening at your own pace.

Overnight in Dong Van Town – a blend of history, culture, and serenity.

DAY 3 (8/3): DONG VAN – MA PI LENG – NHO QUE RIVER – MEO VAC – ME PIA PASS – CAO BANG (B, L, D)

08:00 AM: Begin your day with a tasty breakfast and check out of the homestay. Get ready for a day filled with spectacular sights and unforgettable experiences!

Morning adventure:

• Drive through the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, known as one of the most stunning mountain roads in Vietnam.
• Stop at the Panorama viewpoint to soak in the breathtaking scenery of deep valleys and rugged cliffs.
• Pass through Meo Vac Town, a charming stop along your journey, and continue to Bao Lac Town.
• Drive through Khau Coc Cha Pass, known as Me Pia Pass or 14-storey pass. It looks like a giant snake winding into a steep 14-storey slope with challenging turns. Therefore, Khau Coc Cha Pass is considered one of the most dangerous passes in Cao Bang.
• Cruise along the serene Nho Que River by boat, where the emerald-green waters surrounded by towering karst peaks create a magical experience.

12:30 PM: Pause for lunch at a local restaurant, where you can relax and refuel before diving into the next chapter of your journey.

Afternoon exploration:

• Visit the historic Pac Bo Site in Ha Quang District, a place of great significance in Vietnam’s revolutionary history. Discover:
  ✔ The tranquil Le Nin Spring.
  ✔ The majestic Karl Marx Mountain.
  ✔ The iconic Coc Bo Cave, where history comes to life.

17:00 PM: Arrive in Cao Bang City and check into a beautiful Ecolodge, your cozy retreat for the night.
18:30–19:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, then take the evening at your own pace. Stroll around Cao Bang City, and if it’s the weekend, explore the lively Kim Dong Pedestrian Street for a taste of local culture.

Overnight in Cao Bang – where history and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.

Day 4: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall (B, L, D)

08:00 AM: Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off for one of Vietnam’s most spectacular natural wonders—Ban Gioc Waterfall. Along the scenic drive, we’ll make a few stops to admire the breathtaking landscapes.

Morning highlights:

• Marvel at the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, where cascading waters create a magical, picture-perfect scene.
• Hop on a boat to get up close to the falls, feeling the mist and hearing the roar of the water.
• Visit the peaceful Phat Tich Pagoda, perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.

12:30 PM: Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, soaking in the relaxed pace of this serene region.

Afternoon adventure:

• Explore the mysterious Nguom Ngao Cave, filled with fascinating stalactites and stalagmites that nature has sculpted over thousands of years.

16:00 PM: Arrive at your accommodation in Ban Gioc and take some time to unwind, rest, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

18:30 PM: Relish a delightful dinner at the restaurant. Afterward, the evening is yours to relax. If you’re feeling adventurous, engage with the local community to learn about their unique customs and way of life—an authentic cultural experience.

Overnight at Ban Gioc – where nature and culture intertwine beautifully.

Day 5: Ban Gioc – Ba Be Lake (B, L, D)

7:30–8:00 AM: Start your morning with breakfast, check out of your room, and get ready for another day of adventure! Today, we journey to the breathtaking Ba Be Lake, with fascinating stops along the way.

Morning highlights:

• Visit the stunning Thung Lung Nui Thung (Eye of God Mountain Valley), a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic landscapes.
• Stop at Ren Phuc Sen Village, famous for its traditional knife-making craft and agricultural tools—a unique glimpse into local life in Quang Uyen.

10:00 AM: Depart from Cao Bang and enjoy a scenic drive through winding mountain passes, including Tai Ho Sin Pass, Cao Bac Pass, Khau Khang Pass, and Gio Pass. Every turn offers breathtaking views of Vietnam’s rugged natural beauty.

12:00 PM: Pause for a delicious lunch at a local spot near Gio Pass, taking in the fresh mountain air and stunning surroundings.

16:00 PM: Arrive at Ba Be Lake and check into a charming stilt house homestay hosted by the warm and welcoming Tay ethnic community. Nestled right along the lake’s edge, this traditional accommodation is the perfect place to relax and take in the serene atmosphere.

18:30 PM: Enjoy a hearty dinner prepared with love by your hosts. Spend the rest of the evening at your leisure—whether you want to chat with your hosts, soak in the peaceful lakeside ambiance, or simply unwind under the stars.

Overnight in Ba Be – a tranquil haven in the heart of nature.

Day 06: Ba Be Lake – Hanoi (B, L)

7:30 AM: Start your final day with breakfast, then head out for a refreshing morning of hiking or cycling around the stunning Ba Be Lake. Take in the peaceful natural beauty and feel connected to this serene landscape.

8:30–9:00 AM: Hop on a boat for a memorable journey across Ba Be Lake, where calm waters and lush surroundings set the perfect backdrop for adventure. Highlights of the boat trip include:

• The magical Fairy Pond, shrouded in legend and tranquility.
• A visit to the sacred An Ma Temple, rich in history and cultural significance.
• Exploring Ba Goa Island, a fascinating spot steeped in mystery and natural beauty.

13:00 PM: Relish a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, a perfect way to savor the flavors of the region one last time.

14:00–15:00 PM: Begin the drive back to Hanoi, with stops along the way in Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery.

21:00 PM: Arrive back in Hanoi, where we’ll drop you off at your hotel in the Old Quarter.

Your adventure concludes here, but the memories will last a lifetime. Thank you for traveling with us—we can’t wait to welcome you on your next journey! Safe travels and see you soon!

Important Information Regarding Your Trip

The price of this journey with “Vietnam Less Touristy Tour” is tailored to your specific preferences and circumstances. It will fluctuate based on factors such as:

Your Choice of Services: Accommodation type, selected activities, and other personalized options.

Travel Season: Pricing can vary during peak seasons like Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet).

Booking Timeframe: Early booking often secures better rates.

Group Size: The final cost is dependent on the number of travelers in your party.

“Vietnam Less Touristy Tour” specializes in crafting exclusive, tailor-made private tours for groups of two or more. While we can accommodate solo travelers, please note that the cost will be significantly higher. Our packages are comprehensive, typically encompassing all on-the-ground services from the moment you arrive until your departure.

This itinerary is highly flexible. We can adjust the duration, activities, and departure date to perfectly align with your desires and budget.

At “Vietnam Less Touristy Tour,” we meticulously calculate our prices to ensure you receive the best possible value for your money.

A Word to the Wise: Booking in advance often unlocks more favorable pricing, especially for flights. We strongly encourage you to plan ahead!

Please Note: This estimated price does not include international airfare.

This itinerary serves as a starting point, a suggestion of what’s possible. We encourage you to personalize it to your heart’s content. Our team is dedicated to working closely with you to design a trip that exceeds your expectations and fits within your budget.