Explore Northern Vietnam by trails in 15 days

Arrive at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Ha Noi is Vietnam’s 1000-year-old capital. This is a rapidly growing and changing city. However, it still has some old-world charm and many stunning French ancient buildings. The numerous lakes, parks, and beautiful tree lines provide a pleasant green break from the busy life of this developing metropolis. You can enjoy a relaxing environment to stroll around. If time allows, you can take a traditional cyclo ride through the famous, hectic Old Quarter. Their streets were named after the specific goods they once sold, such as Silk Street, Drum Street or Paper Street.

Cyclo ride – Hanoi Old Quarter

Begin your sightseeing tour of Hanoi after breakfast at your hotel. Visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex. The first place to visit is Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum. Explore the Presidential Palace. Then visit the simple, elegant house on stilts where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked for much of his time in Hanoi. The complex also includes the One Pillar Pagoda, which dates back to the city’s founding. Continue on to the ancient Temple of Literature. The monument was established in 1076 as Vietnam’s first Confucius Institute. Then visit the Vietnam History Museum. This unique museum houses an outstanding exhibit from all time frames of Vietnamese history.

Vietnam History Museum

The world-class Museum of Ethnology is the next stop. It is dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minority groups. Some of these ethnic you will see during your onward journey to northern Vietnam. You’ll also see the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. Visit the vibrant Dong Xuan Market. This is Hanoi’s largest local market. Enjoy the famous Water Puppets performance. Allow yourself the evening to explore the city on your own. You can have dinner in one of the city’s hundreds of restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

Overnight in Hanoi.

If you are an early bird, an amazing way to begin your day is to take a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn. You will see many locals (and even some foreigners) come to exercise.

After breakfast, you will have free time to walk around or shop. Transfer to the airport for a quick flight over the high mountains regions of northern Vietnam to Dien Bien Phu. This site famous for the pivotal 1954 battle in Vietnam – French war.

You can walk around town after checking into your hotel to see how the area is developing. The Dien Bien Phu Museum, dedicated to the historical events that occurred here, is the tour’s main stop. You’ll also see the old battleground, where many war relics still remain. There are old French tanks and artillery pieces here.

Tank in Museum of Dien Bien Phu Victory

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and then relax for the evening.

Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.

Depart from Dien Bien Phu after breakfast. Transfer to Lai Chau along the main trade trail between towns in northeastern Vietnam. The roads begin to deteriorate as you depart Dien Bien Phu. The spectacular views and fascinating hill tribes along the way create an extraordinary journey.

Road to Lai Chau

Arrive in Lai Chau after a half-day journey. You will explore the surrounding area. Take a  boat ride on the magnificent Da River. You will pass through beautiful mountain scenery. Lai Chau’s pace of life is very relaxed. It is ideally for observing the local way of life up close. Take advantage of your free time to enjoy the town. Maybe you can simply relax and prepare for the trekking days ahead.

Overnight in Lai Chau.

Lai Chau’s gogeous mountain region is ideal for those seeking amazing trekking and real adventure. After breakfast at the hotel, you will take a brief drive to the start of an entire day of trekking on local paths.  You will pass through several hill villages inhabited by the Dao and Hmong ethnic groups. They are two of the most colorful ethnic minority groups in Vietnam. They have settled in this area a long time ago.

Stay overnight in Ta Co Ping village.

Trekking to the village

As travel deeper into this mountainous region, you will truly be off the beaten path to the land of fairy tale. Take a  walk through various villages. You will undoubtedly draw attention since this part of the country sees very few outside visitors. The seven-hour trek is quite steep in some places, but the landscapes are well worth it. Your walking day concludes when arriving at Nam Pe Ping village. You will be hosted by a Thai ethnic family. Nam Pe Ping’s accommodations are very basic, with local and dormitory-style. There are no modern western-style facilities.

Overnight in Nam Pe Ping village.

Trekking through the rice paddy fields

Today’s walk starts with leaving Nam Pe village and following the path used by the locals to the rural village of Nam Trang. You will board a local boat and travel downstream to Pa Ha village.  When you arrive in Pa Ha, you will have free time to explore this pretty rural village. You can learn more about their culture and their life.

Overnight in the village of Pa Ha.

Beautiful scenery of mountain village

Get an early start to climb Pu Sam Cap Mountain. Walking up steep hills can be difficult at times. However, the rugged, verdant mountain beautiful landscape as well as friendly locals will give you an unforgettable experience. After a full day of strenuous walking, you will arrive at the Pu Sam Cap’s Hmong village. The Hmong hill tribe people have a vibrant culture as well as a fascinating history. In the evening, you can have chance to explore the village and know further about their lives and culture.

Overnight in Pu Sam Cap.

Hmong people in their traditional costume

Although the conditions are very basic, the scenic beauty in northern Vietnam is truly remarkable.

Continue your journey into this beautiful region after breakfast. Your next stop is Dong Pao village. The trek will be easier because you will be walking downhill. You will pass by local villagers going about their daily business of herding buffalo, logging or tilling fields. The Dao, Lao, Hmong and Lu ethnic groups have preserved their old cultural traditions as well as their unique, exotic costumes.

Overnight in Dong Pao village.

Dong Pao village

Your journey continues from Dong Pao. Hiking along the local trail through mountain ridges and villages of a variety of ethnic minorities. The main focus of trekking in this region is experiencing the mountain landscape and learning about the local cultures. It’s also an excellent opportunity for photographers. Arrive in the late afternoon at Ban Bo village. You will spend the night as guests of villagers’ home. The accommodations are basic, but the experience provides a unique glimpse into life in a diverse culture.

Overnight in Ban Bo village.

Ethnic minority village

The trekking expedition will end today.  Leave Ban Bo and walk for a few hours to Than Thuoc, where you will meet your transportation and drive to the famous town Sa Pa.

Sapa was founded in the early twentieth century as a hill resort for French administrators who wanted to escape the hot weather.  It is a charming hill town. You will see the French colonial architecture blends with a colorful cultuture of ethnic minority groups.

Check-in the hotel. Free time to explore the town, immerse in the ambience, shop in the various markets, and taste the local cuisine.

Overnight in SaPa.

Sa Pa Town

After breakfast, visit the bustling Sa Pa Market. There are many ethnic minorities from the nearby mountainsides and hills who come here to trade merchandise and purchase provisions. Then go for a walk in this mountainous area. Leave town and head off the beaten path, passing through many cliff side villages and magnificent mountain scenery.

Travel to Hanoi by night train.

Overnight on train.

Sa Pa Market

After arriving in Hanoi early in the morning. You will have some time to relax before departing for Halong Bay. It was recently named one of the world’s new 7th natural wonders and surely one of the most remarkable sights in Vietnam. Arrive around noon.

Halong Bay

In Halong, the crew will greet you with a welcome drink and assist you in checking into your cabin. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch. The 3.5 hours cruise on Halong Bay begins at 13:00. You will visit the famous karsts such as Mat Quy (Monsters’ Face) islet and Cap De islet. Visit But Moc islet as well as Trong (Drum). Discover the Trinh Nu caves. Explore the floating fishing village to know more about the traditional Vietnamese lifestyle.

From 16:40 to 17:30, explore Luon cave and enjoy a great time swimming and sunbathing on the beach. Before resting in the comfort cabin, enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner; You can relax under the moonlit sky.

Overnight on boat.

Get up early to enjoy a breathtaking morning view of Halong Bay.  You can enjoy a cup of tea/ coffee or fresh fruit. The stunning beauty of the cliffs islands rising up from the clear water will make you unforgettable. The silence is quite peaceful. You can hear birds singing, and the waves lap against the boat. Enjoy the morning’s fresh air and gentle breezes.

Beautiful Cave in Halong

After an hour of exploring the Sung Sot (Amazing) cave. You can swim and relax at Titop beach. Cruise back to the mainland at 09:30. Enjoy a brunch buffet for lunch.

Return to the port at noon and then drive to Hanoi.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Breakfast at your hotel.

Free time to relax or explore Hanoi.

Transfer to Noi Bai International Airport to catch your next flight.

End of IDC Travel service.

Train Street – Hanoi