Asia Creative Travel
CV12NAdventure

12 Days – Discover The North Of Vietnam

12 DaysPrivate TourVietnam

Route

Hanoi → Hoang Su Phi → Dong Van → Ha Giang → Ha Long Bay

Tour Overview

Discover the wild beauty of northern Vietnam on this 12-day adventure combining trekking through spectacular rice terraces, exploring the UNESCO-recognized Dong Van Karst Geopark, and cruising the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. This journey immerses you in the culture of ethnic minority communities — H'mong, Tay, and Dao people — in their mountain homelands.

Tour Highlights

  • Trekking through Hoang Su Phi rice terraces
  • Dong Van Karst Geopark UNESCO recognition
  • H'mong King Palace visit
  • Lung Cu Flag Tower at Vietnam's northernmost point
  • Dramatic Mao Pi Leng Pass views
  • Trek to Nho Que River emerald gorge
  • Ha Long Bay overnight cruise with kayaking

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Hanoi

Airport transfer and hotel check-in.

Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2

Hanoi City Tour

Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter cyclo tour, water puppet show.

BreakfastHotel in Hanoi
Day 3

Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi

7-hour drive through mountain scenery to Hoang Su Phi. Arrival and homestay check-in with a local Tay family.

Breakfast, DinnerHomestay in Hoang Su Phi
Day 4

Hoang Su Phi Trekking

Full-day trek from Thong Nguyen through spectacular rice terraces to Nam Son village (5–6 hours). Witness the stunning staircase fields and interact with H'mong and La Chi communities.

Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerHomestay in Hoang Su Phi
Day 5

Drive to Dong Van

Scenic drive through Quan Ba Pass (Heaven's Gate) with panoramic valley views. Arrive in Dong Van on the Karst Plateau.

Breakfast, DinnerHotel in Dong Van
Day 6

Karst Geopark Exploration

Trek through the Dong Van Karst Geopark, visit the H'mong King Palace (Vuong Dynasty), and reach Lung Cu Flag Tower at Vietnam's northernmost point — the Chinese border in view.

Breakfast, LunchHotel in Dong Van
Day 7

Dong Van Market & Ma Pi Leng Pass

Visit Dong Van Sunday market (ethnic minorities in traditional dress). Drive the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass — Vietnam's most dramatic mountain road — with views over the Nho Que River gorge. Trek to the river viewpoint. Overnight in Du Gia.

Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerHomestay in Du Gia
Day 8

Du Gia Waterfall Trek – Ha Giang City

Morning waterfall trek through forest. Afternoon drive to Ha Giang City.

BreakfastHotel in Ha Giang
Day 9

Return to Hanoi

285km drive back to Hanoi (~7 hours) through gradually flattening landscapes.

BreakfastHotel in Hanoi
Day 10

Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise

Transfer to Ha Long Bay (160km). Board your junk cruise for cave exploration, kayaking, and swimming. Overnight on board.

Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerOvernight cruise on Ha Long Bay
Day 11

Ha Long Bay – Hanoi

Morning Tai Chi on deck, cave visit, brunch cruise return to Hanoi.

Breakfast, LunchHotel in Hanoi
Day 12

Departure

Transfer to airport for your international flight.

Breakfast

Inclusions

  • Twin/double accommodation with daily breakfast
  • Homestays with local families
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle throughout
  • English-speaking guide and local trekking guides
  • Ha Long Bay cruise package
  • All entrance fees and permits
  • Meals as specified

Exclusions

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Beverages
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Personal expenses

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize this tour itinerary?

Absolutely! Every tour is 100% customizable. You can modify the duration, destinations, activities, accommodation level, and pace. Simply send us an inquiry and our travel expert will design a personalized itinerary based on your preferences.

What is included in the tour price?

Our tours typically include accommodation with daily breakfast, private air-conditioned vehicle with driver, licensed English-speaking guide, entrance fees to all listed sites, meals as specified in the itinerary, and airport transfers. International flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses, and tips are not included.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam, Cambodia, or Laos?

Most nationalities need a visa. Vietnam offers e-visas (valid 90 days), Cambodia has visa-on-arrival and e-visa options, and Laos provides visa-on-arrival at major entry points. We can assist with visa arrangements as part of your booking.

What is the best time to visit Southeast Asia?

The best time varies by region. Generally, October to April offers the most pleasant weather across Indochina. Northern Vietnam is best from September to November, central Vietnam from February to May, and southern Vietnam is warm year-round with a dry season from December to April.

How far in advance should I book?

We recommend booking at least 30 days in advance for the best availability, especially during peak season (October–March). However, we can sometimes accommodate last-minute requests. A 30% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure.

Is it safe to travel in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos?

Yes, Southeast Asia is generally very safe for tourists. Our guides are experienced and know the local areas well. We provide 24/7 on-trip support via phone and WhatsApp. We also recommend comprehensive travel insurance for added peace of mind.

What type of accommodation do you use?

We use a range of properties from charming 3-star boutique hotels to luxury 5-star resorts, all personally vetted by our team. You can choose your preferred level when customizing your tour. Upgrades and specific hotel requests are always welcome.

Do you offer tours for solo travelers?

Yes! We welcome solo travelers. All our tours are private, meaning you'll have your own guide and vehicle regardless of group size. Solo travelers enjoy the same personalized experience as couples or groups.

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Pricing Idea

$1,440

per person (based on 2 travelers)

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