12 Days – Discover The North Of Vietnam
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 1Arrival in Hanoi
Arrival in Hanoi
Airport transfer and hotel check-in.
Day 2Hanoi City Tour
Hanoi City Tour
Ho Chi Minh Complex, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter cyclo tour, water puppet show.
Day 3Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi
Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi
7-hour drive through mountain scenery to Hoang Su Phi. Arrival and homestay check-in with a local Tay family.
Day 4Hoang Su Phi Trekking
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.
Day 5Drive to Dong Van
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.
Day 6Karst Geopark Exploration
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.
Day 7Dong Van Market & Ma Pi Leng Pass
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.
Day 8Du Gia Waterfall Trek – Ha Giang City
Du Gia Waterfall Trek – Ha Giang City
Morning waterfall trek through forest. Afternoon drive to Ha Giang City.
Day 9Return to Hanoi
Return to Hanoi
285km drive back to Hanoi (~7 hours) through gradually flattening landscapes.
Day 10Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise
Hanoi – Ha Long Bay Cruise
Transfer to Ha Long Bay (160km). Board your junk cruise for cave exploration, kayaking, and swimming. Overnight on board.
Day 11Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Morning Tai Chi on deck, cave visit, brunch cruise return to Hanoi.
Day 12Departure
Departure
Transfer to airport for your international flight.
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.
You May Also Like
10 Days – Pearl Of Vietnam
Private
From $1,150 /person
09 Days – Honeymoon Trip In Vietnam
Luxury Private
From $1,050 /person
12 Days – Vietnam Exclusive
Private
From $1,400 /person
12 Days – Vietnam Boutique
Private
From $1,400 /person
Pricing Idea
$1,440
per person (based on 2 travelers)
Request a Free Quote
No obligation. No credit card required.
Free service! No credit card requested.
Licensed DMC
International Tour Operator License
Fast Response
Reply within 12 hours guaranteed
24/7 Support
WhatsApp: +(84) 916 060 756
