This Northern Vietnam 16-day tour offers an in-depth Northern Vietnam itinerary, taking you deep into the heart of grand Northern Vietnam. The journey showcases the region’s most breathtaking landscapes and ethnic cultures of Northern Vietnam, from dramatic mountain passes and terraced rice fields to remote villages inhabited by diverse ethnic minority communities. Designed for travelers seeking authenticity and discovery, this itinerary provides a comprehensive and immersive experience through Vietnam’s most spectacular and culturally rich northern regions.
Designed as a Northern Vietnam 16-day tour and an in-depth Northern Vietnam itinerary, this journey carefully unfolds the cultural and natural treasures of grand Northern Vietnam. Each stage reveals a unique blend of spectacular mountain scenery and centuries-old traditions, offering a deep and authentic travel experience across Vietnam’s far north.
You will enjoy:
Discovering the cultures of ethnic minority communities, at the heart of the landscapes and ethnic cultures of grand northern Vietnam.
Breathtaking scenery of the Upper Tonkin, featuring dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and legendary mountain passes.
The iconic terraced rice fields of Sa Pa, Mu Cang Chai, and Nghia Lo, among the most beautiful in Vietnam.
An unforgettable cruise and overnight stay aboard a comfortable junk boat in Ha Long Bay.
Homestay experiences with local families, including shared meals that create genuine moments of cultural exchange.
Exploring the vibrant local markets of Dong Van and Sa Pa, true reflections of daily life in grand northern Vietnam.
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital
Day 2: Discover Hanoi and its cultural highlights
Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Giang
Day 4: Ha Giang – Dong Van global geopark
Day 5: Trekking in the Dong Van region
Day 6: Meo Vac – Ba Be national park
Day 7: Explore Ba Be lake, the “Mirror of the Sky”
Day 8: Ba Be – Thac Ba reservoir
Day 9: Thac Ba – Nghia Lo, homeland of the Thai ethnic group
Day 10: Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai
Day 11: Mu Cang Chai – Sa Pa
Day 12: Sa Pa – Bac Ha
Day 13: Bac Ha – Hanoi
Day 14: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay
Day 15: Ha Long Bay – Hanoi
Day 16: Last moments in Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver before transferring to the city center. This first day of your Northern Vietnam 16-day tour introduces you to Hanoi, formerly known as Thang Long — “the Rising Dragon City.”
Located in the heart of the Red River Delta, Hanoi blends centuries-old traditions with a lively modern atmosphere, offering an excellent introduction to the cultural richness of Grand Northern Vietnam. Check in at your hotel and enjoy free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace.
Transfer: approx. 30 km
Overnight: Hotel
Today is dedicated to discovering Hanoi, the cultural gateway to northern Vietnam. Begin with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (closed on Mondays), where you gain valuable insight into the lifestyles, traditions, and architecture of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups—an ideal introduction to the landscapes and ethnic cultures of Northern Vietnam.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, followed by Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the capital. Visit Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake, then enjoy a walking tour through the bustling Old Quarter, famous for its narrow streets and local life.
Later, stop by the well-known Train Street to watch the train pass just inches away from cafés and houses (drinks at your own expense). In the late afternoon, attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique art form originating in northern Vietnam.
This morning, depart Hanoi for Ha Giang, one of the most remote and scenic regions of Grand Northern Vietnam. The journey takes you through peaceful countryside, rice fields, rolling hills, and traditional villages in Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang provinces.
Stop along the way to visit a Tay ethnic village, offering your first close encounter with rural life and minority cultures—an essential element of this in-depth Northern Vietnam itinerary. Arrive at your homestay in the late afternoon, followed by a short walk to observe daily life in the village.
Dinner and overnight with a local family, providing a warm and authentic experience.
Transfer: approx. 300 km | 6 hours
Overnight: Homestay
After breakfast, continue toward the spectacular Dong Van karst plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark located over 1,000 meters above sea level. This is one of the highlights of your Northern Vietnam 16-day tour, showcasing the dramatic beauty of Grand Northern Vietnam.
Along the way, stop at Quan Ba heaven’s gate for panoramic views, then visit villages inhabited by the Hmong ethnic group. Travel through the scenic Yen Minh valley, surrounded by limestone mountains and pine forests. Upon arrival in Dong Van, visit the historic Vuong family palace, once home to the Hmong king.
Transfer: approx. 150 km | 5 hours
Overnight: Hotel
Today features a moderate trek of 4–5 hours through remote ethnic villages such as Ma Pang, Ma Tia, and Sang Ma Sao. Walking along mountain trails, you experience firsthand the daily life of ethnic minority communities living in one of the most rugged regions of northern Vietnam.
The hike offers stunning views of terraced fields, limestone peaks, and deep valleys—revealing the true landscapes and ethnic cultures of Northern Vietnam. Picnic lunch along the way.
In the afternoon, drive to Meo Vac, passing through dramatic karst scenery. Stop at the famous Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s most impressive mountain passes, with sweeping views over the Nho Que river gorge.
Trekking time: approx. 4–5 hours
Overnight: Hotel
Depart early for Ba Be national park, home to Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake and one of the most peaceful regions in northern Vietnam. Nestled among limestone mountains and dense forests, Ba Be lake offers a refreshing change of scenery after the high mountain roads.
The area is home to several ethnic groups, including the Tay, Dao, and Hmong, reflecting the diversity that defines the landscapes and ethnic cultures of Northern Vietnam. Upon arrival, settle into a traditional stilt-house homestay in Pac Ngoi village.
Enjoy dinner with your host family and a relaxing evening surrounded by nature.
Transfer: approx. 250 km | 6 hours
Overnight: Homestay
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing sampan boat trip on Ba Be lake, often called “the Mirror of the Sky.” The excursion takes you through unspoiled scenery to Dau Dang waterfall, deep within Ba Be national park. Along the way, learn about traditional fishing methods and observe the park’s rich flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, cycle to Hua Ma cave, stretching over 700 meters and renowned for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Return to the village for dinner and a second overnight stay with your host family, sharing warm moments of local life.
Boat excursion: approx. 3 hours
Overnight: Homestay
Travel through mountainous scenery toward Thac Ba Lake, crossing Bac Kan, Tuyen Quang, and Yen Bai provinces. This part of your in-depth Northern Vietnam itinerary offers insight into Vietnam’s modern history, particularly the ATK region, once a strategic base of the Viet Minh during the resistance period.
Several stops are made along the way to visit ethnic villages and admire peaceful rural landscapes. Arrive near Thac Ba Lake in the late afternoon and settle in with a local family.
Transfer: approx. 170 km | 5 hours
Overnight: Homestay
In the morning, take a boat ride on Thac Ba lake, dotted with hundreds of green islets. Local communities here rely mainly on fishing and hillside farming.
Continue by road to Nghia Lo, the second-largest rice-growing area in northwestern Vietnam and the cultural center of the Thai ethnic group. Pass through regions known for tea plantations and eucalyptus forests. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a warm welcome by your host family.
Later, stroll through the wide Nghia Lo Valley and, if you wish, take part in preparing dinner to discover traditional Thai cuisine.
Transfer: approx. 100 km | 3 hours
Overnight: Homestay
Depart for Mu Cang Chai, crossing the spectacular Hoang Lien Son mountain range, home to the highest peaks in Indochina. Stop at Lim Thai Village for a gentle walk through terraced rice fields, meeting Black Hmong and Thai communities dressed in traditional clothing.
Continue via the legendary Khau Pha pass (1,580 m), one of the most scenic mountain passes in Grand Northern Vietnam. After lunch, enjoy a walk along a hillside trail leading to La Pan Tan village, often regarded as the capital of Vietnam’s terraced rice fields.
Arrive in Mu Cang Chai in the late afternoon.
Transfer: approx. 100 km | 3 hours
Overnight: Homestay
After breakfast, drive to Sa Pa, following the impressive Hoang Lien Son Range, one of the most emblematic regions of Northern Vietnam. The journey passes remote villages and dramatic mountain scenery inhabited by numerous ethnic minority groups.
Stop at O Quy Ho Pass (2,047 m), the highest road pass in Vietnam, for views of Fansipan Peak (3,143 m), known as “the Roof of Indochina.” Arrive in Sa Pa around midday.
In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle walk down into the Muong Hoa Valley, home to Black Hmong, Giay, Tay, Hani, Thai, and Red Dao communities. This easy walk offers a deeper immersion into the landscapes and ethnic cultures of Northern Vietnam. End the walk in Ta Van Village before returning to Sa Pa.
Transfer: approx. 150 km | 4 hours
Overnight: Homestay
Enjoy a free morning in Sa Pa to explore at your own pace: colonial-era villas, the local market, handicraft shops, or optional wellness treatments.
In the afternoon, drive to Bac Ha, a peaceful highland town at 950 meters above sea level. This area of Grand Northern Vietnam is renowned for its remarkable ethnic diversity, including Flower Hmong, Tay, Nung, Dao, and Phula communities, who have lived in harmony for generations while cultivating the steep mountain slopes.
Transfer: approx. 100 km | 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel
Early morning visit to the Bac Ha weekly market, the largest ethnic market in northern Vietnam. This vibrant gathering is a true reflection of local life, where ethnic minorities dressed in colorful traditional costumes trade agricultural products, livestock, and the region’s famous corn wine.
After the market visit, drive back to Hanoi, marking the conclusion of your exploration of Grand Northern Vietnam.
Transfer: approx. 300 km | 6 hours
Overnight: Hotel
Depart Hanoi in the morning for Ha Long Bay, traveling through the rice fields of the Red River Delta. Board a comfortable traditional junk boat for an unforgettable cruise in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Settle into your private cabin, enjoy a seafood lunch on board, and cruise among thousands of limestone karsts. Stop at Cap La Island for swimming in turquoise waters. Dinner and overnight on board in a peaceful atmosphere.
Transfer: approx. 150 km | 3 hours
Overnight: Cruise
Continue cruising through the heart of Ha Long Bay, surrounded by spectacular limestone islets—an ideal and relaxing finale to your Northern Vietnam 16-day tour.
Late morning disembarkation, followed by the return drive to Hanoi. Free time in the afternoon for rest or last-minute shopping.
Transfer: approx. 150 km | 3 hours
Overnight: Hotel
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy free time to stroll through Hanoi’s Old Quarter, relax at the hotel (room available until noon), or do some final shopping. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Transfer: approx. 10 km
Overnight: On board
From $ 1091 / person
Accommodation with daily breakfast at carefully selected hotels and local homestays, offering an authentic experience in Grand Northern Vietnam.
Meals as clearly indicated in the itinerary:
B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner
Entrance fees to all sightseeing sites and attractions listed in the program.
Services of professional English-speaking Vietnamese guides throughout the tour
(except during free time as specified).
Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver for all land transportation.
1 bottle (1 liter) of drinking water per person per day.
One-night cruise aboard a shared traditional junk boat in Ha Long Bay.
All necessary logistical services to ensure the smooth operation of this grand Northern Vietnam tour.
International flights and airport taxes to/from your home country.
Transportation services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Meals not specified under “Price Includes.”
Tips for guides, drivers, cruise crew, porters, and other service staff.
Beverages, phone calls, laundry, and other personal expenses.
Don’t let practical concerns affect your enjoyment—here are a few simple tips to help you prepare for your journey.
Ideal travel period: September to October
During these months, northern Vietnam enjoys cool and relatively dry weather, making it perfect for traveling through mountainous regions such as Ha Giang, Dong Van, Mu Cang Chai, and Sa Pa. This is also the season when terraced rice fields turn golden, creating spectacular scenery and offering excellent conditions for hiking.
Good alternative period: March to April
Temperatures are mild, skies are generally clear, and the landscapes are lush and green along the entire route. This period is ideal for exploring rural areas, experiencing local cultures, enjoying trekking activities, and traveling comfortably before the rainy season begins.
All tour prices are quoted in US Dollars (USD). If payments are made in other currencies, the exchange rate from xe.com on the date of transaction will apply.
The price is all-inclusive of the scheduled itinerary, accommodation, mentioned meals, transfers, and professional guide services.
We offer several convenient ways to secure your booking:
Cash: Pay directly at our QASIA TRAVEL office in Hanoi (No additional fees).
Credit/Debit cards: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and JCB. (Note: Transaction fees are covered by the client).
Bank transfers: Direct transfers in EUR or USD are welcome.
Digital platforms: We support modern payment apps such as Wise, Revolut, and OnePay for your convenience.
Discover Northern Vietnam in depth on this 16-day, expertly designed journey – from remote mountain landscapes and ethnic villages to an unforgettable Ha Long Bay cruise. Travel at a comfortable pace with trusted local guides and handpicked accommodations. Contact QASIA TRAVEL today for a personalized quote or to tailor-make your perfect family holiday.
0988555034
Leave a Reply