Private · 14 Days / 13 Nights · Customizable

Discover North Vietnam from West to East

North Vietnam Package 14 days: discover the amazing mountainous landscape, ethnic community, nature reserve, the best route Sapa – Ha Giang – Halong Bay – Hanoi

From $885 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)

Duration14 days / 13 nights
RouteHanoi – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Lai Chau – Sapa – Bac Ha – Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Bao Lac – Ba Be – Bai Tu Long Bay
Travel styleAuthentic, Mountain & Minority
HalongOvernight cruise
GuidePrivate, English
BookingSecure online payment

North Vietnam Package 14 days: discover the amazing mountainous landscape, ethnic community, nature reserve, the best route Sapa – Ha Giang – Halong Bay – Hanoi Fully private and customizable, with your own guide and driver, honest online pricing, and cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Click any day to expand. “Stay” shows the accommodation on this route. Prefer to upgrade a hotel or cruise cabin? We’ll tailor it — and the price — in your free quote.

Day 1 — Hanoi

Welcome to Hanoi, walking tour in the Old Quarter. Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport , you'll be greeted by our guide and driver at the pickup lobby. You'll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi , passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city's unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic.

Stay: La Nueva Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Premium Room) *or similar hotel

35km – 0.75h

Day 2 — Hanoi

Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town. 9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city's symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "s tone steles " which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

Stay: La Nueva Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Premium Room) *or similar hotel

Day 3 — Hanoi – Nghia Lo

Meeting Thai & Muong ethnic group, green tea plantation. 8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Muong Lo via Thanh Son. Muong Lo is known as one of the four most important fertile valleys of the Northwest (Muong Thanh in Dien Bien Phu, Muong Tac in Phu Yen and Muong Than in Than Uyen) in which the Thai ethnic group predominates. The village consists of hundreds of houses on wooden stilts and Thai people cultivate the water rice. Drive to the national road number 32 along the black river (Da River) one of the most important rivers in the Northwest. In Thanh Son, we will make a stop to visit the green tea plantation hill then walk through the stilt-house villages. It belongs to the Muong ethnic group , considered as Authentic Viet. The Muong ethnic group is one of few northern communities that is immune to Chinese influence. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Arrive in Nghia Lo , walk or bike around the Thai village to discover the beautiful rice field valleys and hamlets that still preserve the authentic houses on stilts and meet the friendly locals.

200km – 5h

Day 4 — Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai

Immersing into nature in Mu Cang Chai, La Pan Tan, the best rice terraces, Thai, Dao, Dzay culture. Enjoy breakfast then visit a local market in Nghia Lo then transfer to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is well known for its marvelous rice terrace widely considered as the most beautiful in the world. In 2007, Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh and La Pan Tan were recognized as outdoor masterpieces on the list of national heritage. At the exit of Nghia Lo, you will cross the hilly region populated by the Dao ethnic group on the hills. Stop for a chance to take photos and meet the local people on the way. Arrive in Tu Le . It is possible to trek to the valley where Thai people live in houses on stilts and have some unusual encounters that allow you to immerse yourself into the authentic local life. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, continue to Khau Pha pass which offers you a splendid panoramic view of the valley of rice terraces. Then the car will take you to La Pan Tan which is a legendary route for photographers. You will admire the gorgeous rice terrace masterpieces created by the Hmong peasant artists from generation to generation. Enjoy the majestic landscape and follow the route from La Pan Tan to Mam Xoi . End of the day, check in your accommodation.

100km – 2.5h

Day 5 — Mu Cang Chai – Lai Chau – Sapa

Transfer to Sapa, easy trek in Na Tam, visiting Laotian & Lu people. Travel towards Than Uyen , one of the most beautiful rice-growing valleys in the Thai ethnic region. The stunning terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai accompany you throughout the journey to Than Uyen. Leaving Than Uyen, you will make a detour to reach Na Tam Commune, home to the Lao and Lu ethnic groups. Traditionally, local women are distinguished by their blackened teeth and indigo-colored costumes decorated with silver coins. A walking tour allows you to explore the village and meet its residents. Meet your driver and continue to Sapa via Hoang Lien Son Pass . Stretching 54 km and reaching an altitude of 2,047 m, it is the highest and longest mountain pass in Vietnam. Along the way, enjoy spectacular scenery combining mountains, valleys, terraced rice fields, and villages inhabited by the Hmong and Dao ethnic groups. Several stops will be made for memorable photo opportunities. At the top of the pass, take a short break to enjoy the fresh mountain air and browse stalls selling traditional medicinal plants. Arrive in Sapa and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. The afternoon is free to explore the town at your own pace, including the church and its square, the local market, and the shopping streets. Located at an altitude of 1,600 m, Sapa was discovered by the French in 1903. Renowned for its magnificent terraced rice fields , Sapa also captivates visitors with the rich cultural diversity of its ethnic communities, including the Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Giay people.

Stay: Sapa Elegance Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel

160km – 5h

Day 6 — Sapa – Bac Ha

Popular hiking route, visiting Lao Chai, Ta Van villages, transfer to Bac Ha. 8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and enjoy 5km scenic transfer to the west of town. We will start a full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village . Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly H ' mong ladies and children who live in houses nestled in the valley. Enjoy a bit of relaxation at the cable-bridge with the harmony and beauty of the surrounding nature. If you are sportive and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo path with breathtaking views and less tourists. For those looking for an easy trek, embark on a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River .

Stay: Thanh Mung Homestay (Double Room) *or similar hotel

100km – 2.5h

Day 7 — Bac Ha – Xin Man

Exploring Bac Ha region, typical mountain market, scenic travel route to the Northeast. 7:00 AM: Start exploring Bac Ha by visiting a vibrant ethnic market (Bac Ha Market on Sundays, Coc Ly Market on Tuesdays, Sin Cheng Market on Wednesdays, Lung Phinh Market on Fridays, or Can Cau Market on Saturdays). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with a variety of goods such as vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups. Please note that the market is liveliest early in the morning and begins to wind down by 10:00 am . To fully experience it, it's best to arrive early. After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, typical of the Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with cornfields, cassava hills, and clay houses. Plum gardens, decorated by H'Mong women in their colorful dresses, will accompany you throughout your journey.

Stay: Phu Cuong Guest House ★★ (Standard Room ) *or similar hotel

60km – 2.5h

Day 8 — Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang

Discovering authentic features, trekking via Me – Lup – Tha villages. After breakfast, say goodbye the host then travel to Ha Giang via the Hoang Su Phi district. This part will surprise you with its beautiful landscape of rice terraces and green tea hills in Hoang Su Phi. You not only have a chance of encounters with colorful ethnic groups on route, but also to take breathtaking photos. Arrive in Ha Giang in the middle of the afternoon, beginning a trek to the Me – Lup – Tha Village. Featuring serene beauty, these villages are made up of hundreds of houses on wooden stilts covered by palm leaves. In front of the houses, there are small ponds for raising fish and water hyacinth cultivations for pigs. You will be welcomed by big smiles from the villagers testifying to their legendary hospitality. Visit a typical house and discover the local daily life. Arrive in Tha Village, a village on the palm hills with rice fields where you can rest in the serenity. Check in at your accommodation.

151km – 5h

Day 9 — Ha Giang – Dong Van

Visiting Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Fairy mountain, traditional house of Hmong & Bo Y ethnic people, H'mong King's Palace. 8:00 AM: Travel to Dong Van with the magical landscapes of this region present along the route. Before arrival at the Quan Ba pass , we will stop to visit a village of Bo Y people in the Quyet Tien Commune. Their origin is from China. The Bo Y is a small community of 2000 people who populate in the mountainous parts of the north. Stop at the Quan Ba pass and take a short break to admire Quan Ba town with the famous Twin Fairy Mountain (Nui Co Tien). Continue drive to the Limestone rock plateau zone , considered as mountainous Halong Bay. This majestic natural treasure has been listed in the World Geological Park book. On the way, you will discover " Nha Trinh Tuong" (a special type of house) by a walking to the Lung Hoa Village. This is the typical house of Hmong people in the village which is built on sticky ground. Next, visit the Palace of the H'mong King (Dinh Vua Meo). Dating back 100 years ago, far from the plain, the regions of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, Meo Vac created an autonomous zone with their own king. They cultivated poppies and their economy was based on the opium business with China. Arrive in Dong Van, check in accommodation and relax.

Stay: Hoa Cuong Hotel ★★★ (Double Room) *or similar hotel

150km – 5h

Day 10 — Dong Van – Bao Lac

Crossing spectacular Ma Pi Leng pass to Bao Lac, visit to villages of Lo Lo & H'mong people. After breakfast at the hotel, we'll set off from Dong Van toward Meo Vac, crossing the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass . Here, you'll be captivated by the breathtaking views of limestone mountains, the winding Nho Que River , and traditional H'mong village nestled along the slopes. From there, we'll continue to Bao Lac , a region renowned for the Black Lo Lo ethnic community . The area gained prominence through the French documentary, "The Journey into Unknown Land", filmed in Khuoi Khon village-just 9 km from Bao Lac town-by rugby player Frédéric Michalak. We'll enjoy lunch in Bao Lac town before heading to Coc Xa village in Na Van commune. This Lo Lo village retains a more authentic charm compared to Khuoi Khon, which has become a popular tourist spot since the documentary's release. Here, you'll stroll through rice fields and scenic trails, visit local homes, and have meaningful exchanges with the residents, giving you a deeper understanding of their way of life and traditions. Later, we'll return to town, where you'll stay overnight in a local hotel.

Stay: Duc Tai Hotel ★★ (Twin Room) *or similar hotel

130km – 3h

Day 11 — Bao Lac – Ba Be

Meeting San Chi ethnic people in hill villages, transfer to Ba Be, exploring Hua Ma cave. Depart to Ba Be via Tinh Tuc, 30km from Bao Lac, in Hung Dao commune, there is a beautiful village of San Chi ethnic. Of course, we will stop to visit and discover the beauty of the village. You are one of a small number of travelers who get to visit this area because of its hidden location behind the hill. The village has hundreds of houses on stilts nested on the side of mountains and views of the beautiful valley. To reach to the village, you will have to walk up a 2km steep incline. The higher you walk, the better view you get. Visit a family to understand the authentic life of this ethnic group. Continue to Ba Be, where you will be surprised by the magnificent nature where the mountains gently meet the valleys of rice terraces. Stop to film or take photos whenever possible. Upon arrival in Ba Be, check in your accommodation in Pac Ngoi Village and go cycling through several villages of Tay ethnic groups to Hua Ma Cave (5km from the village). This is an attractive place with amazing formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Finally, come back to your accommodation.

165km – 5h

Day 12 — Ba Be – Hanoi

Relaxing boat trip, admiring the wilderness, Puong cave, Dau Dang waterfall, drive back to Hanoi. In the morning, enjoy a leisurely walk from your homestay in Pac Ngoi village to the nearby pier. From there, we'll board a boat to begin our exploration of the serene Ba Be Lakes . We'll cruise along the lake before continuing our journey along the Nang River , making a stop for a relaxing walk along the riverbank. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the wild, untouched beauty of the landscape. We then return to the boat for a downstream journey to the Dau Dang Waterfall , where the water cascades over large rock formations in a powerful display of nature. The final leg of our boat trip takes us upstream along the Nang River to the impressive Puong Cave , home to thousands of bats and dramatic limestone formations. We'll cruise directly through the cave and continue to another pier, where we'll disembark and conclude this scenic river journey.

Stay: La Nueva Boutique Hotel ★★★ (Premium Room) *or similar hotel

230km – 5h

Day 13 — Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay

Transfer to Bai Tu Long bay, visiting Vung Vieng fishing village, swimming & sunbathing at Ban Chan beach. 8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay . Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta . Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.

Cruise: Garden Bay Legend Cruise – 2D1N

160km – 3h

Day 14 — Bai Tu Long Bay – Hanoi

Discovering the charming Thien Canh Son Cave, unique cruising route, getting back Hanoi, departure. 06:30 : Wake up early in the morning for Tai Chi exercise . 07:00 : Have a light breakfast with Western styles while the boat cruises toward the most beautiful fishing village in Ha Long Bay. 07:30 : Transfer to Vung Vieng Fishing Village by tender. 08:00 : Ride on the rowing boat (rowed by the local fisherman) to explore the Vung Vieng fishing village and learn about the local fishing life. 09:00 : Return to the main boat for the cruise back to the harbor by a different route. 09:30 : Check out. 10:00 : Have lunch onboard (Fusion style). 11:00 : Disembark at Sunworld Harbor . Our driver will pick you up at the port, and bring you back to Hanoi. Expected arrival time in Hanoi at about 3:00 PM.

Cruise: Garden Bay Legend Cruise – 2D1N

160km – 3h

What’s Included

Included

  • Accommodation as listed, with daily breakfast
  • Halong Bay cruise: Garden Bay Legend Cruise – 2D1N
  • Private English-speaking guide throughout
  • Private air-conditioned car & driver
  • Entrance fees & permits in the itinerary
  • Meals: Breakfast: 13, Lunch: 11, Dinner: 09
  • 02 bottles of water per person per day on tour
  • 24/7 WhatsApp · cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour

Not Included

  • International flights
  • Vietnam e-visa (~$25)
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Drinks, tips & personal expenses
  • Optional activities not listed
  • Meals not specified

Pricing

Private tour, price per person — it drops as your group grows (your own guide & car are shared). Pick your group and room type for an indicative from-price; your exact price for specific dates (seasonal, only ~7% either way) is confirmed within 1 hour on WhatsApp.

From $1,534 / person

Get exact price on WhatsApp →

Group size Sharing twin/double Private single
1 traveller (solo) $2,805
2 travellers $1,534 $1,775
3 travellers $1,267 $1,508
4 travellers $1,100 $1,341
5 travellers $1,000 $1,241
6 travellers $933 $1,174
7 travellers $885 $1,126
8 travellers $928 $1,169

Indicative from-prices (season varies ~7%). Single traveller = private single room. Child (2–11, sharing): reduced rate · Infant (<2): free — confirmed in your quote.

Good to Know

Is 14 days enough to enjoy this route?

Yes — this 14-day private itinerary is paced so you see Hanoi and more without rushing. We can shorten or extend any part to fit your dates.

Best time to travel?

March–April and October–November are the most reliable nationwide. Northern Vietnam is cool and dry December–February. We’ll advise the best dates for your route.

Can I customize it?

Fully — change hotels, upgrade your cruise cabin, add or remove stops. It’s a private tour built around you.

How do I pay?

After we agree your itinerary we send a secure online payment link. Cabin & pickup confirmed within 1 hour, honest local pricing.

Get your free, no-obligation quote

Tell us your dates and what you’d like — Ava replies within 1 hour with a tailored itinerary and honest pricing. No payment now; you only pay online once you’re happy.





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