Private · 12 Days / 11 Nights · Customizable

Hidden Wonders of Northeast Vietnam: Ha Giang to Bai Tu Long

Northeast Vietnam Tour 12 days via authentic route Hanoi- Ha Giang- Dong Van- Ba Be- Bai Tu Long Bay. Best experience with locals, immerse in nature

From $843 / person (private tour, price per person drops as your group grows)

Duration12 days / 11 nights
RouteHoang Su Phi – Ha Giang – Dong Van – Bao Lac – Ba Be – Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay
Travel styleAuthentic, Active, Mountain & Minority, Nature & Discover, Family
HalongOvernight cruise
GuidePrivate, English
BookingSecure online payment

Northeast Vietnam Tour 12 days via authentic route Hanoi- Ha Giang- Dong Van- Ba Be- Bai Tu Long Bay. Best experience with locals, immerse in nature 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 – Hoang Su Phi

Transfer to Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang. Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi. From there, we will travel to Thong Nguyen , one of the 23 communes in the Hoang Su Phi district of Ha Giang province. This area is famous for its stunning rice terraces and vibrant ethnic culture. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours, and you will arrive around 3:00 PM.

Stay: Panhou Retreat ★★★ (Superior) *or similar hotel

300km – 6h

Day 2 — Hoang Su Phi

Visit the Nam Nghi and Giang Ha villages of the Red Dao and Long Dress Dao. After breakfast, we'll kick off a 6-hour trek right from our accommodation to the nearby mountain. The hike starts with a steady ascent, offering expansive views of distant mountains seemingly merging with the undulating slopes of terraced fields. Our path leads us to a village inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic group . Here, women don vibrant red dresses and gleaming brocade, tending to medicinal plants used for treating muscle pain, arthritis, flu, or simply for relaxation. After a satisfying lunch , our journey continues through picturesque rice terraces, rolling hills, and tea plantations. Eventually, we'll reach a village where the Yao people reside, easily recognizable by their distinctive long tunics. Finally, we'll make our way back to our accommodation , wrapping up an unforgettable day of exploration.

Stay: Panhou Retreat ★★★ (Superior) *or similar hotel

18km – 6h

Day 3 — Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang

Travel to Ha Giang city, take a walk to discover Me, Lup, Tha villages. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Thong Nguyen and transfer you to Ha Giang City. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, with an optional short break along the way.

80km – 2.5h

Day 4 — Ha Giang

Grandiose mountain range, visiting mountainous villages: Tha, Na Thac, Khuoi My, Lung Vai, Ha Thanh. 8:00 AM: Our adventure begins in Ha Thanh village , where we'll explore part of the Tay Con Linh Mountain range. This region is renowned for its rice terraces, palm forests, limestone mountains, and numerous hill tribe villages. The first part of our journey is mostly uphill and can be a bit challenging, but the effort is well worth it for the stunning natural landscapes along the way. You'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of lush valleys and mountain peaks. After a few hours, we'll arrive at Lung Vai village , home to the Dao ethnic group. Here, you'll have time to explore the village and enjoy lunch in a local home. After lunch, we'll take a short break to soak in the views of the rice terraces before following an asphalt road for about 3-4 km to reach Khuoi My village , inhabited by both Dao and Tay ethnic groups. Here, villagers live in simple wooden stilt houses with palm-thatched roofs. From Khuoi My, we'll take a narrow trail winding through rice terraces, tea plantations, and bamboo forests. The path mostly descends, offering splendid views of the terraces and glimpses of daily village life. Finally, we'll reach Thon Tha village , where our adventure concludes. Walking distance : approximately 16-18 km

Day 5 — 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 6 — Dong Van

Lung Cu flag pole, scenic views, Lo Lo village, trekking in Dong Van, along Nho Que river. Depart to Lung Cu , located 1470m above sea level. This is well known as a Northern Vietnam landmark. Lung Cu flag pole highlights our nation's sovereignty. Walking up 900 steps will give you the magnificent view of the mountains, valleys and villages in the vicinity then discover the Lo Lo Chai village where the Lo Lo ethnic group lives. Return to Dong Van town at noon and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, trek to the villages in Dong Van through Hau De – Ma Pia – Ma Pang Village along the Nho Que river that separates Vietnam and China. Travel back to Dong Van at the end of the day.

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

Day 7 — 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 8 — Bao Lac – Ba Be

Encountering 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 9 — Ba Be

Relaxing boat trip to explore Puong Cave, Dau Dang waterfall. In the morning, transfer from the village to Buoc Lom Pier to take a boat trip along the Nang river and enjoy the beautiful scenery of forests along the river. The boat will pass through Puong cave , home to thousands of bats, toward Dau Dang waterfall . Lunch will be served at a local restaurant by the waterfall. In the afternoon, take the boat back to the lake, stopping at the Fairy pond located in the middle of the primitive forest. Here, you will gently cruise around the lake and it's possible to swim if the weather permits. Disembark at around 04:00 PM . Rest of the day on your own free and easy, enjoy sunset over mountain ranges.

Day 10 — Ba Be – Hanoi

Visiting Tan Trao historical relic, Tay community, meeting local people. Enjoy breakfast and pure air in morning at the national park, then travel to Tan Trao , a former Viet Minh resistance base during the first Indochina war. Visit the historic banyan tree , Na Lua shack house and Tan Trao communal house where President Ho Chi Minh and his team lived and worked before August, 1945 Revolution. Continue on the less touristic journey which is distinguished by the Tay ethnic villages whose houses stand on stilts, with a backdrop of tea plantation hills, palm plantations and rice valleys. Visit the villages to meet the locals along the way and obviously do not miss some stops to take the photos of the scenery whenever possible. Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon. Check in at your hotel and enjoy some free time after the mountain getaway.

Stay: Conifer Grand Hotel ★★★ (Deluxe Room) *or similar hotel

245km – 7h

Day 11 — Hanoi – Bai Tu Long Bay

Cruising in 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 12 — 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: 11, Lunch: 11, Dinner: 10
  • 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 $1,457 / person

Get exact price on WhatsApp →

Group size Sharing twin/double Private single
1 traveller (solo) $2,689
2 travellers $1,457 $1,635
3 travellers $1,203 $1,382
4 travellers $1,046 $1,224
5 travellers $951 $1,130
6 travellers $888 $1,066
7 travellers $843 $1,021
8 travellers $880 $1,059

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 12 days enough to enjoy this route?

Yes — this 12-day private itinerary is paced so you see Hoang Su Phi 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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