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: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel

35km – 0.75h

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: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel

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

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

Spectacular trekking route: Che Cu Nha, Kim Noi, De Xu Phinh, meeting H'mong people. Starting from Ban Thai , we'll set out on foot, ascending to the hillside village of Hang Dang De , home to around 100 H'mong families. Perched amidst breathtaking terraced fields, this village offers a glimpse into the life of one of Vietnam's largest ethnic groups. The H'mong people mainly inhabit mountain regions over 1,000 meters above sea level and tend to maintain their distinct cultural identity. We'll pause here to visit a local family and experience their unique daily life and traditions. Our journey continues upward to Kim Noi, where we'll stop at the scenic Kim Noi viewpoint . From here, we'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the rice terraces and lush valleys below. After a short break to take in the scenery, we'll follow a narrow road leading us to Che Cu Nha , another H'mong village celebrated as one of the most picturesque landscapes in northern Vietnam. The terraced fields here are part of the Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields National Heritage Site (designated in 2022). We'll explore the village on foot before hopping in our car for a quick transfer back to our accommodation in Mu Cang Chai, wrapping up the journey by late afternoon.

Transfer to Sapa, easy trek in Na Tam, living the 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

Off-the-beaten track from Sau Chua to Hau Thao village, best views of Muong Hoa valley. 8:00 AM: Depart to Sau Chua hamlet to start off the beaten trek of 15km up-downhill that is your challenge but the reward is worth it. Towards a hill-tribe village of Sa Seng where you will be able to see the authentic lifestyle of the Black H'Mong people who originated from China since and have been in Vietnam from the 11th century. Enjoy a picnic lunch or a meal at a local restaurant before trekking uphill along the side of mountain to get the most wonderful views of the Muong Hoa valley at the elevation of 1,800m. Descend into the valley on a trek to the Hau Thao village , consisting of only a few houses and church scattered on a rocky point. You will get the best scenery in the area with rice terraces, small villages nestled on the huge Hoang Lien mountain range and even the peak of Indochina, Fansipan peak (when the weather permits). Keep trekking down the trail to Muong Hoa valley.

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

Less touristic route, visiting Ban Khoang, Ta Phin villages, transfer to Bac Ha. Travel on a less touristic road to the isolated up-hill Ban Khoang village . Today we will take an off the beaten track of 12 km up and downhill on a new trail to explore the primitive culture of the Red Dao who is well-known for the most beautiful attire in Sapa. After a picnic lunch (or early lunch at a local restaurant) in the village, follow a small hill path, trek through the corn-farm to a rainforest with amazing views of rice terraces, and on season, you may see local people and buffalos work on the field. Stop to visit orchid gardens that supply even the biggest of cities' demands for the New Year decorations. As you walk towards the Ta Phin village , be greeted as family members by villagers. Explore the unique culture and daily life of the Red Dao people who immigrated to this mountain from China, even have a special traditional herb bath.

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

100km – 2.5h

Exploring Bac Ha region, typical mountain market. 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: Palago Boutique Hotel ★★★★ (Executive Room) *or similar hotel

320km – 6h

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

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