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

Transfer to Sapa, easy trek in Na Tam, living 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

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

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

Transfer to Lan Ha bay, admiring the wonderful seascape, swimming in the less touched area of ConVit, Ao Ech. 9:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter) . Enjoy two and a half hour drive from Hanoi to Lan Ha Bay on the national highway No5B. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta . Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue driving to the harbor around noon, get warmly welcome at cruise reception.

Cruise: Peony Cruise – 2D1N

140km – 2.5h

Exploring Trung Trang cave, leisurely cruising, getting back Hanoi, departure. 6:00 AM : Begin the day full of energy with a Tai Chi session and enjoy the sun as it rises beyond the horizon. 6:45 AM – 7:15 AM : Breakfast is served while cruising back to Gia Luan jetty. (Breakfast time may be adjusted to follow the real itinerary). 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM : Join the tour of Cat Ba World Biosphere. It takes 30 minutes to transfer from Gia Luan to Trung Trang cave – one of the most impressive caves in Cat Ba Island, Vietnam. The limestone cave has thousands of stalactites in various shapes, offering geological values with a typical cave ecosystem. 9:30 AM : Return to the main boat from the cave, and you will check out of your cabin. Luggage is to be placed outside of the cabin. Early Lunch is served at the restaurant. Settle any bar bills at the restaurant's desk (if any). 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM : Disembark from the Peony Cruises and transfer back to Tuan Chau port. 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM : You should be ready at Tuan Chau port.

Cruise: Peony Cruise – 2D1N

140km – 2.5h