Discover a more authentic side of Vietnam on this immersive journey through the northern highlands. From the towering peaks of Fansipan to the serene waters of Ba Be Lake, this 8-day adventure takes you far from the typical tourist trails. Trek through remote ethnic villages, navigate dramatic mountain passes, and witness the raw beauty of Ban Gioc Waterfall. With a balance of cultural encounters, natural wonders, and comfortable homestays, this tour offers a deeper connection to Vietnam’s landscapes and its diverse communities.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Hanoi to Sapa
Hanoi - Sapa. We depart Hanoi at 7:30am for a scenic five-hour drive to Sapa, transitioning from the bustling cityscape to tranquil rice paddies and rolling hills. Upon arrival, we enjoy a local lunch before boarding Asia’s longest cable car to Fansipan, the highest peak in Indochina at 3,143 metres.
The 30-minute ascent offers panoramic views of terraced rice fields. At the summit, you can explore temples and choose to complete the final 600 steps on foot or take a funicular. We return to Sapa for an overnight hotel stay. Please bring a jacket, as temperatures drop significantly at higher altitudes.
Please note: We strongly recommend you arrive in Hanoi the day before your tour starts. You will be collected early on day 1. Pick up can be arranged from any hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter, and you must inform us in advance of your tour where you wish to be collected from.
Overnight: Sapa | Lunch, Dinner
Sapa Trekking
Today, we trek through the picturesque rice terraces of Y Linh Ho, passing through flower valleys and Black Hmong villages. We visit a local home to gain insight into daily life, followed by lunch at a local restaurant.
The afternoon trek continues through Lao Chai and Ta Van villages, home to the Zay people. We conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at a homestay in Ta Van Village.
Today's trek covers 15-17 km
Overnight: Sapa | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Sapa to Ha Giang
Sapa - Ha Giang. Leaving Sapa, we journey towards Ha Giang, Vietnam’s northernmost province. En route, we stop in Pho Rang for lunch and take a walk through Vinh Yen, a Tay-inhabited area.
Continuing deeper into Ha Giang, we arrive at a Tay village by early evening, just in time for a home-cooked dinner. We spend the night in a traditional Tay stilt house.
Today's trek covers 8–10 km
Overnight: Ha Giang | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trekking Ha Giang to Dong Van and Cao Bang
Ha Giang - Dong Van. After obtaining the necessary permit at the Immigration Office, we set out for Dong Van, traversing a series of spectacular mountain passes. We pause in Tam Son for lunch and visit the H’mong village of Lung Cam B.
From there, we ascend 8 km to the summit of Ma Pi Leng Pass, renowned for its limestone peaks and deep canyons, offering breathtaking views of the Nho Que River. We then descend into Meo Vac Valley and continue to Bao Lac village for a brief rest and lunch before proceeding to Cao Bang for an overnight hotel stay.
Today's trek covers 8–10 km
Overnight: Cao Bang | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cao Bang
Dong Van - Meo Vac - Cao Bang. We begin the day with breakfast before visiting the lively Dong Van Market, where locals from nearby villages gather to trade goods and purchase essentials they cannot produce themselves.
Next, we trek up to Pu Lo Fortress, constructed in 1890 and evacuated in 1945. From this vantage point, you can take in sweeping views of the surrounding region. We then continue with an 8 km climb to the summit of Ma Pi Leng Pass, navigating a dramatic landscape of limestone peaks, stone forests, and deep canyons along the Sky Path at the Nho Qué River Viewpoint. From there, we descend into the Meo Vac valley.
Winding through the valley, we reach Bao Lac village for a short rest and lunch, before continuing by vehicle to Cao Bang, where you'll spend the night in a hotel.
Overnight: Cao Bang | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cao Bang to Ba Be National Park
Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfall - Cao Bang. Today is likely to be a highlight of your journey through northern Vietnam, as we visit one of the region’s most extraordinary natural landmarks – Ban Gioc Waterfall. The drive from Cao Bang takes around two hours. This stunning 300-metre-wide cascade straddles the border between Vietnam and China, set against a backdrop of striking limestone peaks. While here, you can relax and soak up the scenery, capture striking photographs, or board a bamboo raft that brings you close enough to the falls to feel the spray on your face – right at the edge of Vietnam, with China just a stone’s throw away.
Following this, we explore the vast Nguom Ngao Cave, where erosion over thousands of years has sculpted impressive underground formations.
Afterwards, we continue along a scenic, little-known mountain road towards the Nung village of Quang Uyen. Here you’ll be warmly welcomed by Mr Hung Dao, a skilled and friendly local blacksmith. Dinner is served in his home, where you’ll also spend the night in a cosy traditional Nung house.
Overnight: Ba Be National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ba Be Lake Exploration
Cao Bang - Ba Be National Park. Today we depart from Quang Uyen and travel through the scenic Ma Phuc Pass en route to Ba Be National Park. Once inside the park, you’ll have time to explore its natural highlights – including the tranquil lake, the impressive Puong Grotto caves, the rushing Dau Dang Waterfall, and the small yet intriguing Widow Island. We’ll spend the night in a traditional Tay stilt house, hosted by a local family for an authentic and welcoming homestay experience.
Overnight: Ba Be National Park | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ba Be to Hanoi
Ba Be National Park - Hanoi. After breakfast, we take a gentle walk along the riverbank to visit nearby villages, followed by a short hike to one of the higher vantage points around the lake, offering impressive views across limestone landscapes and surrounding peaks.
We then visit Hua Ma Cave, the largest dry cave in Northeastern Vietnam, known for its thousands of striking stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch at a local restaurant, we begin the journey back to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 5 pm – where we say our farewells and conclude the tour.
Breakfast, Lunch
Prices & Dates
All departure dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Ta Van View Homestay, Sapa
Ta Van View Homestay is located in the quiet village of Ta Van, surrounded by rice terraces and hills just outside Sa Pa. Rooms are simple and clean, with some offering mountain views. The homestay has a traditional wooden house design and a shared lounge area for relaxing. A restaurant on site serves home-cooked Vietnamese meals. Guests can enjoy the peaceful rural setting, with local shops and village paths nearby. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Chapa Dew Hotel, Sapa
Centrally located on Cau May Street in Sa Pa town, close to local shops, cafes, and the Sapa Market. Rooms are warmly decorated, featuring modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, minibars, and en-suite bathrooms. Some rooms have balconies with views of the surrounding hills. The hotel offers a restaurant serving Vietnamese and Western dishes, as well as a lounge area for relaxing. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building, and reception is staffed around the clock. The Stone Church and lake are within walking distance.
Mr Doans Homestay, Ha Giang
Mr Doan's Homestay is located in Ha Thanh Village, Phuong Do Ward, on the outskirts of Ha Giang City, Vietnam. This traditional Tay ethnic stilt house offers an authentic cultural experience for travellers exploring the Ha Giang Loop.
Hoa Cuong Hotel Dong Van, Ha Giang
Hoa Cuong Hotel Dong Van is ideally located in the heart of Dong Van town, just steps from the lively weekend market and a short stroll to the Old Quarter. Surrounded by striking karst mountains, it’s a perfect base for exploring the Ha Giang Loop. Rooms are clean and simply furnished, offering comfortable beds and hot showers. The hotel features a restaurant serving local dishes and has a lift for easy access to upper floors. With its central location and basic amenities, it’s a convenient stop for group tours exploring northern Vietnam’s dramatic landscapes.
Mr Kims Homestay, Cao Bang
Mr Kim's Homestay is situated in the tranquil Phia Thap Village, Quoc Dan, Quang Uyen District, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam. This traditional Nùng ethnic stilt house offers an authentic cultural experience amidst lush rice paddies and limestone hills. The homestay features a communal dormitory with over 20 mattresses, each equipped with a pillow, mosquito net, lamp, and power socket. Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by the host family, providing a taste of local cuisine. Nearby attractions include the Ban Gioc Waterfall, Nguom Ngao Cave, and Phuc Sen Forging Village, making it an ideal stop for group tours exploring northern Vietnam's natural beauty
Thanh Loan Hotel, Cao Bang
Located on Vuon Cam Street in Hop Giang Ward, a short distance from the centre of Cao Bang city. The hotel offers simply furnished rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms. On-site facilities include a restaurant serving local dishes, a small garden area, and free private parking. Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Local shops, eateries, and the Cao Bang market are nearby, making it convenient for exploring the surrounding area.
Ba Be Jungle Houses, Ba Be National Park
Ba Be Jungle Houses is nestled in the serene Coc Toc Village, Nam Mau Commune, within Ba Be District of Bac Kan Province, Vietnam. This tranquil retreat is situated in the heart of Ba Be National Park, offering guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of northern Vietnam.
At a Glance
