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THE BEST RICE TERRACED FIELDS OF

Vietnam

North-eastern Vietnam Loop Trip

HG07| 14 Days| Private Tour | All Year Around | Can be tailored to suite your requirements

OVERVIEW
This is a big loop trip in Northern Vietnam but really diversified. You will have many different interesting activities and experiences during the trip. Those who love traveling off the beaten track and would like to enjoy the authentic cultures and admire amazing landscapes, this is the one that offers you the insight.

FYI, The average speed of driving on the mountain roads is about 35 km to 40km per hour (This doesn't include the stops for photo opportunities). The distances between the destinations are roughly viewed as follows:

Hanoi - 110km - Ninh Binh - 150km - Duong Lam Village - 270km - Bac Ha - 80km - Vinh Quang (HSP) - 30km - Thong Nguyen (HSP) - 180km - Yen Minh - 75km - Meo Vac - 165km - Ba Be Lake - 130km - Cao Bang City - 85km - Ban Gioc Waterfall - 85km - Cao Bang City - 130km - Bac Son Valley - 200km - Halong Bay - 165km - Hanoi

Accommodation is expected to be basic but the top of the areas will be used for your best confort possible. Food is very local, too. There is no western food to expect except bread, fried eggs for breakfast at some places. Meals are at local food stores but we always choose the most acceptable one.


HIGHLIGHTS

  • Experiencing the local daily life of Vietnamese rustics with homestays from the plain to the highlands. 
  • Admire incredible landscapes of the limestone country and the amazing rice terraced fields. 
  • Active activities include boating, bicycling, trekking, cruising... 
  • Visiting UNESCO's world heritages in Vietnam. 
  • Tasting variety of local food

ITINERARY IN BRIEF

DAY 1: Hanoi - Ninh Binh
Day 2: Ninh Binh - Duong Lam Village 
Day 3: Duong Lam Village - Bac Ha
Day 4: Bac Ha - Hoang Su Phi
Day 5: Hoang Su Phi Discovery
Day 6: Hoang Su Phi - Quang Ba
DAY 7: Quang Ba - Dong Van
Day 8: Dong Van - Bao Lac
Day 9: Bao Lac - Ba Be National Park
Day 10: Ba Be Lake - Tra Linh - Quang Uyen
Day 11: Ban Gioc Waterfall & Nguom Ngao Cave
Day 12: Cao Bang - Bac Son Valley
Day 13: Bac Son Valley - Halong Bay
Day 14: Halong Bay - Hanoi

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI - NINH BINH

Get picked up at your hotel in Hanoi and take 2,5 hour drive through the fertile land of the Red River Delta, you will arrive at Tam Coc boat operation place in Ninh Binh. On arrival, take 2-hour sampan boat ride on a small river and through 3 tunnel-like caves. (This area is considered as “Inland Halong Bay” featured with karst formations.). An easy walk in between the limestone mountains to visit Thai Vi temple (which dedicated to a Vietnamese heroic dynasty.)
A Vietnamese lunch is served at a local restaurant.
Afternoon, 1.5-hour bicycle ride along the back roads through beautiful scenery of towering karsts on the ground of ponds, rice paddies and rural villages. (On the bike, we will have as many stops as you want to take photographs.). Visit Bich Dong Pagoda, an important religious place for the locals in the region.
Later in the afternoon, check in your hotel and take it easy before dinner.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

tam coc

cave

sampan boat ride

DAY 2: NINH BINH - DUONG LAM VILLAGE

After the breakfast at the hotel, we will transfer to Hang Mua Mountain for another hike to the highest summit in this so-call "Inland Halong Bay" to admire the stunning landscape of the karst formations (The 500-step hike is optional). After Hang Mua summit, we will continue on hikking on the flat ground through a village and to rice fields, along the feet of the mountains. The second hike takes about 2 hours. This is also a great time to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a beautiful part of Trang An UNESCO's heritage. After lunch, we will drive to Duong Lam ancient village. Check in a homestay, dinner and stay overnight.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

rural path

hang mua summit

view from hang mua

DAY 3: DUONg lam village - BAC HA town

Breakfast at the homestay, then your guide will lead the way for a gentle bicycling tour around the village. It is worth for the bike ride as Duong Lam is known for its 300-year-old houses, grand communal halls and pagodas, original fishbone brick roads and ancient banyan trees. It’s advertised as a place where tourists can ‘step back in time’ and observe village life as it was before French colonisation. While riding the bikes, the guide will take you to visit some typical ancient houses and old pagoda. Great time to learn about Vietnamese rural life. Return the bikes, then get back on your private transport to set off for Bac Ha town. Lunch is on the way. Arrive in Bac Ha town, check in the hotel and rest.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

village gate

the locals

an ancient house

DAY 4: BAC HA - HOANG SU PHI

Today, you will spend most of the morning stroll around Bac Ha Market to hunt some good pictures. This is the biggest hill tribe market in the Northwest of Vietnam. Alive with the bright colours and extravagant costumes of the local people, specially the Flower H'mong. Together with other minorities, they come from different villages in the surroundings to buy and sell a wide variety of goods and livestock. It is more common to see buffalo, cows, goats, horses and other livestock being traded. After the market, we make our way to Xi Man town for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, continue your journey to Ban Phung village. This small and picturesque village is located in the heart of the rice terraces, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Take some time to explore the village and take photos of the beautiful landscapes.
Continue your afternoon drive to Ban Luoc village, where you will spend the night. Along the way, enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the rice terraces and surrounding mountains.
Arrive at Ban Luoc village late in the afternoon, check into your accommodation for the night. Take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this traditional ethnic minority village.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Flower H'mong at Bac Ha Market

flower hmong

Food store at Bac Ha

Food store at Bac Ha

Ban Phung Village

Ban Phung Village

DAY 5: HOANG SU PHI trek

Begin the day by exploring Ban Luoc village, and immersing yourself in the culture of this remote and beautiful ethnic minority community. After breakfast, start your trek through the village, and continue on to the surrounding area, where you will be treated to stunning views of the surrounding terraced paddies, mountains, and a beautiful waterfall. Take your time to enjoy the scenery, and to learn about the local way of life as you pass through the rural countryside.
After completing the morning trek, you will be picked up by car and driven to Ho Thau, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
In the afternoon, continue your trekking adventure with a hike from Nam Khoa to Nam Hong village in Thong Nguyên. This trek will take you through some of the most stunning mountain valleys in the region, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding villages and terraced rice paddies. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the local culture and way of life, as well as to take in the natural beauty of the area.
As the day comes to a close, you will check in your accommodation at Nam Hong village for the evening, where you can relax and unwind after an exciting day of trekking in this remote and beautiful corner of Vietnam.


  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Homestay/ bungalow in Nam Hong village

Trekking in Hoang Su Phi

rice field

Trekking in Ha Giang

Trekking

Rice terraces

Rice terraces

DAY 6: HOANG SU PHI - QUAN BA

Begin the day with breakfast in Nam Hong village, and prepare for a 2-hour downhill trek to Thong Nguyen center. Along the way, take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and terraced rice paddies. Once you reach Thong Nguyen center, you will be transferred by car to Ha Giang city for a delicious lunch.

After lunch, take some time to explore Ha Giang city, and learn about the history and culture of this vibrant and unique part of Vietnam. Before heading to the highlands, embark on a short walk to visit Thon Tha village of the Tay minority, where you can learn more about the local way of life.
In the afternoon, start your drive to Quang Ba, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you go. Stop along the way to take in the beautiful scenery, including a photo opportunity at Twin Mountains viewpoint. As the day comes to a close, arrive at Nam Dam, a Yao ethnic minority village, where you will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local homestay.
Relax and unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Nam Dam, taking in the beautiful natural scenery and immersing yourself in the local culture and way of life.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Homestay/lodge at Nam Dam village

harvesting rice

harvesting

rice paddy

round terraces

Quang ba valley

quang ba valley

DAY 7: quang ba - DONG VAN

After enjoying breakfast at your homestay in Quang Ba, you'll begin your drive towards Dong Van town, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery in Vietnam along the way. The drive will include several stops to explore the local culture and history.
The first stop will be at Tham Ma viewpoint, which offers stunning views of mountain road snake up the hills. From there, you'll continue to Doc Chin Khoan, a mountain pass with beautiful panoramic views of the passed valley landscape.
Next, you'll visit the H'mong village with traditional clay houses featured by yin-and-yang roof tiles in Pho Cao, where you can learn about the traditional architecture and culture of the H'mong people. After that, you'll explore the ancient Han people's town of Pho Bang, where you can see historic buildings and learn about the history and culture of the area. Lunch on the way.
Continuing on your journey, you'll visit the Hmong King Palace, a beautiful and historic building that was once the home of the Hmong kings. Finally, you'll visit the Lung Cu flag tower, a famous landmark that marks the northernmost point of Vietnam.
After a full day of exploring and taking in the breathtaking scenery, you'll arrive in Dong Van town in the evening, where you'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel. 


  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Hotel in Dong Van town

Tham Ma Pass

Tham Ma Pass

Lung Cu Flag Tower

Lung Cu Flag Pole

Pho Bang Ancient town

Pho Bang town

DAY 8: dong van - nho que boat ride - BAO LAC

Start your day with breakfast in Dong Van town. After a scenic transfer, begin your trek on the Ma Pi Leng Skywalk. This stunning path offers breathtaking views of the Nho Que River and the surrounding mountains. The trek takes around 1-2 hours depending on your pace, and it's definitely worth taking your time to enjoy the views and take some photos along the way.

After the trek, take a short drive to the Nho Que River for a boat ride. The boat ride is a great way to see the dramatic scenery of the area, with towering limestone cliffs rising up on either side of the river. The boat ride lasts around 1,5 hours and is a relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Especially when the boat is moving through Tu San Abyss Alley. This is known as one of the most magnificent canyons in Southeast Asia.

By midday, head back to Meo Vac for lunch. Meo Vac is another small town located in the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. After lunch, take a leisurely drive to Bao Lac. The drive will take more than 2 hours downhill. The road winds through mountains and valleys, offering stunning views at every turn. Be sure to stop and take some photos along the way, and if you have time, visit some of the small villages and towns that you pass through.
Once you arrive in Bao Lac, check-in to your accommodation and relax for a while.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in Bao Lac. After dinner, end your day with a stroll around the town, taking in the sights and sounds of Bao Lac before heading back to your accommodation for a good night's sleep.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Hotel in Bao Lac

boat ride to tu san abyss alley

on nho que river

tu san abyss alley

DAY 9: BAO LAC - BA BE LAKE

Today you spend the morning driving  to Ba Be National Park. The topography is changing from the rocky plateau to soil mountain with green vegetation and forests. 

Lunch is at Cho Ra town.
In the afternoon, heading toward Be Be National Park. Get dropped at Buoc Lom boat dock where you will take a down-stream boat ride into the park on Nang River. The evergreen scenery will please your eyes. After about an hour, the boat will take you inside Ba Be Lake, considered as the biggest natural fresh water lake in Vietnam. Enjoying the view of the rain forest. If time and weather permit, you can take a jump and enjoy swimming in the lake. Get on land and check in a homestay at a lakeside village. Dinner and overnight.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Homestay/ hotel in Ba Be National Park

Boat ride on Nang River

boat ride on nang river

Ba Be Lake

Ba Be lake

Puong Cave

Puong Cave

DAY 10: BA BE LAKE - Tra Linh - QuanG Uyen 

Bid farewell to the host family after breakfast. Set off for the morning drive to Cao Bang. Arrive at Hung Quoc town (Tra Linh) for the lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a short transfer to a trekking point where you will spend the rest of the afternoon explore an incredible valley where a famous so-call Nui Thung located. In recent years Nui Thung mountain, also known as Mountain Angel Eye, has developed into a must-see location due to the area’s spectacular landscapes. The trek also lead you to a small waterfall called "Nam Tra", trek pass the falls to the other side of a winding river. Get picked up and drive to the homestay of a Nung family. Dinner and stay overnight at the village.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Homestay at Quang Uyen

nui thung

trekking to nui thung

trekking

DAY 11: BAN GIOC WATERFALL & NGUOM NGAO CAVE

After breakfast at the homestay, your guide will take you out for the morning hike to the summit of Phia Thap Village Mountain. It is not very high one, but the scenery that you get from the peak is worth it! Get downhill and bid farewell to the family for the drive toward Ban Gioc Waterfall. Upon arrival at the waterfall, we take a walk to the base of the falls. If the water is not so violent, we will take a raft to get closer to the falls and enjoy the cool temperature, due to the water mist in the air. The fall is located right on the border line between China and Vietnam.

A Vietnamese lunch will be served at a local restaurant afterward.
In the afternoon, continue on the day with a visit to Nguom Ngao limestone Cave, which is about 2 km from Ban Gioc Fall. Thousands of colorful stalactites and stalagmites will amaze you. Back to the car and make your way back to Cao Bang town. Dinner and overnight in Cao Bang.

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Hotel in Cao Bang City

Sunrise on phia thap mountain

ban gioc waterfall

nguom ngao cave

DAY 12: CAO BANG - BAC SON VALLEY

Check out of the hotel after your breakfast and get ready for the morning drive to Bac Son Valley in Lang Son province. The drive includes some stops on the way for you to take photographs whenever you want. Arrive at Quynh Son village of the ethnic Tay people and have lunch on a stilt house. This afternoon you will walk to visit the village and hike up to the top of the telephone-station mountain for a stunning scenery over the valley. This is a great point for those who love photographing. Dinner and chat chit with the host of our homestay tonight. 

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Homestay in Bac Son

Rice valley

Quynh son village

from na lay Mt.

DAY 13: BAC SON VALLEY - HALONG BAY

As the drive this morning is quite long to the bay, we will have the breakfast a bit early before bidding farewell to the host family for 5-hour drive to Halong City. Arrive in Halong Bay's pier around noon, get aboard for lunch and easy on the boat to enjoy the stunning scenery of the UNESCO's heritage while it is winding in between the limestone islands. Swimming and kayaking in the late afternoon if the weather permits. Dinner and overnight on boat in Halong Bay. 

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 
  • Overnight: Deluxe Boat in Halong Bay

halong bay

kayaking

wooden boats

DAY 14: HALONG BAY - HANOI

Get up early for the fresh air on the top deck with a cup of warm coffee/tea if you wish or you can stay longer in your cabin until breakfast time. After the breakfast, you will have further cruise to other parts of Halong Bay. 

Enjoy a wholesome brunch before getting back to harbor at noon. Thence, get back on to your private vehicle for the afternoon drive back to Hanoi. Finish your adventure at the door of your hotel in Hanoi. 

  • Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Tour Inclusions

  • Private A/c transportation per itinerary 
  • English or French speaking tour guide (other languages on request) 
  • Local way leader  
  • Meals as mentioned in the itinerary 
  • Accommodation during the trip 
  • Boat ride in Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Ba Be Lake Raft ride in Ban Gioc Waterfall. 
  • Boat cruise in Halong Bay 
  • Sightseeing tickets and permits per itinerary 
  • Bottled water on the vehicle.


Tour Exclusions

  • Travel insurance 
  • Drinks and other meals 
  • Hotel in Hanoi 
  • International flights and visas 
  • Tips and gratuities 
  • Personal expenses and others are not mentioned clearly above.





Inquire a free quote for this tour

This is a sample itinerary that has been enjoyed by many of our past travelers to the region. It can be custom-made to meet your expectation. The prices very much depend on your group size and type of accommodation. Please send us a quote request and we will get back to you with the detail.

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