









From Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay
Duration: 16 days
Place: Hanoi - Mu Cang Chai - Sapa - Bac Ha - Ha Giang - Bai Tu Long Bay
Meals: 15 Breakfast, 8 Lunch, 3 Dinner
Highlights
From Hanoi to Nghia Lo, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Ha Giang, and Bai Tu Long Bay: a 16-day adventure through breathtaking landscapes, diverse ethnic cultures, vibrant local markets, and tranquil moments on a scenic cruise.
- Hanoi is a bustling city with a mix of Vietnamese and colonial influences
- Mu Cang Chai, fans of rice fields, lovers of dreamy photos, this is where you will see the most beautiful rice fields in the country.
- Sapa, located in H'Mong land, offers a glimpse of the ethnic cradle of the North
- Bac Ha and Ha Giang, the ethnic cradle of Vietnam. Unforgettable encounters with northern minorities, colorful markets. Hikes in sumptuous landscapes of rice terraces in the heart of Tonkin
- Bai Tu Long Bay, a peaceful counterpart to Halong Bay, features pristine waters and stunning limestone karsts.
Itinerary
- Your adventure in Vietnam has started:
- Upon arrival at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport, you will be welcomed then privately transferred by a professional driver and an English – speaking guide to your arranged hotel for relaxation.
- In the afternoon, enjoy a one – hour cyclo ride to explore:
- The charming colonial district with its leafy avenues.
- Hoan Kiem Lake and its legendary story, along with Ngoc Son Temple, nestled in the middle of the lake.
- The labyrinth of bustling streets filled with small shops in the famous and fascinating "Old Quarter," including the famous Silk Street (Hang Gai).
- The Old Quarter.
- Colonial architecture, including the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel, the exterior of the Hanoi Opera House, and the State Bank of Vietnam building.
- Overnight at the hotel
-
150 km – 4h drive
Early departure (7:30 AM) to reach Nghia Lo, in the Mu Cang Chai region, via one of Vietnam's most scenic roads along the Red River.
- Nghia Lo is adorned with breathtaking terraced rice fields, a testament to the harmonious relationship between nature and the local people.
- Experience warm encounters with the Thai ethnic group. Discover their customs, daily routines, and age–old traditions that have been passed down through generations.
- Learn about the art of tea cultivation
- Wander through the bustling local market of Nghia Lo
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast -
100km – 3h drive
Discover the extraordinary environment that attracts photographers from around the world.
- From May to October, the rice fields undergo a breathtaking transformation, shifting from a lush green to a radiant golden hue, painting the landscape with nature’s artistry.
- Enjoy lunch in Tu Le, a tranquil valley embraced by rolling hills and endless rice terraces.
- Journey along the winding roads to Khau Pha Pass
- Visit the small H’mong villages of Nga Ba Kim and La Pan Tan
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch -
150 km – 3h drive
Towards Than Uyen, a beautiful winding road along the mountain slopes leads through the cradle of countless rice terraces, surrounded by impressive peaks.
- Beyond the Than Uyen side, the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, the highest in Vietnam, offers gentler landscapes.
- In Binh Lu, visit the villages of the Lu and Tay ethnic minorities.
- The journey to Sapa is a continuous stretch of rice terraces carved into the landscape, with tea plantations. Pass through the Tram Ton Pass, with a stop to admire the stunning Silver Waterfall before reaching Sapa
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast - Private vehicle transfer to Sapa for a day of trekking
- Hike within the village of Y Linh Ho in Muong Hoa valley among the terraced rice fields
- Trek to the village of the H’mong minority, Lao Chai, where you can witness the daily life and traditions of one of Vietnam’s most well – known ethnic groups.
- Continue your journey with a scenic two – kilometer walk to Ta Van Village, inhabited by the Giay ethnic tribe
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast -
- In the morning, trekking on a mountain road where terraced rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see in Sapa
- Visit the Black Hmong community in the Ma Tra village and the Red Dao community in Ta Phin village
- Optionally, you can relax at Instant Zen with personalized treatments and authentic Thai massage using traditional techniques and natural herbs. (Contact us for price)
- Transfer to Bac Ha, home of the Flower Hmong
- Overnight at the homestay
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner - On Sundays, in the morning, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bac Ha Market
- This bustling marketplace is a meeting point for various ethnic groups, including the Flower Hmong, Tay, and Phu La
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing Bac Ha for Hoang Su Phi.
- This short journey offers the opportunity to take in the breathtaking landscapes along the way.
- Arrive at Pan Hou Village, a peaceful retreat nestled in the heart of the mountains.
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch - 80 km – 2h drive
- In the morning, explore the nearby villages
- In the afternoon, transfer to Ha Giang, crossing beautiful mountainous landscapes.
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast -
150 km – 4h drive
Departure for Dong Van via Yen Minh.
- Stop at Quan Ba to admire the Heaven’s Gate and the Fairy Mountains, a natural masterpiece amidst the rugged landscapes of Ha Giang. Visit a Hmong village renowned for its traditional weaving craft.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Continue to the Royal Palace of the Hmong King Vuong Chi Sinh in Xa Phin
- Explore the Lung Cu Flag Tower. From here, gaze upon the vast landscape and witness the giant Vietnamese flag waving proudly, marking the country’s northernmost border with China.
- Overnight at the hotel.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch - 200 km – 6h drive
- Explore the French colonial market, stroll through the narrow streets and visit ancient houses over 400 years old
- Departure for Meo Vac, a rustic village, crossing Ma Pi Leng Pass at over 2,000 meters altitude.
- Take a trek along Ma Pi Leng Pass which offers a spectacular view of the Nho Que River, the panoramic views of the valley, dotted with terraced hemp fields, karst hills, stilt houses of the Hmong and Dao people.
- Visit the Dao Thanh Phan village. Engage with the local community, observe their daily life, and discover the unique customs, colorful attire, and traditional stilt houses.
- On the way back to Ha Giang, pass through the Bo Y village
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast - 300 km – 6h drive
- Drive 300 km back to Hanoi (approximately 6 hours). Along the way, take a break to enjoy a local lunch at a roadside restaurant. Arrive in Hanoi by late afternoon.
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch -
Hanoi – Halong: 2.5–3 hours by highway
Cruise through Halong and Bai Tu Long Bay
- Pick up from your hotel and transfer to Halong
- Arrive at Halong International Cruise Port, welcome aboard, and safety briefing.
- Check in to your private cabin.
- Arrive at Cap La island and enjoy kayaking, swimming, relaxing on natural beach (If weather permits)
- Back to junk for refreshing and enjoying your relaxing time on the sundeck.
- After dinner, free evening or experience squid fishing before retiring.
- Overnight on board
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
- Enjoy the morning view of the beautiful landscape while having breakfast
- Activities: cave visit and kayaking
- Cruise to Cong Dam area to explore the natural beach, take a stroll, relax, and unwind.
- Enjoy a unique BBQ lunch
- After lunch, take part in some beach activities.
- Back to junk for refreshing and enjoying your relaxing time on the sundeck.
- Experience our Vietnamese authentic cooking demonstration before having dinner on board.
- Free evening or experience squid fishing before retiring.
- Overnight on board
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner -
- Enjoy the morning view of the beautiful landscape while having breakfast
- Visit Vung Vieng Fishing Village by kayak or local rowboat.
- Back to the boat.
- Check out of the cabin and start cruising towards the harbor while a set lunch is served.
- The trip ends at 11:30am
- Drive to Yen Duc village in Dong Trieu province for a short break in this typical Vietnamese agricultural village
- Enjoy a water puppet show performed by local artists.
- Transfer back to Hanoi.
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch - Begin your journey by unravelling the Vietnamese culture and history in the Vietnamese capital:
- Visit Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square. The visit includes the botanical gardens, monuments, memorials and pagodas, and includes the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside), Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One Pillar Pagoda.
- Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on a small peninsula on the East side of West Lake and Quan Thanh Temple situated on the Truc Bach Lake shore
- Visit the Temple of Literature
- Visit the Ethnology Museum
- Grab a Vietnamese coffee while waiting for the train to pass by at the Train Street.
- End your day by walking through the iconic Old Quarter.
- In the evening, enjoy a Water Puppet Show
- Overnight at the hotel
Meal: Breakfast -
Enjoy your free time for personal activities until your private transfer to the airport for your international departure flight.
Meal: Breakfast
Inclusions
The travel cost varies depending on the season, type of accommodation, and number of travelers
Included
- All accommodation in suggested hotels
- All flights mentioned in program
- All meals as mentioned in the program
- All transfers by private car and a professional driver
- All other transportation used for travel: sampan, small boat, etc...
- A professional English – speaking guide at each stage the entire time (except during free time)
- All tours as per the designed program
- All entry fees for places you visit
- All the entertainment and shows mentioned in the program
- All program activities (bike, kayak, or others...)
Excluded
- International flights to and from your home country
- Beverages, personal expenses and other services not clearly mentioned
- Tipping guides and drivers, which are of course not mandatory, but always appreciated, are subject to your discretion
- Travel insurance of any kind that you subscribe to personally
- Any free time services: including car and driver, tour guide, lunch and dinner
BOOKING POLICY
Our Booking Policy – Travel with Ease and Elegance
Because you are at the heart of everything we do at HANOI VOYAGES, we have designed a booking process that is both refined and reassuring — just like your journey with us.
With just a 20% deposit, your dream journey is already within reach!
And the remaining balance? Settle it effortlessly upon your arrival — in the comfort of our welcoming office. Choose the payment method that suits you best: international bank transfer, credit card, or cash.
No stress, no rush — only the promise of a seamless beginning to your elegant escape.
So, when everything is this simple and secure, why wait? Let the journey begin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hanoi Voyages offers a complete and varied range of accommodation options, where comfort, charm and warmth of welcome are always at the forefront. These hotels range from 3 stars to 5 stars depending on your budget.
Of course, Hanoi Voyages offers tailor-made and custom tours, so all changes are possible before departure, even after confirmation.
In case of cancellation, please contact us so that we can offer you a suitable solution.
We prioritize having a local guide specialized by region: one for the north, one for the central area, and one for the south. However, we balance the itinerary to minimize the tour guide's presence so you can save costs and enjoy other services.
It’s best to make your reservation as early as possible to find attractive prices and availability of services.
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