Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

A memorable journey around the highlights of Vietnam’s highlands, this tour will enchant and beguile even those who have previously visited Vietnam’s north. Prepare to be whisked away from the buzz and bustle of colonial Hanoi - from speeding along the new highway to gliding serenely on the lake at Ba Be national park. Explore tiny traditional villages nestled in the hills and enjoy the rare chance to meet the unique ethnic groups that live there; share their distinct culture and food and soak up the action in the market place. Take winding road trips and pleasant hikes right into the northern heartland to truly experience the unrivalled scenery before heading completing the journey back in charming Hanoi.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Ba Be National Park: This protected area of natural beauty is home to limestone karsts, evergreen forest, Puong Cave, and the rapids of Dau Dang Waterfall, to name but a few features.
  • Ethnic Diversity: Bao Vac is where members of various hill tribe communities come to trade, including Red Hmong, San Chay, Black Zao, and Black Lo Lo.
  • Panoramas: Traveling by road through the winding landscapes of northern Vietnam, travelers will be treated to views of verdant mountains and tiered rice terraces.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Ba Be National Park

Wake up bright and early to be whisked out of Hanoi by your driver. Enjoy the journey on the new highway to Thai Nguyen and the stunning scenery from there onwards, with evergreen forests, mountainside tea terraces and valleys filled with rice fields. Stop off for photo opportunities along the way, and after your leisurely four-hour drive you’ll be ready for a delicious local lunch in Bac Can. After an hour’s drive deeper into the country, you’ll arrive at the pier in Cho Ra to board a traditional motor sampan and glide along the river Nang. During your relaxing four-hour cruise, explore Puong Cave, Dau Dang Waterfall and sail to your destination, the emerald lake in Ba Be National Park. Head to your basic but comfortable hotel and relax for the evening, surrounded by nature.

Hotel Options
About

The Ba Be Legend Hotel offers a comfortable stay for travelers to the beautiful remote areas in Ba Be National Park. The boutique hotel has 5-storys with basic yet clean rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and private balconies that overlook the lush surrounds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Bao Lac

After an early breakfast, embark upon the adventurous drive into the mountains, the winding road offering more gorgeous scenic views at every sharp bend. From Phia Den, take a walk down into the village home of the Flowery Hmong, a colorful ethnic group distinct to this area. After communing with the locals, enjoy a Vietnamese coffee in Tinh Tuc. Then it’s off to Bao Lac where you’ll check in to your local hotel and stop for a delicious lunch in the hotel’s pleasant restaurant. In the afternoon it’s just a short drive into the Khuoi Khun village, home to the Black Lo Lo ethnic group. Before the day fades, head back to the hotel, after a long day exploring, and a total of five hours traveling, you’ll be ready for a relaxing evening.

Hotel Options
About

Set in Bao Lac, this small property offers clean guest rooms with twin or double beds, air-conditioning, private bathrooms and standard amenities such as mini-fridge, kettle, and bathrobes.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 3

Dong Van

Bao Vac is the meeting and trading center for many tribal groups who gather to shop and socialize. In the morning, experience the bustle and mix of the Red Hmong, Black Zao, San Chay and Black Lo Lo. Then it’s off to Meo Vac on the winding two-hour journey through villages of the Hmong, Nung and Dao groups. During lunch in Meo Vac, take the rare opportunity to snap a picture of the Black Lo Lo in their traditional dress. Continue on to Dong Van through Ma Pi Leng Pass and finally check in to your room. Explore Dong Van this evening with dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel Options
About

One of the more comfortable and modern hotels in Dong Van, the Hoa Cuong Hotel has 81 guest rooms spread across its nine floors. Each spacious room offers complimentary wifi, comfortable linens and bedding, and wooden furniture.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Ha Giang

After a hearty breakfast of Vietnamese noodle soup, head to the market in Dong Van or in nearby Xa Phin to experience a taste of local life. Next, visit the beautiful Vuong Palace of the Hmong King, a combination of French and oriental-style architecture. Finally stop at a brocade shop and meet its proprietor who will show you the local traditions of traditional Hmong brocade waving and how her cooperative is preserving this art and supporting the local women. Just 30 minutes’ drive from here is Sung La Valley and Lung Cam Tren Village, home of the Hmong, where you may see traditional Khen music and dance. Enjoy a traditional lunch in Yen Minh town before a stunning hour and a half’s drive over Yen Minh Pass. Stop off in Lung Tam and Nam Dam villages and meet the smiling locals in their colorful dress, before continuing the road trip through Quan Ba Pass and up to the amazing panoramas at Co Tien Mountain, also known as Fairy Mountain. Finish the day with the journey of just over an hour into Ha Giang where you’ll check in to a local hotel.

Hotel Options
About

P’apiu welcomes guests to its private mountaintop retreat which juxtaposes luxury and comfort against the wild splendors of Ha Giang. Catering exclusively to couples seeking a special and intimate getaway, P’apiu only has three villas spaciously set across its 75 acres of land.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This four-star boutique hotel has a striking European façade and a sumptuously-appointed marble-floored lobby. Guest rooms are furnished with twin or king beds, carpeted floors, and modern amenities.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Ha Giang
Ha Giang

Day 5

Hanoi

Check out and say goodbye to Ha Giang as you embark on your long but beautiful journey back to Hanoi. Stop off along the way for photos of the scenery and a delicious lunch in Tuyen Quang ot Doan Hung. Check back into your comfortable Hanoi hotel around 5pm and enjoy the evening in the city.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Theatrical Splendor: This glamorous hotel turns a stay into an experience. Over a thousand pieces of operatic memorabilia and thematic interiors ensconce guests in Bill Bensley’s vision of opera’s golden days passed.

Location: Just a mere steps away from the iconic Hanoi Opera House, the Capella Hanoi sits in the prestigious Hoan Kiem quarter, offering guests convenient access to cultural highlights, shopping, and restaurants.

Curated Culture: Capella Hotel Group’s focus on cultural experiences is a cornerstone at each of its properties. From intertwining local culture in the property design to bringing local cuisine to its house restaurant and bar menus, Capella’s Culturists further enhance guests’ stays with complimentary Rituals and Programming curated to furture explore the local culture.

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Capella Hanoi Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: The hotel has its own bomb shelter used in the American War (1964-1975) with a complimentary path of history tour offered daily for in-house guests.

Relaxation: Enjoy complimentary tai chi and yoga classes.

Food: A wide range of dining choices from seafood buffets to French fine dining, European rustic menu and Vietnamese modern cuisine.

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Preferred Hotel

Day 6

Departure

Enjoy one final breakfast at your hotel and time at leisure before your private transfer to the airport for your flight onward. 

Suggested Hotel For Day 1

Ba Be Legend Hotel

Ba Be Legend Hotel

The Ba Be Legend Hotel offers a comfortable stay for travelers to the beautiful remote areas in Ba Be National Park. The boutique hotel has 5-storys with basic yet clean rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and private balconies that overlook the lush surrounds. The in-house restaurant serves a local breakfast and the hospitable staff are more than happy to help with any requests.

Suggested Hotel For Day 2

Nha Khach Ubnd Bao Lac Hotel

Nha Khach Ubnd Bao Lac Hotel

Set in Bao Lac, this small property offers clean guest rooms with twin or double beds, air-conditioning, private bathrooms and standard amenities such as mini-fridge, kettle, and bathrobes.

Suggested Hotel For Day 3

Hoa Cuong Hotel

Hoa Cuong Hotel

One of the more comfortable and modern hotels in Dong Van, the Hoa Cuong Hotel has 81 guest rooms spread across its nine floors. Each spacious room offers complimentary wifi, comfortable linens and bedding, and wooden furniture. The restaurant serves local Vietnamese cuisine and a buffet breakfast.

Suggested Hotels For Day 4

P'apiu

P'apiu

P’apiu welcomes guests to its private mountaintop retreat which juxtaposes luxury and comfort against the wild splendors of Ha Giang. Catering exclusively to couples seeking a special and intimate getaway, P’apiu only has three villas spaciously set across its 75 acres of land. Each expansive villa is specially designed with its own personality: the Mellow takes its cue from the traditional homes of the Ha Giang local people, built entirely of hand pounded soil with no binders and looks onto the Dao village below; the Fluffy is a wood-and-glass construct that frames dramatic panoramas in floor to ceiling windows and features open spaces to fully take in the landscape; the Layla Qays is a completely unique cozy subterranean space covered in comfortable natural materials. All villas come with 24-hour private butler service and special features and services such as indoor and outdoor jacuzzis, afternoon tea, reading room or wine cellar. A menu of romance-oriented experiences such as stargazing, tree planting, and traditional Red Dao wedding renewal further enrich a stay at P’apiu. The signature restaurant serves local classics and western favorites with fresh produce sourced from its onsite farm. P’apiu is located at the final point of a long mountain range that begins at Vi Xuyen district and ends at the foot of Mount P’apiu, Yen Dinh village in Ha Giang.
Phoenix Ha Giang

Phoenix Ha Giang

This four-star boutique hotel has a striking European façade and a sumptuously-appointed marble-floored lobby. Guest rooms are furnished with twin or king beds, carpeted floors, and modern amenities. Select rooms have views of the lake. A la carte and buffet breakfast is offered at the restaurant. Other facilities include a fitness center, bar, outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour front desk, and currency exchange services as well as complimentary bicycles for guest use.

Suggested Hotels For Day 5

Capella Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Capella Hanoi

Designed by "staritect" du jour Bill Bensley and inspired by the Hanoi Opera House, the new Capella Hanoi will incorporate the capital's historic and opulent colonial-era architecture. Located within Hanoi's Hoan Kiem district, the property is comprised of 47 palatial-style guest rooms, lavishly decorated in contrasting dark and light tones with lashings of color, signature of Bensley's aesthetic.
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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
Preferred Hotel

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

This richly historic 358-room French colonial masterpiece opened in 1901 and is one of Vietnam's finest hotels, with luxuriously appointed rooms, attentive staff and gracious service. It is ideally located in central Hanoi and houses a beautiful interior garden. Excellent French cuisine is served at Le Beaulieu, and Hanoi specialties are offered at Spice Garden. The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center with cardio machines and weights, as well as a swimming pool and spa offering massage treatments. All of the guest rooms have broadband Internet access and are decorated in an opulent, neo-classical style.

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

Vietnam War History Expedition

Author
Remote Lands
The history of Vietnam is complex, rich and at times very troubling. A country often divided and fighting for its independence, the Vietnam of today is making a name for itself as an “it” tourism destination, with its delicious food, gorgeous beaches, fascinating cities and welcoming people.
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