Example Itinerary

The Way to Heaven's Gate: Hanoi to Ha Giang

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Trekking, Tribal
Destinations
Vietnam

Explore Vietnam’s northernmost province and experience the true local culture. Home to endless rocky plateaus and romantically-named mountains dotted with tiny villages, Ha Giang is a less-traveled land of beauty and adventure.

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

  • Dong Van: Highlights of one of Vietnam's most scenic regions include Heaven's Gate and Fairy Mountain, plus the colorful Quyet Tien Market.
  • Ethnic Groups: The far north of the country is home to remote hill tribes, such as Hmong and Han - communities which have lived in the mountains for generations.
  • Road Trip: The northern highlands are renowned for their epic landscapes of rolling hills, tiered rice paddies, and winding roads, providing endless opportunities for photography.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Hanoi

Touch down in the beautiful city of Hanoi, with its old-world Vietnamese culture mixed with colonial influences. Relax and enjoy the sights as your guide whisks you from the airport and through the colorful streets to your luxury hotel. We recommend the stunning and award-winning Sofitel Legend Metropole, where you’ll bed down in sumptuous French-inspired luxury before your big adventure.

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).

Relaxation: Enjoy complimentary tai chi and yoga classes.

Food: A wide range of dining choices from seafood and chocolate high tea buffets to French, Italian and Vietnamese cuisine.

Opera: The hotel offers guests complimentary front row tickets to the famous nearby Hanoi Opera House.

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Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Map

Ha Giang

After a refreshing sleep and a delicious early breakfast, embark upon the first leg of your journey. Hop in your awaiting car and set out on the scenic eight-hour road trip north. Along the way, stop off in the charming town of Tuyen Quang for a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. Pay a visit to the Tan Trao Historical Relic which includes Tan Trao Communal House, Hong Thai Communal House and the Tan Trao banyan tree, before arriving in Ha Giang, where you’ll check in to a comfortable 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 3

Map

Dong Van

Get your first look at the stunning scenery of Ha Giang province with a view of Heaven’s Gate and Fairy Mountain at Dong Van. Next, explore the Vuong Family Mansion, a dynastical house exhibiting traditional architectural features. In the afternoon, take in the bustling Quyet Tien Market, the center of trade for local minority groups, and visit an authentic house of the Lolo people - whose numbers are fast dwindling - in Sung La. Finally, after a busy day, rest for the night at the Lam Tung Hotel in Dong Van.

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

Map

Meo Vac

Continue your discovery of northern Vietnamese culture and scenery after a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day trekking through the mountainous villages of Ma U, Ma Tia and Po Lo - homes to the ethnic groups of the white Hmongs and the Hans, and take in the stunning vistas of the Dong Van plateau. Later, transfer to Meo Vac and check into the charming and rustic Auberge de Meo Vac where you’ll enjoy home-cooked food and beautiful views.

Hotel Options
About

This rustic little gem of a guest house is a shining example of northern Vietnamese charm and hospitality. Nestled in the foothills with the valley of Meo Vac beneath and within a short,  pleasant walk to the local town, guests will be delighted from the outside in.

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.

Meo Vac
Meo Vac

Day 5

Map

Ha Giang

Take the day to explore the foothills and the beautiful mountain town of Meo Vac, home to one of the prettiest weekend markets in the area. It is the meeting place for ethnic groups from miles around to gather and trade their goods and livestock, and as such, a unique window into local life. In the afternoon, head back to Ha Giang and check back into your 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.

Day 6

Map

Departure

After a traditional local breakfast in Ha Giang, jump in your car and relax as the gorgeous scenery glides past, all the way back to Hanoi - about a six-hour drive. From here, you can continue to enjoy Vietnam or connect to your departure flight at Hanoi airport.

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.

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