This 7-day North Vietnam Tours is specially customized by the hanoi tour operator Lotussia Travel for individuals, small group tours and family holidays, those seek an off the beaten path tour itineraries in the northern Vietnam. The overland tour begins with a car transfer from Hanoi to Ha Giang where you start visiting the beauty of the wild nature, untouched hill tribe villages, corn fields. You meet up with different ethnic people such as the Lolo, the Tay, the Dzao, the H’mong. Stops are made en route for you to take picture, to meet up with local peoples. You travel through Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van,Meo Vac, Saphin, Bac Me to Cao Bang where you visit the giant waterfall before driving back to Hanoi. This trip is provided with English-speaking tour guide, vehicle, basic hotel accommodation, local food.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive Hanoi – Ha Giang
8:00: You will be met up with Lotussia Travel team at your hotel in Hanoi and transferred to Ha Giang via Tuyen Quang province.

Enjoy natural landscape, green fields, palm hill and villages. Upon arrival in Tuyen Quang town, we can make a stop and visit a village of the Tay. We will arrive in Ha Giang town in the late afternoon. Check into a local house for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Travel Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Dong Van

After breakfast, we will have a short visit of the Ha Giang museum before we continue our drive towards Dong Van rocky highland. We make some stops en route for admiring the scenery and taking pictures.

Lunch will be provided a local restaurant in Yen Minh town.

After lunch, we continue traveling to Dong Van. Stop en route for visiting a local Hmong village in Cao Pho, and the Hmong King Palace in Saphin.

We arrive in Dong Van around late afternoon. Check into a local hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Dong Van – Meo Vac.

After breakfast, we will have a short visit of the ancient town of Dong Van. Then we continue our trip driving to Meo Vac.

We make stops en route for visiting local Hmong village and admiring the scenery, taking picture of  Ma Pi Leng pass.

We arrive in Meo Vac at noon, check into a local hotel.

Lunch will be provided either in the hotel or in a local restaurant in town.

After lunch, we will have a short walk visiting a Hmong village near the town.

Overnight in Meo Vac.

Day 4: Continue traveling Meo Vac – Bac Me.

After breakfast, we  depart for Bac Me. We may have the opportunity to visit the Lung Phin Market, the biggest tribal market in the area. The market is open following Vietnamese lunar calendar.

Lunch will be provided in Mau Due.

After lunch, we continue traveling towards Bac Me. We will pass by rice terrace fields, primary forest and hilltribe villages such as Duong Thuong, Du Gia, Minh Son….

We will arrive in Bac Me around late afternoon. check into a local guesthouse for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Travel Bac Me – Cao Bang.

After breakfast, we continue our trip driving towards Cao Bang. Other stops will be made on the way for you to visit more local hilltribe village, experiencing more their real authentic life.

We will arrive in Cao Ban around late afternoon. Check into a local hotel for dinner and overnight.
 
Day 6: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc waterfall – Cao Bang.

Heading out of town, we start venturing into the most remote northern regions of Cao Bang Province. The scenic roads traverse Trung Khanh before arriving at Ban Gioc Waterfall, which boasts the biggest waterfall in Vietnam (although not full of water in the dry season). There is an enormous cave with two main entrances, one branch reaching almost all the way to the waterfalls where there is a second "secret" entrance. On the way back, we may break en route, as you wish, to visit hill tribe villages and take pictures.
 
Day 7: Cao Bang – Hanoi.

Enjoy full day drive from Cao Bang to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi around mid-afternoon. End of Lotussia Travel service.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.

The 7-day North Vietnam Tours takes you to the less traveled places of the north western Vietnam where you will discover lots of untouched villages, sites including Ba Be national park, Bao Lac, Cao Bang, Meo Vac, Dong Van highland, Yen Minh, Quan Ba, Ha Giang province, Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi. Extend your Ha Giang travel experience with a two-day tour to Bac Ha, Lao Cai province. There you enjoy a short walking tour to a Tay village, visit the Coc Ly market, open on Tuesday only before taking the overnight train trip from Lao Cai to travel back to Hanoi. This off the beaten path tour itinerary is customized for small groups, family travel and those who look for a off the beaten track trip to the less visted Vietnam. For more details, contact Lotussia Travel Hanoi.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be National Park (L,D)

You will be met up at your hotel in Hanoi at 8:30am and travel northwards along national road 3 (Please inform us your hotel address).

Stop in Thai Nguyen City after about 2 hours drive for visiting the Museum of Ethnology. Leaving Thai Nguyen and continue the road ride to Cho Moi townlet for lunch break and then continue the road ride to Na Phac junction. Visit a local Dzao village before arriving hotel around late afternoon.

Dinner & overnight in a stilt house (homestay).

 Day 2: Ba Be National Park – Bao Lac (B,L,D)

After breakfast,  we will take a short walk to the boat pier and then enjoy the whole morning mainly on boat for exploring the pure nature of Ba Be lake and national park with some highlights including visiting to Dau Dang Waterfall and Puong Cave. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town. After lunch, transfer uphill for 160 km to Bao Lac with several stops along the way for admiring spectacular scenery of the western part of Cao Bang Province and paying visit to villages of the Nung peoples.

Arriving in Bao Lac in late afternoon, check-in hotel. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel in Bao Lac.

Day 3: Bao Lac –  Meo Vac (B,L,D)

Leaving Bao Lac at about 09.00 for a drive along the Gam River for an hour before turning right and traveling uphill to the higher land, heading north to Meo Vac Townlet of Ha Giang Province. Stop along the way for visiting several small hamlets of the Nung, Tay and H’mong ethnic peoples scaterring along the Nho Que River. Arriving in Meo Vac at about 13.00, having lunch and check in hotel for a short rest.

Spend the the afternoon by walking along the stunning Nho Que River, admiring scenery of the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, paying visit to villages of the H’mong, Zao and Red Lolo ethnic peoples.

Dinner and overnight in Meo Vac.

Day 4: Meo Vac - Dong Van – Yen Minh (B,L,D)

Leaving Meo Vac , you will enjoy one of the most stunning landscapes of the northern mountain - The Ma Pi Leng Pass. Visit a small H’mong hamlet, set amongst the rock field featuring the very tough life on this limestone highland before continuing along the road 4c to Dong Van, the northernmost townlet of Vietnam. Walk along the ancient street of Dong Van before having lunch.

After lunch, enjoy an hour drive to Lung Cu, the northernmost commune of Vietnam, walking to visit a Red Lolo village for half an hour and then driving downhill 24 km to Xa Phin to pay visiting to the famous historical site of the Vuong Family’s Palace famous for its mixture of H’mong architectural style.

Continue our road to Yen Minh where will spend the night.

Day 5: Yen Minh – Thong Nguyen (B,L,D)

Leaving Yen Minh for a drive up and downhill over the spectacular Yen Minh mountain pass with some stops for overviewing scenery and visiting a Red Zao village. Leaving the main road, crossing the Nho Que river by suspension bridge and walk along the bank of the river for an hour through a H’mong village before taking the road ride again to Quan Ba townlet.

Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant en route.

In the afternoon, we will take another short walk in a H’mong village before driving downhill all the way to Ha Giang Township and onto Thong Nguyen.

Overnight in Thong Nguyen.

Day 6: Thong Nguyen – Bac Ha (B,L,D)

Depart for Hoang Su Phi making another stop along the way to visit a Red Dzao village. Continue our drive towards Sin Man with several photo stops along the way. Arrive Sin Man around noon. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town. After lunch we will have a short rest before getting on our vehicle again for the journey to Bac Ha. Stop en route for another short walk to a H’mong village and Phu La village. Arrive in Bac Ha around late afternoon. Check-in hotel.

Dinner will be provided either in a local restaurant in town or at hotel.

Overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 7: Visit Coc Ly Tuesday market. Laocai – Hanoi (B,L)

Travel by car to Coc Ly market which is open on Tuesday only. Every Tuesday morning, minorities from surrounding villages such as the Flower Hmong, the Black Dzao and the Tay, gather here to sell and buy their products.

After visiting the market, travel by boat downstream on Chay river. Enjoy magnificent sight of the beautiful caves and life on the riverbank. You will have lunch at a nice spot or later in a local hill tribe village. The trip will also offers you a visit to Trung Do village of Tay minority, where you can stop by a traditional Tay house for a cup of tea. You will go further downstream until you arrive to Bao Nhai Bridge. Here you get on the car for the journey to Laocai.

Take the night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.

This 6-day north Vietnam tours is a combined trip which includes different travel highlights such as Hanoi city tour, sampan trip in Tam Coc, cycling Hoa Lu Tam Coc, Sapa trekking tours, visit Coc Ly ethnic market, boat trip on Chay river, Halong bay cruise tours with sea kayaking. This itinerary is highly recommended for family holidays, and those look for an active vacations to Vietnam.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi. Full day sightseeing tour (B).

Arrival at Noi Bai airport in Hanoi via flight ???. You'll be greeted by Lotussia Travel guide, driver and escorted to your hotel Hanoi city center.

Early check-in for a rest and breakfast.

At 10:00am, you will be met up again by our team for a day tour of Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. Hanoi is a unique city with tree-lined boulevards, French colonial architecture, peaceful lakes and oriental temples. The city tour includes such sights as the Ho Chi Minh stilts house, One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature – The first National University of Vietnam

In the afternoon, continue to visit the Ethnology museum where you can find the biggest object collection of 54 Vietnamese ethnic groups.

In the evening, attend to the water puppet show, one of famous Vietnamese traditional art.

Overnight in Ha Noi.

 Day 2: Hanoi -  Hoa Lu, Tam Coc - Hanoi. Overnight train to Laocai (B,L).

After breakfast, depart for Hoa Lu, Ninh Binh where we will visit the two remaining sanctuaries of the ancient citadel of Dinh & Le before having a short cycling trip through rural villages to Tam Coc, also called Halong-Bay-On-Land.

We will arrive in Tam coc around noon. Have lunch in a local restaurant in Tam Coc before taking a 3-hour boat trip along the Boi river in early afternoon.

The river trip in Tam coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. The tourists often compare the place with Guilin - China, or more closely, to the limestone islets of Halong Bay in the Tonkin Gulf for their similar geological structures and shapes.

Return to Hanoi.

Have day-use in a mini standard hotel in town before taking the overnight train trip for Laocai. Train ??? Departure at 20:30 (to be confirmed).

Overnight on the train.

Day 3: Arrive Laocai. Travel to Sapa. Full day walking (B,L).

Arrive in Laocai Railway Station early this morning at 5:30am (to be confirmed). You will be greeted by Lotussia local team and transferred to Sapa.

Breakfast will be provided in a local restaurant in town.

At 8:30: You will be met up again by Lotussia Travel guide, driver for a full day hiking around.

Travel by car downhill to Mong Sen village where we will start hiking on a dirt trail through rice fields and local hilltribe villages. Enjoy spectacular view along the way.

Your picnic lunch will be provided on spot.

In the afternoon, we continue our trek downhill towards Taphin village inhabited by Red Dao and Black H’mong minorities. These are the two largest ethnic groups living in Sapa area. Stop by some houses to talk local villagers to understand their culture, customs and traditions.

Late afternoon, we will trek back to to main road to get on our vehicle again for the journey back to Sapa.

Overnight in Sapa.


Day 4: Visit Coc Ly market. Overnight train back to Hanoi (B,L).

After breakfast, you will travel by car to Coc Ly market which is open on Tuesday only. Every Tuesday morning, minorities from surrounding villages such as Flower Hmong, Black Zao and Tay, gather to sell and buy their products.

After visiting the market, enjoy an option boat trip on the Chay river. Along the cruise, you can enjoy magnificent sight of the beautiful caves and life on the riverbank.

Lunch will be provided at a nice spot or later in a Tay’s village.

The trip will also offers you the opportunity a visit another Tay’s village, where you can stop by some family for a cup of tea.

You will go further downstream until you arrive in Bao Nhai Bridge where the vehicle will be waiting for a short drive to Laocai.

Have a quick shower in a mini/standard hotel in Laocai before taking the overnight train back to Hanoi. Train ??? departure at 20:15 (to be advised).

Overnight on the train.

Day 5: Arrive Hanoi. Travel  to Halong bay. Cruise. Kayaking (B,L,D).

Arrive in Hanoi early this morning, you will be greeted again by Lotussia Travel team and transferred to a local restaurant in town for breakfast.

At 8:30: Depart to Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life.

Arrive in Halong around noon and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood.

Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave.

Enjoy one-hour kayaking in the emerald waters of Halong Bay or enjoy a swim near the boat-house. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight on the boat.

Day 6: Halong bay - Hanoi. Departure (B).

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City.

11:00:  Disembark at the dock at Halong City and travel back to Hanoi.

Arrive in Hanoi at about 15:00.

Free for your personal discovery or shopping.

Two-hour day use will be provided in a mini/standard hotel in town for shower.

At 22:00: You will be met up again by Lotussia Travel team and transferred to Noibai airport for onward flight home. End of Lotussia Travel service.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.

The 6-day north Vietnam tours is one guided, off the beaten path tour which takes you to the less traveled region of the northern Vietnam. The overland tour begins with an overnight train trip from Hanoi up to Laocai where you start your road trip from Lao Cai to Bac Ha, and then Hoang Su Phi, Thong Nguyen, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Lung Cu, Pho Bang, Ba Be national park. Enjoy scenic landscapes, historic, culture heritage; meet up with H’mong, Dzao, Tay people; Spend the night at local home. Try to arrive to Bac Ha or Dong Van or Meo Vac on Saturday, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sunday colorful market.
 
Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi – Laocai. Overnight train.

You will be met up at your hotel in Hanoi by Lotussia Travel guide, driver and transferred to Hanoi railways station. Take the night train to Laocai. SP???. Departure at???. Overnight on board train.
 

 Day 2: Lao Cai – Bac Ha (B)

Early arrival to Lao Cai station at 05.30 (to be confirmed), you will be welcomed by Lotussia Travel team and transferred to a local restaurant for early breakfast and a short rest. Enjoy two hour drive uphill to Bac Ha. Every Sunday, the different and colorful ethnic minority come all here to sell their homemade products or buy something for the family. They are Hmong, Phu La, Back Dzao, Tay or Nung minorities. Some of these ethnic minorities can’t be met in any other areas.  Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town. In the afternoon, enjoy an easy walk to a H’mong village to explore the stunning valley nearby Bac Ha. Dinner and overnight in Bac Ha.
 
Day 3: Bac Ha – Xin Man –  Hoang Su Phi – Thung Nguyen commune (B,L,D)

Breakfast, check out hotel at 08.00. Driving uphill for 12 km and stop for a short walk to visit a Phu La village, located at the bottom of a stunning valley. Continue some more drive for visiting a H’mong village. Arrive Xin Man around noon. Lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, continue our drive to Thung Nguyen.  Check in the Pan Hou Eco-lodge for dinner and overnight.
 
Day 3:  Thung Nguyen – Nam An –  Ha Giang – Bac Me (B,L,D)

Driving to the top of the mountain, short stop for great view of the region before descending to the lowland and then continue for nearly an hour to Nam An, used to be a narrow and deep valley, built into a lake for water storage to run a hydraulic power plant and now has become spectacular lake with a peninsular for eco-tourist sport. Spend an hour walking around the lake visiting a local Red Zao village. Lunch in a house and relax. It is possible for you to swim in the emerald water or moving around the lake on bamboo rafts . Then continue our road trip to Ha Giang. Have a short walk to a Tay village in Ha Giang. Then drive to Bac Me. Overnight in Bac Me.
 
Day 4: Bac Me – Meo Vac – Dong Van( B,L,D)

Check out hotel at 08.00 and depart for Meo Vac. The first portion of the road weaves its way along the the Gam river amongst high mountains and thick forests. Crossing the Gam river and following the newly built road uphill, we will arrive Niem Son commune where we will spend almost an hour for visiting the local market and a small village of the H’mong ethnic peoples. Drive uphill through the remote and deserted region to Meo Vac. Getting close to Meo Vac, there appeared some small hamlets of the H’mong built on the immense limestone hill sides. Stop for visiting one of these hamlets for the first impression of the very hard life on this mysterious limestone highland. Arriving in Meo Vac at noon, take a quick look at the market (Sunday)and lunch break. After Lunch, visit to a small village of the Lolo, an ethnic group with only about 4,700 peoples near the town before leaving Meo Vac . Then continue along the road for 16 km to Dong Van. Check in hotel upon arrival and having a short rest. At about 17.00, the group gathers again for a leisure walk around the market place and the old street of Dong Van.

Day 5: Dong Van – Lung Cu - Vuong Palace – Pho Bang – Yen Minh – Quan Ba (B,L,D)

Check out hotel at 08.00 and drive to Lung Cu. Visit a village of the H’mong ethnic and a village of the Red Lolo in Lung Cu then move on to the Vuong Family Palace once ruled over the H’mong in the region and popularly known as King of the H’mong. Continue our drive to Pho Bang ancient town. Walking for about an hour to explore this town which is featured with two storey wooden houses, clay walled, Yin and Yang tiled roofs and leisure atmosphere. Leaving Pho Bang for a driving down hill to Yen Minh. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in Yen Minh. After lunch, drive uphill of a long and high mountain pass. Take a break at the foot of the pass far walking to visit a village of the La Chi, another small ethnic group with only over 3,000 individuals in Vietnam whose culture is really unique and strong. Arrive in Quan Ba around late afternoon. Check in hotel for freshen up and relax. Overnight in Quan Ba.

Day 6: Quan Ba – Ha Giang – Ha Noi (B,L,D)

Breakfast and check out hotel. Driving uphill to the top of Quan Ba mountain pass, stop for admiring the great view of Quan Ba valley. Then driving few kilometers further for visiting two more hill tribe villages - one village of the H’mong with traditional living style of the highlander ethnics and the other, a village of the Kinh peoples immigrated to the region in 1980s. Driving for another hour and take a coffee stop at Ha Giang before continue along national road 2 to Bac Quang. Lunch break. The whole afternoon is for traveling along national road 2 for Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi in late afternoon. End trip.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.

Another off-the-beaten path tour package has just been released by Lotussia Travel. This 6-day itinerary is an easy touring trip taking travelers to the less travelled places in Northern area of Vietnam such as Ba Be National Park, Bao Lac market, Dong Van ancient town and colorful local hill tribe ethnic minorities.

The first highlight of the trip will be the boat trip on Ba Be lake, Vietnam’s largest natural lake and is now the centrepiece of an extensive National Park. The park and the surrounding area is limestone country, so lakes, waterfalls, caves and unusual rock formations abound. The whole area is richly forested and home to many ethnic minority communities.

The second highlight will be the local market in Bao Lac. This market offers travelers the chance to meet peoples from some local small ethnic groups only inhabiting in the area such as Black Lolo, San Chay. They always wear beautiful traditional costumes and jewelleries when they go to the market.

The next highlight will be the area of Dong Van with its ancient town and spectacular sceneries travelers will experience along the road. Dong Van is very beautiful with mountains, forests, hidden grottoes and caves, multicoloured orchid forests, plum and peach trees, persimmon orchards, and more. Visiting Dong Van, one can see Pho Bang, also called Pho Bang Street, which was built a long time ago and features multi-storey houses made of clay bricks and tile roofs.

The 6-day trip will conclude with a relaxing and leixure journey in Nam An lake, used to be a narrow and deep valley, built into a lake for water storage to run a hydraulic power plant. Nam An lake now has become spectacular eco spot with a peninsular for eco-tourist sport. Travelers may swim in the emerald clear water or moving around the lake on bamboo rafts or boats.

The trip can also be extended with a beach vacation, a boat cruise or a easy-touring bicycle tour.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be National Park (L;D)

You will be met up at your hotel in Hanoi by Lotussia Travel guide, driver and transferred northwards along national road 3. Stop in Thai Nguyen City after about 2 hours driving for paying visit to the Museum of Ethnology. Leaving Thai Nguyen and continue the road ride to Cho Moi townlet for lunch break and then continue the road ride to Na Phac junction. Visit a local Dzao village before arriving hotel around late afternoon. Dinner & overnight in Ba Be guest-house.

Day 2: Ba Be National Park – Bao Lac (B,L,D)

After breakfast,  we will take a short walk to the boat pier and then enjoy the whole morning mainly on boat for exploring the pure nature of Ba Be lake and national park with some highlights including visiting to Dau Dang Waterfall and Puong Cave. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town. After lunch, transfer uphill for 160 km to Bao Lac with several stops along the way for admiring spectacular scenery of the western part of Cao Bang Province and paying visit to villages of the Nung peoples.

Arriving in Bao Lac in late afternoon, check-in hotel. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel in Bao Lac.

Day 3: Bao Lac –  Meo Vac (B,L,D)

Get up early and attend to Bao Lac market which offers chances for meeting peoples from some local small ethnic groups such as Black Lolo, San Chay,…who always wear beautiful traditional costumes. Leaving Bao Lac at about 09.00 for a drive along the Gam River for an hour before turning right and traveling uphill to the higher land, heading north to Meo Vac Townlet of Ha Giang Province. Stop along the way for visiting several small hamlets of the Nung, Tay and H’mong ethnic peoples scaterring along the Nho Que River. Arriving in Meo Vac at about 13.00, having lunch and check in hotel for a short rest.

Spend the the afternoon by walking along the stunning Nho Que River, admiring scenery of the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, paying visit to villages of the H’mong, Zao and Red Lolo ethnic peoples.

Dinner and overnight in Meo Vac.

Day 4: Meo Vac - Dong Van – Yen Minh (B,L,D)

Leaving Meo Vac at, the clients will enjoy one of the most stunning landscapes of the northern mountain - The Ma Pi Leng Pass. Visit a small H’mong hamlet, set amongst the rocks featuring the very tough life on this famous limestone highland before continuing along the road 4c to Dong Van, the northernmost townlet of Vietnam. Walk along the ancient street of Dong Van before settle down for lunch.

After lunch, enjoy an hour drive to Lung Cu, the northernmost commune of Vietnam, walking to visit a Red Lolo village for half an hour and then driving downhill 24 km to Xa Phin to pay visiting to the famous historical site of the Vuong Family’s Palace famous for its mixture of H’mong architectural style.

Continue our road to Yen Minh where will spend the night.

Day 5: Yen Minh – Nam An Lake (B,L,D)

Leaving Yen Minh for a drive up and downhill over the spectacular Yen Minh mountain pass with some stops for overviewing scenery and visiting a Red Zao village.

Leaving the main road, crossing the Nho Que river by suspension bridge and walk along the bank of the river for an hour through a H’mong village before taking the road ride again to Quan Ba Townlet.

Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant en route.

In the afternoon, we will take another short walk in a H’mong village before driving downhill all the way to Ha Giang Township and onto Nam An eco spot.

Day 6: Nam An Lake – Hanoi (B,L)

Full day road trip from Nam An to Ha Noi along national road 2 with several stops and break along the way. Arrive Hanoi in the afternoon at about 05.00 PM, trip ends.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.

The 6-day North Vietnam Tours is customized by the Hanoi based tour operator Lotussia Travel taking you to the less travelled places in the northern Vietnam. Start the 6-day tour from Hanoi, you travel through Ba Ba National park, Bac Kan province, Bao Lac, Cao Bang province, Meo Vac, Dong Van, Yen Minh, Ha Giang. This is a guided tour which includes such highlights as Ba Be lake boat trips, boat trips on Nam An lake, easy treks to ethnic villages, visit highland markets, meet up with different ethnic groups, spend the night at local home (homestay) and more. The off-the-beaten path tour is provided with 7-seater car, 16-seater minibus for small group tours and 30 seater bus for bigger groups. English-speaking guide, basic hotel accommodation, meals are also provided in this north Vietnam 4wd tour.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Begin your North Vietnam overland tour. Travel Hanoi - Ba Be National Park (L,D).

8:00: You will be met up at your hotel in Hanoi by Lotussia Travel guide, driver then depart for Ba Be National park. Leaving hotel, we will travel northwards along national road 3.

Stop in Thai Nguyen City after about 2 hours drive for visiting the Museum of Ethnology. Leaving Thai Nguyen and continue the road ride to Cho Moi townlet for lunch break and then continue the road ride to Na Phac junction. Visit a local Dzao village before arriving hotel around late afternoon.

Dinner & overnight in a stilt house (homestay).

 Day 2: Continue your North Vietnam trip. Boat trip on Babe lake. Travel to Bao Lac, Cao Bang (B,L,D).

After breakfast,  we will take a short walk to the boat pier and then enjoy the whole morning mainly on boat for exploring the pure nature of Ba Be lake and national park with some highlights including visiting to Dau Dang Waterfall and Puong Cave.

Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant on spot (simple).

After lunch, transfer uphill for 160 km to Bao Lac with several stops along the way for admiring spectacular scenery of the western part of Cao Bang Province and paying visit to villages of the Nung peoples.

Arriving in Bao Lac in late afternoon, check-in hotel. Dinner and overnight in a local hotel in Bao Lac.

Day 3: Bao Lac -  Meo Vac. Easy walk & visit local villages en route (B,L,D).

Leaving Bao Lac at about 09.00 for a drive along the Gam River for an hour before turning right and traveling uphill to the higher land, heading north to Meo Vac Townlet of Ha Giang Province. Stop along the way for visiting several small hamlets of the Nung, Tay and H’mong ethnic peoples scaterring along the Nho Que River.

Arriving in Meo Vac at about 13.00, having lunch and check in hotel for a short rest.

Spend the the afternoon by walking along the stunning Nho Que River, admiring scenery of the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass, paying visit to villages of the H’mong, Zao and Red Lolo ethnic peoples.

Dinner and overnight in Meo Vac.

Day 4: Travel to Dong Van - Yen Minh (B,L,D).

Leaving Meo Vac, you will enjoy one of the most stunning landscapes of the northern mountain - The Ma Pi Leng Pass. Visit a small H’mong hamlet, set amongst the rock field featuring the very tough life on this limestone highland before continuing along the road 4c to Dong Van, the northernmost townlet of Vietnam. Walk along the ancient street of Dong Van before having lunch.

After lunch, enjoy an hour drive to Lung Cu, the northernmost commune of Vietnam, walking to visit a Red Lolo village for half an hour and then driving downhill 24 km to Xa Phin to pay visiting to the famous historical site of the Vuong Family’s Palace famous for its mixture of H’mong architectural style.

Continue our road to Yen Minh where will spend the night.

Day 5: Yen Minh - Nam An Lake (B,L,D).

Leaving Yen Minh for a drive up and downhill over the spectacular Yen Minh mountain pass with some stops for overviewing scenery and visiting a Red Zao village.

Leaving the main road, crossing the Nho Que river by suspension bridge and walk along the bank of the river for an hour through a H’mong village before taking the road ride again to Quan Ba Townlet.

Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant en route.

In the afternoon, we will take another short walk in a H’mong village before driving downhill all the way to Ha Giang Township and onto Nam An eco spot.

Day 6: Nam An Lake – Hanoi (B,L).

Full day road trip from Nam An to Ha Noi along national road 2 with several stops and break along the way.

Arrive Hanoi in the afternoon at about 05.00 PM. End.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.

This 5-day North Vietnam Tours is customized by the Hanoi based tour operator Lotussia Travel in the far north Vietnam where you discover the beauty of the wild nature, meet up with different ethnic groups and experience the rich ethnic culture. Begin your adventure holiday with a car transfer from Hanoi to Tuyen Quang and then up to Quang Binh where you spend the night at a local home (homestay). The next days, you travel through Ha Giang to Bac Me, then to Meo Vac and Dong Van. If you arrive in either Meo Vac or Dong Van on Saturday evening, you have the opportunity to assist to the Sunday market is one of the most interesting ethnic highland marketing in Vietnam. During this 5-day north Vietnam tour, lots of stops are made en route for you to do some easy hike to hilltribe villages.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi – Thai Nguyen - Tuyen Quang – Quang Binh ( –,L,D)
You will be met up at your hotel in Hanoi by Lotussia Travel guide, driver and driven to Thai Nguyen. Visit the ethnology museum in Thai Nguyen then move on Tan Trao, called the capital of the resistant forces (Vietminh) in the war against the French from 1946 – 1954. Visit a Tay village in Tan Trao before having lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, continue the road trip to Tuyen Quang. The region is home to several ethnic groups such as Tay, Dao, Cao Lan. Take a short break at Vinh Tuy before taking a back road to travel through the lowland of Ha Giang province. Arrive in Quang Binh around late afternoon. Check in hotel. Overnight in Quang Binh.

Day 2: Quang Binh – Nam An –  Ha Giang – Bac Me (B,L,D)
Breakfast and leaving Quang Binh at 08.00. After a quarter hour, we will arrive My Bac commune where we will stop for a short walk to a local hill tribe village. Continue our drive to Nam An, used to be a narrow and deep valley, built into a lake for water storage to run a hydraulic power plant and now has become spectacular lake with a peninsular for eco-tourist sport. Spend an hour walking around the lake visiting a local Red Zao village. Lunch in a house and relax. It is possible for you to swim in the emerald water or moving around the lake on bamboo rafts . Then continue our road trip to Ha Giang. Have a short walk to a Tay village in Ha Giang. Then drive to Bac Me. Overnight in Bac Me.

 Day 3: Bac Me – Meo Vac – Dong Van( B,L,D)

Check out hotel at 08.00 and depart for Meo Vac. The first portion of the road weaves its way along the the Gam river amongst high mountains and thick forests. Crossing the Gam river and following the newly built road uphill, we will arrive Niem Son commune where we will spend almost an hour for visiting the local market and a small village of the H’mong ethnic peoples. Drive uphill through the remote and deserted region to Meo Vac. Getting close to Meo Vac, there appeared some small hamlets of the H’mong built on the immense limestone hill sides. Stop for visiting one of these hamlets for the first impression of the very hard life on this mysterious limestone highland. Arriving in Meo Vac at noon, take a quick look at the market (Sunday)and lunch break. After Lunch, visit to a small village of the Lolo, an ethnic group with only about 4,700 peoples near the town before leaving Meo Vac . Then continue along the road for 16 km to Dong Van. Check in hotel upon arrival and having a short rest. At about 17.00, the group gathers again for a leisure walk around the market place and the old street of Dong Van.

Day 4: Dong Van – Lung Cu - Vuong Palace – Pho Bang – Yen Minh – Quan Ba (B,L,D)

Check out hotel at 08.00 and drive to Lung Cu. Visit a village of the H’mong ethnic and a village of the Red Lolo in Lung Cu then move on to the Vuong Family Palace once ruled over the H’mong in the region and popularly known as King of the H’mong. Continue our drive to Pho Bang ancient town. Walking for about an hour to explore this town which is featured with two storey wooden houses, clay walled, Yin and Yang tiled roofs and leisure atmosphere. Leaving Pho Bang for a driving down hill to Yen Minh. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in Yen Minh. After lunch, drive uphill of a long and high mountain pass. Take a break at the foot of the pass far walking to visit a village of the La Chi, another small ethnic group with only over 3,000 individuals in Vietnam whose culture is really unique and strong. Arrive in Quan Ba around late afternoon. Check in hotel for freshen up and relax. Overnight in Quan Ba.

Day 5: Quan Ba – Ha Giang – Ha Noi (B,L,D)

Breakfast and check out hotel. Driving uphill to the top of Quan Ba mountain pass, stop for admiring the great view of Quan Ba valley. Then driving few kilometers further for visiting two more hill tribe villages - one village of the H’mong with traditional living style of the highlander ethnics and the other, a village of the Kinh peoples immigrated to the region in 1980s. Driving for another hour and take a coffee stop at Ha Giang before continue along national road 2 to Bac Quang. Lunch break. The whole afternoon is for traveling along national road 2 for Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi in late afternoon. End trip.
Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.

The 5-day North Vietnam tours is customized by the Hanoi based tour operator Lotussia Travel which focus on Ha Giang province, a new travel destination for those looking a less traveled place in Vietnam. Begin the tour from Hanoi, you travel through Tuyen Quang to Ha Giang province where you spend one night before continue your road trip up to the Dong Van Kart plateau. The highlights of this 5-day overland tour are visit ethnic highland markets of Meo Vac or Dong Van markets are open on Sunday only; meeting up with different ethnic groups; visiting local hilltribe villages which stay untouched from mass tourism. This North Vietnam tour, provided on private basis is highly recommended for family travelers, individuals and small group size.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Giang (L,D).

7:00am: You will be met up with Lotussia Travel team at your hotel in Hanoi (please advise your hotel name upon your confirmation). Enjoy a full day road trip along the national road 2 via Viet Tri Tuyen Quang to Ha Giang. Have some photo stops and short walk along the way to visit Tay Ethnic villages near by the road and enjoy beautiful scenery of lush palm forests, tea plantations and stunning valleys.
Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in Tuyen Quang.
After lunch, we continue our drive towards Ha Giang. Arrive in Ha Giang town at about 04.00pm. Check into a local stilt house in a Tay village. If time permit, enjoy a short walk around the village before having dinner. Overnight in a local stilt house.
 

 Day 2: Ha Giang – Bac Me – Meo Vac (B,L,D).

After breakfast, depart for Bac Me following the national road 34. Several stops will be made en route for taking pictures. We arrive Bac Me  around noon. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town.
After lunch, we continue our drive toward Meo Vac. The first portion of the road weaves its way along the Gam river amongst high mountains and thick forest. Other stops will be made en route for you to enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the wild nature.
Crossing the Gam river and following the newly built road uphill for about 27 km to Niem Son commune where we will spend almost an hour for visiting a small village of the H’mong and Nung ethnic peoples.
Continue driving uphill through the remote and deserted region to Meo Vac with the tough topography and climate of this remote highland which is in high contrast with what have been seen the day before. Getting close to Meo Vac, there appeared some small hamlets of the H’mong built on the immense limestone world. Stop for visiting one of these hamlets for the first impression of the very hard life on this mysterious limestone highland.
Arrive in Meo Vac and check into a local hotel for overnight.
 
Day 3: Visit Meo Vac Sunday market. Travel to Dong Van (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel.
The whole morning will be spent on visiting the Meo Vac market. Meo Vac market in Ha Giang Province is held every Sunday. It is the only one of its kind in the entire northern mountainous region of Vietnam. The market is not only for buying cows by the locals living in the karst plateau, it is also a time for the Mong ethnic people to get together.
Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town.
After lunch, we depart for Dong Van. We will stop en route to visit a small village of the Lolo. The narrow road winds its way on the wall-up and deserted mountain sides offering great view of a narrow valley where the Nho Que river sneaking, amidst mountain feet. This is Ma Pi Leng, probably the most famous mountain passes in Vietnam! We will visit a village of the H’mong for witnessing the hard life on this highland. Also here the true value of cultivated land and water can be seen!
Upon our arrival in Dong Van in the late afternoon, we will check into a local hotel for overnight.
 
Day 4: Dong Van – Quan Ba (B,L,D).

Check out hotel at 08.00 and drive 26 km to Lung Cu, located on the northernmost tip of Dong Van highland and Vietnam as well. Here you will visit two ethnic villages: One of the H’mong ethnic – majority of Dong Van district - and one of the Red Lolo – A very small ethnic group.
After visiting these villages, we will leave Lung Cu driving down hill for about 25 km to The Vuong Family Palace, once ruled over the H’mong in the region and popularly known as King of the H’mong.
Then we continue driving to Sung La where we will have a short walk to visit a H’mong village that has very old, typical and beautiful houses.
Driving uphill a stunning mountain pass, then turning right for 5 km to Pho Bang ancient town. This town was built hundreds of years ago as a regional trading center between the local and Chinese traders. Walking for about an hour to explore this charming town which is featured with two storey wooden houses, clay walled, Yin and Yang tiled roofs and leisure atmosphere.
Leaving Pho Bang, we drive down hill to Yen Minh, located in a lush valley. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town.
After lunch, we leave Yen Minh for Quan Ba. Enjoy marvelous scenery the lush forest and stop at the top of the pass for great view of the surrounding region.
Take a break at the foot of the pass and walk to a village of the La Chi, another small ethnic group with only over 3,000 individuals in Vietnam whose culture is really unique and strong.
Continue by road 4C along the Mtem river for an hour, walking to a village of the Zao ao dai (Zao with long dress) is located at the center of a large and stunning valley before arriving in Tam Son town.
Upon our arrival in Quan Ba, we will check into a local guesthouse for overnight. 
 
Day 5: Quan Ba – Ha Giang – Ha Noi (B,L)

Leaving Tam Son, we drive uphill to the Quan Ba Heaven Gate which is famous for the great view of the Tam Son valley with the “ Twin Hills”. You may wish to take a short walk to a small hamlet of the H’mong before continuing our drive to Ha Giang and onto Hanoi.
Lunch en route.
We will arrive Hanoi around late afternoon. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi. End of our service.
Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.

This 4-day North Vietnam Tours includes such highlights as the spectacular landscapes of the northern mountainous region, especially the limestone highland, the unique discovery of interesting culture, custom and way of life of different tribal ethnic peoples living in remote far north of Vietnam. Begin the 4-day venture from Hanoi, you travel through Tuyen Quang to Ha Giang town, Ha Giang province where you spend the first night a local home (homestay). Continue the overland tour to Bac Me, Ly Bon, Niem Son, Meo Vac, Dong Van, Lung Cu, Vuong Palace, Pho Bang, Quan Ban. This is a guided tour, customized for individuals, small group tours and family holidays, those seek an off the beaten path tour itinerary to the less traveled region of Vietnam. The best time to do this 4-day tour is the dry season starting from October until April.
Tour plan:

 Day 1: Ha Noi – Tuyen Quang – Me Village – Ha Giang (–, L, –)

Picked up at 07.00 and leave Hanoi for a full day road trip along national road 2 via Viet Tri Tuyen Quang to Ha Giang. Enjoy some photo stops and short walk along the way to visit Tay Ethnic villages near by the road and enjoy beautiful scenery of lush palm forests, tea plantations and stunning valleys. Lunch break in Tuyen Quang City.
Arrive in Ha Giang township at about 04.00, check in hotel for freshen up and then take a walk for an hour to visit Me Village of the Tay, which locates in a beautiful valley 3 km away from the hotel.

Day summary: Road transfer 332 km, aprox.6 hours/ Walk and sightseeing 2 hours/ Acc in Ha Giang township: Huy Hoan Hotel or home-stay in Me village of the Tay ethnic people.

Day 2: Ha Giang – Bac Me – Ly Bon – Niem Son – Meo Vac – Dong Van (B, L, –)

Breakfast in a local restaurant and leave Ha Giang early at 07.00am. Follow national road 34 for 3 hours through the lush region enjoy which is a combination of prosperous vallleys, high mountains covered by thick forest. Enjoy several photo stops and an hour walking through a beautiful valley, paying visiting to houses of the Tay ethnic people. Lunch break in Along the way. In a nice day it would be much better to have picnic at a nice place along the Gam river.
Afternoon trip along the mighty Gam river for 2 hours offers very different scenery including walled-up cliffs of karst rocks, narrow passages before turning left at Ly Bon and traveling the through the remotest land of Cao Bang and Ha Giang Provinces for 2 hours with some stops along the way to visit isolated hamlets of the Hmong. Arrive in Meo Vac at about 3.00pm, take a short rest before enjoying the most spectacualar landscapes of northern Vietnam: The Ma Pi Leng pass, famous for its magnificence with several stops for marvelous scenery. Pay visiting to a small village of the Hmong peoples near the top of the pass where cultivated land and fresh water shows its highest value. Arriving in Dong Van in late afternoon, check in hotel and take a leisure walk to explore the charming town for the rest of the day.

Day summary: Road transfer 186 km/ Walk and sightseeing 3 to 4 hours/ Acc: Rocky Highland Hotel.

Day 3: Dong Van – Lung Cu – Vuong Palace – Pho Bang – Quan Ba (B, L, – )

• If on Sunday: Spend about 2 hours joining the local ethnic peoples at Dong Van market before leaving for Lung Cu.
Leaving Dong Van, drive 26km to Lung Cu commune located on the northernmost tip of Dong Van highland and Vietnam as well. Pay visiting to a beautiful village of the Red Lolo – A very small ethnic group with only nearly 10 thousands individuals. The market here is on Friday.

Leaving Lung Cu for an hour drive to Xa Phin valley to pay visiting to the famous palace of the Vuong family. Then continue along road 4C which winds its way amongst wallled-up mountains, through the stunning Sung La valley and onto the ancient town let of Pho Bang, enjoy half an hour walking along old street featured with clay-walled houses roofed by Yin and Yang tiles. Lunch break here.

Afternoon trip downhill to Yen Minh and Quan Ba will be highlighted with breathtaking landscapes as well as visiting to a village of the Zao Ao Dai(Zao with long dress) in Nam Dam valley.
Arriving in Tam Son town let of Quan Ba district in late afternoon. Check in hotel, freshen up and relax. Evening is at leisure.

Day summary: Road transfer 191 km, approx.5 hours/ Walking and sightseeing 4 hours/ Acc in Quan Ba: 567 hotel(Basic room with air-coned, private bathroom, hot shower)

Day 4: Quan Ba – Ha Giang – Ha Noi (B, L, – )

Leaving Tam Son town let and drive uphill to the Cong Troi(Quan Ba Heaven Gate) which is famous for the great view of the Tam Son valley with the “ Twin Hills ”. Take a short walk to visit small hamlet of the Bo Y tribal people here before continuing downhill along the road 4C to Ha Giang and from here follow national road 2 to Hanoi. Lunch break at Doan Hung Junction.

Arriving back to Hanoi in late afternoon, about 5.00 to 6.00pm, trip end with drop off at hotel in Hanoi.

• If on Saturday: Spend an hour to visit an interesting market in Quyet Tien commune at the food of Quan Ba Pass.

Day summary: Road transfer 378km, approx.7 hours/ Stop and break along the way 2 – 3 hours.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more details. 

    


(8-11 days, 7-10 nights. Destination details could be found at the end of this page.)
OPTION 2


Day 1: Hanoi - Vu Linh (~180 km, ~7 h). L, D

Ha Giang motorcycle expedition, second itinerary Easy drive to on the sealed road to Thac Ba Lake and follow the little road to Vu Linh. Vu Linh is a Dzao village by the side of the lake, very friendly people and the welcome is exceptional.

Day 2: Vu Linh - Ha Giang (~180 km, ~6 h). B, L, D

After breakfast, ride along the Thac Ba lake on a small road lined by palm trees and scenic mountain views to join the main road heading up to Ha Giang where we stop for the night and apply for a permit..

Day 3: Ha Giang - Dong Van (~180 km, ~6h). B, L, D

After getting the permit to ride in border areas at Ha Giang's Immigration Police, we ride on small challenging mountain roads (but incredibly beautiful) on the land of colorful mountain hill-tribes.

Ha Giang motorbike expedition, second itinerary Head up the Ma Pi Leng Pass. Here is yet another amazing place, with cloudy mountain ranges and the poetic Nho Que river winding off in the distance. Ride on a zig-zag track until Dong Van, a remote area and meet the hard-working local people here. It is inspiring to see how they survive as they manage live in the rocks. When we reach town we will have some extra time to wonder the ancient streets lined with H'mong homes of clay bricks and tiles roofs built centuries ago.

Day 4: Dong Van - Bao Lac (~80 km, ~4 h). B, L, D

The road is still under construction and tracks what make the ride relatively long in spite of few kilometres. The landscape is among the most beautiful of Vietnam, and the slow tempo is only more appreciable.

Ha Giang motorcycling We cross the wild regions of the mythical province of Ha Giang. Stop for the night at Bao Lac, the ethnic crossroad of Northeast Vietnam. Many other ethnic groups on the two sides of the border meet at the market every Sunday.

Day 5: Bao Lac - Cao Bang (~150 km, ~5 h). B, L, D

Beautiful ride down to Cao Bang province. Few passes from where you can dominate the area. The road is easy but there are many blind curves. We can stop very often for photos. All together, stop for drinks and food it should be an 8-hour journey. Stay in a hotel.

Day 6: Cao Bang - Quang Uyen (~140 km, ~5 min). B, L, D

Ride in 1 hour and half to reach the beautiful village of Quang Uyen, in the middle of a mountain cirque. This is the territory of Nung An people. Home stay in a host family and the hostess is a great cook.

We make our way through spectacular scenery to Vietnam's most impressive waterfall, Ban Gioc Waterfalls, 50km from Quang Uyen. Weather permitting we can swim right up to where the 50m high falls hit the river.

Ha Giang motorcycle adventure Day 7: Quang Uyen - Lang Son (~180 km, ~6 h). B, L, D

Ride from Quang Uyen to Lang Son on the famous historical Highway 4. We will have time to discover this city which has become a big trading post between China and Vietnam. You can shop for cheap Chinese products at the nearby Dong Kinh market.

Overnight in hotel.

Day 8: Lang Son - Hanoi (~150 km, ~3 h). B, L

Easy day back to Hanoi on the new Highway 1B. You can wake up late in the morning as we guess you can be tired after 7 long riding days.

Arrival at Hanoi around 3pm.