Off the beaten path North Vietnam itinerary 2weeks 14 days

After breakfast, your day begins with a visit to the square in front of the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, dedicated to the nation's founding father. Your guide will recount the history of the country's independence before you take some memorable photos.

Next, proceed to the Defense Pagoda by West Lake, concluding your morning with an enriching visit to the Hanoi Ethnography Museum, which highlights Vietnam's diverse ethnic cultures.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy an intriguing walk through the Hanoi Old Quarter. Start with the Long Bien Bridge - Paul Doumer Bridge (Trần Nhật Duật Street side) and move on to Cao Thắng Street, known for its traditional spices. Then, visit the Đồng Xuân Market, the largest market in Hanoi, and experience the bustling atmosphere of Hàng Mã Street, famous for its decorative items, Chinese toys, and vibrant lanterns.

Continue your adventure through Lương Văn Can, Lãn Ông, and Hang Buồm streets, stopping by the Bạch Mã Temple (76 Hang Buồm Street), the oldest temple in Hanoi. Take a relaxing break at Café Market (Hanoi Coffee Station, 44 Hang Bè Street or another boutique café) and enjoy a complimentary coffee.

Capture the lively ambiance by Hoan Kiem Lake.

Overnight stay in Hanoi.

In the morning, transfert to Hoang Su Phi. Upon arrival at Hoàng Su Phì, you are warmly welcomed to check in and unwind at Hoang Su Phi Bungalow. If you find yourself with some spare time, take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets of Nậm Hồng village, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of life and culture woven by the Red Dao ethnic community.

As the day draws to a close, indulge in a delightful dinner at Hoàng Su Phì Bungalow, where you can savor delicious local cuisine. Then, retire for the night, enveloped in the tranquility and comfort of your accommodations, ready to embark on new adventures tomorrow.

Overnight at Hoang Su Phi Bungalow.

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic hike towards the nearby mountain leading to Nậm Khòa village. As you begin your journey, you'll traverse ancient paths, with the landscape unfolding before you, revealing majestic mountains and winding, terraced slopes.

Arriving at the Red Dao village, you'll be greeted by locals adorned in vibrant red ao dai and iridescent brocade shirts. Here, women cultivate medicinal plants renowned for their healing properties, offering relief from muscle pain, arthritis, and flu, or simply aiding relaxation.

After a delightful lunch, your adventure continues through terraced fields, serene relief areas, and lush tea hills. You'll then visit Yaos village, adorned with ao dai, before returning to your homestay or lodge, completing a memorable day of exploration.

Diner and overnight at Hoang Su Phi.

Your hike will commence at 9 am following a delightful breakfast. As you set off, you'll pass through a charming village of Yao people, known for their distinctive long tunics and houses perched on mountainsides. En route, you'll traverse breathtaking rice terraces and bamboo forests, soaking in the natural beauty.

During the hike, a break awaits at a Red Dao House, where a warm welcome and local tea await. You can choose to rest or join your guide in preparing lunch.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to a Tay village nestled in the valley. Following the river, the group will make their way back to the Homestay or Lodge, concluding a day filled with scenic wonders and cultural experiences.

Return to your bungalow, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the simple pleasures of rural life, engaging in activities such as plowing, harrowing, and planting alongside the local community..

Dinner at your own.

Overnight stay in Hoàng Su Phì (Homestay ou Lodge)

We resume our journey along the main road alongside the Lo River until we reach Ha Giang. Further north, we pass through the 'gate of the sky,' an astonishing natural site harboring a double hill, whose legend unveils the mysteries of its formation.

Here we are in the Quan Ba district, one of the less affluent regions of the country, where the objective is to support local communities in diversifying their income through responsible tourism initiatives. The next day, we will have the opportunity to discover the Can Ty project, contributing to this goal.

Arrival at the village of Nam Dam of the Dao with long tunics.

Dine and spend the night in a typical house with thick wooden walls and beaten earth.

Overnight in Nặm Đăm.

After a delightful breakfast, we begin the day with a charming stroll through the village, exploring its typical houses with ochre walls, providing a glimpse of local authenticity.

We join the Blue H'mong of Can Ty village to discover the ancient art of hemp weaving, perpetuated by the village women within cooperatives, supported by a non-governmental organization. This experience offers a fascinating insight into the lifestyle of this ethnic group from the Far North and provides valuable support for their sustainable development project, preserving a threatened tradition.

Continuing our journey, we traverse the karst plateau, one of the remarkable features of Ha Giang province. After a scenic drive, winding through twisting roads, we arrive at the ancient Palace of King H'Mong Vuong Chi Sinh, unique in size and architecture, built with plateau stones and hidden at the bottom of the Sa Phin valley.

Meals on your own.

Overnight in Dong Van.

The morning is dedicated to the "Happiness Road", which connects Dong Van and Meo Vac (a distance of 25 km). We'll have lunch in Meo Vac and then head towards Bao Lac. If time permits, we'll take a detour to visit the Black Lo Lo village of Khuoi Khon, where "France 2" filmed the documentary "RDV en terre inconnue" (Meeting in Unknown Land) with the famous rugby player Michalak as a guest.

We'll return to Bao Lac for an overnight stay (Khuổi Khon village).

Note: Since the Dong Van Market takes place on Sundays, it would be beneficial to plan the itinerary accordingly.

Just in front of the Kim Cuc Bridge, located approximately 12km from Bao Lac, we will embark on a 6km round trip walk to visit a village of the San Chi ethnic group. This minority group is closely related to the Dao and traditionally wears black hemp clothing. The village is small, with around 30 thatched roofs, and its inhabitants lead a very simple way of life. You'll still see many animals tied up under their stilt houses. We'll spend about an hour exploring this village and experiencing their way of life.

In the afternoon, we'll transfer to Cao Bang via a beautiful mountain road, passing through the Ngan Son Pass. Cao Bang is a province in the Northern highlands, bordering China, and is inhabited by several ethnic minorities, including the Tay, Nung, Dao, and Hmong.

We will arrive in Cao Bang by late afternoon and spend the night at a hotel to rest and prepare for more adventures the next day.

After breakfast, you will hit the road towards Quang Uyen. On the way, there will be a stop to visit the village of Phuc Sen, known for preserving the traditional forging techniques of the Tay and Nung ethnic minorities.

Next, we will head to the famous Ban Gioc Waterfalls, considered the most beautiful in Northern Vietnam, and they face China, with the border running through the largest waterfall. You'll have the morning to explore the falls, and there will be an opportunity for a free lunch at a local restaurant.

In the early afternoon, we'll make a stop a few kilometers away from the falls on the way back to Cao Bang to explore the mysterious Nguom Ngao Cave. This cave, carved by nature in a limestone mountain range, is considered one of the most beautiful caves in Vietnam. We will arrive back in Cao Bang by the end of the day.

Dinner will be at your leisure.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

Depart for Dong Khe, which is located 43 km from Cao Bang and 88 km northwest of Lang Son. Will be our guide during the hike and will narrate the story of the infamous battle that took place there in October 1950, known as the "Battle of Colonial Route 4 (RC4)."

After a few kilometers on the rough track, the vehicle will drop us off at the beginning of the famous Quang Liet Valley. We'll hike on its western edge for about an hour and a half, following the river that runs through it and passing through some hamlets. Our route will lead us to the Coc Xa hamlet, where a small pass lies at the foot of the fateful cliff.

Returning to Dong Khe, we will visit a Vietnamese commemorative monument while ascending to the top of the hill overlooking the town where the citadel once stood.

Lunch will be at your leisure before continuing the journey to Lang Son, a border town with China.

Upon arrival in Lang Son, you can visit the Tam Thanh Cave, located close to the city center, on the side of a small karstic rock next to To Thi Mountain. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the Ky Lua Central Market, where you'll find various goods, mostly "Made in China."

We will spend the night at a hotel in Lang Son, where you can rest and relax after a day filled with historical and scenic experiences.