Epic Northeast Vietnam Tour 7 Days: Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bac Lao, Cao Bang & Ba Be Adventure
Tour highlights
From Ha Giang’s rugged stone plateaus to the still waters of Ba Be Lake, each place offers its own quiet poetry. You’ll pass ancient border markets, ethnic hamlets wrapped in cloud, and waterfalls that spill across the land like folded silk. In these remote stretches, time moves gently - offering not just a trip, but a deeper encounter with the landscape, the people, and the quiet strength of the northeast.
Tour Highlights:
- Stay in a stilt house in Thon Tha Village.
- Hike to Heaven Gate and view Fairy Mountain.
- Cruise Nho Que River from Ma Pi Leng Pass.
- Visit Black Lo Lo villages in Bao Lac.
- Explore Ban Gioc Waterfall and Nguom Ngao Cave.
- Enjoy a boat trip and homestay in Ba Be Lake.
Price includes:
- Private transfer with air-conditioner.
- English speaking guides.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- All entrance and sightseeing fees.
- Boat trip.
- Mineral water 02 bottle 500ml/person/day on car/van.
Itinerary idea in detail
Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights at our preferred rates.
We’ll start the journey with a pick-up at your hotel after breakfast, leaving behind the bustle of Hanoi to venture toward the very northern tip of Vietnam - Ha Giang. Upon arrival in Thon Tha village, located in Phuong Do Commune just 10 kilometers from the town, we are welcomed by a peaceful scene of about 90 traditional stilt houses made of wood and bamboo. Home to roughly 550 people, this village is a vivid portrait of provincial life in the highlands. Dinner and overnight in a local house in Thon Tha.
After breakfast, the day begins with a drive to Quan Ba, where the landscapes shift into rolling hills and patchworks of seasonal farmlands. This is home to the Dao and Tay ethnic groups. We will walk along quiet tracks through their villages and observe daily life at a gentle pace. A stop at the Heaven Gate rewards us with a panoramic view over Fairy Mountain. Continuing along scenic roads, we head to Dong Van, a charming stone highland town, pausing to visit the impressive Palace of the H’mong King - fortress steeped in local history. Arrive in Dong Van and check in to our hotel. Overnight in Dong Van.
The morning program depends on the day. If it’s Sunday, we will begin with a stroll through Dong Van Market, where locals from remote villages gather to trade essentials. Otherwise, we will hike up to the French Fortress of Pu Lo, constructed in 1890, now offering sweeping views of the rugged landscape.
We then travel along lesser-known paths through remote countryside dotted with villages, continuing toward Meo Vac. On the way, stop at the iconic Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s most dramatic mountain roads. The view here opens to a dizzying canyon carved by the Nho Que River. A peaceful boat trip along the river follows, offering an unforgettable perspective of the region’s grandeur. Arrive in Meo Vac. Overnight in Meo Vac.
Today begins with a morning trek through the stunning surroundings of Meo Vac, providing moments to connect with locals and capture striking photographs. We then drive down to Bao Lac, where we visit the Black Lo Lo community - one of the smallest and most culturally distinct ethnic groups in Vietnam. Their remote villages, though limited in infrastructure, preserve rich customs and beautiful attire.
From Bao Lac, the road continues through twisting mountain routes toward Cao Bang. Arrive and overnight in Cao Bang.
We set off early for Ban Gioc Waterfall, located at the border with China. This vast and dramatic cascade is the fourth-largest waterfall in the world and a breathtaking sight to behold. Enjoy a bamboo raft ride at its base for a closer view.
Later, visit Nguom Ngao Cave, known for its impressive limestone formations and beautifully illuminated pathways that stretch over several kilometers. After the visit, return to Cao Bang. Overnight in Cao Bang.
After breakfast, we drive 150 kilometers toward Ba Be Lake National Park. The route climbs through forested passes, revealing dramatic karst peaks and peaceful valleys. Upon arrival, we board a boat to explore the vast lake, its caves, and surrounding ethnic villages.
We also take a light hike along the riverside trails before reaching a local Tay family’s home, where we will stay the night in a traditional stilt house. Overnight in Ba Be.
Begin the final day with a relaxing bicycle ride through the surrounding village and countryside. We will stop at Hua Ma Cave, the largest dry cave in Northeast Vietnam, to explore its towering chambers. After the visit, we return to Hanoi via scenic mountain roads. Arrive back in the city. End of services.