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Vietnam Travel Guide
From
$629
$629
9 Days Off The Beaten Northern Vietnam
Overview
Explore the remote highlands and natural wonders on this 9-day Northern Vietnam tour, crafted for adventurous travelers looking to go beyond the usual tourist trail. Journey from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the dramatic mountain passes of Ha Giang, the border landscapes of Cao Bang, and the lush tranquility of Ba Be National Park. Along the way, connect with local ethnic minorities, enjoy scenic hikes and boat rides, and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This immersive experience offers a perfect balance of culture, nature, and comfort—all with expert guidance and local hospitality.
Highlights
- Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Ha Giang Loop, Vietnam's most scenic mountain road
- Trek through remote ethnic villages and rice terraces in Ba Be National Park
- Visit the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the most stunning falls in Southeast Asia
- Cruise across the tranquil Ba Be Lake and explore the mystical Nguom Ngao Cave
- Savor authentic local meals and stay in charming family-run homestays
- Door-to-door service, free Vietnamese SIM card, and 24/7 support via WhatsApp
Tour Video Preview
Watch a short preview of our “9 Days Off The Beaten Northern Vietnam” tour to get a visual impression of the destinations and experiences.
The video offers an overall idea of the trip, though details may vary by season or your personalized itinerary.
Route
- Day 1: Hanoi
- Day 2: Ha Giang
- Day 3: Ha Giang – Dong Van
- Day 4: Dong Van – Meo Vac
- Day 5: Meo Vac – Cao Bang
- Day 6: Ban Gioc Waterfall – Ba Be Lake
- Day 7: Ba Be Lake
- Day 8: Ba Be Lake – Hanoi
- Day 9: Hanoi
Price & Availability
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- Enquiries about the tour
- Customization Request
- Questions about booking
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+84 358 345 100
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Customizable & Private
Your own itinerary, your own pace — a fully private package that you can customize completely based on your wishes.
Stress-Free, Fully Supported
Door-to-door travel, a free SIM for constant internet, and a dedicated Vietnam expert on WhatsApp whenever you need us.
Local Experts, Authentic Travel
Based in Vietnam with deep local knowledge, we deliver real experiences and handle everything quickly and directly.
Itinerary
After landing in Hanoi, our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in the Old Quarter. In the evening, dive into Vietnam’s world-famous street food scene with a guided tour through hidden alleys and lively markets. From pho (noodle soup) and banh cuon (steamed rolled rice pancake) to egg coffee and hanoi beer, you’ll taste your way through the local cuisine while learning about the culture behind every bite.
Dinner
Start your 9-day Northern Vietnam tour with a comfortable limousine bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Giang, passing through beautiful rural landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy a local lunch before heading to Thon Tha Village, a peaceful Tay ethnic community surrounded by rice fields. Spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring the village, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner with your host family.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03 :
Mountain Passes & Ethnic Culture
Travel through the spectacular highlands of Ha Giang, passing the Heaven’s Gate viewpoint and the iconic Twin Mountains in Quan Ba. Along the way, meet local ethnic minorities, take in the dramatic scenery, and visit the former residence of the H’mong King. Your journey ends in the quiet mountain town of Dong Van, where you’ll spend the night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04 :
Border Views & Ma Pi Leng Pass
Begin the day with a visit to Vietnam’s northernmost point near the Chinese border. Continue through Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark and cross the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass, often called the most stunning mountain pass in Vietnam. Marvel at the deep valleys and winding roads before arriving in Meo Vac for an overnight stay.
Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast
Drive through remote countryside toward Cao Bang, stopping for scenic views of rice fields and river valleys. Two highlights of the day include the twisting Ma Pia Pass and the striking Angel Eye Mountain—famous for its perfectly round hole through the peak. In the evening, arrive at your homestay near Ban Gioc Waterfall.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning at the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest in Asia, located on the Vietnam-China border. Visit the nearby Nguom Ngao Cave, filled with surreal limestone formations, then continue your journey to the peaceful Ba Be National Park, where you’ll spend the night in a local homestay by the lake.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 07 :
Trekking in Ba Be’s Nature
Enjoy a full day of trekking through Ba Be National Park’s lush forests, mountain paths, and rice terraces. Walk through small ethnic minority villages and discover local life in this lesser-known corner of Northern Vietnam. The views are serene, and the atmosphere is ideal for nature lovers.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a relaxing morning boat trip on Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural lake. Glide past limestone cliffs and jungle-covered islands before returning to shore for lunch. In the afternoon, return to Hanoi by car, arriving in the early evening. Enjoy a final night in the capital—perhaps explore the Old Quarter or unwind with a local coffee.
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 09 :
Departure from Hanoi
We’ll arrange your transfer to the airport for your onward journey. Be sure to arrive early to check in for your domestic or international flight.
Breakfast
Tip: Customize this tour
Use this itinerary as a template — more or less days, add or remove destinations, adjust activities, or change hotels to match your travel style.
Included / Excluded
- 8 nights of accommodation in hotels and homestays as listed
- All transfers by private car and limousine bus as mentioned
- Guided tours and entrance fees as described in the itinerary
- Boat trip on Ba Be Lake
- Meals as listed: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
- Free Vietnamese SIM card with data and 24/7 support via WhatsApp from our Vietnam expert team
- International flights to and from Vietnam
- Vietnam visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional tours and personal expenses
Tour information
Price Overview
The prices shown below are estimated and may vary depending on the season, availability, and changes from our local partners. Final pricing can also be influenced by any customizations you request for this tour.
Estimated Price Per Person (USD)
Prices shown are per person, based on the number of people in your group.
| 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1820 | $1079 | $899 | $807 | $740 | $725 | $695 | $629 |
When is the best time for this Northern Vietnam tour?
This route can be done all year, but the experience changes by season:
- Spring (Feb–Apr): Very comfortable weather. Scenery is drier, so waterfalls are smaller and rice fields are not at their greenest.
- Summer (May–Aug): Expect more rain and muddier trails. The big advantage: waterfalls are strongest and rice terraces are at their most beautiful.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov): Often considered the best time—rain decreases, temperatures are pleasant, and landscapes remain lush.
- Winter (Dec–Jan): Dry and generally good for traveling, but it can get very cold in the mountains. Pack warm clothes and it’s still a great time to go.
Is this a private tour or a group tour?
The full 9-day itinerary is private. Some smaller parts may be shared, such as the street food tour or the transfer to Ha Giang, depending on availability and budget. Everything else is arranged privately for your group.
Is the trip by car, jeep, or motorbike?
You can choose the style that suits you best:
- Private car
- Army-style open jeep
- Easy Rider motorbike (on the back of a driver)
We can run the exact same itinerary in any of these options.
Can I drive a motorbike myself?
Can I drive a motorbike myself? Yes, but only if you:
- Have a valid motorbike license
- Have the correct 1968 International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Have enough riding experience for mountain roads
We always include a guide who rides with you for safety and navigation.
Are the roads safe for nervous travelers?
Yes. Most mountain roads on this route are fully paved and well maintained. During the rainy season, remote roads can see small landslides or more debris, but we monitor the weather closely and adjust the route if needed. Our team is based in the region and always up to date on local conditions.
How much luggage can I bring in the car/jeep/motorbike setup?
Luggage guidelines:
- Car: Full-size luggage is fine—suitcases and backpacks.
- Jeep: One medium suitcase or backpack per person is ideal.
- Motorbike (Easy Rider or self-drive): Bring a small backpack (10–20L). Easy Rider can handle larger backpacks, but not large suitcases; medium-size suitcases are not recommended. Larger luggage can be stored in Hanoi or sent ahead to your final destination.