TRIP OVERVIEW
Vietnam Off-the-Beaten-Track is an 11-day travel itinerary which, as the name suggests, includes the most fascinating and traditional attractions of the mountains and nature north of Vietnam.
Walking through the streets of beautiful Hanoi and visiting the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university, the impressive monument dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh, the hidden charm and antiquity of the old quarter with wonderful cuisine and the renowned water puppet show.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Halong Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and one of the seven wonders of the world, surrounded by spectacular karst mountains.
Ha Giang is famous for its magnificent karst plateaus, spectacular rice terraces, jaw-dropping mountain passes, authentic ethnic villages and rich cultural heritage. With enchanting landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine and friendly people, Ha Giang, Vietnam, is a destination that will leave an indelible memory, crossing the famous Ma Pi Leng pass and immersing yourself in peaceful ethnic villages, Ha Giang offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
An excursion to Cao Bang province, the province has beautiful geocultural sites. With five major river systems and 47 lakes, water plays a vital role in shaping the landscape and local life. Much of Cao Bang is protected as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
The proposed itinerary can be adapted to your specific travel needs and combined with additional routes.
Group tour: Yes
Data: As you wish
Start end: Hanoi – Hanoi
Type of tour: Heritage and Nature
Tailor-made tours: Absolutely yes!
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 02: Hanoi – Ha Giang
Day 03: Ha Giang – Quan Ba
Day 04: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Bao Lac
Day 05: Bao Lac – Cao Bang
Day 06: Cao Bang – Cascata di Ban Gioc – Cao Bang
Day 07: Cao Bang – Ba Be
Day 08: Ba Be – Hanoi
Day 09: Hanoi – Binh Binh
Day 10: Ninh Binh - Baia di Halong
Day 11: Halong – Hanoi – return flight
Detailed itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi - the cultural and political capital city of Vietnam.
At Noi Bai International Airport you will be welcomed by our guide and driver for transfer to the centre.
Free time for an independent walk in the old quarter around your hotel. Hanoi's Old Quarter is one of the oldest capitals in the world, home to well-preserved colonial structures, historic pagodas and distinctive buildings.
The room is available for check in after 2pm
Overnight in Hanoi.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: no
Day 02: Hanoi – Ha Giang
After breakfast, departure for the city of Ha Giang (285 km), a province in the far north-east of Vietnam, where time seems to have stopped and where different ethnic groups coexist and still maintain their customs and traditions. Along the way we enjoy the scenery of the beautiful Vietnamese countryside. Arrive in the city in the late afternoon and after check-in, free time relaxing or exploring the village. In the evening dinner with the Homestay family.
Overnight in Ha Giang.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in the hotel, lunch, dinner in the homestay
Day 03: Ha Giang - Dong Van
We wake up early enough to have breakfast as a family. Our journey begins by visiting the village of Ha Thanh, the Tay ethnic group resides, then a visit to the Quan Ba community, where some beautiful villages are located like paintings in the northern tip of Vietnam. This is a unique opportunity to admire the majestic scenery and take photos of Quan Ba Pass and the Gate of Heaven. If it is Sunday we stop to visit the weekly market of the ethnic groups of Dong Van. Continue to leave towards Dong Van, stopping to visit the Vuong Palace, the place that was the residence of an upper-class H'mong family during the French colonial period.
Overnight in Quan Ba.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in the hotel, lunch, dinner in the homestay
Day 04: Dong Van Karst Park and Meo Vac
After breakfast, departure towards Lung Cu, to visit the Lo Lo ethnic village It is the banner of Lung Cu. Then through the Ma Phi Leng pass at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level, taking a short walk along the mountain, admire the beautiful panorama of valleys and terraced fields, limestone hills and mountains and stilt houses of the Hmong people. After lunch we continue along the road and in the afternoon we take a boat trip on the Nho Que River, where the Dzao people live. The river flows from China through Vietnam and allows you to admire beautiful hills and majestic waterfalls. Continuation of our journey to Bao Lac, where we stop for the night. In the evening dinner with the locals.
Overnight at a motel in Dong Van.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in the hotel, lunch, dinner in the homestay
Day 05: Bao Lac – Cao Bang
We will leave immediately after breakfast for Cao Bang. Upon arrival, a climb to the Khau Coc Cha pass to reach the top where there is a village of the Tay ethnic group. We can have a free lunch with a local family, then continue walking until we reach Cao Bang, free to wander around and explore the city'
Overnight in Cao Bang.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in the hotel, lunch, dinner in the homestay
Day 06: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc waterfall
Still after breakfast, we move towards the Ban Gioc waterfall and along the way we stopped to visit the ethnic village of Nung, where we discovered both the lifestyle of the local population and a peculiarity: the art of burning incense . As usual, in the afternoon, along the road, we stop to take photos of the rice fields while admiring the Ban Gioc waterfall and the Quay Son river: the water pours down the rocks forming majestic waterfalls. In the middle of the water, a limestone block covered with trees protrudes, dividing the watercourse into three parts, creating a splendid panorama, refreshing a pleasant atmosphere. At the foot of the waterfall flows a wide stream, clear as a mirror and surrounded by many flowers. Continue to visit the suggestive Nguom Ngao cave with its magnificent stalactites and finally return to Cao Bang.
Overnight in Cao Bang.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast in the hotel, lunch, dinner in the homestay
Day 07: Cao Bang – Ba Be
After breakfast, transfer to Ba Be, where we board a boat to explore the natural area of Ba Be Lake, which extends for 9 kilometers and ranges from 100 to 1800 meters wide, at an altitude of 145 meters. It is located at the mouth of three valleys that meet in a circle, but it is not just a place for nature lovers, in fact in the area live around forty species of mammals and over a hundred species of birds, as well as countless species of butterflies.
After the lake we visit the Dau Dang waterfall and take a beautiful and interesting excursion in the surrounding area. Our boat trip continues on the Nang River through cultivated countryside before entering a landscape of limestone cliffs. On both sides of the cliff there are small wild gardens, where vines and long roots hang down. Another maritime attraction is the spectacle of fishing: pots, ancient fishing tools similar to baskets, follow the river, while men throw their nets and others beat them on the rocky shore to lower the shrimp. Still by boat, we enter the tunnel of the Puong cave, where the river flows only on one side, leaving a space that allows you to walk and admire the stalactites of the cave. In the late afternoon, return to Ba Be.
Overnight in Ba Be.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel, lunch, dinner
Day 08: Ba Be – Hanoi
After breakfast at homestay, a bike ride through the villages around Ba Be, we return to Hanoi until mid-morning.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel
Day 09: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – former capital
After breakfast, we start the day with a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, also known as "Ha Long Bay on the mainland", the scenery is very similar to Halong, but surrounded by beautiful rice fields instead of the sea.
Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, we board traditional boats a remi of bamboo floating along this beautiful wetland of Van Long Wetland, enjoying spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies, lotus ponds and towering limestone mountain peaks.
Afterwards, a visit to the temples of King Dinh and King Le dating back to the 10th century, offering tourists the chance to appreciate both splendid historical scenery and unique architectural values of a bygone era. We continue heading to Tam Coc to do a climb to the Danze Caves (Mua Caves) where they offer a stunning panoramic view of Ninh Binh. (Note: you have to climb 486 steps)
Then reward yourself with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your cycling adventure to explore the hidden corners of Ninh Binh. Explore the cultural treasures of Ninh Binh with a visit to famous Bich Dong Pagoda. Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history and immerse yourself in the serenity of this sacred place, guided by knowledgeable experts who will enlighten you about its rich heritage and traditions. Travel through picturesque valleys, capture breathtaking views of the limestone mountains, and capture timeless photos of authentic Vietnamese rural life.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast at hotel
Day 10: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay
Morning arrival at Hanoi station and after breakfast, departure for Halong Bay – the eighth wonder of the world through the rice fields and countryside of the Red River Delta. Arrive Halong at around noon, board a boat for one cruise magnificent in the bay. During this cruise, you can admire many karst mountains, caves, lagoons in all forms. Furthermore, the light, the clouds and the fog create a magical atmosphere. Free time to do a bath or discover the bay in kayak. In the late afternoon, the ship drops anchor for the night in the bay. After your seafood dinner on board, you can participate in squid fishing or sing karaoke.
Overnight stay on board in a private cabin.
NB: The program will be as on the website of the boat you choose
- Assistance: private guide and driver (the private guide does not come on board)
- Meals included: breakfast at the hotel, lunch and dinner on board
Day 11: Sunrise at the bay** Halong – Hanoi – return flight
In the morning at 6:00, those who get up early manage to participate in doing Tai Chi in the middle of the bay and admire the sunrise. After breakfast, we leave our junk and with sampans (typical boats) and leave for the visit to a famous cave/island or we will have time to a few bathrooms on these small and splendid beaches (if the climate allows it). After brunch (early lunch) on the junk, we return to the port of embarkation. At the end of the morning we return to Hanoi. On the way, we make a stop to visit the Phu Lang pottery village.
Finally, we return to Hanoi in time for our flight back.
(The cruise itinerary will vary depending on the type of junk used and the sea conditions. The common guide on board will be in English/French)
- Assistance: private guide and driver
- Meals included: breakfast and lunch on board (brunch)
End of program
*****
Il tour include:
• Tours and transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• 2 bottles of water/per day/person
• All overnight stays with daily breakfast in selected hotels
• Private Italian speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary with local foods (B=breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner)
• Boat cruise as indicated
• Entrances and permits for all places visited
• Mineral water and towel
• Government taxes and service charges
The tour excludes:
• International airfare and airport tax
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills.
• Tips