Northern Vietnam is a region rich in natural beauty, cultural diversity, and history. For an off-the-beaten-track itinerary, you can explore remote mountain areas, ethnic minority villages, and less-visited natural wonders. Here’s a detailed 8-day itinerary that focuses on exploring Northern Vietnam’s hidden gems.
Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi
Morning: Arrival in Hanoi
- Arrival: Fly into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
- Transfer to Hotel: Stay in the Old Quarter for easy access to attractions. Recommended hotels include:
- Hanoi La Siesta Hotel: A boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter.
- Sofitel Legend Metropole: A luxurious option with historic charm.
Late Morning: Explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Walking Tour: Stroll through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, known for its narrow alleyways, colonial architecture, and vibrant street life.
- Hoan Kiem Lake: Visit the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and the iconic Ngoc Son Temple on an island in the middle of the lake.
- Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of traditional pho or bun cha at a local eatery.
Afternoon: Visit the Ethnology Museum
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology:
- Experience: Learn about Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through exhibits, artifacts, and traditional houses on display.
- Highlight: The outdoor exhibition features traditional stilt houses and communal homes from various ethnic minorities.
Evening: Train to Lao Cai
- Dinner: Try a local restaurant like Quan An Ngon for a variety of Vietnamese dishes.
- Night Train: Board the overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (departing around 10:00 PM). The train ride takes approximately 8 hours, arriving early the next morning.
Day 2: Sapa – Trekking and Ethnic Villages
Early Morning: Arrival in Lao Cai and Transfer to Sapa
- Arrival: The train arrives in Lao Cai early in the morning.
- Transfer to Sapa: A 1-hour drive takes you to Sapa, a mountain town known for its stunning landscapes and ethnic diversity.
- Check-In: Stay at a local hotel or homestay in Sapa such as:
- Sapa Clay House: An eco-friendly option with beautiful views of the valley.
- Topas Ecolodge: Located 45 minutes outside of Sapa, offering a remote and serene environment.
Late Morning: Trekking in Muong Hoa Valley
- Trek: Start a guided trek through the Muong Hoa Valley, famous for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages.
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
- Villages: Visit villages such as Lao Chai and Ta Van, home to the Black Hmong and Giay people. Learn about their traditional lifestyle, farming techniques, and crafts.
- Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch with views of the terraced fields.
Afternoon: Explore Sapa Town
- Sapa Market: Visit the local market in Sapa town, where ethnic minorities come to trade goods and produce.
- Ham Rong Mountain: Climb up Ham Rong Mountain for panoramic views of Sapa and the surrounding mountains.
Evening: Free Time
- Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant like Aira Sapa Restaurant for delicious Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist.
- Overnight: Stay in Sapa.
Day 3: Sapa to Bac Ha – Ethnic Market and Local Culture
Early Morning: Transfer to Bac Ha
- Travel: A 2.5-hour drive takes you to Bac Ha, a less-touristed town known for its vibrant ethnic markets.
- Check-In: Stay at a guesthouse or homestay in Bac Ha.
Late Morning: Visit Bac Ha Market
- Bac Ha Market:
- Experience: Explore one of the most colorful and authentic markets in Northern Vietnam, held every Sunday. The market is a gathering place for ethnic groups like the Flower Hmong, Tay, and Phu La, who come to trade livestock, produce, textiles, and handicrafts.
- Highlight: The market is not only a place for trade but also a social event, where locals meet, eat, and catch up on news.
Afternoon: Explore Ethnic Villages
- Ban Pho Village:
- Visit: Explore Ban Pho Village, home to the Flower Hmong people. The village is known for its corn liquor and traditional stilt houses.
- Cultural Experience: Engage with local families to learn about their customs and way of life.
- Thien Long Cave: If time permits, visit Thien Long Cave near Bac Ha, a beautiful cave with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Evening: Free Time
- Dinner: Enjoy local cuisine at your guesthouse or a local restaurant in Bac Ha.
- Overnight: Stay in Bac Ha.
Day 4: Bac Ha to Ha Giang – Remote Mountain Scenery
Early Morning: Drive to Ha Giang
- Travel: A 5-6 hour drive takes you from Bac Ha to Ha Giang, one of the most remote and scenic provinces in Vietnam. The drive offers breathtaking views of mountains, rivers, and rural landscapes.
- Check-In: Stay in Ha Giang town or nearby. Recommended accommodations include:
- Ha Giang Homestay: A local homestay offering an authentic experience.
- Jungleman Homestay: Known for its hospitality and stunning views.
Afternoon: Explore Ha Giang Town
- Ethnic Villages: Visit nearby villages inhabited by the Tay and Dao people to get an introduction to the area’s ethnic diversity.
- Ha Giang Museum: If time allows, visit the Ha Giang Museum to learn more about the province’s history and culture.
Evening: Relax and Prepare for the Loop
- Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant or your homestay.
- Overnight: Stay in Ha Giang town.
Day 5: Ha Giang Loop – Dong Van Karst Plateau
Early Morning: Start the Ha Giang Loop
- Travel: Begin your journey on the Ha Giang Loop, one of the most scenic motorbike routes in Vietnam. If you’re not comfortable riding a motorbike, you can hire a local guide to drive you.
- Heaven’s Gate: Stop at Heaven’s Gate for panoramic views of the Tam Son Valley and the surrounding mountains.
Late Morning: Quan Ba and Yen Minh
- Quan Ba Pass: Also known as Heaven’s Gate Pass, it offers stunning views of the mountains and valleys.
- Fairy Bosom Hills: Visit the Fairy Bosom Hills (Twin Mountains) in Quan Ba, known for their unique shape and the legends surrounding them.
- Lunch: Have lunch in Yen Minh, a small town along the route.
Afternoon: Dong Van Karst Plateau
- Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark:
- Experience: Explore this UNESCO Global Geopark, characterized by dramatic limestone landscapes, deep valleys, and ethnic minority villages. The area is home to various ethnic groups, including the Hmong, Dao, and Tay.
- Villages: Visit ethnic villages along the way, such as Pho Cao and Sung La, where you can see traditional houses and interact with locals.
- Lung Cu Flag Tower: If time permits, drive to Lung Cu Flag Tower, the northernmost point of Vietnam. The tower offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Evening: Overnight in Dong Van
- Check-In: Stay in a guesthouse or homestay in Dong Van. Recommended places include:
- Dong Van Ancient Town Guesthouse: Located in the heart of Dong Van, offering easy access to the Old Quarter.
- Homestays: Various local homestays provide an authentic experience.
- Dinner: Enjoy local specialties at a small eatery or your accommodation.
Day 6: Dong Van to Meo Vac – Ma Pi Leng Pass
Early Morning: Explore Dong Van Old Quarter
- Dong Van Old Quarter: Stroll through the ancient town, with its old houses, local market, and traditional architecture.
Late Morning: Ma Pi Leng Pass
- Ma Pi Leng Pass: Drive along the Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain passes in Vietnam. The road winds through the mountains with sheer cliffs on one side and the deep Nho Que River gorge on the other.
- Nho Que River: If you’re up for an adventure, take a boat ride on the Nho Que River to experience the grandeur of the pass from below.
Afternoon: Arrive in Meo Vac
- Meo Vac Market: If it’s a Sunday, visit the Meo Vac Market, one of the most vibrant ethnic markets in the region. Locals from various ethnic groups come here to trade goods, socialize, and enjoy traditional food.
- Ethnic Villages: Visit nearby villages such as Khau Vai, famous for its annual love market.
Evening: Overnight in Meo Vac
- Check-In: Stay in a local guesthouse or homestay in Meo Vac.
- Dinner: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, sampling regional dishes like Thang Co (a traditional Hmong stew).
- Overnight: Stay in Meo Vac.
Day 7: Meo Vac to Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall
Early Morning: Drive to Cao Bang
- Travel: A long drive (around 6-7 hours) from Meo Vac to Cao Bang, another remote and scenic province in Northern Vietnam.
Late Morning: Stop at Pac Bo Cave
- Pac Bo Cave:
- Experience: Visit the historical Pac Bo Cave, where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during the early years of the revolution. The cave is set in a picturesque location with a crystal-clear stream running through it.
- Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a local village near Pac Bo.
Afternoon: Ban Gioc Waterfall
- Ban Gioc Waterfall:
- Experience: Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Vietnam. The falls straddle the border between Vietnam and China, creating a stunning natural spectacle.
- Activities: You can take a bamboo raft to get closer to the falls, explore the surrounding karst landscape, or visit nearby Nguom Ngao Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Evening: Overnight in Cao Bang
- Check-In: Stay at a local guesthouse or hotel in Cao Bang town.
- Dinner: Dine at a local restaurant in Cao Bang, trying regional dishes such as roasted duck and sour pho.
- Overnight: Stay in Cao Bang.
Day 8: Cao Bang to Hanoi – Return Journey
Early Morning: Return to Hanoi
- Travel: Begin the return journey to Hanoi (around 6-7 hours by car). Alternatively, you can break the journey by stopping at places of interest along the way, such as ethnic villages or scenic spots.
Afternoon: Arrival in Hanoi
- Relax: Upon arrival in Hanoi, check into your hotel and relax after the long drive.
- Optional Activity: If time allows, explore any areas of Hanoi you missed earlier, such as the Temple of Literatureor the Hanoi Opera House.
Evening: Farewell Dinner
- Dinner: Celebrate the end of your journey with a farewell dinner at a renowned restaurant like Home Hanoi Restaurant or Red Bean Restaurant.
- Overnight: Stay in Hanoi or prepare for your departure.
Additional Tips:
- Travel Considerations:
- Transport: Consider hiring a private car with a driver for more comfort and flexibility, especially for remote areas. Alternatively, public buses are available but may be less comfortable and slower.
- Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially in remote areas where options may be limited.
- Guides: Local guides are highly recommended for trekking, cultural experiences, and exploring less-touristed areas.
- Packing Essentials:
- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warmer layers for cooler mountain areas.
- Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes for trekking and a pair of sandals.
- Gear: A good camera, binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.
- Cultural Sensitivity:
- Respect Local Customs: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, and dress modestly when visiting villages and religious sites.
- Language: Learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases or bringing a phrasebook can be helpful, as English is not widely spoken in remote areas.
This itinerary offers an immersive experience of Northern Vietnam’s lesser-known destinations, combining stunning natural landscapes with rich cultural encounters in some of the region’s most remote and beautiful areas.
