Vietnam’s small Northern Loop in 2 Weeks

After landing at Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport, a private driver will be waiting to bring you to your hotel in the city center. In the evening, dive straight into Vietnam’s culinary culture with a guided street food tour through the Old Quarter. You’ll walk past bustling markets, hidden alleys, and lively corners of Train Street, tasting local favorites like bún chả, bánh cuốn, and egg coffee. It’s a flavorful introduction to life in northern Vietnam.

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Hanoi at your own pace. Perhaps wander through the Old Quarter, visit a museum, or sip Vietnamese coffee at a sidewalk café. You’ll have a late hotel checkout before transferring to the train station in the evening. Board the Dream Train Express for an overnight journey to Lao Cai in a comfortable, air-conditioned, 4-berth sleeper cabin, an iconic experience of rail travel in Vietnam.

Arriving early in Lao Cai, transfer to Sapa to freshen up and enjoy breakfast. Begin your trek through Vietnam’s stunning northern highlands, starting at Cat Cat’s road. Cross the Muong Hoa River and climb through bamboo forests to reach the picturesque Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai villages. After a local lunch, continue your journey to Ta Van, home to the Giay ethnic minority. Spend the night in a cozy homestay, where you may even join your host in preparing a traditional dinner.

Wake up surrounded by nature and ethnic village life. Today’s trek takes you deeper into Red Dao territory, visiting Giang Ta Chai waterfall and crossing hanging bridges. Learn about the Red Dao people before returning to Sapa by bus. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Sapa town.

Depart early for a stunning road trip from Sapa to Ha Giang. This journey winds through remote landscapes and mountain passes. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch before heading to your peaceful homestay in Thon Tha, a traditional Tay ethnic village. Spend the afternoon relaxing or strolling through rice fields and rural scenery.

Today’s journey covers some of Vietnam’s most spectacular roads. Travel through Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, past the Twin Mountains, and through Yen Minh to Dong Van. Along the way, visit the historic Hmong King’s Palace and admire panoramic views. Overnight in a hotel in Dong Van’s quiet old quarter.

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.

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.

Start the day with a visit to Ban Gioc, one of Asia’s most beautiful waterfalls straddling the Vietnam-China border. After soaking in the scenery, explore Nguom Ngao Cave, a vast underground world filled with unique rock formations. In the afternoon, head to Ba Be National Park and check into your cozy lakeside accommodation.

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.

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.

Leave the city behind and head towards the peaceful waters of Lan Ha Bay, a lesser-known but equally stunning extension of Halong Bay. After boarding your boutique cruise, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch as you pass limestone islands and floating villages. In the afternoon, explore the bay by kayak or relax on a secluded beach. End the day with a sunset view, a cooking demonstration, and dinner on board.

Start your day with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the sundeck and enjoy breakfast with views of the bay. Then, cruise towards the remote Viet Hai Village, where you’ll explore by bicycle or electric car. Surrounded by lush greenery and peaceful mountain scenery, this small village offers a glimpse into rural island life.

After returning to the boat and checking out, enjoy lunch onboard before disembarking. A short transfer brings you to your next stay on Cat Ba Island. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, perhaps take a walk along the beach or explore the relaxed island town.

Spend the morning at leisure, perhaps a last walk on the beach or souvenir shopping in Cat Ba. After lunch, take a comfortable bus back to Hanoi. You’ll have access to a hotel room for freshening up before your evening flight. Airport transfer included. End of your 2 week Northern Vietnam tour.