Ha Giang Loop Adventure

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi

  Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city filled with traditional Vietnamese atmosphere and historic sites!

  Upon landing at Hanoi airport, you'll be greeted by your guide and escorted on a private transfer to your hotel. Relax in your hotel to recuperate from jet lag or explore this fascinating city independently.

  • Hanoi

• Day 2: Hanoi, Heritage Exploration

  Delve into the rich heritage of this appealing city. Accompanied by your tour guide, pay insightful visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside only), Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.

  In the afternoon, step into the Museum of Ethnology to learn about the customs and habits of 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam. Closing out the day, take a cyclo ride through the narrow and lively streets of the Old Quarter to get a glimpse of the traditional Vietnamese atmosphere and culture.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 3: Hanoi - Nam Dam

  Departing from Hanoi in the morning, take a long yet scenic drive (about 7 hours) to Ha Giang City. In its central park, the milestone Km0 is an iconic punching point of the Ha Giang Loop adventure. The next leg of your journey sees you drinking in the endless beauty of majestic Co Tien Twin Mountain in Quan Ba before driving onwards to Nam Dam Village of Dao minority. All houses there are built from clay with thick walls, keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. Spend the night in a local homestay.

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  • Nam Dam Village

• Day 4: Nam Dam - Dong Van

  Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of the remote countryside, enjoy a refreshing breakfast, and say goodbye to the family of the homestay. Another exciting day unfolds as you drive through Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, recognized by UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network in 2010. En route, zigzag the mountainous slopes of Tham Ma and Pho Cao, with great photo opportunities. You'll then pay insightful visits to the Pao's house in Lung Cam Cultural Village of the Black H'Mong minority and the royal Palace of the H'mong King Vuong Chinh Duc.

  After lunch, continue on the transfer toward Lung Cu Flag Tower, which marks the northernmost point in Vietnam. Your effort of climbing up to the tower will be rewarded with fantastic views of Ha Giang and the Chinese-Vietnamese border. If time permits, take a leisurely walk around the nearby Lo Lo Chai Village to glimpse into the daily life for the H'Mong people in Lo Lo Chai Village.

  About 25 km away lies the small, quaint Dong Van Old Town, a meeting point to several ethnic minorities, like the Hmong, Tay, Han, Dao, and Giay. Settle into a local hotel and enjoy the rest of today at leisure.

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  • Dong Van

• Day 5: Dong Van - Meo Vac

  The extremely colorful minority market can be experienced if it happens to be Sunday. The ethnic people in traditional costumes come here to exchange goods, shop, play, and make friends.

  This morning, travel onward by 1-2 hours driving to Ma Pi Leng, a stunning mountain pass at an altitude of 1,500 meters. It is worth trekking along a small winding trail, with unspoiled mountainous scenery unfolding before you. Along the way, breathe in the fresh air, overlook the legendary Nho Que River, and encounter ethnic people working in their fields. End this soft hike at the Ma Pi Leng Panorama, a designated viewpoint offering a sweeping panoramic view. After that, continue driving to Pa Vi Village of Hmong people and check in at a homestay.

  An afternoon boat cruise (about 1 hour) will take you to explore the Nho Que River in a relaxing way. Under the fluffy white clouds in the blue sky, crystal-clear waters flow like a shimmering green thread through towering limestone mountains. As you reach Tu San Alley (also known as Ma Pi Leng Canyon), get amazed by the majestic beauty and hunt for fantastic photos.

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  • Meo Vac

• Day 6: Meo Vac - Me Pia Pass - Cao Bang

  After breakfast at your homestay, check out and drive towards the mountainous Cao Bang in northeastern Vietnam. Lunch at a local restaurant in Bao Lac Town on the way. Next on the itinerary will be the terrifying 14-story Me Pia Pass, which only stretches about 2.5km along the 4A national route. Challenge yourself with a trek (about 1 hour) through the forest to reach the highest point, capturing the jaw-dropping view of sharp bends, steep slopes, and layers of hills. Walk back to your vehicle and continue the transfer to Cao Bang City for the night.

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  • Cao Bang

• Day 7: Cao Bang - Ngoc Con - Ban Gioc Waterfall

  Around 85 kilometers away, Ban Gioc, the fourth-largest border waterfall in the world, awaits you today. Along the journey, make stops at the poetic Ma Phuc Pass amongst limestone mountains, Pac Rang Village with a long tradition of forging, and the photo-worthy minority village of Ngoc Con.

  Arriving in the late afternoon, you are free to explore the magnificent waterfall - some 30 meters high and 300 meters wide - on the Vietnam-China border. Against the background of blue sky and lush mountains, sparkling white water clatters over the multi-tiered terraced cliff and into the deep green-colored Quay Son River. Such fantastic vistas can be enjoyed from a distance, on the riverbanks or the side paths leading to the higher tiers. You may also like to ride a bamboo raft near the cascade to feel the refreshing mist on your face.

  Tonight is reserved for a restful sleep in a local homestay.

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  • Ban Gioc

• Day 8: Ban Gioc - Hanoi

  Today, start by exploring the bizarre Nguom Ngao (meaning "Tiger Cave"), named after the roaring sounds of an underground river like a tiger. Thousands of small limestone grottoes are blessed with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, leaving you totally in awe.

  Your adventure in the far north of Vietnam concludes with a return drive (approximately 6.5 hours) via Lang Son to Hanoi.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 9: Hanoi - Halong Bay

  The final few days of your journey should be spent cruising on the the UNESCO-endorsed Halong Bay, a mere 2.5-hour drive away. Relax your body, soul, and mind in the stunning paradise, where over 1,600 largely limestone islands majestically emerge from the emerald green waters. If you fancy getting more active, go ashore to explore a natural cave and swim in the crystal-like seawater. This evening also promises the chance to uncover the secret of Vietnamese cuisine through a cooking demonstration and experience the thrill of squid fishing.

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  • On Board

• Day 10: Halong Bay

  After a refreshing night surrounded by karsts, try a Tai Chi class on the sun deck to embrace a new day sailing deep into the heavenly Halong Bay. You may like to kayak into a charming floating village and discover a hidden mountain lake. There's plenty of free time for a swim, sunbath, or spa treatment. If the day is clear, admire the magical golden sunset over the calm waters to relax into the evening.

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  • On Board

• Day 11: Halong Bay - Hanoi

  As you please, perform another revitalizing Tai Chi session before a light brunch. This morning is set aside for a kayak or boat tour into the beautiful Luon Cave, teeming with numerous curtains-like stalactites and stalagmites. Back on the boat, check out of the stateroom, and enjoy brunch.

  Disembark at 10:45 a.m. and return to Hanoi. You can spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, walking around Hoan Kiem Lake or watching a traditional Water Puppet Show.

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  • Hanoi

• Day 12: Hanoi, Departure

  Enjoy some free time in Hanoi after breakfast. Then you'll be escorted on a private transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight.

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