Journey Through Northeast Vietnam: 11-Day Adventure Tour

Northeast Vietnam is a hidden treasure trove of misty mountains, ethnic cultures, emerald lakes, and stunning natural landmarks. This 11-day tour takes you deep into the heart of the region—from the historic streets of Hanoi to the borderlands of Ha Giang, the serenity of Ba Be National Park, the jaw-dropping Ban Gioc Waterfall, and the iconic seascape of Halong Bay. Along the way, you’ll encounter the unique traditions of Vietnam’s hill tribes, explore centuries-old villages, and witness landscapes unlike anywhere else. Join World Mate Travel on this unforgettable expedition through Vietnam’s untouched northeast.

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Exploring the Old Quarter

Your adventure begins with a warm welcome at Noi Bai International Airport. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will transfer you to the heart of Hanoi to check in and relax. In the afternoon, take a guided walking tour through the city’s charming French and Old Quarters. Admire the Opera House, stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, and visit Ngoc Son Temple nestled on a tranquil island. In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show near the lake—an art form rooted in Vietnam’s wet rice culture, offering a vibrant glimpse into rural folklore.

Hanoi Old Quarter with traditional architecture and street life

Day 2: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Nam Dam Village

After breakfast, leave the city behind and embark on a scenic drive to Ha Giang province. Stop along the way to capture beautiful landscapes and enjoy a café break before lunch at a local restaurant. Arriving in Ha Giang, visit Thon Tha, a Tay ethnic minority village known for its stilt houses and peaceful setting.

Continue toward Quan Ba, passing through Pac Sum Pass and Heaven Gate, where you’ll be treated to sweeping views of Tam Son town and the iconic Twin Mountains. Your final destination today is Nam Dam Village, home of the Red Dzao people. Check into a cozy homestay, meet the local hosts, and enjoy a traditional dinner in the village.

Tourist biking around Nam Dam Village in Ha Giang

Day 3: Nam Dam – Lung Cu Flag Tower – Dong Van

Wake up to fresh mountain air and a hearty breakfast before heading toward Lung Cu, Vietnam’s northernmost point. En route, stop in Yen Minh for lunch and then explore the vibrant buckwheat flower fields in Sung La village—home to the colorful Lo Lo people and their unique clay houses.

Continue to the historic Hmong King’s Palace, once a symbol of power during French colonial times. The winding mountain road then leads you to Lung Cu Flag Tower, where panoramic views of Vietnam and China await at the summit. Arrive in Dong Van Townlet by evening, check into your hotel, and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Meo Vac Valley

Start your day with a stroll through the Old Quarter of Dong Van, known for its ancient limestone houses and vibrant local market. After breakfast, set out for one of Vietnam’s most dramatic roads: Ma Pi Leng Pass. Trek along the edge of the cliffs for views of the Nho Que River winding below and China’s rugged borderland.

The drive continues into Meo Vac Valley, with scenic stops for photos and short walks. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time before dinner. Take the opportunity to interact with the local ethnic communities and learn about their way of life in this remote mountain region.

Ma Pi Leng Pass with deep canyons and winding roads

Day 5: Meo Vac – Ba Be National Park

After breakfast, journey toward Ba Be National Park. Along the way, stop at roadside viewpoints and small villages for a closer look at rural life in northern Vietnam. Have lunch en route before arriving at Pac Ngoi village in the late afternoon.

Pac Ngoi is a Tay minority village situated right on the edge of Ba Be Lake. Check into a traditional homestay facing the water, sip tea by the river, and unwind amid the tranquil surroundings. Dinner will be served by your hosts, featuring regional dishes made from local ingredients.

Traditional homestay by Ba Be Lake in Pac Ngoi village

Day 6: Exploring Ba Be Lake by Boat

Spend a full day exploring the serene waters of Ba Be Lake. Cruise across its three connected lakes—Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng—and glide along the Nang River to reach Puong Cave, a fascinating natural tunnel carved through limestone cliffs. Step ashore to explore the cave’s interior and take photos.

Continue to Dau Dang Waterfall for lunch, then return by boat, stopping at the mystical Ao Tien (Fairy Pond). Enjoy a refreshing swim and soak in the beauty of the surrounding forested hills as the sun sets. Return to the homestay for a relaxing evening and dinner.

Boat cruising on the calm waters of Ba Be Lake in Northern Vietnam

Day 7: Ba Be – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Nguom Ngao Cave

Say goodbye to your hosts after breakfast and begin your drive to Cao Bang province. Along the way, enjoy the scenic countryside and stop for lunch before reaching Ban Gioc Waterfall—Vietnam’s largest and arguably most beautiful waterfall, cascading dramatically along the border with China.

Take a bamboo raft to the base of the falls for spectacular views, then continue to Nguom Ngao Cave, a vast cavern filled with stalactites and underground wonders. After exploring the cave, head to your hotel in Ban Gioc town for dinner and a restful night.

Majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall cascading on the Vietnam-China border

Day 8: Ban Gioc – Lang Son – Halong City

After breakfast, begin a long but rewarding drive toward Halong City. En route, stop in Lang Son for lunch and brief sightseeing, including café breaks and photo stops. Upon arriving in Halong City in the late afternoon, check into your hotel. Enjoy free time in the evening to explore the bustling coastal town and dine on fresh seafood at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

Today, prepare for one of the highlights of the trip: an overnight cruise through Halong Bay. After breakfast and checkout, head to the harbor and board your traditional junk boat around noon. Enjoy a gourmet seafood lunch onboard as the boat cruises through limestone karsts and emerald waters.

In the afternoon, visit hidden caves, relax on a secluded beach, or swim in the warm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. After dinner on the boat, spend the night aboard, drifting to sleep under the starlit sky of Halong Bay.

Halong Bay Cruise sailing past limestone karsts in Halong Bay

Day 10: Halong Bay – Hanoi

Wake early to catch the sunrise over Halong’s majestic peaks. Enjoy breakfast or brunch (depending on cruise) as the boat slowly returns to shore. Disembark mid-morning, and travel back to Hanoi for a relaxing afternoon at your leisure. This is a great time to revisit favorite spots in the city or shop for souvenirs.

Sunrise over Halong Bay with misty limestone peaks

Day 11: Hanoi City Tour – Departure

On your final day, explore Hanoi’s cultural and historical landmarks. Visit the Ho Chi Minh Complex, including the Presidential Palace and One Pillar Pagoda, followed by the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. In the afternoon, transfer to Noi Bai Airport for your departure flight, concluding your unforgettable journey through Northeast Vietnam.

Temple of Literature in Hanoi, Vietnam's first university

Best Time to Take This Tour

The best time to embark on this 11-day Northeast Vietnam adventure is during the dry months from September to November and from March to May. During these periods, the weather is typically mild and clear, ideal for trekking, sightseeing, and photography. Autumn brings golden rice terraces and buckwheat flowers in Ha Giang, while spring showcases blooming flowers and fresh greenery throughout the region. While the summer months (June to August) can be lush and vibrant, occasional heavy rains may affect road conditions in remote areas.

Want More? Additional Attractions to Explore

If you have extra time or want to customize your trip, consider adding these destinations near your tour route:

Hoang Su Phi (Ha Giang): Famous for its dramatic terraced rice fields and fewer tourists, this is a paradise for photographers and trekkers.
Bac Me District (Ha Giang): A peaceful, untouched area where you can enjoy river boat rides and visit the Cao Bang-style stilt houses of the Tay people.
Pac Bo Historical Site (Cao Bang): Visit the cave and memorial complex where President Ho Chi Minh returned to Vietnam in 1941 after 30 years abroad.
That Khe Market (Lang Son): A local ethnic market with rich cultural flavors, especially lively on market days (every 5th and 10th lunar day).
Chi Lang Pass (Lang Son): A historic mountain pass famous for its natural scenery and importance in Vietnam’s military history.

Conclusion

This 11-day journey through Northeast Vietnam is more than just a tour—it's a deep cultural and natural immersion into one of the most beautiful and unspoiled parts of Southeast Asia. From the ethnic villages of Ha Giang and tranquil lakes of Ba Be to the thunderous Ban Gioc Waterfall and the emerald seascape of Halong Bay, every stop reveals a new wonder. With World Mate Travel, you'll travel comfortably, connect meaningfully with local communities, and discover hidden gems that few travelers ever see.

Whether you're a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or adventure seeker, this tour offers an unforgettable experience across Vietnam's diverse highlands and river valleys. For bookings, customizations, or further inquiries, don't hesitate to reach out—we're here to craft your dream journey!

For more information, click 11-Day Northeast Vietnam Adventure Tour and booking tour as soon as possible!

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