Hidden Trails of Northern Vietnam – 11 Days of Authentic Discovery

Overview
Step off the beaten path and explore the soul of Northern Vietnam in 11 days. From the ancient charm of Hanoi to the misty mountains of Ha Giang, from ethnic encounters in Hoang Su Phi to the peaceful rhythms of Ba Be Lake — this tour is perfect for travelers craving nature, culture, and authentic immersion. Ideal for adventurers, photographers, and culture lovers who want to connect deeply with Vietnam’s most remote and enchanting corners.

🗓 Tour Itinerary – 11 Days

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival – Welcome to Vietnam!

• Pick-up from Noi Bai International Airport

• Private transfer to hotel in the Old Quarter

• Free time to rest or explore on your own

• Overnight in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour – Culture & Colonial Charm

• Explore highlights: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature

• Visit a local home or hidden art gallery (optional)

• Cyclo ride through the Old Quarter

• Enjoy water puppet show in the evening

• Overnight in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Gateway to the Highlands

• Scenic drive through the Red River Delta and rice fields

• Stop at ethnic villages for photos and interaction

• Arrive in Ha Giang, the northernmost province

• Check in at a cozy homestay or eco-lodge

• Overnight in Ha Giang

Day 4: Ha Giang – Hoang Su Phi – Terraced Wonderland

• Journey to Hoang Su Phi, known for its surreal rice terraces

• Trekking options: Easy walks or full-day hikes through minority villages (Dao, Nung, H’mong)

• Learn traditional rice cultivation methods

• Dinner with a local family

• Overnight in Hoang Su Phi

Day 5: Hoang Su Phi – Pan Hou Lodge Retreat

• Morning trek or village visit

• Relax at Pan Hou Ecolodge surrounded by lush nature

• Optional herbal bath or spa treatment

• Overnight at Pan Hou Lodge

Day 6: Hoang Su Phi – Bac Quang – Ba Be National Park

• Morning departure toward Ba Be Lake

• Scenic drive via Bac Quang and Tuyen Quang

• Arrive at Ba Be National Park by late afternoon

• Sunset walk around the lake

• Overnight in a homestay near the lake

Day 7: Ba Be Lake – Boat & Cave Exploration

• Boat cruise on Ba Be Lake

• Visit Puong Cave with impressive limestone formations

• Optional swim or kayak in the lake

• Lunch with Tay minority family

• Evening cultural performance (if available)

• Overnight in Ba Be

Day 8: Ba Be – Hanoi – Back to the Capital

• Scenic drive back to Hanoi (approx. 6–7 hours)

• Stop for tea and local snacks on the way

• Free evening in Hanoi for shopping or street food tour

• Overnight in Hanoi

Day 9: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – The “Inland Ha Long Bay”

• Transfer to Ninh Binh (Tam Coc or Trang An area)

• Rowboat ride through caves and karst landscapes

• Visit Bich Dong Pagoda or Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

• Check-in at countryside eco-lodge

• Overnight in Ninh Binh

Day 10: Ninh Binh – Hanoi – Evening at Leisure

• Morning countryside bike ride or buffalo cart ride

• Return to Hanoi by afternoon

• Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant

• Overnight in Hanoi

Day 11: Departure – Goodbye Vietnam!

• Transfer to airport for international flight

• Optional extension: Ha Long Bay cruise, Sapa trekking, or Central Vietnam add-on

🛌 Accommodation Options

• Hanoi: Boutique hotels in the Old Quarter

• Ha Giang & Hoang Su Phi: Ethnic-style homestays or ecolodges

• Ba Be: Family-run guesthouse near the lake

• Ninh Binh: Eco-friendly lodges among rice fields

✅ Tour Highlights

• Spectacular rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi

• Intimate ethnic minority experiences

• Off-the-beaten-path trekking

• Boat cruise through serene Ba Be Lake

• Hidden caves and limestone karsts in Ninh Binh

• Blend of cultural immersion and nature escapes

🧭 Who is this tour for?

• Nature lovers and outdoor explorers

• Photographers seeking dramatic landscapes

• Travelers who prefer authenticity over crowds

• Repeat visitors to Vietnam wanting something deeper

🎒 Included

• All private transfers

• Accommodation (3-star and boutique style)

• Daily breakfast + some meals as listed

• English-speaking local guides

• Entrance fees, boat trips, cultural activities

💬 Not Included

• International airfare

• Travel insurance

• Personal expenses & tips

🧳 Ready to Embark on Your High-End Vietnam Adventure?

📩 Contact us now for a tailor-made quote!
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