Join us on this 10-day journey to discover the best of Northern Vietnam, including the vibrant capital city of Hanoi, the renowned Ha Giang Loop, and the breathtaking Halong Bay. Along the way, you will be enchanted by stunning landscapes, immerse yourself in the authentic daily life of the locals, savor traditional dishes, and gain insights into customs that have been passed down through generations. This tour strikes the perfect balance between private airport transfers and group day trips, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers and solo adventurers seeking to save money while connecting with like-minded individuals.
Upon your arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you’ll be greeted by our driver at the pickup lobby. You’ll then enjoy a 45-minute drive to the heart of Hanoi, passing over the Red River, where you can catch a glimpse of the city’s unique architecture and its famously bustling traffic. Once you arrive in the Old Quarter, the driver will drop you off at your hotel.
Notes: Hotel check-in time is at 2:00 PM. Early check-in is subject to hotel availability and may incur an additional fee.
8:00 - 8:30 AM: Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. If you are staying outside the Old Quarter, you can either arrange your own transportation to our departure point or we can arrange a hotel pick-up for an additional fee. From there, we will start our exploration of the city.
08:45: Our first stop will be at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, the final resting place of Vietnam's revered leader, Uncle Ho. You’ll have the chance to view the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh and stroll through the garden to see the two houses where he lived and worked from 1954 to 1969. Afterward, we’ll visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique structure dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy.
10:15: Next, we’ll explore the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology to learn about the diverse cultures of the 54 ethnic groups that call Vietnam home. (Please note: If the museum is closed on Mondays, we will visit the Vietnamese Women’s Museum instead.)
12:30 - 12:45: Enjoy a lunch break at our restaurant, where you can savor Vietnamese cuisine. Vegetarian options are available upon request (please inform us when booking).
13:30: We’ll then visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, located on Golden Fish Island in West Lake. This is the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, dating back to the 6th century.
14:30: Our next stop is the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070. It’s one of Northern Vietnam’s most popular tourist attractions.
15:30: We’ll continue to Hoa Lo Prison, originally built by the French from 1886 to 1901 during their occupation of Vietnam. Known as “Maison Centrale” by the French, this site is now a museum, offering insights into Vietnam’s struggle against French colonial rule.
16:30: Finally, our bus will take you back to your hotel, concluding our one-day city tour.
15:00 - 15:30: Our bus driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Once everyone is on board, we'll begin our journey to Ha Giang City.
Along the way, we’ll make a stop at a local rest area, where you can stretch your legs or grab a meal (not included). We expect to arrive in Ha Giang City around 10:00 PM, where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation for an overnight stay.
8:00 - 8:30 AM: Our tour guide and driver will meet you at your accommodation in Ha Giang city, where you'll receive a brief introduction to the day's journey before we set off on the Ha Giang Loop. As we begin, you’ll notice a dramatic shift in the landscape as we venture into the mountain roads. Our first stop will be Bac Sum Slope, where we’ll take a short break to enjoy the scenic views and refreshments before continuing to Quan Ba.
We’ll then head to a viewpoint offering panoramic views of Quan Ba Heaven Gate and the iconic Twin Mountains. Following this, we’ll visit Nam Dam, a village exclusively inhabited by the Dao ethnic minority. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn about local traditions and admire the unique clay-built houses. We’ll spend around 2.5 hours exploring the village, giving you plenty of time to stroll through the area and soak in the atmosphere. For lunch, you’ll also get to savor some local cuisine in Quan Ba.
After lunch, we’ll resume our journey, driving through stunning valleys and picturesque villages. Our next stop is Lung Tam village, where we’ll visit a family renowned for their traditional weaving and handicrafts. From there, we’ll make our way to Yen Minh, where we’ll settle in for the night.
After breakfast, we’ll embark on today’s excursion, starting with a scenic one-hour drive to Tham Ma Slope, renowned for its iconic nine-bend road. We’ll pause here to take some fantastic photos.
Our journey continues to Sung La Village, a place steeped in history that stretches back hundreds of years. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to hear captivating stories about the village’s past.
Next, we’ll visit one of the region's key landmarks—the Lung Cu Flag Pole. From this vantage point, you’ll be able to glimpse the border between Vietnam and China. The panoramic views from the flagpole and observation deck are nothing short of spectacular.
Afterward, we’ll head to Lo Lo Chai Village, home to the Lo Lo ethnic minority. You’ll get to see their traditional clay houses and learn more about their unique way of life. We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to Dong Van Town, with a stop at the historic residence of the Vuong family, also known as the “H’mong King Palace.” Our day will conclude with a warm welcome at our homestay in Dong Van Town, where we’ll have dinner and spend the night.
After breakfast, we’ll depart from Dong Van Town, heading toward what is often considered the highlight of the journey: Ma Pi Leng Pass, situated along the famous Happiness Road that connects Dong Van and Meo Vac. This legendary pass is renowned for its rugged cliffs and breathtaking scenery, earning it the title of the "king" of northern Vietnam's mountain passes. The road winds dramatically through steep cliffs and climbs to an elevation of 2,000 meters at Ma Pi Leng Pass.
We’ll take a break to fully appreciate the pass’s beauty, giving you a chance to soak in panoramic views and capture stunning photos. Standing at the peak, you’ll be mesmerized by the vast, majestic landscape of towering mountains and winding rivers below.
Our journey then leads us through remote villages, offering a glimpse into life in Vietnam's far-flung regions. We’ll pass through Lung Ho, Mau Due, and Meo Vac, where we'll stop for lunch and refreshments.
Afterward, we’ll continue along mountainous trails to Du Gia Village, renowned for its spectacular landscapes and rich cultural heritage. In this village, seven ethnic minorities live together, creating a vibrant blend of traditions and colors. We’ll stay overnight with a Tay minority family, sharing dinner and enjoying their warm hospitality.
After breakfast, we'll head out to discover the hidden beauty of Du Gia Waterfall. Following our visit, we'll say goodbye to our host and continue our journey. Although it's our final day, the breathtaking landscapes will keep us enthralled as we make our way back to Ha Giang. The adventure isn't over yet, as we'll pass through the picturesque Duong Thuong Valley and along the scenic Thai An Road.
We'll arrive back in Ha Giang City at about 3:00 - 4:00 PM.
4:00 PM: Our bus driver will pick you up for the return journey to Hanoi. Along the way, we'll stop at a local rest area where you can take a break or grab dinner (not included).
You'll arrive back in Hanoi around 10:00 PM, and the driver will drop you off at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
8:00 – 8:30 AM: Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or our Shuttle Bus stop (if you have booked the transfer with us - an additional fee applies). We'll then embark on a scenic drive to Halong City. The transfer takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, with an optional restroom stop along the way.
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Receptionists warmly welcome guests at Tuan Chau Harbor.
12:45 PM: Guests board Syrena Cruises via tender, where the captain greets you. Check in while enjoying a welcome drink, followed by a safety briefing as you settle into your cabin.
1:00 PM: Set sail from Tuan Chau International Harbor to explore the stunning Halong Bay, one of the world's natural wonders. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring local specialties as you cruise past iconic sights such as Ba Hang Fishing Village, Dinh Huong Island, Cho Da Islet, and Ga Choi Islet.
2:30 PM: The cruise makes a stop at Bo Nau Cave, located in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a tender to visit Surprising Cave, one of the most magnificent caves in Halong Bay.
3:45 PM: Depart Surprising Cave and transfer by tender to Titov Island, named by President Ho Chi Minh in honor of Soviet astronaut Gherman Titov, who visited in 1962. Here, you can swim, relax on the beach, or hike up to the island’s summit for a breathtaking panoramic view of Halong Bay.
4:45 PM: Return to the cruise. Unwind and enjoy the sunset on the sundeck as we cruise to our overnight anchorage.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: HAPPY HOUR – Buy one drink, get one free (wine excluded). Also, enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration.
7:00 PM: Savor a buffet dinner.
8:30 PM: After dinner, enjoy evening activities like movie entertainment in the dining room or try your hand at squid fishing.
6:30 AM: Start your day with a 30-minute Tai Chi session on the sundeck as we cruise toward Luon Cave.
7:00 AM: Enjoy a light breakfast in the dining room, featuring coffee, tea, fresh milk, water, pastries, bread, eggs, fresh fruit, and cereals.
8:00 AM: Visit Luon Cave, renowned for its beautiful endemic vegetation in Halong Bay. Explore the cave on a traditional bamboo boat, rowed by a local boatman.
8:30 AM: Return to Syrena Cruise to relax and prepare for check-out. Please place your luggage outside your cabin door, where our porters will collect and have it ready for you at the pier.
9:15 AM: Final check-out. Enjoy a brunch buffet in the dining room, and settle any bills after your meal (if applicable).
10:45 AM: Transfer by tender back to Tuan Chau Harbor and disembark.
Our driver will greet you at the Cruise Waiting Lounge and transfer you to Hanoi (additional fees applied). The journey takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, with a restroom stop available along the way (optional). You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter or at our Shuttle Bus stop.
Our driver will pick you up from the lobby of your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter and take you to Noi Bai Airport. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, whether you're heading to the international or domestic terminal, depending on your needs.
Notes: Hotel check out is before 12:00 PM. Late check-out is subject to hotel availability and may incur an additional fee. For international flights, it's recommended to arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure, and for domestic flights, 2 hours before.
Oct 26, 2024