Da Bac | North-Vietnam Off the Beaten Path Trip - 03 Days

At 8:30 AM, our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi. We'll head to Da Bac, an off-the-beaten-path gem about 100 km southwest of Hanoi. Da Bac, nestled in the mountains of Hoa Binh province, is famous for its breathtaking natural landscapes and remote hill tribe villages. If you're seeking an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience, Da Bac is the perfect destination.

After a scenic 4-hour drive through the north-western Vietnamese countryside, we'll arrive at Sung Village, home to the Dzao Tien minority people. The village, with around 78 households and 400 residents, mainly relies on farming and forest plantations for their livelihoods.

We'll embark on a 3 km walk to discover the village. This walk will take you to various points of interest, such as the Sung Cave and the forest. Your local guide will spin tales, providing insights into identifying different plant varieties, some of which harbor medicinal secrets. We'll also make a stop at the community house where locals impart the traditional Dao language to younger generations, preserving this crucial cultural aspect. Upon returning to the village, visit a family workshop to learn the art of printing textures using beeswax and uncover the indigo dyeing process.

We'll embark on an 8 km trek from Sung to Da Bia. We'll walk on a small concrete road for the first 4 km before turning right onto a narrow trail leading through the forest. The trail descends for about an hour from 530 m altitude to 400 m, then ascends a bit to 500 m before continuously descending to 120 m at the local boat pier, where we'll hop on a boat to reach Da Bia.

Note: The final four kilometers are on land and may get quite slippery in case of rain. Hence, the trail might be adjusted, or an alternative option will be recommended.  

Embark on a kayaking adventure to explore Da Bia Lake, a part of the Da Reservoir, and gain a glimpse into the lives of local fishermen.  

Take a leisurely 3 km stroll from your homestay to the boat pier. Board a local boat for a short trip to Ngoi Hoa Harbor, where you'll navigate through the breathtaking landscapes of Ngoi Hoa Bay, often referred to as the "Halong Bay in the mountains”.

Our driver will wait for you at Ngoi Hoa Harbor and then bring you back to Hanoi.