Embark on a 3-day journey from Hanoi to Da Bac and discover the hidden treasures of northern Vietnam. This adventure takes you off the beaten path to remote destinations like Sung Village, home to the Dao Tien people, and the scenic Da Bia village, where the Muong ethnic community resides. Along the way, you'll be surrounded by stunning rural landscapes, fully immersed in the local culture, and treated to authentic, unforgettable experiences.
On this journey, you'll explore lesser-known places while learning about the rich traditions of the Dao and Muong cultures. Trek through serene bamboo forests, enjoy a peaceful boat trip on Ngoi Hoa Bay—often called the "Halong Bay in the mountains"—and savor the distinct flavors of local cuisine. Join us for a truly unique experience through the heart of this beautiful region.
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 will also stop at the community house, where locals teach the traditional Dao language to younger generations, preserving this vital aspect of their culture. Back in the village, you will visit a local Dao family and may have the chance to observe the art of creating patterns using beeswax and discover the process of indigo dyeing.
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.
Traveling with more than 8 people? You can select a different group size in the next step.
Group Size 9+Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of arrival in Vietnam and contain a minimum of two blank pages.
French citizens, as well as nationals of 12 other countries (including Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain), may enter Vietnam without a visa for stays of up to 45 days. If you plan to stay longer, or if your nationality is not eligible for this exemption, please check with the nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate, or feel free to contact us for further information.
International flights are not included in the price of our tours. You are free to choose and book the flights that best suit your needs and schedule. If you wish, our travel consultants can assist you in finding the best available options.
Valid travel insurance is mandatory to participate in the tour. It must cover the following:
Before departure, please provide us with the following information:
Please check whether your credit card already provides coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance if necessary.
Spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are the most pleasant seasons to visit Vietnam, with mild weather and limited rainfall. However, the country stretches over more than 1,600 km, and weather conditions vary significantly. Vietnam can be visited year-round:
Please pack clothing suitable for each region according to your itinerary.
Vietnam operates on GMT+7 year-round. There is no seasonal time change.
The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). US dollars and euros are sometimes accepted in hotels, but this is not guaranteed.
Tip: Avoid using old, damaged, or torn banknotes, as they are often refused for payment.
If your tour includes domestic flights, the exact schedules, flight numbers, and relevant details will be provided in your travel documents.
Please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, bringing your passport and electronic ticket (or booking reference).
Baggage: Checked baggage allowance generally ranges between 20 kg and 23 kg, depending on the airline. Cabin baggage is usually limited to 7 kg.
Attention: Additional fees may apply if you exceed the permitted limits. We recommend checking the specific conditions of each airline (Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways, etc.) before your flight.
Flight schedules are subject to change by the airline. We will keep you informed in case of any updates.
If you have a connecting domestic flight in Vietnam, please follow these steps upon arrival:
Airport staff are generally available to assist you if needed. Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Recommended connection time: minimum 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows sufficient time for possible flight delays, queues at immigration and customs, and transfers between terminals.
Practical tip: At major airports such as Hanoi (Noi Bai) or Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat), domestic and international terminals are not always located in the same building. Please allow ample time and follow the signs upon arrival.
No mandatory vaccinations are required to enter Vietnam.
However, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations, especially for long stays or travel in rural areas:
If you are undergoing regular medical treatment, please ensure you bring a sufficient supply of medication for the entire duration of your stay.
Do not forget to carry your prescription, preferably in English, to facilitate any checks or medical consultations on site.
The risk of malaria is very low in Vietnam’s main tourist areas, including Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and the tourist areas of the Mekong Delta. No malaria prophylaxis is generally recommended for these regions.
However, if you plan to travel to remote rural, forested, or mountainous areas (for example, Muong Te in Lai Chau, certain border or isolated areas of the northern highlands, or deep areas of the Mekong), you should consult a doctor or a travel medicine clinic to assess the need for preventive treatment.
Tips to protect yourself from mosquito bites
Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport exit, holding a sign displaying: “IZITOUR – [Your name]”.
Please take a moment to carefully check the signs at the arrival exit. If you have any difficulty locating our driver, do not hesitate to contact our French-speaking assistance team, available 24/7, at the following number:
+84 382 536 266 (direct call or WhatsApp available).
Practical tip: Make sure your phone is activated for international calls or internet access upon arrival to facilitate communication if needed.
Note: At some airports, several drivers may be waiting at the exit. If you do not immediately find our representative, please remain in the meeting area and contact us — we will assist you promptly.
Our small-group tours generally bring together between 4 and 7 participants. You will travel alongside people from diverse backgrounds, with different nationalities, cultures, and ages. This is a great opportunity to share experiences, exchange perspectives, and build meaningful connections throughout the journey.
To ensure that all planned activities run smoothly, punctuality is essential. Please respect the schedules communicated by your local guide to guarantee an enjoyable and seamless experience for the entire group.
For group tours, room allocation is based on the gender indicated on your passport. By default, you will share a twin room with a traveler of the same gender.
You will be accommodated in a single room in the following cases:
In both cases, a single supplement applies. Please contact your travel consultant to check availability and the exact supplement amount.
Note: This supplement does not apply to train cabins, which include four berths per compartment.
