8:00 AM: Depart from your hotel in Hanoi and head towards Ha Giang, traveling via the highway through Phu Tho. Along the way, take a break to visit a Dao village in Ham Yen, Tuyen Quang. Here, you'll get a chance to explore the stilt houses, a distinctive architectural style of the ethnic groups in this mountainous region. 

Upon arrival in Ha Giang, we'll check into our homestay, then enjoy a leisurely walk through rice fields and Tày villages such as Ha Thanh, Tan Tien, and Cuong Thinh. We follow a small concrete path that winds its way along the base of lush green mountains, passing through scenic rice paddies and peaceful rural landscapes.

After a leisurely 2 km walk over mostly flat terrain, we’ll reach Ha Thanh village, home to the Tay ethnic group. This charming village features about 100 traditional stilt houses scattered across a serene valley adorned with vibrant rice fields and surrounded by verdant mountains. Here, we’ll take a short break and may have the opportunity to visit a local home. Accompanied by your guide, you’ll delve into the daily lives, rich traditions, and unique culture of the Tay people in Ha Giang.

Next, we’ll ascend for about 1-2 km, passing through a serene palm forest. At higher elevations, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of rice fields and stilt houses topped with palm leaf roofs. From here, the trail gently descends into Tan Tien village, another Tay community surrounded by rice fields and vegetable gardens.

Depending on the time, we can either take a shortcut to end the hike here or, if time allows, continue along a small road for an additional 2 km to reach Cuong Thinh village. This extended route offers even more opportunities to soak in the serene rural landscapes before our car picks us up and takes us back to Thon Tha village.

Walking distance: approximately 4-6 km

8:00 AM: Depart for Dong Van through the magical landscapes of northern Vietnam, where stunning scenery unfolds along the route.

Before reaching the Quan Ba Pass, stop to visit a Bo Y ethnic village in Quyet Tien Commune. Originally from China, the Bo Y are a small community of around 2,000 people who inhabit the remote mountainous areas of the north.

Pause at the Quan Ba viewpoint for a short break and take in the panoramic views over Quan Ba town and the iconic Twin Fairy Mountains (Núi Cô Tiên).

Continue the drive toward the Limestone Plateau, often called the “mountainous Halong Bay.” This extraordinary karst region is recognized in the World Geological Park listings for its geological and cultural significance. Make a stop at Lung Tam weaving cooperative, a community initiative run by Hmong women. Here, you’ll get a closer look at the traditional techniques of hemp weaving and indigo dyeing - a beautiful cultural craft that has been passed down through generations.

Following lunch at a local restaurant along the way, enjoy a short walk to Lung Hoa Village, where you’ll see Nhà Trình Tường – traditional rammed-earth houses built by the Hmong people. These homes are known for their durability and harmony with the environment.

Next, visit the Palace of the Hmong King (Dinh Vua Mèo). Built over a century ago, this historic residence reflects a time when the regions of Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac were part of an autonomous zone ruled by the Hmong. During this period, poppy cultivation was widespread, and the local economy thrived on the opium trade with China.

Arrive in Dong Van, check in to your accommodation, and enjoy some time to relax.

8:00 AM: Depart from Dong Van and head toward Bao Lac, with a stop along the way at the Happy Road Museum. This small yet moving museum pays tribute to the monumental efforts of tens of thousands of young volunteers who carved the "Happy Road" through the mountains in the 1950s - a symbol of unity and resilience in post-war Vietnam.

From there, take a scenic Skypath walk starting with a gentle climb to God’s Cliff, offering panoramic views of the Nho Que River and limestone peaks. Descend into a peaceful valley, passing Hmong farmers and learning about their unique stone niche farming before ending near a local kindergarten, where you’ll rejoin your vehicle, and continue to Bao Lac.

Upon arriving in Bao Lac, we'll have lunch at a local restaurant.

For the rest of the day, we'll visit either Khuoi Khon or Coc Xa village - both home to the Black Lo Lo people. Khuoi Khon gained recognition through the French documentary "The Journey into Unknown Land", featuring rugby player Frédéric Michalak. Coc Xa, by contrast, remains off the tourist trail and offers a more authentic, untouched atmosphere.

Once in the village, take a stroll through the narrow paths, visit a traditional Lo Lo home, and enjoy meaningful exchanges with your host. This intimate encounter offers valuable insight into the community’s daily life, cultural heritage, and enduring traditions.

Afterward, return to Bao Lac town and check in at a local hotel.

8:00 AM: We’ll set off for Cao Bang, taking the scenic route via Khau Coc Cha Pass. Though only 2.5 kilometers long, this steep mountain pass is made up of 15 levels and 14 sharp bends, offering an unforgettable ride through dramatic and rugged landscapes.

Descending from the pass, we arrive in the peaceful Xuan Truong Valley, a stunning area filled with vast rice fields and traditional stilt houses. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit a local family - an authentic encounter that offers a unique window into daily life and cultural traditions in this remote region.

The journey continues over Na Tenh Pass, where panoramic views of rolling green mountains and tranquil valleys unfold before your eyes.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Our next stop is the historic Pac Bo Cave, a deeply meaningful site tucked away in the wilderness. It was here that President Ho Chi Minh returned in early 1941 after 30 years in exile, spending seven weeks in this secluded area to lay the foundations for Vietnam’s revolutionary path.

Finally, we arrive in Cao Bang city, where you'll check in and relax for the night.

8:00 AM: We’ll begin our journey to Ban Gioc Waterfall, a breathtaking natural wonder located on the border between Vietnam and China. Standing 30 meters tall and stretching 208 meters across, it’s widely considered the most beautiful waterfall in the country.

After a scenic two-hour drive through a captivating limestone landscape, we arrive at this majestic site, where cascading waters plunge into jade-colored pools - an awe-inspiring and unforgettable scene.

Next, we’ll visit Nguom Ngao Cave, peacefully nestled in the quiet Maize Valley. Stretching for over two kilometers, this extraordinary cave is adorned with glittering stalactites and stalagmites, shaped by nature over millions of years. Beyond its beauty, the cave holds deep historical significance - it sheltered thousands of villagers during the Vietnam-China border conflict in 1979.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

On the return journey, we’ll stop in Phuc Sen village, a community famed for its centuries-old blacksmithing tradition. Here, local artisans still forge knives, farming tools, and household items by hand, using techniques passed down through generations. A visit to one of the family-run forges offers a fascinating glimpse into this living heritage and the vital role it plays in daily rural life.

As the day winds down, we continue to Phia Thap incense village, a quiet Tay ethnic community known for its traditional hand-rolled incense made from natural forest ingredients. Settle in at a local homestay and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere - a perfect place to relax, connect with your hosts.

8:00 AM: We begin the day with a scenic hike from our homestay in Phia Thap village, surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes. Along the way, we pass through lush rice paddies, cornfields, and quiet villages inhabited by the Nùng people.

Our first stop is Lan village, well known for its beautiful handmade bamboo and rattan crafts. From there, we continue on to Lung Ri, a charming village perched on the mountainside, famous for its traditional yin-yang roof tiles - a unique craft passed down through generations of the Nùng An community. This centuries-old technique is still lovingly preserved today.

Walking distance: approx. 7-8 km

We’ll drive to Ba Be Lakes, a stunning destination tucked away in the heart of Ba Be National Park. As one of Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lakes, Ba Be is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, rich biodiversity, and growing reputation as an ecotourism haven. The journey takes around four hours, offering glimpses of rural life and scenic countryside along the way.

8:00 AM: In the morning, enjoy a leisurely walk from your homestay in Pac Ngoi village to the nearby pier. From there, we’ll board a boat to begin our exploration of the serene Ba Be Lakes.

Our first stop will be a short walk into the heart of the ancient forest to discover the Fairy Pond, a peaceful, hidden gem nestled among the trees.

Back on the boat, we’ll continue along the Nang River, making another stop for a relaxing walk along the riverbank. Take a moment to fully immerse yourself in the wild, untouched beauty of the landscape.

We then return to the boat for a downstream journey to the Dau Dang Waterfall, where the water cascades over large rock formations in a powerful display of nature.

The final leg of our boat trip takes us upstream along the Nang River to the impressive Puong Cave, home to thousands of bats and dramatic limestone formations. We’ll cruise directly through the cave and continue to another pier, where we’ll disembark and conclude this scenic river journey.