8:00: 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

8:30: 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.

8:30: 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.

8:30: We set off for Ban Gioc, following a scenic route via Khau Coc Cha Pass. Though only 2.5 kilometers long, this steep mountain pass features 15 tiers and 14 sharp bends, offering an unforgettable ride through dramatic, rugged landscapes.

Descending from the pass, we reach the peaceful Xuan Truong Valley, a beautiful area of wide rice fields and traditional stilt houses. Here, you have the opportunity to visit a local family—an authentic experience that offers insight 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 quiet valleys unfold.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Upon arrival in Ban Gioc, check in at a local hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

8:30: We begin the day with a short transfer to Nguom Ngao Cave, peacefully set in the quiet Maize Valley. Stretching over two kilometers, this remarkable cave is filled with glittering stalactites and stalagmites shaped over millions of years. Beyond its natural beauty, it also holds historical significance, having sheltered thousands of villagers during the Vietnam–China border conflict in 1979.

Next, we continue to Ban Gioc Waterfall, a striking natural wonder located on the border between Vietnam and China. Rising 30 meters high and spanning 208 meters wide, it is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

After lunch, we depart for Cao Bang city. On the way back, we stop at Phuc Sen village, known for its long-standing blacksmithing tradition. Local artisans still craft 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 closer look at this enduring craft and its role in daily rural life.

Later in the afternoon, we continue to Phia Thap incense village, a quiet Tay ethnic community known for its handmade incense produced from natural forest ingredients. Take time to settle into a local homestay and enjoy the peaceful surroundings - a chance to relax and connect with your hosts.

Upon arrival in Cao Bang, check in at a local hotel for an overnight stay.

8:30: 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.

Upon arrival, we embark on a scenic boat trip from Cao Thuong Pier. Cruising downstream along the Nang River, we pass through Puong Cave, an impressive limestone tunnel carved by the river and home to thousands of bats. Disembarking briefly, we explore the cave on foot before continuing our journey.

The cruise then brings us to Dau Dang Waterfall, a dramatic series of cascades where the Nang River squeezes between towering limestone cliffs. We enjoy a leisurely walk to discover this powerful and atmospheric site, surrounded by dense forest and striking rock formations.

Next, the boat glides onto the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lakes, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake system and the heart of Ba Be National Park. Comprising three interconnected lakes - Pe Leng, Pe Lu, and Pe Lam - the area is renowned for its calm emerald waters, limestone mountains, and rich biodiversity.

As we cruise across the lake, we pass the iconic Widow Islet (An Ma Islet), a small limestone outcrop steeped in local legend. We then disembark and take a short walk to our homestay in Pac Ngoi Village, where the Tay ethnic community lives along the lakeshore, offering a warm welcome and a peaceful setting for the night.

8:30: After breakfast, you can choose to travel by car or cycle from your homestay in Pac Ngoi, passing through peaceful Tay ethnic villages along the lakeshore and surrounding countryside, to reach Hua Ma Cave, located about 5 km from the village.

Hidden within a limestone mountain, Hua Ma Cave is known for its impressive chambers and remarkable formations of stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated to highlight the cave’s dramatic natural shapes. We take time to explore this fascinating site before returning to Pac Ngoi and your homestay.

Transfer back to Hanoi. The journey takes approximately five hours, ending with drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.