Vietnam in 3 Weeks: A Journey Through Northern Tribes & Central Heritage
- hanoi
- hoang su phi
- ha giang
- cao bang
- ninh binh
- halong bay
- hue
- hoi an
This 3-week journey in Vietnam will guide you from enchanting hidden corners to the nation's most emblematic destinations. In contrast to more superficial tours, this experience offers a deep connection to the heart of northeastern Vietnam, particularly the Ha Giang and Cao Bang regions. This is not merely about seeing the sights, but truly experiencing them: you will live alongside local communities, go trekking, cycle scenic routes, spend the night on a Ha Long Bay cruise, and could even take part in the rice harvest, season permitting. The diversity of activities and the warmth of Vietnam will surprise you in ways you cannot imagine.
What unique experiences await during your trip?
- PRIVATE TOUR WITH 100% PERSONALIZED ITINERARY AND SERVICES
- An in-depth exploration of the ethnic communities in northeastern Vietnam, including Ha Giang and Cao Bang.
- Witnessing the majestic and rugged nature of the northwest.
- Engaging in diverse experiences: trekking, cycling, and connecting with the local people.
- Spending the night on a cruise in Ha Long Bay, a Natural Wonder of the World.
- Discovering iconic cultural destinations across the country's north and center.
Stages of the journey
- hanoi
- hoang su phi
- ha giang
- cao bang
- ninh binh
- halong bay
- hue
- hoi an

HANOI - ARRIVAL
Arrival in Hanoi, the ancient capital of Vietnam. You will be welcomed by your local Spanish-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center (room available from 2:00 PM). The day's schedule will be adjusted according to your arrival time. The 3-week journey in Vietnam begins.
Departure for the first visits to the city center to soak in the charm of the thousand-year-old capital:
- The Ly Thai To Monument, to discover the long history of the Vietnamese capital.
- Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword), the heart of Hanoi, featuring Ngoc Son Temple (Temple of the Jade Mountain) and the Turtle Tower.
- The Old Quarter with its 36 trade streets: a walking tour through the artisan lanes named after the products that were once made and sold there, such as Silk Street, Cotton Street, Iron Street, Sugar Street, and Herbal Medicine Street.
- Colonial Heritage: A cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the French Quarter to see key landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House, the Metropole Hotel, the State Bank of Vietnam, and the Central Post Office.
Overnight at the hotel.
HANOI - CITY TOUR
Discovery of Hanoi's most notable cultural sites and historical monuments:
- The Temple of Literature, a symbol of feudal education and one of the emblems of Hanoi.
- Ba Dinh Square, the area where the former Governor's Palace of Indochina (now the Presidential Palace), the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and Ho Chi Minh's stilt house are located.
- The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, a collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that bear witness to the history of the local populations.
In the evening, a water puppet show, a characteristic feature of Vietnamese culture.
Overnight at the hotel.
HANOI - TRANSFER TO HOANG SU PHI
Journey to Hoang Su Phi, the most untouched region of Ha Giang province, famous for its majestic, pristine natural landscapes and magnificent mountain ranges.
Arrive in Hoang Su Phi in the afternoon and check in at Pan Hou Eco Lodge, which features traditionally built bungalows set amidst the mountains and rice terraces of the Hoang Su Phi valley.
The rest of the day is free for personal relaxation and exploring the Eco Lodge. In the evening, a performance by the local Dao ethnic group will be held in the central area of the retreat. You can immerse yourself in the atmosphere and learn more about their culture.
Overnight in a bungalow.
HOANG SU PHI - HIKING
A full day of fascinating trekking awaits you today, from Thong Nguyen commune to Nam Son commune. This journey unfolds amidst an impressive landscape, featuring vast rice fields and encounters with local ethnic communities. You will have the opportunity to participate in their daily activities, such as gardening or tending to chickens and pigs, offering a genuine glimpse into their daily life.
The tranquility and beauty of the surroundings are unique characteristics of the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam. While the trek is generally of moderate difficulty, it includes some challenges like slopes and picturesque stream crossings, which make it an even more rewarding adventure. The estimated duration is approximately 5 to 6 hours.
Midway through the trek, you will enjoy a picnic-style lunch at a local home, a perfect opportunity to recharge your energy.
The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at another cozy local homestay, allowing you to continue soaking in the region's authentic charm.
HOANG SU PHI - TRANSFER TO HA GIANG
Depart for the northeast region, delving into the pristine landscapes of Ha Giang. The journey passes through imposing terrain, with majestic mountains and hills stretching as far as the eye can see. Along winding mountain-side roads, you will enjoy extraordinary views of green valleys and rugged peaks.
Located in the country's far north, Ha Giang is a wild land dominated by limestone peaks, granite needles, and dizzying canyons. Its breathtaking panoramas make it a true paradise for nature and adventure lovers.
Arrive in Ha Giang late in the day and check in to your hotel.
HA GIANG - TRANSFER TO DONG VAN
Say goodbye to your hosts as you continue your journey towards the Dong Van Karst Plateau, one of the largest geoparks in Asia. Today's route winds through twisting roads and towering massifs, offering unique and extraordinary landscapes of countless limestone peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. This leg of the journey promises to be the most impressive of the trip.
Several stops are planned along the way:
-
Lung Tam: Visit a Hmong women's linen cooperative to discover this ancient handicraft. You will learn about the linen production and weaving process and see a wide range of products like clothing, bags, and wallets, all inspired by the rich culture of the local ethnic groups.
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Pho Cao: Walk through a small neighborhood of traditional mud-walled houses with tile roofs, built long ago.
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Sa Phin: Visit the Vuong Family Palace, a mix of Chinese and local architecture. It belonged to Vuong Chi Duc, a renowned king of the Hmong tribes in this region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Arrive in Dong Van in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. The evening is free to rest or take a leisurely stroll through this mountain town.
Overnight at the hotel.
DONG VAN - NHO QUE - MEO VAC - BAO LAC
After breakfast, depart for Ngai Lau, following the famous Route 4C which crosses the impressive Ma Pi Leng Pass. This pass, known for its steep cliffs, was once considered impassable due to its large limestone wall.
You will take the small, zigzagging paths that descend to the base of the pass. Along the way, enjoy the views of numerous karst peaks and valleys dotted with the traditional houses of ethnic minorities. Stop in Ngai Lau, a charming Hmong hamlet.
Afterwards, continue by road to Bao Lac, a quiet town on the banks of the Gam River. Visit Khuoi Khon, a high-altitude hamlet surrounded by rice terraces and inhabited by the Black Lolo ethnic group.
Settle in for an overnight stay in a traditional house with a Lolo family in Khuoi Khon.
BAO LAC - QUANG UYEN
After breakfast, depart for Quang Uyen, a small district on the route to Cao Bang, near the Chinese border.
Upon arrival, take a walk to explore the craft villages of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups, known for their traditional houses with Yin-Yang tiled roofs and a way of life that remains largely untouched by modernity.
You will visit:
- Phia Chang village: specializing in forging knives from special steel.
- Phia Thap village: famous for its incense production.
Few ethnic groups in the northern mountains practice as many traditional crafts as the Tay and Nung people in Quang Uyen.
Settle in at the homestay of a Tay family in the incense village. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in their traditional stilt house.
QUANG UYEN - BAN GIOC - CAO BANG
Depart towards the easternmost part of this region of Vietnam, near the Chinese border, crossing conical-shaped hills and mountains covered in lush vegetation.
Upon arrival in Trung Khanh, visit the magnificent Ban Gioc Waterfall, considered one of the most beautiful in Asia. It is also ranked as the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world (after Iguazu, Niagara, and Victoria Falls). Swimming is possible here at certain times of the year.
Afterwards, transfer to Dam Thuy to discover the majestic Nguom Ngao Cave, adorned with stalactites and stalagmites formed over centuries.
Return to Cao Bang for an overnight stay at the hotel.
CAO BANG - HANOI
After breakfast, return to Hanoi by road.
Arrive in the city in the late afternoon, where you can relax with a foot massage session at a local center.
Enjoy a free evening. Overnight at the hotel.
HANOI - NINH BINH
Depart for Ninh Binh, a land of limestone rocks, sugarloaf mountains, and rice paddies flooded by rivers and lakes year-round.
Upon arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit Mua Cave (Hang Mua). By climbing a white staircase of 486 stone steps to the summit, this bell-shaped mountain will offer you a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.
Afterwards, transfer to Tam Coc for a relaxing bicycle ride to discover this fabulous region.
In the afternoon, take a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to discover Tam Coc. This long river winds through rice fields and karst peaks, passing under the three caves at the foot of the limestone mountains.
Return to Hanoi at the end of the day for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Optional: To reduce driving time, it is possible to stay overnight in Ninh Binh today (without returning to Hanoi) before departing the next morning for Ha Long Bay with your guide and private car. Please contact us for this option.
HANOI - HALONG BAY - NIGHT ON BOARD
Depart for Ha Long, the most beautiful bay in Vietnam and one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Board a traditional junk boat. Receive a welcome from the crew and set sail for a magnificent cruise through the bay. The cruise will visit Bai Tu Long Bay (the northern part of Ha Long Bay):
- Admire the picturesque islands and islets with their various shapes (such as Sail, Dog, Rooster, and Incense Burner).
- Take a small boat or kayak trip to discover the Vung Vieng fishing village, with opportunities to meet the local people.
- At the end of the day, relax on the upper deck of the junk.
- Participate in an onboard cooking demonstration to learn how to prepare nem (Vietnamese spring rolls).
- Enjoy delicious lunches and dinners featuring fresh seafood.
- The evening is free for your personal rest and relaxation, with activities like card games or night fishing available.
Overnight on board.
HALONG BAY - HANOI - NIGHT FLIGHT TO HUE
Wake up early to enjoy a doubly unique moment of splendor: watching the first rays of sun emerge from the bay's hundreds of karst peaks while participating in a Tai Chi session on the sun deck.
Continue the cruise through the lesser-known parts of Ha Long Bay. Visit its splendid caves, such as Thien Canh Son, whose stalagmites and stalactites date back thousands of years.
Have lunch on the junk, disembark, and then return to Hanoi.
Take an evening flight to Hue, the ancient imperial city in the center of the country.
Overnight in Hue.
Optional activities
The show “Tinh hoa Bac Bo - The Quintessence of Tonkin”
Hanoi Egg Coffee
Immersion among the black Lolo - Cao Bang
Mango Bay Resort in Phu Quoc: The Ideal Place for a Sun-soaked Getaway
Ancient Hue House: An Architectural and Artistic Masterpiece of Hue
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc, a little maritime gem in a green setting
Cooking classes in Hoi An
The “Hoi An Memories” show
Halong Bay by seaplane, an extraordinary experience to live
Visit to My Son Sanctuary in Hoi An
Hoi An Countryside Tour by Bike
Tour Price
• Travel period
• Number of travelers
• Chosen services
- Accommodation for the entire tour, in hotels or local homestays.
- Transfers as per the itinerary in a private vehicle.
- Spanish-speaking guide for the visits mentioned in the program.
- All activities mentioned in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites.
- Domestic flights in economy class, including airport taxes.
- Meals as mentioned in the program.
- Bottled water during guided tours (2 x 500ml per person, per day).
- Applicable government taxes (VAT, etc.).
- International flights from your country of origin.
- Visa fees, payable directly at airport customs upon arrival (see VISA section).
- Bank transaction fees related to payment.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Personal drinks during meals (e.g., beer, soft drinks, juices).
- Other meals not mentioned in the program.
- SIM card and mobile data plans.
- Tips, personal expenses, and other services not clearly specified in the "Price Includes" section.
Services for this trip

Interested in this tour?
What Our Customers Say About Us?
Countless travelers create unforgettable memories with us every year. Discover their testimonials about our exceptional service, stunning destinations, and the highlights of their trips !
What they say about us

Jörg & Marcella - New Zealand
June 10, 2025 - Dear Ms. Trang Vu,
Once again, thank you very much for organizing our trip. We had an excellent vacation, we loved the country and especially its people!
Here are some highlights from the second part of our journey:
Pu Luong: We really enjoyed the walking experience, especially to Don Village and Mr. Ty’s home. The landscape was stunning, and we appreciated the attention to our dietary needs. The extra activities like visiting the chopsticks factory and the rafting were wonderful surprises.
Pu Luong Retreat: A beautiful place with amazing views, peaceful atmosphere, and a lovely dinner. The staff was kind and helpful.
Ninh Binh: The boat ride on the Ngo Dong River and the extended bike trip were both excellent. We also appreciated the smooth check-in and comfort at Ninh Binh Hidden Charm Resort.
Halong Bay: The room on the Peony cruise was extremely beautiful, and kayaking was a fun activity. The visit to the Pearl factory was also a nice touch.
Hanoi: We t

Raout and his crew - USA
May 11, 2025 - Hello Linh,
We are back home, and we’ve lost over 20°C 😩
We really want to thank you for organizing this wonderful trip ✨ It was the first time in Asia for the four of us, and we absolutely loved discovering your country — full of cultural sites, stunning landscapes, a complete change of scenery, and such a warm welcome… 😍
We really appreciated the guidance of our three tour guides, who helped us better understand the history and daily life in Vietnam. Together with the drivers, they made sure everything went smoothly and that we were satisfied with every visit.
So, a huge thank you to you and your team for giving us such a beautiful experience 😁
We’re already looking forward to traveling again, with your agency of course 😉
A big THANK YOU and see you very soon 😘
Raout
Luxury Vietnam Tour in Two Weeks for Discerning Travelers

Alain and friends - Australia
April 11, 2025 - Hello Madame Do,
Our return to Sydney went smoothly.
The temperature shock was brutal with a 25-degree drop, and we are slowly readjusting to the Australian time zone.
We will definitely recommend your agency to our friends and, in agreement with our daughter, we will post a glowing review online.
We would like to once again thank you for the flawless organization of our trip—not only for the variety of visits, but also for the competence of the guides, who shared with us their knowledge of the places, customs, and local life close to the people, as well as the drivers, who were all very careful, calm, and attentive.
Thank you also for accommodating the last-minute change so that my wife could reconnect with her roots in Ha Giang, where her father lived and worked until 1962—a very emotional moment.
On that note, we will send you a transfer of 45 AUD (approximately 28 euros or 30 USD) on Tuesday to cover the additional costs incurred.
We were very touche

Eric and Emma - France
March 25, 2025 - A Perfect Trip! A Unique and Authentic Experience!
Tailor-made, taking into account our tastes, wishes, expectations, and comparisons… thanks to the experience, expertise, passion, and sensitivity of an extraordinary advisor – a former experienced guide – Nhung: we lived wonderful and personalized moments that have become unforgettable memories, avoiding all the clichés of mass tourism, with direct and authentic connections. So many spot-on recommendations for choosing each destination, activity, and accommodation… Not a single mistake! Everything was perfect!
Thanks to the exceptional Kampá Tour team, full of talent and kindness in every detail of the journey: from Management to administration, including such competent and warm guides (Lynh, Hang, Sam...), and expert drivers with great skill, especially in mountainous or difficult areas (like Cuong...). We shared a complete, exciting, and passionate adventure from start to finish.
So many wonderful sites and

Angela's family - Ireland
March 11, 2025 - Hello,
It has already been two weeks since we left your beautiful country, but we continued traveling after that and just returned today. That's why I haven't written to you earlier.
I just filled out the review following the links you sent me.
We really enjoyed the trip you organized for us. It was very informative, interesting, pleasant, and comfortable for people of our age.
The drivers were great, especially the one who took us to Siem Reap. Heang is excellent, thoughtful, smiling, and speaks some English.
The guides are very knowledgeable and all of them were really interesting and attentive to our interests. We especially enjoyed Inthasone, the lady who made us appreciate Laos, and Mr. Nam with whom we discovered rural life. Two charming and humorous people! But they were all impeccable! I thank and congratulate them.
The hotels were always well-located and comfortable.
A big thank you for the flawless organization and follow-up of our trip! I wish y

Frederick's Family - USA
February 17, 2025 - FABULOUS EXPERIENCE WITH AND THANKS TO KAMPA TOUR!!! 1001 THANKS!!!
A perfect trip! A unique and authentic experience!
Custom-crafted, after taking into account our tastes, desires, wishes, and comparisons too... thanks to the expertise, competence, passion, and sensitivity of an extraordinary advisor – a former experienced guide – Nhung: we lived magnificent, personalized moments, which are unforgettable memories, avoiding all the clichés of mass tourism for direct and authentic contacts!!! What great advice in choosing each destination, activity, accommodation... No mistakes!!! Everything was perfect!!!
Thanks to the entire exceptional KAMPA TOUR team, full of talent and kindness in every detail of your trip: from management to administration, through guides who were all so competent and supportive (Lynh, Hang, Sam, ...), skilled drivers with remarkable expertise, particularly in mountainous or complicated sites (like Cuong ...): we shared a full, thrilli

Carles & his partner - Spain
January 04, 2025 - Good morning, Mrs. Thuy Do,
We finally found the time to write to you and share our travel experience.
A huge THANK YOU for this magnificent trip that was absolutely flawless!
Everything was perfect: from the hotels you selected for us to the drivers and guides (Thai, Dzung, and Anh), who were wonderful and accompanied us throughout. And, of course, the fabulous itinerary you organized for us, allowing us to discover incredible wonders, including the rice terraces in the north, the lantern-filled city of Hoi An in the center, as well as Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
You and the guides and drivers who joined us contributed immensely to making our trip an unforgettable moment of happiness.
We returned home with great sadness at leaving your beautiful country, as well as the smiles and kindness of its people.
Thank you again for your professionalism, availability, kindness, warmth, the welcome at your agency, and your smiles.
We can’t wait to come back—and

Ethan's Family - Switzerland
December 30, 2024 - Dear Nhung,
A huge THANK YOU for organizing our trip, which was flawless. And yet, we gave you so much work!
First, in crafting the itinerary, custom-tailored to include our requested visits. You contacted me several times on WhatsApp, and in the end, the itinerary suited us perfectly and fit within the budget we had set. Thank you, Nhung, for your availability, attentiveness, and patience.
Then, unfortunately, we had to test your skills and professionalism when, one day before departure, my wife had a sinus infection requiring emergency surgery. We were initially supposed to travel as a group of three—my sister, my wife, and me. Given how well-prepared the trip was, I asked my sister to go ahead. Three days after the surgery, which went very well, I decided to join my sister and pick up the itinerary mid-trip (a week later) from Ha Long Bay. Nhung was amazing and remarkably efficient. She canceled my wife's arrangements and organized my transfer to the Ha

Françoise & Claude - France
December 12, 2024 - Dear NHUNG,
A huge THANK YOU for organizing our trip, which was flawless. How much work you must have had to do for us!
First, for creating a custom itinerary, taking into account our requests for visits. To do this, you contacted me several times on WhatsApp, and in the end, the tour was perfect and fit within our budget. Thank you, Nhung, for your availability, your listening, and your patience.
Then, unfortunately, we had to test, quite against our will, your competence and professionalism when, one day before departure, my husband developed a sinus infection requiring urgent surgery. We were leaving as three—my brother and us. We had prepared the trip so well that I asked my brother to go ahead. Three days later, after the surgery went very well, I decided to join my brother and take the tour from Halong Bay (one week later). Nhung was amazing and incredibly efficient. She canceled my husband’s personal bookings and took care of my transfer to the Halon
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