Vietnam's Northern Charms in 2 Weeks Including Ha Giang Loop

A day dedicated to exploring Hanoi's most remarkable cultural sites and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature, a symbol of feudal education and one of Hanoi's iconic landmarks.

Built 1000 years ago, this Confucian temple served as an institution where royal offspring and sons of mandarins received their education. It also hosted competitions for the country's most talented students, with the winners attaining the status of scholars and senior officials in Vietnamese feudal dynasties.

• Visit Ba Dinh Square, the location of the former palace of the Indochina governor, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and his residence.
• Explore the Ethnography Museum, home to a vast collection of 25,000 ancient and contemporary artifacts that provide insights into the history of local populations.
• In the evening, enjoy a water puppet show – a distinctive feature of the Vietnamese culture.

Colorful wooden puppets are skillfully manipulated by the artists using rods and bamboo shafts underwater. It is a unique and captivating art form unique to the Northern Vietnamese tradition.

At 8:00 AM, your private tour guide and driver will meet you at your Hanoi hotel to kickstart the journey. The approximately 7-hour drive includes several stops for photo opportunities and a lunch break.

Upon reaching Thong Nguyen commune in Hoang Su Phi, settle into a homestay within a Red Yao ethnic village for the night. After check-in, indulge in a refreshing break and savor a dinner prepared by the welcoming family.

Today, a whole day of captivating trekking from Thong Nguyen Commune to Nam Son Commune will be waiting for you. This journey unfolds amidst an awe-inspiring scenery, highlighting expansive rice fields and engaging with local ethnic communities to join their daily activities such as gardening, and tending to chickens and pigs. All of this provides a glimpse into their daily lives.
The tranquility and beauty of the surroundings are truly unique to the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam. Although the trek is generally moderate, it presents occasional challenges like navigating slopes and crossing picturesque streams, making the adventure even more rewarding. Expect a duration of approximately 5 to 6 hours.
A delightful picnic lunch awaits at a local house along the way, offering a chance to rejuvenate.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at another welcoming local house, immersing yourself further in the authentic charm of the region.

Depart for the northeast region, venturing into the pristine landscapes of Ha Giang. The journey unfolds through grandiose terrains, featuring imposing mountains and hills that roll as far as the eye can see. Winding along the mountainside, revel in remarkable views of verdant valleys and towering peaks.

Situated in the far north, Ha Giang is a wilderness defined by limestone peaks, granite needles, dizzying canyons, and breathtaking panoramas – a paradise for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Arrive in Ha Giang by day's end and proceed to check-in at the hotel.

Greetings to our hosts as we continue our journey to the karst plateau of Dong Van, one of the largest geological parks in Asia. Today's route winds through twisting roads, navigating dizzying massifs, offering you the chance to revel in unique and extraordinary landscapes—countless limestone peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. This leg of the journey promises to be the most breathtaking itinerary of the trip.

Several stops are planned along the way:

• Lung Tam: Visit a Hmong women’s linen factory, where you'll explore the ancestral craft of the Hmong people. Discover linen production techniques, weaving, and a wide range of linen items, including clothing, bags, wallets, etc., inspired by the rich culture of ethnic groups in the region.
• Pho Cao: Explore a small neighborhood of clay houses with tiled roofs, built a long time ago.
• Sa Phin: Visit the Vuong Chi Duc Palace, a blend of Chinese and local architecture. Vuong Chi Duc was a renowned king of the Hmong tribes in this region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Late in the afternoon, arrive in Dong Van and check in at the hotel. Enjoy a free evening for rest or leisurely walks in this mountainous suburb.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Your journey will continue to Ngai Lau as soon as you’ve enjoyed your breakfast, following route 4C that winds around the famed Ma Pi Leng Pass. This pass, known for its staggering verticality, was once deemed impassable due to a giant limestone wall. Take the small zigzag paths branching off route 4C to descend to the base of the pass. Along this route, marvel at numerous karst peaks and valleys adorned with traditional houses of ethnic minorities. Pause at Ngai Lau, a charming Hmong hamlet.
After disembarking, proceed by road to Bao Lac, a quaint town nestled on the banks of the Gam River. Reach Khuoi Khon, a high hamlet adorned with rice terraces and inhabited by the black Lolo ethnic group. 
Settle into a homestay with a Lolo family in the village and enjoy an overnight stay in Khuoi Khon.

After breakfast, drive towards Quang Uyen, a small district located on the road to Cao Bang near the Chinese border. Upon arrival, embark on a walk to explore the craft villages of the Tay and Nung minorities. These villages, distinguished by traditional houses with notable Yin Yang roofs, remain relatively untouched by modern life. Visit the Phia Chang village, specializes in the manufacture of knives made from special steel, and then the Phia Thap village, famous for its incense. Few ethnic groups in the northern mountains practice various crafts like the Tays and Nung in Quang Uyen.
Settle in with a Tay family in the Incense village.
Enjoy dinner and spend the night in their stilted house.

Departure towards the easternmost part of this corner of Vietnam, bordering China, involves crossing countless hills and sugarloaves covered in lush vegetation.

Upon arrival in Trung Khanh, indulge in a visit to the splendid Ban Gioc Falls, regarded as one of the most beautiful in Asia. They are also recognized as the fourth longest falls globally (following those of Iguaçu, Niagara, and Victoria), and there are opportunities for swimming during certain times of the year.

Next, transfer to Dam Thuy to explore the magnificent Nguom Ngao cave, adorned with stalagmites and stalactites that date back several centuries.

Return to Cao Bang for the night at the hotel.

After breakfast, return to Hanoi by road.

Arrive in town towards the end of the afternoon, where you can relax with a foot massage session at a local institute.

Enjoy a free evening and spend the night at the hotel.

Departure for Ninh Binh – land of limestone rocks, sugar loaves and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes all year round.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit Mount Mua. 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.

Mount Múa, also known as Múa Cave or Hang Múa, is a popular tourist destination located in the Ninh Bình Province of Vietnam. It is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, which include lush green rice fields, winding rivers, and limestone karsts typical of the region.

Then transfer to Tam Coc, bike ride and relax to discover this fabulous region.

Tam Cốc, located in the Ninh Bình Province of Vietnam, is a scenic area renowned for its striking natural beauty. It is often referred to as the "Halong Bay on land" due to its stunning landscape of limestone karsts, lush greenery, and winding waterways. The name "Tam Cốc" translates to "Three Caves," which are the primary attractions of the area.

In the afternoon, enjoy a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River to explore the beauty of Tam Coc. This meandering river takes you through lush rice fields, past picturesque sugar loaf hills, and beneath the three enchanting caves nestled at the base of towering limestone peaks.

Start off your journey to Halong Bay, often hailed as the most stunning bay in Vietnam and one of the most enchanting landscapes in all of Asia. 
Step aboard a traditional junk upon arrival and receive a warm welcome from the crew. Set sail for an unforgettable cruise across the bay, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the northern part of Halong Bay, known as Bai Tu Long:

We provide shared junks, typically smaller in size with 10 to 12 cabins, suitable for hosting around twenty passengers. Alternatively, you have the choice of selecting a private cruise on a smaller junk, offering one or a few cabins, for a truly unforgettable experience. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you're interested in this option.

• Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the picturesque islands and islets, each with its unique shapes resembling sails, dogs, roosters, and incense burners.
• Explore the stunning caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, which houses stalagmites and stalactites dating back several thousand years.
• The cruise then continues to Cap La, where you can embark on a kayaking adventure and take a refreshing swim in the bay's pristine waters, weather permitting

End of the afternoon, relaxing on the upper deck of the junk.
Participation in a culinary demonstration on board, preparation of spring rolls or spring rolls.
Tasty seafood lunch and dinner.
Free evening for your personal rest and relaxation: card games, night fishing…
Night on board.

Arise at the first light to savor a moment of unparalleled beauty: witness rays of sun peering over the countless limestone karsts of the bay and partake in a Tai Chi session on the terrace.
Commence on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the chance to interact with the locals.
Enjoy lunch on the junk, then disembark and return to Hanoi.

Feel free to explore Hanoi until it's almost time for your departure. The car will pick you up to go to the airport for your flight to Hanoi and then your return flight.

Thank you for choosing Kampá Tour's travel services in Vietnam in 2 weeks! This Vietnam family trip has been designed as part of a comprehensive Vietnam 2-week itinerary, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for your family. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this wonderful journey. Safe travels!