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5 Days in Mountainous North Vietnam: Ha Giang and beyond
- Ha Giang
- Dong Van
- Ba Be
Discover the natural beauty of Northern Vietnam with this North Vietnam 5 days itinerary, perfect for all travelers. Explore the stunning landscapes of Ha Giang, where vibrant rice terraces and traditional villages await. Visit the picturesque Dong Van, the tranquil Ba Be, and the breathtaking Bao Lac. Conclude your journey in the bustling city of Hanoi. This adventure will leave you with lasting memories of a captivating region, filled with serene waters, lush scenery, and rich cultural experiences, making it an ideal North Vietnam 5 days itinerary.
- Discover the stunning landscapes of Ha Giang, surrounded by the Tay Con Linh range and Dong Van Karst Plateau.
- Rejoice in the diverse culture of Vietnam by visiting traditional Tay minority villages.
- Journey through Dong Van's karst plateau, one of Asia's largest geological parks, featuring incredible limestone peaks.
- Engage with the artistry of Hmong women at Lung Tam's linen factory and explore unique clay houses in Pho Cao.
- Delight in a scenic boat trip on the Nho Que River, surrounded by emerald waters and limestone cliffs.
- Experience Ba Be, the largest natural park in the Northeast, with a boat trip flaunting its scenic landscapes.
Majestic beauty of Ha Giang's Nho Que River
Ethnic diversity thrives in the hills of Ha Giang
Vibrant textiles and tradition come alive in Lung Tam Village
Ba Be Lake: Nature's tranquility in every ripple
Mountains hug Ba Be's serene waters
L'itinéraire à Ha Giang est pour ceux qui aiment l'aventure
- Ha Giang
- Dong Van
- Ba Be
Day 1 Hanoi to Ha Giang
Commence a journey to Ha Giang, a breathtaking mountainous province nestled in the northern region near the Chinese border, as part of this North Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour. Renowned for its stunning Tay Con Linh range and the captivating Dong Van Karst Plateau, this area has long been a haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts.
Travel through the picturesque sceneries of Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang, offering serene countryside views. Enjoy stops along the way to explore local plantations and agricultural practices.
Arrive in Ha Giang in the early afternoon, and prepare for a delightful walk through the ethnic villages at the base of the Tay Con Linh range: Ban Tha, Ban Ha Thanh, and Ban Tan Thanh. These traditional villages, surrounded by rice fields, latan trees, and lush greenery, are home to the Tay minority. Like the Thais, the Tay people inhabit the lowlands at the foothills of the northern mountains and sustain their livelihood through agriculture and fish farming.
As the afternoon winds down, settle in with the warm and welcoming Doan family, spanning three generations. Enjoy some free time for relaxation.
In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner with the family, and then retire for the night in their cozy stilt house, marking a perfect start to your North Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour.
Day 2 Ha Giang - Quang Ba - Yen Minh - Dong Van
Extend warm greetings to our hosts as we continue our journey towards the karst plateau of Dong Van, one of Asia's largest geological parks. Today's route winds through twisting roads, navigating dizzying massifs that offer unparalleled and extraordinary landscapes - countless limestone peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Brace yourself for the most awe-inspiring leg of the trip.
Several planned stops enrich our adventure:
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In Lung Tam, explore a Hmong women's linen factory, where the ancestral craft of linen production is showcased. Discover a wide array of items such as clothing, bags, and wallets inspired by the region's ethnic cultures.
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Visit a quaint neighborhood in Pho Cao, which is adorned with clay houses and tiled roofs that have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the architectural traditions of the area.
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In Sa Phin, unveil the majestic Vuong Chi Duc Palace. This architectural marvel is a fusion of Chinese and local styles and serves as a testament to the legacy of Vuong Chinh Duc, a renowned king of the Hmong tribes who left his mark during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Arrive in Dong Van by late afternoon, check in at the hotel, and enjoy a leisurely evening for rest or strolls in this mountainous haven. Spend the night at the hotel, then take the plunge into the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.
Day 3 Dong Van – Nho Que – Meo Vac - Bao Lac
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, set out for Ngai Lau via route 4C, which winds around the famous Ma Pi Leng pass—a colossal limestone wall once considered impassable due to its vertiginous verticality. Descend from route 4C through small zigzagging paths, traversing numerous karst peaks and valleys embellished with traditional houses belonging to ethnic minorities. Pause Ngai Lau, a charming Hmong hamlet, before continuing the trek to Ta Lang, a small pier on the Nho Que River.
Embark on a boat for an enchanting journey along the vivid Nho Que River, which originates from Yunnan. The river gracefully meanders at the base of the Sino-Vietnamese massifs, flanked by breathtaking vertical limestone cliffs. Its emerald green waters captivate throughout the year.
Upon disembarking, proceed by road to Bao Lac, a quaint town nestled along the Gam River. Discover Khuoi Khon, an elevated hamlet arrayed with rice terraces and inhabited by the black Lolo ethnic group.
Settle into a homestay with a Lolo family in the village, then get involved in the local culture, and spend the night in the placid surroundings of Khuoi Khon.
Day 4 Bao Lac - Ba Be
Descend to Ba Be, the expansive natural park nestled in the high mountains of the North-East. This park, graced with several emerald lakes embraced by mountains and lush forests, is predominantly inhabited by the Tay, Dzao, and Hmong minorities.
Upon reaching Ba Be, embark on a captivating boat journey across Ba Be Lake, revealing magnificent panoramas, limestone cliffs, and mountains draped in verdant vegetation surrounding the lake. Situated at the heart of Ba Be National Park, the lake spans 500 hectares and encompasses three basins (Pelam, Pelu, and Peleng). Ranked among the world's twenty most distinctive lakes, it stands as the largest natural lake in Vietnam—a Ha Long Bay amidst the mountains.
Settle into a guesthouse hosted by a Tay family, take a moment to rest, and then explore the village. Engage with the Tay people, whose livelihoods revolve around fishing and rice cultivation, providing a glance at their daily lives. The Tay, primarily residing in the moderate mountains of the North, constitute the second-largest ethnic group in Vietnam, following the Viets.
Savor a local dinner in the evening and spend the night in a charming stilted house.
Day 5 Ba Be - Hanoi
Dedicate the morning to a delightful bicycle excursion along a narrow path nestled between the sloping tropical forest, rice fields, and waterways. The park boasts over 550 plant species and hosts an extensive range of wildlife, including mammals, fish, turtles, birds, and butterflies. Explore the enchanting Hua Ma Cave, known as the "horse's head," and visit the traditional villages of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.
In the afternoon, journey back to Hanoi, with an anticipated arrival by day's end. Unwind and rejuvenate with a massage session at a local institute.
Experience a tranquil night in Hanoi. This marks the end of your North Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this memorable journey. Safe travels!
• period of travel
• number of travelers
• selected services
- Accommodation for the entire circuit, in hotels or with locals
- Travel according to the program by private car
- English-speaking guide for the visits mentioned in the program
- All activities mentioned in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites
- Economy class domestic flights with airport taxes included
- Meals mentioned in the program
- Bottle of water during guided tours (2 x 500ml/traveler/day)
- Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc.)
- International flights from your home
- Visa fees, payable directly at the airport customs (see VISA)
- Bank fees related to payment
- Personal insurance
- Personal beverages during meals: beer, Coca-Cola, fruit juice, etc.
- Other meals not specified in the program
- SIM card and mobile plans
- Tips, personal expenses, and other services not mentioned in the "Our Included Services" section
Interested in this tour?
What they say about us
Many travellers have shared their feedback after journeys with our agency. We invite you to watch or read these testimonials for insights and useful information for planning your next trip.
Review from Emily and Myles after a 10-day tour in Northern Vietnam.
Jun 28, 2024
Joe's Incredible 2-Week Adventure in Vietnam: Honest Review!
Jun 18, 2024
Review of the Vietnam-Cambodia 12-Day Tour with Ricardo and his friends
Jun 28, 2024
An unforgettable adventure in Northern Vietnam!
Mar 15, 2024
Discovering the Hidden Treasures of Northern Vietnam!
Mar 15, 2024
Vietnam, the beauty of an Asian pearl!
Oct 05, 2023What they say about us
Joe and his family - USA
June 27, 2024 - Halong Bay cruise? Absolute game-changer! Hands down the highlight of our trip! And the price? Pretty sweet deal we snagged online.
But let me tell you about our almost-epic fail. Yours truly here forgot to get the visa for Vietnam in advance. Classic, right? Enter our hero, the AMAZING agent Thom. She swooped in and saved the day with her emergency visa wizardry. Thom didn’t just stop there. She contacted the travel agency, got all our paperwork sorted, and rescheduled our trip faster than you can say 'Oops, I did it again.' This all happened at the eleventh hour (literally). Our flight was at 7 pm, and we discovered the visa fiasco at 5:30 pm. Talk about cutting it close!
And because we had to arrive a day late, it messed up our follow-up travel plans. No problem for Thom, though. She rearranged everything so smoothly, even got us a direct transfer to the airport instead of the hotel, with no extra charge. Thom is basically a travel superhero, cape and all.
Horacio and his wife - USA
June 10, 2024 - Hello Thom,
Thank you for reaching out, I was also going to send you a message letting you know we had arrived home already. We just got back home this past Saturday, after traveling to Malaysia and Qatar as well. It’s been a week of catching up from all the work accumulated for the past 3 weeks.
We loved the service that Kampá Tour provided, how everything was handled down to smallest detail. All the 3 guides and drivers were wonderful, we got to know Vietnam more in depth thanks to way they presented the country to us. The hotels, the drivers, the food, the people, the scenery, the different activities, everything exceeded our expectations. Having a one-on-one guide was the best decision, since everything was customized to our specific requests.
Thank you so much for preparing everything single detail during our journey, it was a real pleasure working with you!!!! For now, we’re back to our daily routine, but will definitely use Kampá Tour again in a future t
Nadine, Marie, and her friends - France
May 23, 2024 - Hello Mrs. Duong,
As agreed, a little feedback on our stay. First of all, a big thank you for these wonderful holidays. Your country is magnificent with an endearing population.
The guides were great, mastering English well. We give a rating of +++ to Vinh for the southern part.
The proposed restaurants met our expectations, and we were able to enjoy the local cuisines.
The drivers were attentive.
The range of hotels chosen exceeded our expectations, and we appreciated it.
The tour is very well designed, but we have a small remark: on day 6, we enjoyed it less. We felt like we were walking just for the sake of walking.
A big thank you for the cake offered for Nadine's birthday. The passengers were also able to enjoy a nice piece of cake.
We will not hesitate to advertise your agency.
Best regards,
Nadine and Gérard.
Mr. Pierre Pernot's family - Canada
May 6, 2024 - Ms. Lan Duong, good morning
As promised, I'm giving you feedback on our trip in May 2024 and if I had to give you an overall rating it would be 9/10.
Let's start at the beginning the contact with your agency and yourself as well as the communication in English is excellent, your warm welcome as an experienced professional gives confidence, by your responsiveness which is maximum whether by email or WhatsApp reassures us even more, finally your formula to adapt as much as possible to the client's wishes is most pleasant, Or to simply take your tour organized according to the length of the client's stay, I discovered that the distances in the mountains are counted in hours and not in kilometers between the many bends or the fact of climbing passes it will take time.
The prices charged are competitive and in line with the services offered and given for a 21-day tour in the north (budget to be added depending on the stages, lunch or dinner which remain very affordabl
Mr. Patrick and Mrs. Marie Perou - France
April 21, 2024 - The rest of the journey went very well until Pu Long, largely thanks to Thien who quickly understood what we wanted to see (amazing hikes) and what we wanted to experience in our interactions with the minority ethnic groups. Thanks to our guide, we had many warm exchanges and shared beautiful emotions over tea, fruits, and bong gao in their humble homes. Unforgettable experiences in the villages of tiles, knives, incense, and weaving.
An opportunity for great happiness to experience the Than Minh festival proposed by Thien.
Thank you for the foot massage, which was a pure moment of relaxation... It made us want to book a full body massage upon our return from Pu Long.
We are truly delighted with our journey in the North, although we missed the good weather a bit.
A word also about our driver, who was extremely careful on the mountain roads and always provided valuable assistance with a smile for his passengers.
Looking forward to continuing towards Halon
The Kommer family - Australia
April 13, 2024 - Xenia Kommer's Family Travel Diary
[29/3/24]: Tony and the driver are great! And everything we've seen and done too 😊
[1/4/24]: Hello! We are back from the boat in Halong Bay. It was very beautiful! I didn't tell you that we ate crickets last 😁 week In Tam Coc the boys played football with children from there 😉
[3/4/24]: Hello, we arrived safely in Hoi An today. Everything is great, the hotel is very nice. Yesterday the boys swam in the Hue😉 River
[5/4/24]: Hoi An diving, I don't do it but the boys love it 😃
The Alzarral family with their friends -Spain
March 29, 2024 - To begin with, thank you for this wonderful trip that you organized for us. Thank you to Huan, Kien and Ms. Chau for conveying the love of their country to us. Bus drivers were also safe in this traffic.
After the discussion among all the participants in the trip, we send you these observations:
Guide: 5/5⭐
Drivers 5/5⭐
Bus:4/5⭐
Hotel: 4.9/5⭐ (slightly small breakfast room at the Sanouva Hotel in Saigon).
Choice of restaurant by guides: 5/5⭐
Transfer by plane: 5/5⭐
Choice of visits:5/5⭐
Organization of the agency: 5/5⭐
Thank you, Mrs. TRANG VU, for your warm welcome at the agency and for your willingness to organize our trip. We also thank Bao for his kindness and for the short documentary on YouTube. You can count on us to really appreciate your skills.
Thanks again for everything 😘😘
Mrs. Silvia and her husband - France
March 27, 2024 - Greetings from Lima, guys! We just got home and we don't even feel tired! I still have the energy to keep going, haha!
Now, let's talk about the North. In February, from Hanoi to Ha Long, there is a lot of drizzle. I suggest other visitors always carry a fine raincoat when they go. Luckily, it didn't alter our plan much. We enjoyed the coffee with egg and the bun cha. Ms. Nhung knew all the perfect places to eat, without worrying about finding available places, and at good prices! I'll send you some great photos from Hanoi!
But, the most amazing thing was the experience on the Mekong! Just perfect. We loved Mr. Nguyen; He had an in-depth knowledge of the place, which made us enjoy it to the fullest. He also shared a lot of interesting things about the Vietnamese and their current and current culture, not just theory.
The hotels were ok, no complaints. This trip makes us think of Cambodia and Thailand with our friends in the future (still wishes)
I think that's enou
Chantal & Daniel - Australia
March 15, 2024 - Hello Mrs. Huyen and all her team,
We had dreamed it, we had prepared our trip with the guides, and now we are back, with the images still fresh in our minds.
Thank you and congratulations for this perfect organization, despite the fact that a flight was delayed a day at the last minute. We found our guides and drivers as planned, the guides were friendly, spoke perfect English, the "busy" program was respected.
Recounting our journey could become a real novel, so we will talk about the main points. Now, worry before leaving because the guides said that we should avoid the Tet period, that for the lunar new year everything was closed, anyway what joy, flowers, decorations, events everywhere.
👉Hanoi, staying in the center, after a tour of the city, and a visit to Kampa Tour, a well-deserved siesta, we set off on foot (without a guide) through the narrow streets (thanks to the GPS to find the hotel).
👉The next day, visits to museums, great water puppet
The Le Boucher family - England
February 28, 2024 -
"Hello, the trip is going very well. Yesterday I grew rice. A symbol and a source of pride for me, I would even say one of the goals of this trip. Thank you"
"The work in the rice paddies is already well underway...we are lucky to see the peasants in full activity, it is really enriching to learn about your way of life. A 12km walk today was an intense moment. "
The Diego Family - Canada
January 13, 2024 - We're on the flight from Siem Reap to Bangkok. I'm writing these lines because I'm eager to share more details about the trip, in addition to praising the services (hotels, restaurants, etc.) that I mentioned during the call in Vietnam.
Visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex is worth it. When we entered, we felt like we were becoming tiny people. It was a very surprising experience. On the second day, when we arrived at the lakeside village of Kompong Khleang, the scenery isn't beautiful, but it showcases the culture of the people, which is very interesting. The tour guide in Cambodia is very good, has a good sense of humor, and is always willing to explain everything coherently. So we didn't respond to the message immediately.
The continuity between the visit to Cambodia and the conclusion of the trip in Vietnam is certainly very reasonable. The number of days for visiting is also appropriate. In addition to following our itinerary, we also made use of our fr
Mr. Sebastian Rodriguez and his friends - Spain
January 2, 2024 - The trip went well. We had memorable experiences in Asia with your team, the guides, and even the driver. Everything went smoothly, from the weather to the services (meals, accommodations) you arranged for us. Here are more details:
The first week in Vietnam was very good. We loved the egg coffee. Vietnamese cuisine is very diverse, and it was great because we had time to try most of the typical dishes: pho, bun cha, cao lau, and banh mi. The Old Quarter of Hanoi has an ancient beauty, but it's still a bit noisy. The cyclo experience was very reasonable and helped us not get bored while going to Hoi An, also to the Old Quarter, but to explore it by bikes. Ha Long Bay is very beautiful. The cruise was excellent.
The next part of the trip was in Cambodia, where we had truly amazing moments in front of the ruins of Angkor Wat. The tour guide in Cambodia was very detailed in everything we wanted to know. A few days in Cambodia are enough.
The end of the trip was
The family of Mr. GEIGER - Iceland
Dec 6, 2023 - What a superb trip! Complete satisfaction! Discovery of the NORTH and CENTRAL VIETNAM. A very well-organized journey by VIETNAM DISCOVERY; competence and kindness of our guide LUNA; We were warmly welcomed at the agency (beautiful structure) by Mrs. THOM DOAN. The circuit and hotel services were fully in line with the program. We return with lots of beautiful memories and stunning images in our minds. Landscapes, temples, rice fields, Hmong villages, Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An. We wholeheartedly recommend. BERNARD
Frequently asked questions
1. When is the best time to visit Northern Vietnam?
In general, the best time to visit Northern Vietnam is from September to November and from March to May. During this range of months, temperatures remain very pleasant, and there is less rainfall.
2. How can I book my trip?
3. Can I choose the travel date?
4. What is the most interesting region to visit in Vietnam?
5. What airlines offer flights to Vietnam?
6. Are insurance policies included in the rate?
7. To whom, how much, and when should we give tips?
Still have questions or hesitations?
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