Exploration from Northern to Central Vietnam in 12 days

Enjoy a day dedicated to independently exploring Hanoi's notable cultural sites and historical monuments. We highly recommend visiting locations such as Hoan Kiem Lake with the Jade Mountain Temple and Turtle Island, the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Stilt House, colonial heritage sites including French concessions, and the Ethnology Museum.

In the afternoon, transfer to the station to board the overnight train to Lao Cai, the capital of the northwest mountains.

Overnight in a cabin.

Arriving early in Lao Cai, you'll enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant before heading to Bac Ha, a peaceful town about 100 kilometers northeast of Sapa.

Upon arrival, embark on a scenic hike through the surrounding mountains, hills, valleys, and ethnic villages. You'll traverse lush fir forests and reach Ngai Phong Cho, a village inhabited by the Flower Hmong and Phu La communities, where traditional mud houses still stand.

Continue your trek to the rarely visited Thai Giang Pho and Na Lo villages, home to the Tay and Black Hmong minorities, and soak in the stunning landscapes of rice terraces and winding rivers. The day ends with a warm homestay experience with a Tay ethnic family, where you'll share dinner and gain insight into their customs.

Your night will be spent in homestay accommodation, typically a cozy room in a traditional house with mosquito nets, comfortable mattresses, and clean sheets. The bathroom, equipped with hot water and towels, as well as shared toilets, are often located outside for an authentic experience.

Depending on the day of the week, you'll have the opportunity to explore the vibrant weekly markets of the local minorities in the Bac Ha region. (Tuesday: Coc Ly market, Wednesday: Sin Cheng market, Saturday: Can Cau market, Sunday: Muong Hum market, Muong Khuong or Bac Ha). At these markets, you'll meet with colorful ethnic groups who gather to exchange goods and share news within their communities. You'll also witness the fascinating cattle trade practices among the local minorities.

Afterward, we'll journey to Sapa, a picturesque destination once favored as a French resort during the colonial era. Nestled at the edge of the country, amidst the renowned Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Sapa boasts a temperate climate. Today, it's celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes typical of the northern high mountains, featuring winding zigzag paths along the hills and boundless rice terraces. Additionally, Sapa is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional villages, lively markets, and diverse ethnic minority communities.

In the afternoon, we'll venture off the well-trodden path to explore Hang Da and Sa Seng, two splendid high-altitude areas situated to the east of Sapa. Your journey will take you through the karst limestone formations of Hang Da, passing through quaint hamlets while observing local agricultural activities. Continuing on, you'll traverse Sa Seng, a long valley flanked by mountain ranges, offering picturesque views of lush forests and pristine waterways.

As the day comes to a close, we'll return to the town of Sapa, where you'll spend the night at a comfortable hotel. 

Prepare for a day of enchanting hiking through the stunning and exotic landscapes of the Muong Hoa Valley. Situated in the southwest of Sapa, at the base of Mount Fansipan—the highest peak in Indochina—Muong Hoa Valley beckons with its natural beauty. During your exploration, you'll visit ethnic villages scattered throughout the valley, including Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai, home to the Black Hmong, as well as Ta Van, inhabited by the Dzay people.

You'll have the chance to engage with local residents as they toil in the verdant rice fields, gaining insights into their daily routines and way of life. Muong Hoa Valley, framed by steep mountains, is a cultural mosaic inhabited by various minority ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Dzao, Dzay, and Tay, all of whom rely on rice farming for their livelihoods.

As the day comes to a close, we'll journey back to Hanoi by road, where you'll spend the night and rest after an exhilarating day of exploration.

Departure for Ninh Binh – the land of limestone karsts, sugarloaf mountains, and rice fields flooded by rivers and lakes throughout the year.

Arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit to Mua Mountain. Climb a 486-step white stone staircase to the summit of this bell-shaped mountain, which offers a panoramic view of the Tam Coc region.

A limestone mountain located near the rivers and sugarloaf mountains of Tam Coc. In the past, it was renowned for its dance performances for the kings of the Tran Dynasty (13th-14th century).

Afterward, transfer to Tam Coc for a bike ride and leisurely exploration of this fabulous region.

Explore a vast landscape featuring sugarloaf-shaped rock formations, rice paddies, and rivers. Enjoy boat rides on the Ngo Dong River, winding through the sugarloaf peaks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the lush surrounding nature.

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.

At the end of the day, return to Hanoi for an overnight stay at the hotel.

To reduce driving hours, there's the option to stay overnight in Ninh Binh instead of returning to Hanoi during the day. The next morning, you can continue your journey to Halong Bay with a private guide and car (additional charges apply).

Departure for Halong – the most beautiful bay in Vietnam, one of the most magical landscapes in Asia. Boarding upon arrival aboard a traditional junk. Welcome by the crew then departure for a magnificent cruise on the bay. Visit Bai Tu Long (northern part of Halong Bay):

• Admire the picturesque islands and islets with various shapes (sail, dog, rooster, incense, etc.).
• Explore the splendid caves of Halong Bay, including Thien Canh Son, housing stalagmites and stalactites dating back thousands of years.
• Continue the cruise to Cap La, where you can enjoy a kayak ride and swim in the sublime waters of the bay (weather permitting).
• In the late afternoon, relax on the upper deck of the junk.

Lunch and dinner on board the junk.

Enjoy a free evening for personal rest and relaxation, which can include card games or night fishing.

Spend the night on board.

Wake up at dawn to witness a spectacular moment: the first rays of sunlight painting the limestone karsts of the bay, followed by a serene Tai Chi session on the terrace.

Embark on a boat or kayak excursion to explore the fishing village of Vung Vieng, where you may have the opportunity to meet and interact with the local residents.

Enjoy lunch on the junk before disembarking and heading back to Hanoi.

In the evening, catch a flight to Hue, the historic imperial city located in the central part of Vietnam.

Overnight stay in Hue.

Enjoy a leisure day to explore the city of Hue, known as the last imperial capital of Vietnam from 1802 to 1945.

You have the opportunity to visit the Imperial City, picturesque mausoleums of the Nguyen emperors, Thien Mu Pagoda - the most beautiful and popular pagoda in Hue, or the serene Tu Hieu Pagoda where the tombs of Nguyen dynasty eunuchs are located. Additionally, you can explore Dong Ba Market, the largest and oldest market in Hue, where you can find local specialties such as conical hats, tunics, and more.

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Commence a road journey to the enchanting town of Hoi An, situated approximately 150 km to the south of Hue. This scenic drive offers several captivating stops along the way:

• Discover the unspoiled, less-touristy Thuan An and Lang Co beaches, both boasting long stretches of golden sands. Additionally, you'll encounter vast lagoons where diverse types of fish farms support the local community.
• Traverse the Cloud Pass, renowned as the highest mountain pass in central Vietnam. This significant pass, nestled between Hue and Da Nang, serves as a natural climatic boundary that separates the northern and southern regions of the country. As you reach its summit, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the stunning bays of Lang Co and Da Nang, stretching as far as the eye can behold.
• Be captivated by picturesque roadside cemeteries affectionately known as "Ghost Towns." These cemeteries feature clusters of intricately carved tomb-castles, each showcasing distinct Asian architectural styles. From a distance, they resemble opulent cities.

Upon your afternoon arrival in Hoi An, you'll proceed to check in at your hotel, where you'll enjoy a comfortable overnight stay.

Enjoy a full day at your leisure for independent exploration of Hoi An's charming old town. You have various options:

• Explore the historic Old Quarter, wander through its narrow streets, and discover its unique charm. You can also indulge in shopping for local products like lacquerware, handicrafts, and more.

• Consider getting tailor-made clothing at one of the renowned silk shops in town. Hoi An is famous for its skilled tailors, and you can have custom garments created to your liking.

• Embark on a delightful bike ride into the picturesque countryside surrounding Hoi An. Along the way, you'll encounter traditional villages specializing in various crafts such as vegetable farming, pottery, and carpentry.

• Weather permitting, unwind on the exquisite Eastern Sea beaches, including Cua Dai and An Bang, renowned as Vietnam's most beautiful. Bask in the sun and embrace the refreshing sea breeze for a truly revitalizing experience.

After a day of exploration and relaxation, return to your hotel for the night. 

On this final day of your 12-day Vietnam itinerary, you have a free day to rest or make last-minute purchases. Depending on your flight schedule, a tour guide from Kampá Tour will drop you off at the airport for your departure from Hanoi.

Until next time!