The Best of Northeast Vietnam

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10 Days From

~~$1865~~

$1776

The Best of Northeast Vietnam

10 Days Starting in Hanoi, Vietnam and ending in Hanoi

Visiting: Hanoi, Ba Bể District, Cao Bằng, Mèo Vạc District, Đồng Văn District, Nậm Đăm

Tour operator:

Topas Travel Vietnam

Tour code:

TP-NEV

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

7-70

Tour operated in:

English

From: $1865 $1776 (USD) Travel Club discount: -$89

NB: Prices correct on 10-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to the enchanting Northeast of Vietnam, a region adorned with natural wonders and cultural gems. Your adventure begins at the tranquil Ba Be Lake and National Park, where emerald waters cradle lush landscapes and diverse wildlife. Next, witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Cao Bang, home to the majestic Ban Gioc Waterfall, a cascading masterpiece on the border of Vietnam and China. Explore the mystical Nguom Ngao Cave, an underground wonder adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, before immersing yourself in the rich heritage of Khuoi Ky Village. Meo Vac awaits with its ethereal landscapes, introducing you to the picturesque Lo Lo Chai Village and the captivating Ma Phi Leng Pass, offering breathtaking panoramic views. For the adventurous soul, a trek through Dong Van promises an authentic experience, leading to the historic Vuong Palace and the charming Sung La Village. Continue your cultural odyssey with visits to Nam Dam Village and Quan Ba, where the landscape is punctuated with the iconic Twin Mountains. This Northeastern odyssey promises an immersive blend of natural beauty and cultural discovery, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of Vietnam's hidden treasures.

Highlights

Explore the serene Ba Be Lake, surrounded by lush landscapes and rich biodiversity. Discover the pristine beauty of Ba Be National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Marvel at the spectacular Ban Gioc Waterfall, a natural wonder on the border of Vietnam and China. Immerse yourself in the scenic landscapes of Cao Bang, a region known for its dramatic terrain. Journey through the mystical underground world of Nguom Ngao Cave, adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Experience the rich cultural heritage of Khuoi Ky Village, nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the region.
Explore Meo Vac, a town surrounded by captivating landscapes. Visit the enchanting Lo Lo Chai Village, known for its traditional architecture and unique cultural practices.
Traverse the breathtaking Ma Phi Leng Pass, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Embark on an adventurous trek to Dong Van, a town with a unique cultural identity and stunning landscapes. Discover the historical Vuong Palace, a testament to the region's royal heritage. Immerse yourself in the charm of Sung La Village, known for its traditional architecture and cultural significance. Experience the authenticity of Nam Dam Village, surrounded by terraced fields and traditional stilt houses. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Quan Ba, where the iconic Twin Mountains grace the landscape.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : HANOI ARRIVAL

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hong Ngoc Dynastie hotel - Deluxe city view room

Xin Chao and welcome to Vietnam! Upon arrival to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, your Topas guide will welcome you to the capital before heading straight to your hotel in the heart of the city. The day is yours to spend at your leisure to discover Hanoi on your own, perhaps wandering the streets and alleys of the iconic Old Quarter and enjoying the evening promenade around Hoan Kiem Lake. You can of course speak to your guide for some tips for what to do.

Distance and Activities: 45’ drive

Day 2 : HANOI – BA BE

Location: Ba Bể District

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

An early start to the day to make the most of what we have in store for you. We will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi at 07:30am and then hit the road north towards Ba Be National Park.
The route will take us up through the mountains and tea plantations to Ba Be Lake, an amazing green lake in the middle of a natural green forest. You will then travel to the Tay village of Coc Toc, with its beautiful stilt houses and friendly population of Tay people, who make their living by fishing in the stunning Ba Be lakes and farming.

Upon your arrival at Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow around 1 pm, you will have the opportunity to savor a delightful lunch and take a brief respite.

In the afternoon, we will embark on a short walk to explore Coc Toc village and a hidden cave. Following this, you will enjoy kayaking on Ba Be Lake before returning to the bungalow for dinner and your overnight stay.

Distance and activities: 5h30' drive

Day 3 : BA BE – TEKKING TO H’MONG AND DAO ETHNIC VILLAGES

Location: Ba Bể District

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

8 am: On this day, we will combine two exciting activities: trekking and motorboat cruising. Our trek will cover approximately 20 kilometers, taking us to the breathtaking Dau Dang waterfall. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit Tay and H'Mong villages, as well as their kindergarten. During this trek, a picnic lunch will be provided. After lunch, we will explore the waterfall and then embark on a motorboat tour to discover Puong Cave, the picturesque Fairy Pond, An Ma Temple, and a charming small island where you can take a refreshing dip in the lake's crystal-clear waters. We will return to Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow for dinner and another comfortable overnight stay.

Distance and activities: 20km trekking - Moderate level

Day 4 : BA BE - CAO BANG - TREKKING TO LOCAL VILLAGES

Location: Cao Bằng

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Saigon Ban Gioc Hotel & Spa – Superior room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

8 am: This morning, leaving Ba Be and transferring to Cao Bang.
Enjoy lunch and start trekking to Lan Duoi Village - a handicraft village, you have a chance to interact with the local villagers and can make the handmade baskets on your own way. Then, we keep trekking to the mountain trails to Khao and Dia Duoi Villages with 8km trekking.
After exploring the local daily life in the Lung O village, you will back to your hotel for relaxation.

Distance: 8km trekking

Day 5 : CAO BANG - BAN GIOC WATERFALL - NGUOM NGAO CAVE - KHUOI KY VILLAGE

Location: Cao Bằng

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: La Maison Boutique Hotel Cao Bang - Superior room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

8 am: Start your day by visiting Ban Gioc has gained a name for being one of the 4 largest cross-border waterfalls of the world generally, and particularly among the most famous in Vietnam. For the last few years, there has been a surge of tourists who cross the globe to observe its uniquely exotic, natural beauty.

Nguom Ngao Cave - an astonishing cave with stalactites of various shapes, is the most famous limestone grotto in the northern mountain province of Cao Bang thanks to its uniqueness and size. Visiting the cave, you will be captivated by its wild beauty.

Next stop is Khuoi Ky Village - The Stone village has has 14 rock houses on stilts , lie at the foot of the mountain, in front of a small stream named Khuoi Ky, which is murmuring day and night like a happy water music. Next to the village is a large field green all the time of the year. Coming here in the season of ripe rice, visitors will see firsthand the beautiful natural painting. It is a shiny golden paddy field like a bright yellow carpet, creating a focal point between the mountains and forests.

Transfer to your hotel in Cao Bang city.

Day 6 : CAO BANG - MEO VAC - LO LO CHAI VILLAGE

Location: Mèo Vạc District

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hoa Cuong Meo Vac Hotel - VIP room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

8 am: Say goodbye to your local host and your journey to Meo Vac along the mountainside which has romantic and spectacular scenery. Along the way you will visit the retreat Lo Lo village of Khuoi Khon, located in the mountainside with spectacular views of the valley beyond the valley. The Lo Lo is one of the smallest ethnic groups in North Vietnam. They still keep the traditional culture, simple life, and limited communication with the outside, and most of the elderly villagers cannot speak the common Vietnamese language.

Distance: 7h drive

Day 7 : MEO VAC - DONG VAN

Location: Đồng Văn District

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel - VIP room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

8 am: After breakfast, we transfer to Ma Pi Leng Pass to enjoy one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Vietnam: the “King” of Vietnam’s pass, or Great Wall of Vietnam, or the Pyramid of the Meo. At the top of Ma Pi Leng Mount is the “happiness” road with a stone stele recording the marks in the construction process. Next to the road is the abyss; below is the Nho Que River, one of the most unique tectonic valleys in Vietnam, from Pay Lung, you can trek to Ta Lung, visit H'mong Village, then transfer from Ta Lung to Dong Van.

Arriving at Dong Van town in the afternoon and checking in hotel. In the evening you can walk around the town with the nice ancient houses of Tay ethic.

Distance: 9km trekking - Moderate Level

Day 8 : DONG VAN - VUONG PALACE - SUNG LA VILLAGE - NAM DAM VILLAGE

Location: Nậm Đăm

Accommodation: Homestay

Accommodation Name: Chook Bungalow Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

8 am: The scenery today is spectacular – a vast limestone mountain range and perpendicular walls of rock. You’ll call in at the infamous Vuong Palace, once the home of a high-ranking H’mong family during French colonial rule. On the way, we also visit the traditional Pao's house, located in Sung La Village - the most beautiful highland commune of Dong Van stone plateau. From the road looking down, you will see Sung La as a beautiful and peaceful picture. Apart from the green color of corn and rice, tourists can see the purple color of circuit triangle flowers, the yellow color of sunshine, and the dark green color of the forest. Then, Arrive Nam Dam (Nậm Đăm) village, have a short rest before enjoying the first lunch with the host family. Afternoon our local guide will lead you walk around the village. You will have chance to see the local traditional houses made of compacted soil which are cool in the summer and warm in the winter to protect people here from severe weather in the high mountains. You are welcomed to visit the houses whose owners are very friendly and hospitable. As you walk in the village, you will have the opportunity to observe daily life of the Dao people. Depending on the season of the year, if you want to learn about the local products, you can visit households that produce honey, corn or rice wine, or visit the tailoring and embroidering group in the village. After the walk, you come back to your homestay for a refresh and have dinner.

Distance: 5h drive and walking around the village

Day 9 : NAM DAM - QUAN BA- HANOI

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Old Quarter, Hanoi, Vietnam

Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest temple in Hanoi, Vietnam

Location: Hanoi

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hong Ngoc Dynastie Hotel - Deluxe city-view room

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

8 am: Have breakfast at homestay, then depart Nam Dam to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi in the late afternoon. Check in your hotel and the rest of the day is free at your leisure.

Distance: 7h drive

Day 10 : HANOI - DEPARTURE

Location: Noi Bai International Airport

Meals Included: Breakfast

Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your departure flight. End of services.

What's Included

English-speaking Local guide(s) on excursion days
All indicated accommodation (Double/twin room)
All private airport and land transfer as indication
Indicated meals as mentioned in the itinerary
All entrance fees to indicated sites
Government tax
Service charge

What's Not Included

Drinks and alcohol
Vietnam visa – Please refer to Passport and Visa portion in our Term and Condition
Travel insurance – Compulsory. Please refer to Travel insurance and risks portion in our Term and Condition
Upgrades to higher standard rooms or single supplements.
Early check in or late check out at all hotels/boat (Standard check-in time: 2pm, check-out time: 12pm)
Personal travel items
Tips
Other services not mentioned in itinerary and inclusive portion

Mode of Transport

4-7 seat car
16-seat minivan
30-45-seat bus

Accommodation

Hanoi: Hong Ngoc Dynastie hotel - Deluxe city view room
Ba Be: Ba Be Lakeside Bungalow
Cao Bang: Saigon Ban Gioc Hotel & Spa – Superior room
Cao Bang: La Maison Boutique Hotel Cao Bang - Superior room
Meo Vac: Hoa Cuong Meo Vac Hotel - VIP room
Dong Van: Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel - VIP room
Nam Dan: Chook Bungalow homestay

Check out our Q&As

Travelling with a group of 3 or more people?

Discounts are applied for groups of 3 or more people. Please enquire for more details
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

Yes, all airport transfers are included
Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

We are thrilled to share that your upcoming tour with us contributes to our meaningful charity initiatives. At Topas, giving back is at the heart of what we do, and your booking plays a significant role in supporting various projects aimed at making a positive impact in the communities we hold dear. Our Charity Streams: Own Projects in Sapa: Rooted in Sapa, we conduct numerous projects focusing on education, including rebuilding schools, constructing bridges, and improving homes for those facing hardship. A dedicated project manager in Sapa oversees our charitable work. NGO Partnerships: Newborns Vietnam: Trains neonatal medical staff and provides vital equipment for critically ill newborns. Works with Lao Cai Hospital near Sapa and Moc Chau, a direct result of our partnership. Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation: Supports street kids and victims of human trafficking. Besides funding, we offer free slots in our Vietnam Trail Series races and sponsor the Blue Dragon Running Club kids, celebrating their achievements at events like the Vietnam Trail Marathon. Hue Help: Addresses drowning prevention, teaching kids and educators to become swim safety instructors. Collaborative projects in Thanh Hoa province, an area where we host the Vietnam Jungle Marathon. Operation Smile: Performs facial surgery, changing the lives of young people in Vietnam. We've witnessed firsthand the impact, supporting kids from Sapa and Pu Luong for corrective surgery in Hanoi. Your travel experience with us goes beyond exploration; it becomes a conduit for positive change in these communities. We deeply appreciate your contribution to our charitable endeavors. Thank you for being a part of our journey to make a difference.
What policies are in place for Covid-19?

Traveling to Vietnam is now as comfortable as any other destination, with COVID-19 policies reflecting a sense of normalcy. As of the latest updates, there's no special treatment required for COVID-19, and travelers are no longer obligated to undergo testing or purchase specific COVID insurance. While Vietnam has embraced a more relaxed approach, we strongly recommend securing a comprehensive travel insurance package. This insurance should cover essential aspects such as medical treatment, personal accidents, medical evacuation, and extend beyond unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters and cancellation fees. Client's safety and well-being remain our top priority, and we encourage travelers to explore Vietnam with confidence, armed with a robust travel insurance plan that ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.
How long has the tour company been trading?

We’ve been creating Vietnam travel experiences since 1993 and our team is here to help you create the perfect trip for your own travel style. We love travel, we love Vietnam, and we love sharing our passion for both. Whether you want to see the bucket list sites with a twist or discover lesser-known destinations, our team is ready to make it happen. We will ensure you have the best possible experience discovering the sites, sounds, and scents of beautiful Vietnam. What’s more, doing travel the right way and giving back to the communities where we work is at the very heart of the Topas philosophy. Read our charity page to learn more about why to travel with us if you want to travel responsibly.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Vicente Montes

The Best of Northern Vietnam

10-Jul-2023

Everything was perfectly planned and we did not have to worry about anything at all. Drivers and tour guides were always on time which is something that surprised us. Loan Tran and her team were very helpful and accommodated every request. I was worried before the trip since i didn't know anything about the tour company, simply came across them on a hotel's website. But since we arrive in Hanoi my concerns were quickly resolved. As the days went by, i was genuinely surprised with the choices Loan made for our tour in Vietnam and with the service provided. During the trip i crashed my drone and they even helped me get s new one. The new drone was waiting for me at the hotel. This tour company is simply amazing.

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Mar 13, 2025 - Mar 22, 2025

~~$1865~~ $1776 (USD)