Cao Bang – Ha Giang loop – Sapa > 10 days North Vietnam tour
From :
Journey time: 06 hours
06h00: Departure by private car to Cao Bang province. Stop in town at around 12pm for lunch. You will then continue to the village of Phia Thap, known for its local incense stick crafts. You can also visit the cutlery village of Phuc Sen and the paper-making village of Dia Tren. (If we don’t have time to visit both villages, we can visit one the following morning)
Arriving at Phia Thap village, you’ll check in with the locals. Then you’ll visit the village, which lives to the rhythm of incense-making. Each house has its own workshop, and you’ll be able to understand how it works from start to finish.
Accommodation : Bed in dormitory in traditional house
Journey time: 1h30
07:00: After breakfast, say good-bye to your hosts and head for Trung Khanh district, home to one of North Vietnam’s jewels, the Ban Gioc waterfalls, the largest in Vietnam.
On the way, stop off at the Trung Khanh Sunday market (if Sunday). Here you can sample local specialities and watch the morning market activity.
You’ll pass the superb Ngoc Con viewpoint before arriving at the falls. Visit the site, an ideal spot for photography.
On the way back, you’ll visit the Phat Tich pagoda, offering a panoramic, elevated view of the falls.
Then it’s time to recharge your batteries with a local lunch at a nearby host family.
Then it’s off to the beautiful Nguom Ngao Tiger Cave. A very large cave with surprising rock formations.
The day ends with a visit to the ancient village of Khuoi Ky. Once there, check in with the locals and take a refreshment break before touring the villages. Admire the magnificent stone houses with their tiled roofs.
Evening and dinner with your hosts.
Accommodation : Private room at Yen Nhi homestay
Route: 3 hours
Early morning departure for the famous Pierced Mountain (known as God’s Eye Mountain). After a 1h30 drive, you’ll arrive in this sumptuous valley dominated by Mat Than Mountain.
You’ll begin a 2-hour hike through this peaceful valley. A moment of tranquility and connection with magnificent nature.
You’ll then return to the locals for a break and lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll set off again for the historic site of Pac Bo. Nestled near the Chinese border, this splendid site was Hô Chi Minh’s hideout. You can learn more about the history of the conflict with the French. It’s a place of meditation and glory for the Vietnamese.
You will then return to your host family where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Accommodation : Private room at Me Farmstay
Route: 5 hours (all day)
After breakfast, you’ll take the road to Ha Giang province and the town of Meo Vac in particular.
Along the way, you’ll admire magnificent landscapes such as the Na Tenh pass, the Xuan Truong valley and the Khau Coc Cha pass, the latter being one of the most beautiful in Vietnam.
You’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Bao Lac, halfway along the route.
Arriving in Meo Vac mid-afternoon, you’ll check into the superb host family Auberge De Meo Vac.
Rest of the day and evening at leisure.
Accommodation: Double room at L’Auberge de Meo Vac.
Route: > 3h
After breakfast, you’ll meet your drivers to start exploring the Ha Giang loop with its unique and fabulous landscapes.
Getting off to a gentle start, you’ll head for the banks of the Nho Que River for a boat ride through the Tu San canyon, known as the deepest (700-800 m) in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
After an aperitif, you’ll reach the Ma Pi Leng pass, offering superb views. You’ll be able to walk along the “Skywalk“, a narrow path on the mountainside at the heart of the pass.
Arrive in the town of Dong Van for lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll start your journey with a visit to Thien Huong village, a magnificent isolated village accessible only by two-wheelers or by hiking.
You’ll then continue on to the far north of Vietnam, and in particular to Lung Cu Tower, the northernmost point of Vietnam. From the top of the tower, you’ll have a 360° view of North Vietnam on one side and China on the other.
Weather permitting, we return by scooter to the village of Ma Le, with its old traditional houses.
You finish the day by returning to the village of Lao Xa. Check-in and dinner on site
Accommodation: Bed in dormitory in traditional house in Lao Xa
Journey > 4h
In the morning, visit the village of Lao Xa, famous for its silver sculpture crafts. You’ll meet a H’Mong family who have been practicing this process for several generations.
Then you’ll head for the village of Pho Cao for lunch in this charming village.
You’ll then return to the road via the Tham Ma pass, which offers superb views.
Arriving in the village of Nam Dan, you check in with the local people. Free time to visit the village and see the terracotta houses.
Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation : Private room in Nam Dan guesthouse
Route > 2 hours
You’ll start the drive by heading for the Tung Vai valley, inhabited by the Bo Y and Tay ethnic groups. You’ll meet a Bo Y family and interact with them. This minority is one of the 16 least populated.
Return to the road via the Bac Sum pass. You’ll arrive in Phuong Do district for lunch.
In the afternoon, take a hike through the village of Ha Thanh towards the villages of Nà Thác, Khuổi My and Lùng Vài, inhabited by the Dao minority. You’ll be able to admire the magnificent old houses in this less touristy area.
Afterwards, you’ll head to the local house to relax before enjoying dinner with your hosts.
Lodging : private room at Cai homestay
Trekking> approx. 4 hours
In the morning, you’ll be transferred to the bus station to take the bus to Sapa. On arrival, your guide will take you to a local restaurant for a snack. You’ll then begin your 3-day trek through the fabulous Sapa countryside.
You’ll pass through the beautiful villages of Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai and Ta Van, typical of the northern region of Vietnam. You’ll follow small trails used by local inhabitants.
This trek will take you through ethnic villages untouched by modernity, offering the ideal opportunity to discover sublime mountain landscapes, walk through rice terraces, meet buffalo, breathe pure air and admire the magnificent panorama of this authentic region of Vietnam.
You’ll arrive in Ta Van for a meal and an overnight stay with a local.
Accommodation: private room with shared bathroom
Trekking: approx. 5 hours
You’ll set off at 9:30 a.m. for a 3-hour trek through the magnificent mountain rice fields around Lao Chai San. Halfway along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to bathe in a bamboo forest.
Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. at the home of guide Nhu’s family, who will welcome you with great hospitality and offer you moments of sharing and conviviality overa typically Vietnamese lunch. At 2 p.m., you’ll be back on your way through the rice fields for a pleasant stroll offering magnificent views from the heights, perfect for taking great photos. You’ll return to the local house in Ta Van for the night and evening meal.
Accommodation: private room with shared bathroom
Journey time > 6 hours
Trekking: approx. 5 hours
After breakfast, you’ll start trekking again at around 8:30 am. You’ll cross an impressive bamboo forest to discover the typical village of Giang Ta Chai, where you’ll meet ethnic Dao Rouge inhabitants and reach a waterfall. Afterwards, you’ll continue to the village of Su Pan along a small trail, stopping at a local restaurant for lunch. You will then return to Sapa around 2:00 pm. by car. You will be dropped off at the bus station to take the Limousine bus back to Hanoi.
