Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

This eight-day adventure veers off the beaten path and into the wild and unspoilt beauty of Northern Vietnam. During the trip, you will trek through mountains, valleys and villages to discover the landscapes and cultures of Sapa and the frontier region of Ha Giang before winding up in the sublime setting of Ba Be National Park.

Destination:

Ba Be National Park - A wild treasure home to one of the biggest natural freshwater lakes in Asia
Cao Bang - Cao Bang is an immensely beautiful, sparsely populated frontier region of North Vietnam
Ha Giang Province - Vietnam's final frontier rich of a multitude of ethnic cultures and stunning landscapes
Hanoi - Bustling capital city of Northern Vietnam
Sapa - Northwestern Vietnam's first trekking base through terraced rice fields

Dates and availability

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- Trip dates
  
  8
  DAYS
  
  TRIP STARTS
  
  Hanoi
  
  20 Aug 2025
  
  TRIP ENDS
  
  Hanoi
  
  27 Aug 2025

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Tour code: GDT06E
Duration: 8 days 7 nights

Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa (L/D)
- Our guide and driver will pick you up around 7:30am for your 5 hour drive to Sapa. Simply sit back, relax, and enjoy as the scenery transforms from bustling metropolis to rolling hills and endless rice paddies.
  
  Around midday you will arrive in Sapa, at which time you’ll get to enjoy a local lunch. Then for your first trip use the longest cable car system in Asia, departing from Sapa Town to the highest mountain top of Southeast Asia, Fansipan, once known as the ‘Roof of Indochina’. The highest point of the mountain culminates at 3,143m above sea level.
  The ascension by cable car takes about 30 minutes offering you on the way a stunning view of terraced rice fields as far as the eye can see. Once arrived, you will be able to visit the temples and finish the climb by foot, just 600 stairs, or by funicular before you head back to Sapa Town by car for an overnight stay in a hotel.
  
  It is recommended to bring a jacket as the temperature drops and the wind blows at this altitude.
  
  ► More infos on Trekking in Sapa
Day 2: Sapa Trekking (B/L/D)
- Today this best off the beaten track vietnam invites you trek to rice paddy fields Ý Linh Hồ, flower valleys and Black Hmong villages, located in the mountains with amazing panoramic views. You will visit a local house to meet the villagers and discover their daily life. After lunch in a local restaurant, you will continue through the rice terrace fields to Lao Chai and Ta Van Village of Zay people to discover their culture. This is the biggest valley and features most impressive rice terrace fields in the whole of Sapa. You will have dinner and spend the night in a homestay in Ta Van Village.
  - A 15-17 km trek.
Day 3: Sapa - Ha Giang (B/L/D)
- Today we’ll leave Sapa in favour of Vietnam’s final frontier, Ha Giang. On the way we’ll make a stop at Pho Rang for lunch before we have a walking tour to Vinh Yen inhabited by Tay communities.
  We continue our drive deeper into Ha Giang, enjoying the spectacular scenery along the way, before finally reaching the Tay village for another walk where we will spend the night around 6pm, just in time for a home-cooked dinner. You’ll overnight in this traditional Tay stilt house.
  - A 6-8 km walk.
Day 4: Ha Giang - Dong Van (B/L/D)
- Once we have purchased the mandatory permit at the Immigration Office, you will begin the journey to Dong Van following a spectacular series of passes which wind through the mountains and valleys. En route you enjoy exceptional views of the rolling landscape and interesting flora and fauna. After that, we will have Lunch in the small mountain town of Tam Son visiting the villages of the H’mong Lung Cam B. You will have the chance to see the former palace of the H’mong King, Vuong Chinh Duc who was an ally of the French. You will arrive in Dong Van around 18:00 where you will have dinner at a local restaurant and spend the night in a hotel.
  
  ► Experience the Ha Giang Loop !
Day 5: Dong Van - Meo Vac - Cao Bang (B/L/D)
- You’ll start the day off with breakfast and a visit to the Dong Van Market, where locals come from all the surrounding villages to purchase and trade for essentials they cannot produce themselves.
  
  Then you will be making the trek up to Pu Lo fortress which was built in 1890 and evacuated in 1945. From here you can enjoy spectacular views of the entire region, before climbing 8 km to the top of Ma Pi Leng Pass, through a gigantic maze of limestone peaks, stone forests, and canyons (the Sky Path at the Nho Qué River Viewpoint) before descending into the valley of Meo Vac. Winding our way through the valley, we’ll eventually reach Bao Lac village, where we’ll rest for a bit and have lunch before being driven to Cao Bang where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.
  - A 8-10 km trek.
Day 6: Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfall (B/L/D)
- This day is likely to be your highlight of this north vietnam off the beaten track tour, as we take you to one of the most incredible natural wonders in Northern Vietnam; Ban Gioc Waterfall. The drive here from Cao Bang is roughly two hours, and this breath-taking 300-metre wide cascade sits right on the border between China and Vietnam, amidst a beautiful mountainous landscape.
  
  While you’re here you can spend your time relaxing in the glow of the natural beauty, take some amazing photos, and board a bamboo boat that will take you so close to the falls you’ll feel the spray on your face, practically sitting at the very edge of Vietnam, so close to China that you can actually touch it.
  
  After enjoying the waterfall, you will venture deep underground into the magical Nguom Ngao Cave to discover the rock formations which have been carved by erosion over millennia.
  
  After visiting the waterfall and cave, you will travel down a beautiful road which is unknown to many, which winds through the mountains before reaching the Nung village of Quang Uyen.
  
  You will be welcomed by Mr. Hung Dao, an amazingly friendly blacksmith, before having dinner at his house and settling in for the night in this cosy traditional Nung house.
Day 7: Cao Bang - Ba Be Lake (B/L/D)
- Today we leave Quang Yen behind and drive through Ma Phuc pass on our way to Ba Be National Park. Once in the park, you’ll have time to explore the many wonders located here, such as the lake itself, the caves of Puong Grotto, the rapids of Dau Dang Waterfall and finally the tiny Widow Island located on the lake.
  
  We’ll be staying in a traditional Tay stilt house overnight, staying with a local host family.
Day 8: Ba Be Lake - Hanoi (B/L)
- After breakfast, we’ll take you on a stroll along the riverfront to visit some surrounding villages, followed by a hike up one of the higher points around the lake, providing you with some impressive views surrounded by limestone formations and mountain peaks.
  
  Following this we enter Hua Ma Cave, famous for its thousands of stalactites and stalagmites, and also known for being the biggest dry cave in Northeastern Vietnam. After lunch in a local restaurant, it’s sadly time to head back to Hanoi and say our goodbyes, arriving at your hotel around 5pm.
  
  ► Where to stay in Ba Be National Park ?

Tour Includes:

Professional vehicle transportations and commercial vehicle insurance. Professional driver
(Optional) 4×4 car with material insurance
Private door to door pick-up drop-off services
Accommodation at ecolodges, hotels, homestays as mentioned
Experienced English-speaking guide
Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner)
(Optional) Vegetarian and vegan food is available
Bottled water
All sightseeing tickets and travel permits on frontier
Cable car ticket
Bamboo raft tour on Ban Gioc waterfall
Trekking tour in Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be and Cao Bang
Motor-boat with floating jackets in Ba Be
Nguom Ngao Cave walking tour
All Taxes and Fees
No extra charge after confirmation
24/7 hotline support guaranteed
(Optional) Child seats are required

Tour Excludes:

Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
International flights and taxes
Beverage
Other personal expenses: drinks, souvenir, etc.

What To Take:

Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking
It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...

Chat with a Guide

Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Accommodation List

Please note that the hotels mentioned in this list are for reference only. Depending on availability and your preference, they can be changed. If we are unable to book any hotel, it will be replaced by another hotel at least of equivalent standard and value.

Ta Van Homestay

Address: Ta Van, Hau Thao, Sapa, Lao Cai

Located by the beautiful Hoa stream, surrounded by green terraced fields, visitors to this Ta Van homestay will experience the feeling of staying in the poetic stilt houses of the Northwest ethnic group.

Chapa Dew Hotel

Address: 34 Cau May, Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province

Located in northwestern Vietnam, Chapa Dew Boutique Hotel offers cosy accommodation with views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Free internet and parking are provided.

Thanh Loan Hotel

Address: V131 Vuon Cam, Hop Giang Ward, Cao Bang Province

Located in the center of Cao Bang city, Thanh Loan Hotel is ideal place for both tourists and businessmen. The hotel has two branches, which is only 1km away from each other. The system of over 50 rooms is suitable for diverse needs of customers. The system of comfortable rooms, modern, cozy space, gives guests the perfect resting space. Each room is fully equipped with: cable TV, wifi, telephone, 2-way air-conditioner and hot shower.

Hoa Cuong Hotel Dong Van

Address: Dong Van Town, Ha Giang Province

Hoa Cuong Hotel is located in the center of the ancient town of Dong Van district - Ha Giang, where the center of the Highland area of stone was recognized by UNESCO. The hotel opened in early 2015 is the most modern hotel in Ha Giang province

Mr Doan's Homestay

Address: Ha Thanh village, Phuong Do, Ha Giang City, Ha Giang Province

Visit Mr Doan, his wife and his two sons in a traditional stilts house of Tay ethnic minority group in North of Vietnam. He is a good chef and kind owner

Mr Kim's Homestay

Address: Phia Thap Village, Quoc Dan, Quang Uyen, Cao Bang province

Mr Kim’s Homestay stands out in green rice paddy fields of Phia Thắp Village, home to 50 families from the Nùng ethnic minority in Cao Bằng Province.
The traditional structure of Kim’s stilt house is still preserved. The house’s first floor, which used to be a cattle holding area, has been extended to make a cozy living room with wooden tables and chairs. The well-organised second floor is where tourists can sleep, providing more than 20 mattresses and eco-friendly decoration. Each mattress is well prepared with a pillow, a mosquito net, a lamp and an electricity socket.

Ba Be Jungle Houses

Address: Coc Toc village, Nam Mau commune, Ba Be district, Bac Kan province

A step up in amenities to Ba Be's homestays, this lakeside place in Coc Toc village takes the form of six small, spic-and-span, wood-panelled private rooms, and a dorm. Visitors are well looked after by friendly English-speaking staff.

Review

5.0 average based on 28 reviews.

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Joseph Faith

Wrote a review 1 - 2025

Walking along the river

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

We especially liked the extra walks. Tour guide: Very knowledgeable and metall our needs. But It is hard to see out the windows, if you are tall and they are dark!

Date of experience: 1 2023

Jean Marc

Wrote a review 7 - 2025

The tour guide is a very nice and caring person and Very good driver

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Nothing really to complain all very good and guide and driver very effect. All good prefered homestay than hotels.

Date of experience: 7 2023

Leda, Maria, Marianne

Wrote a review 7 - 2025

Tour is overall great

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Great flexibility and managing of cultural differences. Well ed and accommodating. Beds are hard in some places.

Date of experience: 7 2023

Josephine Fryters

Wrote a review 7 - 2025

Visiting the families in the villages, swimming Ba Be lake

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Good sites with excellent guiding from Mr Long. Helen has done an amazing job to give our family our itinerary for a travel to remember. Thank you Helen Mr Long and Mr Long. Very skilled, a lot of knowledge, high service, very friendly tour guide. Very friendly and skilled driver

Date of experience: 7 2023

Eszter Kalmar

Wrote a review 12 - 2025

Trekking skypath, Hotel at Ba Be lake, Contact to locals, Local food

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Perfect tour for our limited time. The driver was Very safe + friendly .The guide was helpful + nice! He could be less distant, seemed a bit uninterested in us

Date of experience: 12 2023

Tom Gardner

Wrote a review 3 - 2025

Eddie is fantastic, really good and very friendly, nothing too much! Very knowledgeable and a lovely person

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

1st homestay bathroom was not clean but very goodmosts. Great to taste so many dishes. Bit expensive but now we understand price = good value. The chance to see and feel the real Vietnam, we asked to see country, meet the people and see place they lived and Eddie and Ngoc driver

Date of experience: 3 2025

Bridget Stephens

Wrote a review 3 - 2025

Dong Van, Ma Pi Leng Pass

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Would have liked to stop a bit more where possible where views were good. Justin was friendly, caring we found him a little hard to underutard. He did not understand the questions we were at times. Recommendations:1. Flexibility to after the itinerary when views aren't good. Early afternoon option to view another village or provide map local area so we can expiore local area on our own.
2. May be arrange accomodation in Cao Bang would have preferred to stay in small town/village instead.
3. Flexibility in itinerary when time allows is cold have done longer on Ma Pi Leng pass instead only did scheduled walk and arrived in Dong Van at 2 pm when itinerary sad wouldn't arriver till 6 pm similar 6 arrived at Mr'Kim homestay arand 2 pm could have liked to see other village around this area

Date of experience: 3 2025

Tobias & Christine

Wrote a review 12 - 2025

Did the extra mile+very caring. We learned a lot! Highly recommend about people+culture.

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Mr Linh homestay = highlight, many homestay very nice, others still good considering the rorel standard. Homestay very kind + atmosphere. Smaller lunch places varied a lot. Very safe driver. Knowledgeable guide; very close to people + life; last stay at Ba Be lake

Date of experience: 12 2024

Matthew Eltrich

Wrote a review 1 - 2025

Excellent! highly recommend: Our guide and driver, the caves especially the water cave

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Love the caves. Love to go to less tourist places. The driver and tour guide were Great! So helpful all the time. Food ok but more variety would be nice. Some rooms had very thin walls so can hear noise of others

Date of experience: 1 2025

Anh Huynh

Wrote a review 4 - 2025

Skillful, friendly and helpful

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Attentive to details, flexible and great spanse of knowledge. Deep insight into ethnic minorities up North. Itinerary planning is lacking. We were thankful that the guide changes it around. Some places were great, others not so much. Loved Mong Ngua homestay!

Date of experience: 4 2025

Karine Bassler

Wrote a review 6 - 2025

Mu Cang Chai, the terrassed rice fields

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

We would have wish for more hiking at Cao Bang for a point of view of valley

Date of experience: 6 2025

L.Campbell

Wrote a review 6 - 2025

We loved the friendliness of the host homestays and their hospitality

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Scenery was stunning. Trekking trails and view points incredible! Our guide enhanced our entire trip with his local knowledge and experience.We would highly recommend our guide and drive to anyone touring north Vietnam. John's knowledge of the area - for trekking and local food - including all the herbs and vegetables was amazing, coupled with his patience and love of photography was an ideal mix for us. Helen at the office was highly efficient, organiged and always responsive

Date of experience: 6 2025

Tania, Andrew Jerovich

Wrote a review 8 - 2025

The accomodation were all so different. I would have to do them all seperatery

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Du was excellent. Lovely and considerate man. Thank you! Loved the food that Hai piched for us each day. Everything, the place, the people, the food, the accomodation and the sights were all great.

Date of experience: 8 2025

Tonya Hackett

Wrote a review 12 - 2025

Very friendly and helpful

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

Ba Be cave trekking seeing different villages between rest and activities

Date of experience: 12 2025

TraceyHaz

Wrote a review 9 - 2024

Northern Vietnam 8 day holiday- the best holiday with Long and Long as our guide and driver. Would highly recommend it.

Review of: Off the beaten tracks North Vietnam 8 days 7 nights

We had a fantastic guide and driver, Long and Long, for our holiday and we couldn’t have asked for more. Great scenery from Sapa to Hanoi through the mountains and valleys of the northern Vietnam region.

Date of experience: 0 0