Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam’s elegant colonial capital. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your private guide and transferred seamlessly to your centrally located hotel.

The afternoon offers a gentle introduction to the city's heart, with a walk visiting landmarks like the Opera House, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Ngoc Son Temple. In the evening, enjoy a fascinating traditional Water Puppet Performance before gathering for an exclusive Welcome Dinner featuring refined Vietnamese cuisine.

Stay: 4 star-Boutique Hotel

After breakfast, we embark on a spectacular drive north toward the mountainous heart of Ha Giang province. The comfortable journey takes you out of the Red River Delta and into increasingly dramatic landscapes, allowing for minimal interruptions. Upon reaching Ha Giang City, we pause for a leisurely walk through Thon Tha, a serene village inhabited by the Tay people, providing an initial glimpse into local life. We then continue to Quan Ba, stopping at the breathtaking Pac Sum Pass and the iconic Heaven Gate, offering a spectacular view over Tam Son town and the surrounding 'Fairy Mountains'.

Do You Know? Ha Giang is often called the "Land of Ethnic Diversity" because it is home to 22 different ethnic minority groups. This represents nearly half of the 54 ethnic groups found in all of Vietnam!

Each group—such as the H’Mong, Dao, Tay, and the rare Lolo—has its own distinct language, traditional dress, and unique customs. In fact, if you visit a local market in Ha Giang, you will see a "living rainbow" of colors from the different hand-woven costumes. Some of these groups are so small that they only consist of a few thousand people, making Ha Giang one of the most culturally significant and "pure" regions in Southeast Asia for those looking to see traditional life preserved in the mountains.

(Distance: 335 km. Duration: 08 hours)

Stay: Dao Homestay or Lodge

Today, the road trip intensifies, guiding you through phenomenal landscapes bordering China. After lunch in Yen Minh, we visit an old, distinctive clay house, famously used in "Pao’s Story", set amid fields of buckwheat (seasonal) and corn. The journey continues to the residence of the Vuong Family, known as the former Hmong King, an architectural marvel blending European and Chinese styles. Our final destination is the Lung Cu Flag Tower, the northernmost point of Vietnam, followed by a brief visit to a Lo Lo minority village before settling into the atmospheric Dong Van Ancient Town.

(Distance: 100 km. Duration: 04 hours)

Stay: Hotel in Dong Van

Following breakfast, we take a leisurely walk through the Dong Van Old Quarter, admiring the houses that are one or two hundred years old, absorbing the ancient, rugged atmosphere. We then drive the famously exhilarating route to Meo Vac. This segment is the highlight of the trip, traversing the majestic Ma Pi Leng Pass, which carves its way high above a deep abyss, offering arguably the most spectacular views in all of Southeast Asia.

We conclude the day in Meo Vac, an area rich with the distinct cultural traditions of the Lo Lo and Pu Peo ethnic minority people.

(Distance: 50 km. Duration: 02 hours)

Do You Know? The Ma Pi Leng Pass is part of the "Happiness Road," but its creation was a feat of incredible sacrifice. Built between 1959 and 1965, it was constructed almost entirely by hand by thousands of young volunteers from 16 different ethnic groups.

Because they lacked modern machinery, the most dangerous section—the "cliff of death" at Ma Pi Leng—had to be carved out by a "suicide squad" of workers. These brave individuals hung from the side of the sheer limestone cliffs using only ropes, chipping away at the rock with hammers and crowbars for 11 months. Every day, they even brought their own coffins to the site, knowing that one wrong move meant a fall into the abyss. Today, when you stand at the top and look down at the Nho Que River, you aren't just looking at a view; you are looking at a monument to human will and the spirit of the Vietnamese people.

Stay: Hotel in Meo Vac

Say goodbye to the thrilling heights of Meo Vac as we journey south toward Bac Kan province and the peaceful Ba Be National Park. The roads today are longer and more challenging, rewarding you with unique views of remote ethnic communities that rarely see outside visitors. This allows for unparalleled cultural observation from the comfort of your private vehicle. Upon arrival at Ba Be, we check into a welcoming homestay of the Tay ethnic people, ready for a relaxed immersion into lake life.

(Distance: 233 km. Duration: 07 hours)

Stay: Homestay in Ba Be (Traditional House on Stilts)

After a hearty local breakfast, we embark on a serene 2-hour Boat Trip on Ba Be Lake, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, caves, and forested shores. The journey includes a short, pleasant trek to the impressive Dau Dang Waterfall, where the river thunders through the karsts. We also visit some local villages of the Tay and Zao minority people, further deepening your connection to the tranquil life of the park before returning to the Tay homestay for dinner.

Do You Know? Ba Be Lake is not just any lake—it is a "Geological Miracle." It is one of the 20 largest natural freshwater lakes in the world, but what makes it truly unique is that it sits on top of a limestone mountain range. Normally, limestone is porous and "leaky" (which is how caves are formed), so water should just drain away. However, Ba Be has a clay-lined floor that acts like a giant natural "bowl," holding the water 145 meters above sea level!

The name "Ba Be" means "Three Seas" because the lake is actually a connection of three smaller lakes: Pe Lam, Pe Lu, and Pe Leng. For the local Tay people, the lake is also the setting of a famous legend about a "Widow and a Stone Fairy," which explains why there is a small island in the center called "Goa Island" (Widow Island). Floating on a wooden dugout canoe here feels like drifting through a prehistoric world!

Stay: Homestay in Ba Be (Traditional House on Stilts)

This morning, we depart Ba Be and drive to Cao Bang province. After lunch, the final 8km drive reveals the immense power of the Ban Gioc Waterfalls, which dramatically straddle the border with China. We take a short walk for the best views and enjoy a relaxing boat trip (if available) close to the cascading water. A short distance away, we explore the intricate formations of the Nguom Ngao Caves, guided through underground rivers and ancient rock structures.

(Distance: 210 km. Duration: 07 hours)

Stay: Mini Hotel in Quang Uyen

Today is a dedicated transfer day, serving as a scenic transition from the limestone peaks of the far north to the emerald waters of the coast. We embark on a journey along National Highway 4B, a historic and winding route that snakes through the rugged landscapes of Lang Son province. As we navigate this road, you will witness the changing scenery from deep mountain valleys to the rolling hills of the northeast, passing through remote towns and quiet border regions that few travelers get to see.

A local lunch will be served at a hand-picked, clean restaurant along the way, offering a chance to taste regional specialties of the Lang Son highlands. After descending from the mountain passes, we arrive in Halong Bay in the late afternoon, where you will check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure—perhaps with a walk along the coastal promenade or a quiet drink—as you relax and prepare for the world-class, luxurious cruise experience that awaits you tomorrow.

(Distance: 310 km. Duration: 08 hours. Stay: Hotel in Halong)

After breakfast at your hotel, you will enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Ninh Binh directly to the Halong/Cat Hai harbor area. Following a swift and luxurious check-in process, you will board your exquisite overnight cruise ship, officially beginning your highly anticipated maritime journey.

Savor a delightful gourmet lunch onboard as the vessel gracefully sails into the mystical bay, gliding past towering limestone karsts. The afternoon offers time for optional activities such as kayaking to explore hidden lagoons or swimming in the calm, sheltered waters of the Gulf.

Stay: 4 star-Cruise

Wake up to the fresh sea air and catch the stunning sunrise over the bay, perhaps participating in a gentle morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck. Your cruise will then venture deeper into Lan Ha Bay, a quieter and more secluded area renowned for its pristine waters and untouched beaches. You have the entire day to relax on board, indulge in the ship's premium services, or join various activities such as a fascinating cooking class. In the evening, gather for a romantic Farewell Dinner, enjoying exquisite cuisine amidst the magical, lit-up backdrop of the limestone islands.

Stay: 4 star-Cruise

Enjoy your final morning on the Bay, perhaps with a last chance to visit a small cave or a local floating village before the ship begins its slow return to the port. A lavish final breakfast or brunch is served onboard, allowing you time to savor the magnificent scenery one last time.

Upon disembarking, your private driver will be waiting to transfer you directly to the airport (Hanoi or Cat Bi) for your onward international departure flight, concluding your memorable journey through Northern Vietnam.