Ha Giang Loop Adventure

Accompanied by your private guide, head to Vietnam's heart of history - Ba Đình Square. Pass by Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and then visit Ho Chi Minh's Stilt House, One Pillar Pagoda, and Temple of Literature.

In the afternoon, step into the Museum of Ethnology to learn about the customs and habits of 54 different ethnic groups of Vietnam. Closing out the day, take a cyclo ride through the narrow and lively streets of the Old Quarter to get a glimpse of the traditional Vietnamese atmosphere and culture.

Departing from Hanoi in the morning, take a long yet scenic drive (about 6 hours) to Ha Giang City. In its central park, the milestone Km0 is an iconic punching point of the Ha Giang Loop adventure. The next leg of your journey sees you drinking in the endless beauty of majestic Co Tien Twin Mountain in Quan Ba before driving onwards to Nam Dam Village of the Dao minority. All houses there are built from clay with thick walls, keeping warm in winter and cool in summer. Spend the night in a local homestay.

Wake up to the peaceful atmosphere of the remote countryside, enjoy a refreshing breakfast, and say goodbye to the family of the homestay. Another exciting day unfolds as you drive through Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, recognized by UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network in 2010. Along the way, traverse the iconic Tham Ma and Pho Cao passes, where you'll get great photo opportunities. Touch the history and life of mountain ethnic groups as you visit the traditional Pao's house of the H'Mong minority in Lung Cam Cultural Village, and explore the former residence of the H'Mong King.

After lunch, continue on the transfer toward Lung Cu Flag Tower, which marks the northernmost point in Vietnam. A short climb rewards you with panoramic views stretching across Ha Giang and toward the Chinese border. If time permits, take a leisurely walk around the nearby Lo Lo Chai Village to glimpse into the daily life in this remote frontier.

About 25 km away lies the small, quaint Dong Van Old Town, a historic crossroads for several ethnic minorities. Settle into a local hotel and enjoy the rest of today at leisure.

This morning, travel onward by 1-2 hours driving to Ma Pi Leng, a stunning mountain pass at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Enjoy a gentle hike along winding mountain paths, taking in untouched highland scenery and sweeping views over the emerald-green Nho Que River, with occasional encounters with ethnic minority farmers working in the fields.

The walk concludes at the Ma Pi Leng Panorama Viewpoint, where a 360-degree vista reveals the full grandeur of mountains and valleys. Afterwards, continue to Pa Vi H'mong Village and check into a local homestay, settling into the quiet rhythm of life in the mountains.

An afternoon boat cruise (about 1 hour) will take you to explore the Nho Que River in a relaxing way. Under the fluffy white clouds in the blue sky, crystal-clear waters flow like a shimmering green thread through towering limestone mountains. As you reach Tu San Alley (also known as Ma Pi Leng Canyon), get amazed by the majestic beauty and hunt for fantastic photos.

Note: The extremely colorful minority market in Dong Van can be experienced if it happens to be a Sunday. The ethnic people in traditional costumes come here to exchange goods, shop, play, and make friends.

The final few days of your journey should be spent cruising on the UNESCO-endorsed Halong Bay, a mere 2.5-hour drive away. Relax your body, soul, and mind in the stunning paradise, where over 1,600 largely limestone islands majestically emerge from the emerald green waters. If you fancy getting more active, go ashore to explore a natural cave and swim in the crystal-like seawater. This evening also promises the chance to uncover the secret of Vietnamese cuisine through a cooking demonstration and experience the thrill of squid fishing.

Tip: As you will carry all of your luggage on and off the cruise, we recommend keeping items needed during the cruise easily accessible to avoid repeated packing and unpacking.

As you please, perform another revitalizing Tai Chi session before a light brunch. This morning is set aside for a kayak or boat tour into the beautiful Luon Cave, teeming with numerous curtain-like stalactites and stalagmites. Back on the boat, check out of the stateroom, and enjoy brunch.

Disembark at 10:45 a.m. and return to Hanoi. You can spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, walking around Hoan Kiem Lake or watching a traditional Water Puppet Show.