Remote highlands, living cultures, and untamed scenery.
Hidden Vietnam
11 Days / 10 Nights
Remote travel - Highlands - Ethnic culture - Trekking - Scenic drives
Private tailor-made / Offbeat adventure
Hoang Su Phi terraces - Ma Pi Leng Pass - Ba Be-style homestay feel
The Essence
Key Highlights
- Begin in Hanoi before heading into the remote highlands of Hoàng Su Phì
- Walk through terraced rice landscapes and meet Red Dao and other ethnic communities
- Travel through Dong Van’s karst plateau and historic mountain villages
- Cross the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass on one of northern Vietnam’s most scenic drives
- Explore Meo Vac through guided hikes, village visits, and panoramic mountain views
- Enjoy an authentic homestay experience in Ba Be-style rural surroundings before returning to Hanoi
Itinerary
Day 1: Capella Hanoi, Hanoi
Day Itinerary
Upon arrival at Hanoi Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the city. Early check-in can be arranged subject to availability and at an additional cost. The remainder of the day is at leisure—take this time to unwind and recover from your journey. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Overnight: Capella Hanoi
Capella Hanoi offers luxurious accommodation moments away from the Hanoi Opera House and Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each of the property’s 47 guest rooms and suites are individually styled with operatic memorabilia that pay tribute to Opera’s legendary artists, composers, designers and performances. Guests can enjoy delicious authentic flavours at the on-site Backstage restaurant as well as bohemian cocktails and ambrosial sweets at Diva’s Lounge.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 2:
Panhou Retreat, Hoàng Su Phì District
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Hanoi to the remote highlands of Hoang Su Phi, a region celebrated for its dramatic terraced landscapes and untouched beauty. En route, pause for lunch at a local restaurant (payable directly).
Arrive by late afternoon at Pan Hou Village, where you will check into the tranquil Pan Hou Retreat, nestled amidst lush forests and rice terraces. The rest of the evening is at leisure—unwind in the peaceful surroundings and soak in the serene atmosphere of this hidden gem. Overnight stay at Pan Hou Retreat.
Overnight: Panhou Retreat
Panhou Retreat is located in Ha Giang, Vietnam, surrounded by breathtaking mountains and forests. The guest rooms and suites are bright, spacious, and beautifully decorated, each equipped with air conditioning, Wi‑Fi, electric kettles, and private bathrooms. Guests can indulge in a selection of expertly prepared dishes on‑site. Additional amenities include complimentary parking. Guests can also take part in activities such as mountain trekking tours.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 3: Panhou Retreat, Hoàng Su Phì District
Day Itinerary
Begin your day amidst the tranquil surroundings of Pan Hou Village, where the gentle sound of birdsong echoes through the lush gardens, set against the backdrop of the Song Chay Mountains. After breakfast, set out on a guided walk into the surrounding hills, gradually ascending along scenic trails that reveal sweeping views of layered rice terraces and distant mountain ranges.
As you continue, arrive at a village of the Red Dao community, known for their vibrant red attire and intricate brocade. Here, gain insight into their unique traditions, including the use of medicinal plants for healing and wellness. After a simple local lunch, continue your walk through terraced fields, rolling landscapes, and tea plantations, passing through smaller villages that offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural diversity.
By late afternoon, return to Pan Hou Village, where you can unwind and soak in the serenity of your surroundings. Dinner and overnight at the retreat.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 4:
Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel, Dong Van
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive from Hoang Su Phi to Quan Ba, journeying deeper into Vietnam’s dramatic northern highlands. Continue onward to Yen Minh, with enriching stops along the way at traditional villages such as Nam Dam, home to the Dao community, and Lung Tam, known for its H’mong heritage and local craftsmanship.
From Yen Minh, ascend into the Dong Van Karst Plateau, where the landscape transforms into a striking panorama of rugged peaks and winding mountain roads. Pause at the charming border village of Pho Bang, near the China–Vietnam frontier, admired for its centuries-old houses and quiet atmosphere.
Continue to the breathtaking Sung La Valley, often regarded as one of the region’s most beautiful, and enjoy a short walk through a picturesque village set amidst rolling hills. The journey then takes you to Sa Phin, once the capital of Ha Giang, where you will visit the historic King’s Palace, a fascinating relic of the region’s past.
By evening, arrive in Dong Van and check in to your hotel. The rest of the evening is at leisure. Overnight stay in Dong Van.
Overnight: Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel
The Hoa Cuong Hotel is located in the historic town of Dong Van, which is home to the UNESCO Dong Van Stone Plateau, in the mountainous Ha Giang region. The hotel is close to local restaurants and bars and is also a perfect base to explore the stunningly scenic surrounding landscape. All 82 hotel rooms offer free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms and a flat screen tv. Room types range from single rooms to VIP rooms, which boast a separate living room. The hotel consists of 9 floors and received its first guests in 2015. Another highlight when visiting Hoa Cuong Hotel is a scenic walk through the Dong Van old quarters to experience the traditional local culture.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 5:
Auberge de Meo Vac, Meo Vac
Day Itinerary
Today, embark on one of the most spectacular drives in northern Vietnam as you journey from Dong Van to Meo Vac along the famed Happiness Road. The highlight of the day is crossing the dramatic Ma Pi Leng Pass, often considered one of the most breathtaking mountain passes in the country.
Pause along the way to take in sweeping views of towering limestone peaks, deep valleys, and sheer rock faces that create a truly awe-inspiring landscape. This stretch offers some of the finest photo opportunities, with every turn revealing a new perspective of the rugged highlands.
Upon arrival in Meo Vac, check in to your mountain lodge, set amidst serene natural surroundings. If time permits, explore nearby ethnic villages to gain a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the local communities. Return to your lodge for a peaceful evening. Overnight stay in Meo Vac.
Overnight: Auberge de Meo Vac
Set in the old house of a former Hmong notable, the Auberge de Meo Vac is just a 5-minute walk from the town centre of Meo Vac. The lodge offers five guest rooms, a small dormitory, and separate showers. Guests can dine and have drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar that opens up onto an old paved courtyard. Guests can take advantage of the trekking tours available at the lodge.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 6:
Auberge de Meo Vac, Meo Vac
Day Itinerary
Today is dedicated to exploring the remote beauty and cultural richness of the Meo Vac region, home to a remarkable diversity of ethnic communities and framed by dramatic mountains and deep, rocky valleys.
After breakfast, set out on a guided day hike with a packed picnic lunch, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in this untouched landscape. As you traverse scenic trails, you’ll encounter local villagers going about their daily routines—tending to corn fields, gathering forest produce, and offering a genuine glimpse into life in the highlands. The pace of the walk is flexible and tailored to your comfort, ensuring a relaxed and personal experience.
Pause along the way to enjoy your picnic amidst stunning natural surroundings before continuing your exploration. By evening, return to your lodge to unwind and savour a warm dinner, reflecting on a day of meaningful connections and breathtaking scenery. Overnight stay in Meo Vac.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 7:
Overnight Travel
Day Itinerary
After breakfast, bid farewell to Meo Vac and set out on a scenic yet extensive drive through the northern highlands. Today’s journey takes you across three provinces—Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Bac Kan—offering ever-changing landscapes of rugged mountains, winding roads, and remote valleys along the Sino-Vietnamese frontier.
Though the drive is long, it is richly rewarding, with opportunities to pause and experience local life along the way. Time and weather permitting, you may visit villages belonging to the Nung, San Chay, or Dzao Tien communities, each offering unique cultural insights and traditions.
By mid-afternoon, arrive at Pac Ngoi Village in Ba Be National Park, a serene lakeside setting surrounded by lush greenery. Here, you will be welcomed into a traditional stilt house for an authentic homestay experience with a local Tay family. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of rural Vietnam. Overnight at the homestay in Ba Be.
Day 8:
Overnight Travel
Day Itinerary
After a leisurely breakfast, set out on a relaxed cycling experience through the scenic landscapes of Ba Be National Park. The route is gentle and flexible, with a few uphill stretches—should the incline feel steep, you are free to walk alongside your bicycle and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Along the way, catch your first glimpse of Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake, beautifully framed by forested limestone mountains.
Continue cycling down to the lakeside wharf, where you can pause for a refreshing drink while taking in the calm, unspoiled setting. From here, board a small boat and glide across the lake, entering the Gam River as you journey toward the secluded village of Dau Dang.
Arrive around lunchtime to a warm welcome at a local home, where you’ll enjoy a delicious meal prepared with regional flavours—often considered among the finest in the area. After lunch, return to your boat and drift along the river toward the impressive Puong Cave, a natural wonder carved through limestone cliffs.
Later, rejoin your bicycles and continue along a scenic route back toward Pac Ngoi Village, passing through the national park’s main gate and enjoying sweeping views of the lake along the way. Upon return, unwind with a refreshing shower before settling in for another comforting dinner and overnight stay at your homestay.
Day 9:
Capella Hanoi, Hanoi
Day Itinerary
Enjoy a relaxed morning in Ba Be, with time to take a final stroll through the village or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings of the lake and its lush landscapes. A leisurely lunch will be served at your homestay before you prepare for departure.
In the afternoon, set out on a scenic drive back to Hanoi, bidding farewell to the tranquil beauty of the national park as you journey along quiet countryside roads. Arrive in the capital by late afternoon and check in to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure—perhaps explore the bustling streets, enjoy a café, or simply unwind after your journey. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Overnight: Capella Hanoi
Capella Hanoi offers luxurious accommodation moments away from the Hanoi Opera House and Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Each of the property’s 47 guest rooms and suites are individually styled with operatic memorabilia that pay tribute to Opera’s legendary artists, composers, designers and performances. Guests can enjoy delicious authentic flavours at the on-site Backstage restaurant as well as bohemian cocktails and ambrosial sweets at Diva’s Lounge.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 10:
Capella Hanoi, Hanoi
Day Itinerary
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Hanoi, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. You may choose to wander through the charming lanes of the Old Quarter, discover local cafés, or visit cultural landmarks and museums. Alternatively, simply relax at your hotel and soak in the rhythm of the city. Overnight stay in Hanoi.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Day 11:
End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Hanoi Airport for your onward journey. Your private vehicle will ensure a smooth and timely transfer, marking the end of your memorable journey through Vietnam.
Basis
Bed and Breakfast
Hidden Vietnam
Remote highlands, living cultures, and untamed scenery.
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