Hidden gems of Vietnam

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, our driver and tour guide will welcome you and accompany you to the hotel. In the afternoon, you will visit the Ethnology Museum and then return to the center of Hanoi for a 45-minute cyclo rickshaw tour through the famous Old Quarter with its 36 streets. You will conclude the day with an exciting water puppet show, a unique art form from northern Vietnam, which is said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. The show uses colorful wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life and periods of the nation's history accompanied by music. Overnight stay in Hanoi.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, our guide and driver will greet you and take you on a scenic journey through a village deep in the Sapa Valley. The 5-hour journey will be filled with mountainous landscapes. Upon arrival in the village, you will be warmly welcomed by a local family who will offer you lunch. After the meal, you will take a short walk on trails that will lead you to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu. Here you will have the opportunity to meet the villagers, share a cup of fragrant green tea in their traditional home, and gain a close understanding of their daily life. As you leave the village behind, a small dirt path unfolds before you, revealing breathtaking views of the valley adorned with bamboo huts. These unique structures serve as temporary shelters for local farmers during the harvest season. Continuing your walk, you will pass by cascading rice terraces and a refreshing river before reaching the charming village of Nam Cang. The village of Nam Cang, located at the far end of the Sapa Valley, is known for its vast cardamom forest and the distinctive culture of the Red Dao people. The Red Dao women here wear some of the most colorful and diverse costumes you will find among the ethnic groups of Vietnam. Although Nam Cang may not have the largest concentration of silversmiths, you might find beautiful handmade silver jewelry by the Red Dao people. You might consider indulging in a traditional herbal bath, a specialty that the Red Dao people are very skilled at preparing. To conclude this day, you will spend the night in a cozy homestay, enjoying a delicious dinner accompanied by some 'happy water' - a local specialty!

Start your day amidst the sweet sounds of nature and enjoy a simple yet nourishing breakfast at your homestay. Then, get ready for a hillside hike while taking in the breathtaking views of the rice fields that blanket the valley. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and observe the simple lifestyle practiced by the local ethnic groups - farming, livestock raising, and occasional market gatherings. After your visit to the village, enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling rice fields towards the town of Sapa. Have lunch at a local restaurant and take some free time to explore the vibrant town. Around 2:00 PM, embark on a journey to the town of Bac Ha. The mountain road from Sapa to Lao Cai unfolds with beautiful landscapes. The road is relatively flat from Lao Cai to the Bao Nhai bridge. After crossing the bridge, we begin our uphill journey offering splendid views of the valleys. Upon your arrival in Bac Ha in the late afternoon, visit the old castle of the former Hmong King before settling into your cozy homestay for a well-deserved rest.

Start your day with a local breakfast, then visit the Bac Ha market, the largest and most colorful weekly gathering in the region. You will meet an astonishing variety of ethnic minorities such as the Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung, some in their distinctive traditional attire. Every Sunday, these diverse and colorful ethnic minorities come to sell their homemade products or to buy things for their family. Some of these groups are so unique, that you won't find them anywhere else. You can shop for unique handicrafts, taste local delicacies, and witness the frenetic energy of an authentically authentic market. Afterwards, transfer to Hoang Su Phi, with a fascinating stop at Phung Village. Here, you will delve into the heart of the region's iconic rice terraces. These fields are more than just breathtaking landscapes; they are intertwined with the rich history and traditions of the La Chi, Tay, and Nung ethnic groups. Besides being a source of economic prosperity, they hold deep spiritual significance. A walk through Phung Village offers the opportunity to connect with the welcoming locals and to soak in the breathtaking views. Walking along the village paths, soaking in the breathtaking views of the terraced fields, and giving in to the symphony of bird songs, you will truly feel the essence of nature in northern Vietnam. But here's the most amazing thing: the rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi. They are particularly notable for their dramatic elevation and steepness, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty. Immerse yourself in the wonder of traditional farming, where locals rely on natural conditions rather than complex irrigation systems. Today's journey concludes in Hoang Su Phi in the late afternoon, recharge your energies and get ready for further explorations the next day.

After breakfast, prepare to be amazed. We will embark on a journey to the breathtaking Hoang Su Phi rice terraces, a national heritage site recognized in September 2012. For over 300 years, the La Chi, Dao, and Nung ethnic groups might have carved these vibrant fields into the mountain slopes, creating a masterpiece of agriculture. Layer upon layer of golden rice cascades into the valleys, bathed in the warm morning sunlight. The winding terraces resemble delicate brushstrokes on a vibrant canvas, occasionally adorned by the colorful figures of local farmers tending the land. Along with the stunning scenery, you will gain a deeper understanding of the unique wet rice cultivation techniques practiced by the Mong and Nung people. After admiring the unforgettable views of Hoang Su Phi, we will begin our return journey to Hanoi, carrying with us the memory of this extraordinary landscape.

Meet at 08.15AM. After breakfast, begin a scenic 2.5-hour journey to the incredible Halong Bay, with a refreshing stop to stretch your legs along the way. Upon arrival at this UNESCO World Heritage site, prepare to be amazed by the wild beauty of its iconic limestone islands rising from the emerald waters. Board your luxurious junk and settle into your comfortable cabin. A delicious lunch awaits you on deck, offering the perfect way to refuel for an unforgettable adventure. After your delightful lunch, it's time to explore. Experience an exciting kayak adventure through hidden lagoons, a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, and then simply relax on board, soaking up the stunning views and a glorious sunset. Dinner is served on board. As dusk falls, a peaceful night awaits you aboard your junk.

Wake up early and take a spot on the upper deck to witness the sunrise over the bay, with a warm cup of tea in your hands. The early morning is truly a magical time on the bay, with limestone formations appearing all around you in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Continue to sail through the magnificent Ha Long Bay. After a relaxing morning on the water, a delicious brunch will be served on board to energize you for the rest of your journey. At noon, you will arrive at the pier of Ha Long city, where a comfortable means of transportation will be waiting to take you back to Hanoi.

Make the most of your final moments in Hanoi. Explore the city at your own pace before our guide and driver accompany you to the airport for your return flight home.