THE BEST OF TONKIN

This 11-day / 10-night journey offers a comprehensive exploration of the best of north-east Vietnam, including Ha Giang, the country’s most dramatic mountain region of terraced rice fields, limestone plateaus and high passes. Designed for travellers seeking both scenery and cultural depth, the route combines panoramic drives, gentle walks and authentic encounters, including a stay at Pan Hou Retreat amid the rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi.

Village walks, homestays and colourful markets offer close contact with Hmong, Dao, Tay and Lô Lô communities. Highlights include a scenic cruise on the Nho Que River, the landscapes of Cao Bang’s UNESCO Global Geopark and Ban Gioc Waterfall, before unwinding on a cruise through Ha Long Bay and a peaceful stay in Thai Hai Village, dedicated to preserving Tay heritage.

Morning departure by coach to Hoang Su Phi (280 km), a remote region famed for its spectacular terraced rice fields. Lunch en route at a local restaurant.

Arrive in the afternoon and set off on a 2-hour walk through ethnic villages and terraced landscapes.

(Easy walk of approx. 4 km on dirt paths or small gravel tracks, winding through hills, rice terraces and streams; elevation gain < 50 m – gentle gradient.)

Dinner at the lodge restaurant.

Overnight at Pan Hou Retreat [B, L, D]

After breakfast, start your trekking day. Walk through a Dao ethnic village, meeting local residents in traditional dress and discovering their stilt houses set along the mountain slopes. The route continues through beautiful terraced rice fields and bamboo forests.

A short break is planned at a Red Dao family home, where you will be warmly welcomed with a cup of local tea. You may choose to join your guide in preparing lunch or simply relax.

In the afternoon, the walk continues to a Tay village in the valley, following the river back to Pan Hou. (Walking distances and elevation can be adjusted for your comfort)

The rest of the day is free to enjoy a traditional herbal bath, a massage, or relax by the pool.

Overnight at Pan Hou Retreat [B, L, D]

Check-out and scenic drive through dramatic terraced rice fields, with stops at Tan Xa Phin and Nam Ty villages. Continue towards the Dong Van UNESCO Global Geopark, with a stop at Nam Dam ethnic village for lunch.

In the afternoon, enjoy a 2-hour walk to discover ethnic architecture, terraced rice fields and the authentic lifestyle of the Dao people.

(Easy walk of approx. 4 km on dirt paths or small concrete lanes through ethnic villages and cultivated valleys; elevation gain < 50 m – gentle gradient.)

Late afternoon transfer to Quan Ba. Check-in at Hmong Village Resort and free time to enjoy panoramic views over the karst plateau valley. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight at Hmong Village Resort [B, L]

Continue deeper into the Dong Van UNESCO Global Geopark, with a stop at Tham Ma Pass.

Arrive in Lung Cu and visit the northernmost point of Vietnam, marked by the iconic Flag Tower, offering sweeping views over the surrounding border villages. Lunch in a traditional Lô Lô ethnic village.

Enjoy a 2-hour walk through traditional houses, wooded hills and terraced fields to Thèn Pa Hmong village.

(Easy walk of approx. 3.5 km on dirt paths or small concrete lanes, passing ethnic villages, pine-covered hills and rice terraces; elevation gain approx. 60 m – gentle gradient.)

Discover the village with its unique architecture, peaceful atmosphere and striking mountain scenery typical of Vietnam’s border communities.

Check in at a local homestay in the heart of this preserved village, featuring traditional earth houses, yin–yang tiled roofs and stone walls.

Dinner in the village, followed by an evening cultural exchange with traditional Hmong music (flute and khèn).

Overnight in Thèn Pa Village [B, L, D]

Depart for the Dong Van weekend ethnic market, one of the most vibrant and authentic in Vietnam’s northern mountains. Visit the weekly market bringing together Dao, Hmong, Tay, Nung, Giay and Lô Lô communities.

Explore Dong Van Old Quarter and visit the Hmong King’s Palace in Sa Phin. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Continue along Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain roads in Vietnam, with breathtaking views over sheer cliffs and deep gorges.

Transfer to Meo Vac, a small frontier town. Hotel check-in and free time. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Meo Vac [B, L]

Check out and transfer to the Nho Que River. Enjoy a boat trip along the river, cruising through the spectacular Tu San Gorge, one of the deepest limestone canyons in Southeast Asia.

Continue by road to Cao Bang (210 km), with photo stops along the way to admire ethnic villages and mountain landscapes. Lunch at a local restaurant en route.

Arrive in Cao Bang town and check in at the hotel. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Cao Bang [B, L]

Depart towards the Chinese border via Trung Khanh to explore the Cao Bang UNESCO Global Geopark. Visit Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls in the world, straddling the border between Vietnam and China. Lunch at local restaurant.
(Optional experience: bamboo raft ride at the base of the waterfall, payable locally.)

Continue with a visit to Nguom Ngao Cave and the ancient stone village of Khuoi Ky. Return to Cao Bang, stopping at a traditional blacksmith village along the way.

Check in at the hotel. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Cao Bang [B, L]

Travel to Lang Son (125 km), with a visit en route to Dong Khe, a significant historical battlefield from the 20th century conflicts between Vietnamese and French forces.

Lunch at a local restaurant. Check in at the hotel in Lang Son.

In the afternoon, explore this frontier town, including visits to Tam Thanh Caves, sections of Lang Son’s ancient fortifications, and Phai Ve Flag Tower.

Free time. Dinner at leisure.

Overnight in Lang Son [B,L]

After breakfast, drive to Ha Long Bay and embark on an overnight cruise in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its emerald waters and dramatic limestone karsts.

Cruise through the bay, drifting past timeless landscapes as the sun sets behind the towering formations.

Lunch and dinner are served on board.

Overnight on board. [B, L, D]

Morning cruise followed by brunch on board. Disembark and return to the harbour. Transfer to Thai Nguyen Province.

Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnic Cultures, offering a rich and insightful overview of the country’s ethnic diversity.

Continue to Thai Hai Village, a peaceful Tay cultural preservation village. Welcome and guided walk through the village, discovering traditional Tay and Nung stilt houses.

Check in to a wooden stilt-house bungalow. Dinner featuring local specialities. Evening cultural performances by the fire.
(Optional experiences: herbal foot bath or traditional wellness massage at the village centre, payable locally.)

Overnight in a bungalow at Thai Hai Village [B, D]

Morning explore traditional stilt houses where several generations live together. Discover local crafts such as weaving, traditional cake-making and rice-wine distillation. Lunch with a local family.

Leave the village and return to Hanoi.

[B, L]