Arrive in Hanoi, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by your Spanish-speaking local guide and transferred to your hotel in the city center (note: check-in available from 2:00 PM). The schedule for the day will be adjusted based on your arrival time, marking the start of your immersive 3-week journey through Vietnam.

Begin your discovery of Hanoi with a walk through the heart of the city, soaking in its thousand-year-old charm:

• Ly Thai To Monument – A symbolic site to delve into the deep historical roots of the Vietnamese capital.

• Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) – The spiritual heart of Hanoi, featuring the picturesque Ngoc Son Temple and the iconic Turtle Tower.

• The Old Quarter and its 36 trade streets – A guided walking tour through the historic artisan lanes, each named after the traditional wares once sold there, such as Silk Street, Iron Street, Sugar Street, and Herbal Medicine Street.

• Colonial Hanoi – Enjoy a scenic cyclo (rickshaw) ride through the elegant French Quarter, passing landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House, Metropole Hotel, State Bank, and the Central Post Office.

Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

Cultural and Historical Treasures of Hanoi

Today is dedicated to discovering Hanoi’s most significant cultural landmarks and historical monuments:

• The Temple of Literature – Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070, and a lasting symbol of feudal education and Confucian values. Its serene courtyards and traditional architecture make it one of Hanoi’s most revered sites.

• Ba Dinh Square – The political heart of Vietnam, home to key national monuments, including:

  • The former Governor’s Palace of Indochina, now the Presidential Palace

  • The solemn Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, where the revered leader rests

  • Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, a modest wooden residence where he lived and worked

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – A fascinating museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups through more than 25,000 traditional and modern artifacts, including costumes, tools, and reconstructed houses.

In the evening, enjoy a traditional water puppet show, a captivating art form born from rural Vietnamese villages and performed over water with live music and colorful wooden puppets.

Overnight at your hotel in Hanoi.

Begin your scenic drive to Hoang Su Phi, one of the most untouched and breathtaking regions in Ha Giang province, known for its dramatic mountain landscapes and terraced rice fields sculpted into the hillsides.

Arrive in the afternoon and check in at Pan Hou Eco Lodge, a charming retreat nestled in the heart of the valley. Surrounded by lush greenery, the lodge features traditionally built bungalows that blend harmoniously with the natural environment of Hoang Su Phi.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure—relax in the peaceful atmosphere or wander the grounds of the eco-lodge to soak in the tranquil mountain scenery.

In the evening, gather in the central pavilion for a traditional cultural performance by the local Dao ethnic group. This intimate experience offers a glimpse into their vibrant heritage and age-old customs.

Overnight in a bungalow at Pan Hou Eco Lodge.

Today promises a full day of immersive trekking from Thong Nguyen commune to Nam Son commune, taking you deep into the captivating landscapes of northern Vietnam. As you walk through expansive terraced rice fields, you’ll encounter various ethnic minority communities, offering a rare opportunity to engage with their daily lives—whether it’s gardening, feeding livestock, or simply sharing a warm conversation.

The trek unfolds through serene and spectacular scenery—a true hallmark of the Hoang Su Phi region. While the trail is of moderate difficulty, you’ll encounter gentle slopes, stream crossings, and winding mountain paths that add a touch of adventure and reward you with unforgettable views.

Around midday, enjoy a picnic-style lunch at a local home, where you can rest, refuel, and experience the generous hospitality of the locals.

Your day concludes with a home-cooked dinner and overnight stay at a traditional homestay, where the simplicity and warmth of rural life create an atmosphere that’s both authentic and deeply enriching.

Set off for Vietnam’s far northeast, venturing into the raw, untouched beauty of Ha Giang province. The journey unfolds along winding mountain roads, revealing majestic landscapes of towering limestone peaks, deep green valleys, and dramatic cliffs stretching endlessly across the horizon.

As you ascend through the highlands, the scenery becomes increasingly spectacular—rugged granite formations, steep hillsides, and breathtaking canyons define this untamed region. Known as one of the most remote areas in Vietnam, Ha Giang offers a true paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike.

Arrive in Ha Giang City in the late afternoon and check in to your hotel. The evening is free to rest and prepare for the mountain adventures ahead.

Bid farewell to your hosts and embark on a breathtaking journey toward the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark and one of Asia’s largest and most spectacular limestone landscapes. Today’s drive winds along steep, twisting mountain roads, revealing a dramatic terrain of endless karst peaks and vertiginous cliffs—undoubtedly one of the most striking stretches of your trip.

Along the way, you’ll make several enriching stops:

• Lung Tam Village – Visit a cooperative run by Hmong women dedicated to the ancient art of linen weaving. Discover the meticulous process of making and dyeing linen fabrics, and browse beautifully crafted items—bags, scarves, clothing—infused with the traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

• Pho Cao – Take a short walk through a charming neighborhood of mud-walled houses with tiled roofs, offering a glimpse into the region’s traditional architecture and lifestyle.

• Sa Phin – The Vuong Family Palace – Explore the former residence of Vuong Chi Duc, a powerful Hmong leader in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The mansion, a unique fusion of Chinese and Hmong design, reflects the influence and wealth of this historic clan.

Arrive in Dong Van in the afternoon and check in to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure—perhaps take a gentle walk through the quiet streets of this quaint mountain town.

Overnight at the hotel in Dong Van.

After breakfast, set off along the legendary Route 4C, crossing the awe-inspiring Ma Pi Leng Pass—one of Vietnam’s most dramatic and iconic mountain roads. Carved into the side of a colossal limestone cliff once deemed impassable, the pass offers breathtaking views of jagged peaks, deep gorges, and winding rivers far below.

Venture off the main road and descend via narrow zigzagging paths that lead to the foot of the pass. Along the way, admire the majestic karst formations, lush valleys, and the scattered homes of local ethnic minority communities nestled into the hillsides. Pause in Ngai Lau, a peaceful Hmong hamlet, to appreciate the serene rural life and connect with the local people.

Continue by road toward Bao Lac, a quiet town resting on the banks of the Gam River. From there, ascend into the hills to reach Khuoi Khon, a picturesque hamlet perched among rice terraces and home to the Black Lolo, one of Vietnam’s most culturally distinct ethnic groups.

In the evening, settle into a traditional stilt house and enjoy an overnight stay with a Lolo family, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into their daily life and customs.

Overnight at the homestay in Khuoi Khon.

After breakfast, continue your journey to Quang Uyen, a peaceful rural district near the Chinese border, set amidst rolling hills and lush valleys on the way to Cao Bang.

Upon arrival, enjoy a leisurely walk through nearby craft villages inhabited by the Tay and Nung ethnic groups, where time seems to move more slowly. These communities are renowned for their Yin-Yang tiled roof houses and a traditional way of life that has remained largely untouched by modern influences.

You’ll visit two remarkable villages:

• Phia Chang – A village known for its centuries-old blacksmithing tradition, where skilled artisans forge knives from special steel using age-old techniques.

• Phia Thap – A village famous for handmade incense production, where families craft aromatic sticks using natural ingredients and ancestral methods.

Few ethnic communities in northern Vietnam preserve such a rich diversity of traditional crafts as the Tay and Nung people of Quang Uyen.

In the late afternoon, settle into a warm and welcoming homestay with a Tay family in the incense-making village. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner and a peaceful night in their traditional stilt house, surrounded by the tranquil rhythms of village life.

Overnight at the Tay homestay in Quang Uyen.

This morning, depart for the easternmost reaches of Cao Bang province, near the Chinese border. Your journey takes you through a stunning landscape of conical-shaped limestone hills and lush green mountains, offering a postcard-perfect view of northern Vietnam’s untouched beauty.

Arrive in Trung Khanh district to visit the breathtaking Ban Gioc Waterfall—one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Asia and the fourth largest cross-border waterfall in the world, after Iguazu, Niagara, and Victoria Falls. Cascading from a height of 30 meters across multiple tiers, Ban Gioc is a true natural wonder. Swimming is permitted in designated areas during certain times of the year, offering a refreshing experience amidst the misty spray.

Continue to Dam Thuy to explore the awe-inspiring Nguom Ngao Cave, a vast underground cavern filled with striking stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by nature over millions of years. Walking through its dramatic chambers is like stepping into a subterranean cathedral.

After the visit, return to Cao Bang and settle in for a restful evening at your hotel.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

After breakfast, begin your scenic return journey to Hanoi by road, passing through the tranquil countryside and dramatic landscapes one last time.

Arrive in the capital in the late afternoon, where a relaxing foot massage awaits you at a local wellness center—an ideal way to unwind after your time in the northern highlands.

The evening is free for you to enjoy at your leisure: explore Hanoi’s vibrant Old Quarter, dine at a local restaurant, or simply rest at the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.

Depart Hanoi for a full-day excursion to Ninh Binh, a region renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts, sugarloaf peaks, and lush rice paddies interlaced with rivers and lakes that shimmer year-round.

Upon arrival in Ninh Xuan, visit the iconic Mua Cave (Hang Múa). Climb the 486 stone steps of the white stairway that leads to the summit of a bell-shaped mountain. From the top, enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Tam Coc valley, where emerald rice fields weave through the karst landscape.

Continue to Tam Coc, where you’ll enjoy a relaxing bicycle ride through the tranquil countryside. Ride past traditional villages, lotus ponds, and rice paddies framed by jagged limestone cliffs—an unforgettable way to experience the rural charm of the region.

In the afternoon, board a small sampan for a serene boat trip along the Ngo Dong River. As your boat glides gently along the water, you’ll pass through a dreamlike landscape of towering karst peaks and lush fields, floating under three natural caves carved into the base of the mountains.

At the end of the day, return to Hanoi for a peaceful overnight stay at your hotel.

Depart Hanoi for the world-renowned Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magical seascapes in Asia. Upon arrival at the pier, board a traditional wooden junk boat, where the friendly crew will welcome you on board.

Set sail into the less-traveled waters of Bai Tu Long Bay, the serene northern part of Ha Long Bay, known for its unspoiled beauty and fewer crowds.

Highlights of your cruise include:

• Admiring the limestone islets, each with unique shapes—such as the Sail, Dog, Rooster, and Incense Burner—rising dramatically from the emerald water.

• A tranquil kayak or sampan ride to explore the peaceful Vung Vieng fishing village, where you’ll have the chance to observe daily life on the water and interact with local residents.

• Relaxing on the sun deck as the boat glides through the bay—ideal for taking in the sunset with a drink in hand.

• Participating in a Vietnamese cooking class on board, where the chef will guide you in making nem (Vietnamese spring rolls).

• Savoring freshly prepared meals featuring a variety of local seafood specialties, served in a cozy onboard dining area.

• In the evening, unwind with optional activities like card games, squid fishing, or simply stargazing from the deck.

Overnight on board, surrounded by the stillness and magic of the bay.

Wake up early for a truly magical experience: greet the day with a Tai Chi session on the sun deck, as the first golden rays of sunlight rise above the misty karst peaks of Ha Long Bay. This peaceful moment, set against one of Asia’s most breathtaking landscapes, is sure to be a lasting memory.

After breakfast, your cruise continues through the lesser-known corners of the bay, offering more intimate views of its hidden beauty. Make a stop at Thien Canh Son Cave, a stunning grotto adorned with ancient stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by time over thousands of years.

Enjoy a final lunch on board as your junk makes its way back to the pier. Disembark and begin the return journey to Hanoi.

In the evening, board a short flight to Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, located in the heart of the country.

Overnight in Hue.