Hidden Villages & Markets of Northern Vietnam

Hanoi – Nam Khat – Ta Giang Phin – Muong Hum – Vinh Yen – Halong

13 Days 12 Nights

Duration

13 Days & 12 Nights

Group Size

Max 20 people

Travel Styles

Art & Culture, Classic, Local Encounters

Minimum age

Travellers need to be at least 8 years old

Transport

Car

Best time to go

From March to October

Selling Points

There are incredible landscapes with the most beautiful rice terraces in Vietnam, large mountainous valleys, tea plantations, cinnamon plantations, etc.
Without mass tourism, the itinerary includes remote locations and off-the-beaten-path experiences yet very accessible hikes in the north.
Some of the most beautiful markets in Northern Vietnam, with various ethnic minorities (Hmong, Hani, Red Dzao, Thaï)
The locations are heaven for photographers with limited transportation (for Northern Vietnam) yet diverse minorities and landscapes.
There are different options for accommodations, from homestays to small eco-friendly lodges.

Day 1

Arrival in Hanoi

Travelers begin their expedition by exploring the nation’s vibrant capital. The itinerary takes guests on walking tours enhanced with Easia Signature product touches, such as a Polaroid photo tour and a hole-in-the-wall food tasting tour.

Day 2

Hanoi

Discover Hanoi through the lens of a Polaroid camera today. In the late afternoon, you will have a chance to understand what makes Hanoi’s Old Quarter such a fascinating place. Here, you will be able to taste a wide variety of Vietnamese specialties. You will then say goodbye to your guide and go on to explore Hanoi by night on your own.

Day 3

Hanoi – Duong Lam – Nghia Lo

The next destination offers an introduction to the scenic, peaceful countryside as travelers jump in the saddle to tour the seldom-seen villages and rural temples of Duong Lam and Nghia Lo.

Day 4

Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai

Mu Cang Chai presents some of the most spectacular rice terraces in Vietnam. Travelers stay in an Ecolodge and are offered chances to embrace the local culture during a three-night stay. In the morning, you will head towards Mu Cang Chai area. Along the way you will have the opportunity to go hiking in a quaint village of the Mu Cang Chai district. After lunch, continue to the Ecolodge. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk around the area before dinner time to discover this area.

Day 5

Mu Cang Chai

Today you will discover the villages and magnificent rice terrace landscapes and valleys of Mu Cang Chai during a 15-kilometer walk. After lunch, continue your walk towards the Thai village with a beautiful view of Chang valley. Return to the Ecolodge in the late afternoon.

Day 6

Ta Giang Phin

You will enjoy your final exploration of the area in the morning with a short drive to a Hmong village. En route can make several stops to take pictures of the splendid mountain landscapes. You will arrive in Ta Giang Phin in the late afternoon.

Day 7

Ta Giang Phin – Muong Hum - Y Ty

The cultural exploration of Vietnam’s north moves to Y Ty. Next is an authentic, unspoiled, and rarely visited destination by Western travelers. More jaw-dropping scenery can be found here, as your guests are immersed in true mountain life away from the tourists.

In the morning, after arriving at Y Ty, you will visit the Y Ty market, a weekly market of local ethnic groups in this area. After the call, visit a village in the valley nearby, which is also the home of the Ha Nhi people. On the traveling way to Muong Hum, continue your hike in Ky Quan San, a beautiful rice terrace valley surrounded by a range of high mountains.

You will arrive at the homestay in the late afternoon, and dinner will be served after time to refresh.

Day 8

Vinh Yen

Local immersions continue in Vinh Yen, another destination few travelers explore. Visits to markets and cinnamon plantations educate your travelers on the local communities and ethnic minorities of the region. In the morning, you will visit the weekly Muong Hum Market. After the market, you will go to Vinh Yen, a lovely region in the East of Lao Cai Province where you will enjoy the end of the afternoon at your leisure.

Day 9

Vinh Yen

In the morning you will learn about the cinnamon plantations surrounding the lodge. During your walk, you will reach a village with many stilted houses where you will find a small waterfall; the perfect place for a quick swim. End your walk after crossing a bridge and locate the main road for a quick transfer back to your lodge.

Day 10

Hanoi

A brief respite back in city life comes next; a pit stops in Hanoi before passing to the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.

Day 11

Hanoi - Halong Bay

Still revered by many as one of the most spectacular karst formations in Asia, Halong Bay’s 1,900 islets and rocky peaks remain a “once in a lifetime” experience. Two nights aboard a traditional junk offer a relaxed way to enjoy the stunning marine landscape in total comfort.

Day 12

Halong Bay - Hanoi

Early in the morning (and depending on the season), you will wake up to enjoy the sunrise over the aquamarine waters of the bay. Then the cruise will tour around the bay until you disembark at the end of the morning. After that, you will then return to Hanoi.

Day 13

Hanoi Departure

After checking out you will meet your driver and travel to Hanoi airport for your outbound flight.

Find Out More

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