Northern Vietnam Highlands Trek – From Hanoi to Ba Be via Ha Giang & Dong Van
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Discover the raw beauty and cultural richness of Northern Vietnam on this adventurous trekking journey through its most iconic highland regions. Starting from the bustling capital of Hanoi, the tour takes you deep into the remote mountains of Hà Giang, across the majestic Dong Van Karst Plateau, through traditional ethnic villages in Mèo Vạc and Bảo Lạc, and finally to the tranquil waters of Ba Be Lake.
Along the way, you’ll trek through terraced rice fields, limestone peaks, hidden mountain passes, and untouched minority villages. This is a journey designed for those seeking authentic encounters, dramatic landscapes, and a deeper connection with Vietnam’s northern frontier.
Perfect for trekkers and culture seekers alike, this tour blends nature, adventure, and local life in one unforgettable route across Vietnam’s most spectacular highlands.
Northern Vietnam Highlands Trek Tour Schedule – From Hanoi to Ba Be via Ha Giang & Dong Van
Your guide will pick you up at 8am for a drive to Ha Giang via Tuyen Quang, passing tea plantations and ethnic villages. After lunch in Tuyen Quang, arrive in Ha Giang by 6pm. Explore the town, then enjoy dinner and stay in a local Tay house.3-5km hike.
Today, begin your 6-8 hour trek from the homestay to Lung Vai village, passing terraced rice paddies, mountains, and palm-tree forests. Along the way, meet ethnic groups like the Man and Dao. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue to the remote village of Khuoi My, where you may even join local farmers in their work. Afterward, head to Ban Tha Village, where you'll be driven to Nam Dam for a home-cooked meal and overnight stay in a Dao family homestay.
15-17km trek.
In the morning, we head to Dong Van, passing Cong Troi Pass and Yen Minh. We’ll visit the King’s Palace in Sa Phin and explore local corn plantations. After lunch at Dong Van’s old market, we’ll enjoy dinner and stay overnight at a hotel.
5-7km trek.
After breakfast, explore Dong Van Old Quarter, then trek to Pu Lo fortress for stunning views. Continue with an 8km hike to Ma Pi Leng Pass, passing limestone peaks and canyons, before descending into Meo Vac for an overnight stay.
8km trek.
After breakfast, we’ll trek around the villages of Meo Vac, exploring the Lo Lo villages, where traditional customs are well-preserved. We’ll then head to Bao Lac for dinner and an overnight stay.
5-7km trek.
Before leaving Bao Lac, visit the Bao Lac market, one of the most photogenic spots in northern Vietnam, held once a week. After lunch, we'll drive along a bumpy road through rice fields and rivers, arriving at Ba Be National Park in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in a Tay house by the Ba Be lakeshore.
5-7km trek.
Get ready for an exciting day of trekking! Your guide will take you to Coc Toc Village to meet the Tay community, skilled in fishing and living off a fish-based diet. From there, cross Pe Lu Stream and tackle some challenging terrain, offering rewarding views of the lush countryside. After reaching higher altitudes, enjoy a picnic lunch in a H'mong village and interact with the locals.
In the afternoon, trek through mountains and valleys to see stilt houses and a school of the Dzao people. Continue to another H'mong village for dinner and an overnight stay in a comfortable Dzao house.
15-17km trek.
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the homestay, and if you’d like, try on traditional Dzao clothing for some memorable photos. Then, embark on a gentler trek through a black H'mong village, followed by a descent through a beautiful forest to Dau Dang Waterfall, located on the border between Bac Kan and Tuyen Quang.
After enjoying the waterfall, have lunch with 'Mr. Pirate,' the star of the "Ba Be Lake Pirate Movie." In the afternoon, relax on a motorboat trip to Puong Cave, a stunning limestone structure filled with bats, and explore An Ma Temple. End the day with a hearty dinner and restful overnight stay at Ba Be still Houses.
5-7km trek.
After breakfast, visit Pac Ngoi Village and hike to the upper Ba Be Lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs. Explore Hua Ma Cave and enjoy scenic views of terraced fields. After lunch, head back to Hanoi.
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