Northern Vietnam Off The Beaten Track in 14D13N

14 Days, 13 Nights

CODE: NVOTBT14D13N

NORTHERN VIETNAM OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN 14D13N

If you’re looking for a unique adventure that’s as rich in culture as it is in natural beauty, this 14-day Northern Vietnam Off The Beaten Track tour is perfect for you. Travel beyond the usual tourist routes to explore mountain passes, vibrant ethnic villages, and serene nature reserves. Immerse yourself in Vietnam’s diverse traditions while soaking in the stunning scenery.

Hidden Gems

Ethnic Diversity

Scenic Nature

TRIP ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi - Pickup from airport and transfer to hotel - Food tour in the afternoon

Your Northern Vietnam Off The Beaten Track adventure begins as you step into the vibrant city of Hanoi. After being warmly welcomed at the airport and taken to your hotel by our tour guide, the city’s charm quickly starts to unfold.In the afternoon, a food tour takes you into Hanoi’s heart. You try famous dishes like pho and bun cha, sitting on tiny stools in the Old Quarter. Each bite tells a story of tradition, and the energy of the Old Quarter makes you feel alive.

Day 2: Hanoi city tour

Today you will begin at the Ho Chi Minh Complex, where you will learn about Vietnam’s beloved leader. The peaceful gardens and impressive architecture are a perfect start. Next, you visit the Temple of Literature, an ancient university that feels calm and serene.At the Museum of Ethnology, you explore Vietnam’s diverse ethnic groups through colorful exhibits and traditional houses. In the afternoon, you take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter, watching the daily life of the city unfold.As the day ends, you feel a deep appreciation for Hanoi’s vibrant culture.

Day 3: Hanoi - Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)

After breakfast, you leave Hanoi and head to Ninh Binh, known as the “Halong Bay on land”. The drive takes you through peaceful countryside. Once you arrive, you take a small boat along the Tam Coc River. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush green fields, it feels like stepping into a painting. The water is calm, and you hear nothing but the gentle splash of the oars.Later, you visit the ancient Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled into the hills, and the historic Hoa Lu Temple. The beauty and quiet of Ninh Binh leave you feeling relaxed and amazed.

DAY 4: Ninh Binh - Da bac

This morning of the Northern Vietnam Off The Beaten Track trip, you travel deeper into Vietnam’s countryside, heading to the remote area of Da Bac. The journey takes you through mountains and small villages.When you reach Sung Village, your homestay hosts welcome you warmly. Their simple home is surrounded by green hills, and the pace of life here is slow and peaceful. You spend the evening learning about their culture, enjoying home-cooked meals, and soaking in the beauty of nature.

DAY 5: Da Bac trekking

On this day, start the Northern Vietnam Off The Beaten Track tour by hiking through Da Bac’s rolling hills, passing through small villages and meeting friendly locals along the way. The paths take you to breathtaking views of the mountains and forests.Later, you head to the Hoa Binh River for kayaking. As you paddle along the calm waters, you feel completely surrounded by nature. The quiet, broken only by the sound of your paddle, makes you feel at peace. By the end of the day, you feel refreshed and connected to the natural world.

DAY 6: Da Bac - Pu Luong

Leaving Da Bac, you travel to Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This beautiful area is filled with terraced rice fields, green valleys, and tiny villages. You hike through the reserve, stopping to visit Don Village and Hieu Village. Along the way, you see farmers working in the fields and children playing by the streams. The simple, hardworking life of the locals inspires you, and the beauty of the landscapes fills your heart with awe.

DAY 7: Pu Luong - Nghia Lo

Today, begin your Northern Vietnam Off The Beaten Track journey at Nghia Lo, stopping along the way to see Suoi Giang Commune. Here, you’ll visit ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees, which are hundreds of years old. The fresh mountain air and stories about the traditional tea-making process give you a sense of calm.It’s a day to slow down and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the mountains.

DAY 8: Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai - Tu Le

The road today takes you to Mu Cang Chai, a place famous for its stunning rice terraces. As you drive through the winding mountain roads, you stop at breathtaking spots like Khau Pha Pass, Lim Mong Village, and Raspberry Hill.Each place offers views more beautiful than the last, with golden rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. The beauty here feels almost unreal, so, come to take photos and soak in the moment.

DAY 9: Tu Le - Sapa

You start the day with some free time in Tu Le, enjoying the quiet town before heading to Sapa. Along the way, you pass through the majestic O Quy Ho Pass and stop to visit the Silver Waterfall. The mist from the waterfall and the cool mountain air make you feel refreshed.By the time you reach Sapa, the lively town surrounded by towering mountains feels like a whole new world.

DAY 10: Sapa full day trekking: Lech Dao

Sapa is known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture, and today you experience both. You trek through the villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, walking along narrow paths surrounded by rice terraces. The local H’mong and Dzay people welcome you warmly, sharing their stories and way of life.Spending the night in a homestay in Ta Van Village, you feel deeply connected to the land and the people who call it home.

DAY 11: Sapa - Thon Tha

Leaving Sapa, you travel to Thon Tha Village in Ha Giang. The drive takes you through mountains and valleys, and when you arrive, the village feels like a hidden gem.Your Tay homestay hosts will greet you with kindness. As the day ends, you sit outside, listening to the sounds of the countryside and feeling completely at ease.

DAY 12: Thon Tha - Dong Van

After finishing your breakfast in the homestay, you will head to Dong Van, passing through incredible landscapes along the way. The highlight is Ma Pi Leng Pass, where the cliffs drop steeply into a deep canyon. You hike along the sky path, feeling small but in awe of the grand scenery around you.By evening, you arrive in Dong Van town, where you can rest and reflect on the day’s beauty.

DAY 13: Dong Van - Nam Dam

The day begins with a visit to the H’mong King Palace, a historic home tucked into the mountains. Afterward, you explore Lao Xa Village before arriving in Nam Dam.Here, you will stay at a Dao ethnic people’s homestay, enjoying the warm hospitality of your hosts. The village’s quiet and simple way of life makes you feel grounded and grateful.

DAY 14: Nam Dam - Hanoi - Airport dropoff

On your final day of the Northern Vietnam Off The Beaten Track, you visit Lung Khuy Cave, a hidden treasure with stunning formations. The journey back to Hanoi is filled with memories of the past two weeks.Then prepare for your departure and end your Northern Vietnam Off The Beaten Track tour.

The itinerary is subject to change or cancellation due to weather conditions.

Included: Ground transport, English-speaking guide, accommodation, activities & meals mentioned above.
Excluded: Airfares, visa fees, travel insurance, gratuities, personal expenses & all other services not clearly mentioned above.

WHY TRAVEL WITH YESD?

Authentic

We give local people employment, income and learning opportunities so they are directly involved in your tourism experience. Our guides and hosts will give you a special insight into culture and life in Vietnam.

Responsible

We aim to minimise the negative impacts of tourism on the environment and the local community while contributing positively to local economies. We don’t just talk responsible tourism, we act!

Tours that translate

10% of all profits from our tours go towards a community fund. This money allows us to make infrastructure improvements and provide other important resources to those in need.

READY TO EXPLORE VIETNAM OFF THE BEATEN TRACK?

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“We traveled with YESD to northern Vietnam for 6 days and 5 nights to Ha Giang Cao Bang regions. It was an amazing journey involving hiking in the mountains, exploring local villages, sailing on the Nho Que River, and visiting local waterfalls, among many more sites. Tung was an excellent tour guide — very knowledgeable, understanding, warm, charming, kind, and very flexible. We really appreciated being with her.

And the driver, Mr Hop, was very experienced. We felt safe. We would highly recommend them and the tour to others. We already have very fond memories of our tour.” See more.

Mark R / Trip Advisor

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NORTHERN VIETNAM OFF THE BEATEN TRACK IN 14D13N