Tour in the Northeast Vietnam: Where to go? Which itinerary? What to do? How many days?

The Northeast is certainly Vietnam’s most astonishing, bewildering, and spectacular region where nature seems to have been petrified in a delirium. It is in these stunning natural settings where we can find an incredible ethnic mosaic and fascinating heritages.

In this article, come and discover this sensational region that never sinks into monotony!

Why choose North-East Vietnam?

Northeast Vietnam, the land of unique landscapes

The rugged mountainous region of Northeast Vietnam is home to some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. Toward the north, in Ha Giang Province, along the Chinese border, Hoang Su Phi boasts an awe-inspiring backdrop of cascading rice terraces, classified as a national heritage site. The best time to admire the beauty of these terraced rice fields, which are among the must-visit attractions of Northeast Vietnam, is from September to early October, when the ripe rice glistens in the sun, painting the hills in a radiant golden hue. Hoang Su Phi is also famous for its centuries-old tea bushes, which produce a kind of black tea with a strong cocoa-ish scent. Hiking is a must-try activity in Hoang Su Phi, allowing you to blend in with the exquisite natural scenery.

>> Read more: Trekking Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang in 3, 4, 5, 6 to 7 days, what to do?

Tay Con Linh Mountain is also where you can find beautiful rice terraces, hidden at the foot of the mountain. As you explore Ha Giang, take a hike through the villages of Tha, Ha Thanh, Khuoi Mi, and Lung Vai, located 5 km from Ha Giang town. Get ready to be amazed by the vast rice fields terraced by the hardworking farmers. Like golden ribbons, the rice terraces wind around the hills, offering a charming panorama, featuring picturesque villages of the Dao and Tay ethnic groups. Tay Con Linh’s rice terraces take on a different charm regardless of the season. In spring, the terraces come alive with vibrant shades of green, while in autumn, they are adorned in a beautiful golden hue, filling the air with the delightful aroma of freshly harvested rice. Each moment spent in this breathtaking landscape leaves travelers with unforgettable memories.

Tha Village in Ha Giang

Further to the east, continuing along the Chinese border and still in Ha Giang province, lies another of Northeast Vietnam's must-visit attractions: the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. With a total surface area of 2356 km², this geopark, a member of UNESCO’s Global Network of Geoparks, covers four districts, including Quan Ba, Yen Minh, Dong Van, and Meo Vac. Dong Van is characterized by its innumerable arid, barren limestone formations, giving rise to a lunar landscape that is nothing short of breathtaking. It is also in this spectacular setting, where majestic mountains and deep canyons marry beautifully, that many mountain tribes reside.  

In the south of Dong Van, Cao Bang Province awaits you with wild and rugged nature where forests of karst formations stretch as far as the eye can see. The rice-growing valleys, quaint villages, and hamlets at the foot of these giant stones form enchanting landscapes that delight any visitor. This extravagant nature is home to the Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Northeast Vietnam’s natural wonders and must-see sites. Located on the border between Vietnam and China, this waterfall is the largest neutral waterfall in Southeast Asia and one of the most beautiful in Vietnam. With its impressive width, the waterfall offers an awe-inspiring spectacle. Ban Gioc Waterfall comprises Thac Chinh (Main Waterfall) and Thac Phu (Subordinate Waterfall). The main waterfall is about 100 meters wide and features 3 levels of cascades, separated by rocky spurs. The stunning waterfall plunging 70 meters creates an impressive sight. This destination is perfect for nature lovers, particularly between September and December when the waters are clearest and the scenery is most picturesque.

>> Read more: The 8 Best Things to See and Do in Cao Bang

As you continue further south, you will come to Lang Son Province, home to one of the most enchanting rice-growing valleys in all of Vietnam, the Bac Son Valley. The latter stretches out in a formidable patchwork of rice paddies along rows of sugar loaves. Head to Na Lay Mountain, the breathtaking panorama from an altitude of 600 meters promises a worthy reward for any conqueror.   

In the South of Bac Son, still in Lang Son Province, lies the Huu Lung Nature Reserve, another site to visit in Northeastern Vietnam, famous for its magnificent maze of limestone, an ideal playground for experienced climbers and hikers. 

It would be a mistake not to mention Ba Be National Park, a veritable treasure and undoubtedly a must-visit attraction in Northeast Vietnam. This untamed natural setting is home to an emerald-colored lake, closely framed by impressive karst mountains covered in jungles and dense forests, habitat to numerous animal species, including macaques, pangolins, flying squirrels, and a few Asian black bears. Ba Be National Park can be visited on foot, by bike, kayak, or boat.

Northeast Vietnam, a patchwork mattress made of many different ethnic groups

The Northeast region of Vietnam is home to various ethnic minorities. 

Concentrated in Ha Giang Province, perched in their eagle nests, kings of the summits are the Hmong. The Mong Hoa (or Flower Hmong) reside in the Hoang Su Phi district, and the Mong Den (Black Hmong) populate in Dong Van.

In lower altitudes, in the fields, on the hiking trails, and especially at the ethnic markets, you will encounter the Dao, Tay, Nung, or Lo Lo. While each of these ethnic groups has its own colourful traditional costume, what they all have in common is a tremendous sense of hospitality. Ensure you include one or several nights at a local's home to experience this warm hospitality and discover their fascinating ancestral cultures.

Northeast Vietnam, a territory imprinted with a rich history

This mountainous territory is deeply imprinted by history over the centuries. On the scenic road to Dong Van that passes the karst plateau, don’t miss a stop at the former palace of the Hmong King. In the early 20th century, the French made him an ally, enthroning him as king to assert their authority on the Chinese border and to satisfy their opium supply, and built him a fortified palace in a limestone maze that blends traditional Hmong and Chinese art and geomantic principles. An architectural marvel, classified as a national architectural and artistic monument.

Cao Bang Province is a region deeply rooted in history. During the French Indochina, this region served as a significant garrison on the border with China. This area was the starting point of the famous Route Coloniale 4 (RC4), which extended southward to the posts of Dong Khe, That Khe, and Lang Son. Convoys on this strategic route faced frequent attacks, and the road became known as the “bloody road”. In 1950, orders were issued to evacuate Cao Bang and all the posts on RC4. The operation turned into a disaster for the French army and marked a decisive turning point in the Indochina War. 

The labyrinth of limestone formations at Cao Bang served as a refuge for Ho Chi Minh, the father of the nation. In 1941, returning from thirty years of exile, he found refuge in the Coc Bo cave and began the struggle for the nation's independence.

What are some must-try experiences in Northeast Vietnam?

Hike through the villages

The Northeast of Vietnam is considered one of the toughest regions to explore, yet above all, one of the most beautiful and worth conquering. The rugged mountainous terrain and spectacular landscapes invite adventurous travelers on an unforgettable trip. Regardless of your hiking experience or physical condition, this mountainous region of Vietnam is sure to adapt to all levels. A hike through the villages in Ha Giang and Cao Bang promises an opportunity to discover karst mountains and unparalleled panoramas, as well as encounters with mountain tribes, including the Hmong, Dao, and Nung.

Visit an ethnic market

The Northeast is home to many ethnic markets, guaranteeing a change of scenery on your trip to Vietnam. The stalls are a feast of colors, but the aisles are even more impressive, with women dressed in stunning traditional costumes. Playing an integral part in the daily life of the locals, these markets are a must-visit in Northern Vietnam, where you can see the region in its truest color.  Here are some not-to-be-missed markets:

Lung Phin Market: Lung Phin Commune, Meo Vec District, Ha Giang.

Dong Van Market (opens every Sunday): Dong Van District, Ha Giang

Bao Lac Market (opens every 5th day of the lunar month): Bao Lac District, Cao Bang.

Dong Van Market in Ha Giang 

Spend the night at a local’s home

Spending the nights with the locals promises to leave lasting memories of your Vietnam trip. Although the conditions of accommodations might rather be basic, especially those in remote villages where you hike, staying overnight with indigenous people is a moment of conviviality, an experience rich in emotions. With the help of an English-speaking guide, you will gain a close-up insight into the authentic lives of the locals, like their way of life and their customs, all while adopting a responsible and sustainable approach. 

Take some astounding photos

For photographers and enthusiasts, Northeast Vietnam offers ideal conditions for capturing stunning images. Travel along the renowned photographer's route from Ha Giang to Dong Van and onwards to Meo Vac. This scenic road stretches for about one hundred kilometers and reveals breathtaking landscapes featuring towering limestone peaks. Along the way, you'll encounter a myriad of ethnic minorities, including the Hmong, Dao, Nung, Tay, and Lolo, all set against the spectacular backdrop of nature.

When is the best time to visit Northeast Vietnam?

Northeastern Vietnam can be visited year-round. The dry season, which lasts from November to April, is characterized by cool temperatures, a bit cold sometimes, and low precipitations, while the humid season is warmer and commences in May and ends in October.

The rice fields are most marvelous from May to October, especially during the harvest period (late September to early October) in Hoang Su Phi. In November, you can contemplate the beauty of buckwheat flowers in full bloom in Dong Van. 

Travel Itineraries for North-East Vietnam Travel Itineraries

5 days is the minimum needed to explore what is considered Vietnam’s most captivating region since its terrain is much more rugged than elsewhere and there are neither highways nor trains. 

Here are some travel itineraries crafted by Authentik Vietnam to help you plan your trip to Northeast Vietnam, promising spectacular landscapes and fascinating encounters.

5-day North East Vietnam Itinerary

Route: Hanoi- Ha Giang- Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac- Ba Be- Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 2: Ha Giang- Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 3: Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 4: Bao Lac- Ba Be: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group, visit the Hua Ma Cave and spend the night in a Tay home.

Day 5: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

6-day North East Vietnam Itinerary

If you are more of a hiking enthusiast, consider an extended day for hiking in either Ha Giang, Dong Van or Ba Be. Of course, you can add more days if your time is not limited. 

Option 1: An additional day in Ha Giang

Day 1: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 2: Hiking in Ha Giang: Hike in Tay Con Linh Mountain; visit the villages of Tha, Na Thac, Khuoi My, Lung Vai and, Ha Thanh.

Day 3: Ha Giang- Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 4: Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 5: Bao Lac- Ba Be: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group, visit the Hua Ma Cave and spend the night in a Tay home.

Day 6: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

Option 2: An additional day in Dong Van

Day 1: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 2: Ha Giang - Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 3: Hiking in Dong Van: Visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower, Lolo ethnic group’s village and hike in Dong Van along the Nho Que River.

Day 4:  Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 5: Bao Lac- Ba Be: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group, visit the Hua Ma Cave and spend the night in a Tay home.

Day 6: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

Option 3: An additional day in Ba Be

Day 1: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 2: Ha Giang - Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 3: Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 4: Bao Lac- Ba Be: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group, visit the Hua Ma Cave and spend the night in a Tay home.

Day 5: Discover Ba Be: Bike ride through the villages, visit Puong Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall.

Day 6: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

7-day North East Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 2: Hiking in Ha Giang: Hike in Tay Con Linh Mountain; visit the villages of Tha, Na Thac, Khuoi My, Lung Vai and, Ha Thanh.

Day 3: Ha Giang- Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 4: Hiking in Dong Van: Visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower, Lolo ethnic group’s village and hike in Dong Van along the Nho Que River.

Day 5:  Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 6: Bao Lac- Ba Be: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group, visit the Hua Ma Cave and spend the night in a Tay home.

Day 7: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

8-day North East Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 2: Hiking in Ha Giang: Hike in Tay Con Linh Mountain; visit the villages of Tha, Na Thac, Khuoi My, Lung Vai and, Ha Thanh.

Day 3: Ha Giang- Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 4: Hiking in Dong Van: Visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower, Lolo ethnic group’s village and hike in Dong Van along the Nho Que River.

Day 5:  Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 6: Bao Lac- Ba Be: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group, visit the Hua Ma Cave and spend the night in a Tay home.

Day 7: Discover Ba Be: Bike ride through the villages; visit Puong Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall.

Day 8: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

9-day North East Vietnam Itinerary

If you have time, head to Cao Bang and visit local villages on the Chinese-Vietnamese border. This region, still little known to tourists, is a natural jewel of North-East Vietnam, owing to its varied relief and wild landscapes. This beautiful region is a delight for those seeking hiking through limestone mountains, lakes, caves, and waterfalls. 

Route: Hanoi- Ha Giang- Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac- Cao Bang- Ban Gioc- Ba Be- Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 2: Hiking in Ha Giang: Hike in Tay Con Linh Mountain; visit the villages of Tha, Na Thac, Khuoi My, Lung Vai and, Ha Thanh.

Day 3: Ha Giang- Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 4: Hiking in Dong Van: Visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower, Lolo ethnic group’s village and hike in Dong Van along the Nho Que River.

Day 5:  Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 6: Bao Lac- Cao Bang: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group; transfer to Cao Bang.

Day 7: Discover Cao Bang: Visit Vietnam’s most impressive waterfall- Ban Gioc Waterfall; explore Nguom Ngao Cave and visit a Nung ethnic group’s village.

Day 8: Cao Bang- Ba Be: Take in the breathtaking scenery on the hike to Nung Village; transfer to Ba Be.

Day 9: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

10-day North East Vietnam Itinerary

Route: Hanoi- Ha Giang- Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac- Cao Bang- Ban Gioc- Ba Be- Hanoi

Day 1: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 2: Hiking in Ha Giang: Hike in Tay Con Linh Mountain; visit the villages of Tha, Na Thac, Khuoi My, Lung Vai and, Ha Thanh.

Day 3: Ha Giang- Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 4: Hiking in Dong Van: Visit the Lung Cu Flag Tower, Lolo ethnic group’s village and hike in Dong Van along the Nho Que River.

Day 5:  Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 6: Bao Lac- Cao Bang: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group; transfer to Cao Bang.

Day 7: Discover Cao Bang: Visit Vietnam’s most impressive waterfall- Ban Gioc Waterfall; explore Nguom Ngao Cave and visit a Nung ethnic group’s village.

Day 8: Cao Bang- Ba Be: Take in the breathtaking scenery on the hike to Nung Village; transfer to Ba Be.

Day 9: Discover Ba Be: Bike ride through the villages; visit Puong Cave and Dau Dang Waterfall.

Day 10: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

In case you would like to stay in Ba Be for a few more days, it’s totally arrangable.

How to combine the Northeastern region with other destinations?

A tour in the Northeast is easy to combine with many other destinations in North Vietnam, such as Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Halong, and the Northwest region. And of course, the journey begins from Hanoi.

Northeast and Northwest Vietnam Tour

If you can not decide whether to opt for Northeastern or Northwestern Vietnam, why not do both?

This tour, unlike any other, is ideal for discovering Vietnam’s mountainous region in depth.  In fact, many Authentik Vietnam travelers have opted for this program and explored Vietnam from west to east. Spend time admiring the breathtaking rice fields of Nghia Lo, Mu Cang Chai, and Sapa before setting foot on the majestic Dong Van Karst plateau and then setting off on a cruise to Ba Be Lake.

Summary itinerary for a 9-day combination of Northeast and Northwest Vietnam

Day 1: Hanoi- Nghia Lo: Head for Nghia Lo with visits to tea plantations at Thanh Son, and discoveries of Muong and Thai ethnic villages.

Day 2: Nghia Lo- Tu Le- Mu Cang Chai: Hike through the stunning terraced rice fields of Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai, and La Pa Tan; soak in the culture of the Dao, Dzay, Thai, and Hmong peoples.

Day 3: Mu Cang Chai- Sapa: Easy hike to Na Tam, interact with the Lao and Lu people. Transfer to Sapa via Vietnam’s highest pass- the Hoang Lien Son Pass.

Day 4: Sapa- Bac Ha: Hike through rice terraces and ethnic villages in the Muong Hoa Valley; visit Hmong and Dzay minority groups. Transfer to Bac Ha.

Day 5: Bac Ha- Xin Man- Ha Giang: Easy hike to the villages of Me, Lup and Tha; interact with the Tay people.

Day 6: Ha Giang- Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 7: Dong Van- Meo Van- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 8: Bao Lac- Ba Be: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group, visit the Hua Ma Cave and spend the night in a Tay home.

Day 9: Ba Be- Hanoi: Boat trip on Ba Be Lake; explore Dau Dang Waterfall and Puong Cave. Return to Hanoi. 

Hanoi- Northeast- Halong Bay Tour

Route: Hanoi- Ha Giang- Dong Van- Meo vac- Bao Lac- Cao Bang- Ban Gioc- Ba Be- Hanoi- Halong

Day 1: Hanoi: Arrive in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi City Tour: Visits to Vietnam’s first university Van Mieu, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex; enjoy a water puppet show.

Day 3: Hanoi- Ha Giang: Trek through the villages of Me, Lup and Tha

Day 4: Hiking in Ha Giang: Hike in Tay Con Linh Mountain; visit the villages of Tha, Na Thac, Khuoi My, Lung Vai and, Ha Thanh.

Day 5: Ha Giang- Dong Van: Visit Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Twin Mountain, and Hmong King’s Palace; interact with the Hmong and Bo Y ethnic minority.

Day 6:  Dong Van- Meo Vac- Bao Lac: Head to Bao Lac from Dong Van. Visit Ma Pi Leng Pass and make a special visit to the Lolo and Hmong ethnic groups.

Day 7: Bao Lac- Cao Bang: Interact with the San Chi ethnic group; transfer to Cao Bang.

Day 8: Discover Cao Bang: Visit Vietnam’s most impressive waterfall- Ban Gioc Waterfall; explore Nguom Ngao Cave and visit a Nung ethnic group’s village.

Day 9: Cao Bang- Ba Be: Take in the breathtaking scenery on the hike to Nung Village; transfer to Ba Be.

Day 10: Ba Be- Hanoi: Enjoy a relaxing boat trip in magnificent scenery.

Day 11: Hanoi- Halong Bay- La Ha Bay: Enjoy the cruise on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

Day 12: Halong- Hanoi: Continue cruising. Return to Hanoi.

Day 13: Hanoi- Flight for other regions of Vietnam or flight back home.

If time allows, we suggest adding an extra 3-4 days in the Central region and another 3-4 days in the Southern region for a complete tour of Vietnam.

Day 14: Hue City Tour

Day 15: Hue- Hoian

Day 16: Discover Hoian

Day 17: Hoian - Flight for Ho Chi Minh City

Day 18: Ho Chi Minh City City Tour
Day 19: Ho Chi Minh City- Ben Tre- Can Tho

Day 20: Can Tho - Ho Chi Minh City

Day 21: Ho Chi Minh- Flight to your next destination.

Take a glance at this video about the Northeast Vietnam: 

We hope this article is useful for you in planning your trip to Northeast Vietnam. If you need any advice or have any questions relating to your Vietnam itinerary, don't hesitate to contact our team via this email address: info@authentikvietnam.com or WhatsApp: +8+84 (0) 9 12 12 10 91. We will be happy to work with you to design a plan that meets your expectations. Or, you can simply CLICK HERE to create your own tailor-made Vietnam Tour, and our team will get back to you as soon as possible. 

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