Begin your journey to Ha Giang, a stunning mountainous province located near the Chinese border. This adventure with AVS introduces you to the natural beauty of northern Vietnam, renowned for its Tay Con Linh mountain range and the remarkable Dong Van Karst Plateau—a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Travel through the serene landscapes of Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang, offering picturesque countryside views. Stop along the way to explore local plantations and observe traditional agricultural practices.

Arrive in Ha Giang early in the afternoon and enjoy a leisurely walk through ethnic villages at the base of the Tay Con Linh range: Ban Tha, Ban Ha Thanh, and Ban Tan Thanh. These charming villages, surrounded by rice paddies, latan trees, and verdant greenery, are home to the Tay ethnic group. Similar to the Thai people, the Tay live in lowland areas at the foothills and sustain themselves through farming and fish cultivation.

Enjoy free time to relax before sharing a delightful dinner with your hosts. Spend the night in their cozy stilt house, marking a memorable start to your North Vietnam journey with AVS.

Bid farewell to your hosts and head towards the Dong Van Karst Plateau, one of Asia’s largest geological parks. This part of the journey takes you through winding roads and rugged mountain landscapes, revealing awe-inspiring views of countless limestone peaks.

Highlights of the day include:

• Lung Tam Village: Visit a Hmong women’s linen workshop, where the traditional craft of linen production is preserved. Admire handmade products such as clothes, bags, and accessories inspired by local ethnic culture.
• Pho Cao Village: Discover this quaint neighborhood with traditional clay houses and tiled roofs, offering a glimpse into local architectural heritage.
• Vuong Palace (King’s Palace): In Sa Phin, explore this fascinating blend of Chinese and local architectural styles. The palace belonged to Vuong Chinh Duc, a respected Hmong leader from the late 19th century.

Arrive in Dong Van by late afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure, exploring this mountainous town. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the famous Route 4C. This route traverses the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass, a towering limestone wall once considered impassable. The road descends through zigzagging paths, revealing valleys dotted with traditional houses of ethnic minorities.

Highlights of the day include:

• Ngai Lau Hamlet: Visit this charming Hmong village before continuing to Ta Lang, a small pier on the Nho Que River.
• Nho Que River Cruise: Board a boat for an unforgettable journey along the emerald waters of the Nho Que River. The river winds between steep limestone cliffs, creating a magical landscape.

In the afternoon, continue to Bao Lac, a peaceful town by the Gam River. Visit Khuoi Khon Village, home to the Black Lolo ethnic group, known for their unique culture and terraced rice fields. Spend the night at a homestay with a Lolo family, immersing yourself in local traditions.

Depart Bao Lac and head to Ba Be, an expansive natural park nestled in the high mountains. This park is famous for its emerald-green lakes surrounded by limestone cliffs and dense forests, home to the Tay, Dzao, and Hmong ethnic groups.

Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic boat ride on Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural lake, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay in the mountains.” Admire the breathtaking landscapes of limestone cliffs and lush forests.

Check into a guesthouse hosted by a Tay family. Relax and explore the nearby village, interacting with the Tay people who rely on fishing and rice farming. Enjoy a traditional dinner and spend the night in a charming stilt house.

Start the day with a leisurely bicycle ride along narrow paths winding through tropical forests, rice fields, and streams. Discover the park’s rich biodiversity, home to over 550 plant species and numerous wildlife, including mammals, birds, and butterflies.

Highlights of the day include:

• Hua Ma Cave: Known as the “horse’s head,” this cave features fascinating stalactites and stalagmites.
• Ethnic Villages: Visit Tay and Nung villages to learn about their traditional way of life and cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, begin your journey back to Hanoi, arriving by evening. Unwind with a relaxing massage at a local spa.

Spend your final night in Hanoi, marking the end of your memorable North Vietnam 5-day journey with AVS. Thank you for traveling with us, and safe travels!