North Vietnam: Backpacking Adventures

A unique adventure in North Vietnam: a journey beyond tourism!

This is not the usual journey. It is not made for those seeking the classic tourist experience, but is an authentic, backpacking adventure through North Vietnam. It will be an experience full of excitement and discovery. We will sleep in homestays, night buses and a few hotels to get some rest. We will discover age-old traditions, live with an ethnic minority in a remote village, explore the beautiful bays of Lan Ha and Ha Long, and learn to live like true locals. This is THE trip, the one you will remember forever, an experience that goes beyond expectations and turns every moment into an unforgettable memory.

Day 1: Arrival in Hanoi - the thousand-year-old capital of Vietnam

History and culture of Hanoi

Hanoi, situated along the Red River, is a city with deep roots, founded in 1010. It has gone through many historical phases: from French domination, to the Japanese conquest, to the independence proclaimed by Ho Chi Minh. Today, the city is a fascinating mix of French colonial influences and Vietnamese roots, with its colonial buildings and tree-lined boulevards.

Welcome and first impact

Upon arrival, we will be met by our guide and transferred to the hotel. After checking in, we will have some time to relax and settle in, ready to discover the fascinating chaos of Hanoi. Walking through the streets of this city is an experience that engages all the senses: from the smell of street food, to the sound of motorbike horns, to the bright colours of the stalls.

Day 2: We discover Hanoi

Historical and Cultural Tour of Hanoi

Hanoi is unique for its combination of ancient and modern monuments, witnesses of a millennial past. After breakfast, we will begin our day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum complex, where we will discover the story of 'Uncle Ho' and his dwelling on stilts, along with the famous One Pillar Pagoda, a symbol of devotion and spirituality for the Vietnamese people.

Dong Xuan Market

Next, we will visit the Dong Xuan market, where we will experience the tradition of Vietnamese bargaining, an art to be learned and enjoyed, which adds fun and authenticity to the shopping experience.

Tran Quoc Pagoda and Temple of Literature

We also visit Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi, which stands on a small island in the West Lake, and the Temple of Literature, dedicated to Confucius and known as Vietnam's first university. This place is a haven of peace, with its manicured gardens and peaceful courtyards.

Exploring the old quarter

In the afternoon, we will enter the old quarter to visit the Ngoc Son Temple and Hoan Kiem Lake, ending the day along the infamous Train Street, where we will wait for the train to pass by, incredibly skimming the houses and activities of the district. It will be a moment of pure adrenaline, immersed in the rhythm of the city.

Day 3: From Hanoi to Sung Village

Towards the village of Sung

Our journey will take us off the beaten track to Sung village in Da Bac district, Hòa Bình province. This village is inhabited by the Dao Tiền ethnic group, known for their traditional lifestyle based on agriculture and handicrafts.

Living with a local family

Upon arrival, we will be hosted by a local family in a homestay, a real chance to live like them and share their daily life. In the afternoon, we will go on a short trek accompanied by a villager, who will show us the jungle and the daily life of the community.

Dyeing and traditional cooking

It will be an authentic and unique experience, allowing us to learn about the local culture through activities such as indigo dyeing, an ancient technique for colouring fabrics, and batik making. We will also learn how to cook some typical dishes, interacting with the family and discovering the secrets of their cuisine. In the evening, we will gather around the fire, listening to stories and legends passed down through generations.

Day 4: Sung - Hanoi - Ha Giang

Morning activities in Sung

After a traditional breakfast, we will participate in some activities in the village, such as harvesting the leaves of Shan Tuyết tea, a prized tea that only grows in the mountains of northern Vietnam, or dyeing with indigo. It will be an opportunity to discover the inhabitants' deep connection with nature and their land.

Journey to Ha Giang

After lunch, we will return to Hanoi, where we will take an overnight bus to Ha Giang. The sleeping bus experience will be unique, a real immersion into Vietnamese culture, where we will mix with the locals and discover the way they travel long distances. The landscapes flowing out of the window will give us a taste of the wonders that await us.

Day 5: Start of the Ha Giang Loop - Day 1

Beginning of the adventure

Our adventure in the Ha Giang region begins early in the morning, accompanied by our riders. The entire route is a journey through breathtaking scenery, passing through Bac Sum Pass and arriving at the Gate of Heaven for an incredible view of the valley below. This is just the beginning of a series of views that will leave us breathless.

Lunch in Yen Minh and visit to Dong Van

After lunch in Yen Minh, we continue our journey through the Chin Khoanh Pass towards Dong Van, exploring the karst plateau and visiting the Hmong King's Palace, an imposing construction that tells the story of this powerful clan. En route, we will stop frequently to take photos, meet locals and soak in the rugged, unspoilt beauty of nature.

Night in Dong Van

The night will be spent in a homestay in Dong Van, where we will get to know the local community better, taste typical dishes and listen to traditional music.

Day 6: Ha Giang Loop - Day 2

Ma Pi Leng Pass and Sky Path

After breakfast, we set off on the most scenic section of the Road to Happiness, crossing the Ma Pi Leng Pass, which offers incredible views of the Nho Que River. This pass, at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, is one of the most iconic in Vietnam and offers spectacular views of the surrounding gorges and mountains. We will trek along the Sky Path, admiring 360-degree views.

Remote villages and cultural immersion

We will continue on to remote villages such as Lung Ho and Mau Due. Each stop will be an opportunity to learn more about the culture of the communities that inhabit these lands. Our day will end in the village of Du Gia, where we will sleep in a homestay surrounded by rice fields. Here we will have the opportunity to take a swim in the nearby waterfalls, refreshing us after a busy day.

Day 7: Ha Giang Loop - Day 3

Lung Kuy Cave and return to Ha Giang

The last day of the Ha Giang Loop will take us back to Ha Giang, but the adventure is far from over! After a two-hour drive, we arrive at the renowned Lung Kuy Cave, which stretches some 300 metres and is adorned with magnificent stalactites and fascinating formations.

Passage through Quan Ba

En route, we will pass through the town of Quan Ba, catching sight of the iconic Nui Do Mountain, known as the 'Fairy Mammells' for its distinctive shape. Passing through the Gate of Heaven, we will retrace our route through Bac Sum Pass and arrive in Ha Giang in the late afternoon, concluding our unforgettable journey.

Journey to Cat Ba

The night bus will take us from the city of Ha Giang to the island of Cat Ba, where more wonderful experiences await us.

Day 8: Relaxation on Cat Ba Island

Relaxing day in Cat Ba

Upon arrival in Cat Ba, we will devote the day to resting and exploring the island. After the excitement of the Ha Giang Loop, a day of relaxation will be more than deserved. The island is famous for its beaches and lush nature.

Cat Ba National Park and sunset kayaking

In the morning we will walk along the trails of the Cat Ba National Park, discovering the island's rich biodiversity, and in the afternoon we will enjoy a kayak ride at sunset to admire the nocturnal bioluminescence, a natural phenomenon that illuminates the waters as we pass, creating a magical and evocative atmosphere. In the evening we can dine in one of the many local restaurants, enjoying fresh fish dishes.

Day 9: Cruising Lan Ha and Ha Long bays

Navigating between bays

After breakfast, we will embark on a cruise between the iconic bays of Lan Ha and Ha Long. We will sail past hundreds of limestone islets emerging from the turquoise waters, creating a dreamlike scenery.

Floating Villages and Viet Hai

We will see floating villages inhabited by fishermen, where life flows slowly and in harmony with the sea, and we will stop for a bicycle excursion in the village of Viet Hai, hidden in the heart of Cat Ba Island.

Relaxation and kayaking

After a lunch on board, we will spend the afternoon kayaking between secluded coves and relaxing at Three Peaches Beach, a secluded beach with white sand and clear waters. This will be the perfect time for a refreshing dip and to enjoy the tranquillity of this pristine place. We will then return to Cat Ba for dinner and to spend our last evening in Vietnam together, reflecting on all our experiences.

Day 10: Return to Hanoi

Last morning in Cat Ba

The morning will be free, allowing us to enjoy the last moments on the island, which we can devote to relaxing on the beach or exploring the local market.

Return to Hanoi

In the afternoon we will head to Hanoi, where we will catch our return flight. This trip will leave us with hearts full of emotions, unforgettable memories and a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences shared, the people met and the culture discovered.

Important Notes and Travel Tips North Vietnam

Adaptation and spirit of adventure

The journey requires a minimum of adaptation, particularly for the use of sleeping buses and the accommodation shared in homestay, but the experience will repay every little inconvenience. A good 40-50 litre rucksack will be perfect for travelling, and a little curiosity and openness towards such a different culture will make every moment special.

Final Reflections North Vietnam

The nature of North Vietnam, the beauty of its landscapes and the warm hospitality of its people can turn every day into a meaningful adventure.