The Roof of Vietnam, Ha Giang and The Far North

📍 Distances and journey time: Hanoi – Hoang Su Phi (300 km): approx. 7 hours

Morning departure from Hanoi for a full-day drive towards Hoang Su Phi district in Ha Giang province. The route gradually leaves the Red River Delta and ascends into the mountainous landscapes of northern Vietnam.
A stop is made in Tuyen Quang city for lunch at a local restaurant before continuing towards Hoang Su Phi, one of the most remote regions of the country, known for its impressive terraced rice fields and ethnic diversity.
Arrival in Hoang Su Phi in the late afternoon. Check-in at the lodge, followed by a short walk around the surrounding valleys and rice terraces.

Overnight in Hoang Su Phi

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time: Walking & sightseeing route: 10–16 km – approx. 4–6 hours

After breakfast, depart for a full day of trekking through Hoang Su Phi’s terraced landscapes. The route passes through rice terraces and villages inhabited by Red Dao communities, offering insight into local daily life and traditional farming practices.
Lunch is taken as a picnic.
Trekking continues in the afternoon through lush valleys framed by high mountains, passing villages of Red Dao and Black Dao minorities before returning to the lodge.

Overnight in Hoang Su Phi

Notes:

• Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks. 
• Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed. 
• Trekking route adaptable for fitness levels.
   

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Distances and journey time: Hoang Su Phi – Nam Dam (130 km): approx. 3 hours 15 minutes Walking & sightseeing routes: Thon Tha: 5 km – approx. 2 hours Nam Dam: 4 km – approx. 1 hour 45 minutes

Morning departure from Hoang Su Phi towards Thon Tha village in the Ha Giang countryside. Upon arrival, a loop walk begins towards Ha Thanh village, set against a backdrop of limestone mountains. The walk passes rice paddies, terraced fields and traditional stilt houses of the Tay ethnic group.
Lunch is served at a local house before continuing by road towards Nam Dam. En route, a stop is made at Heaven’s Gate viewpoint, offering panoramic views over the Quan Ba valley.
Arrival in Nam Dam village, home to the Red Dao minority, followed by a gentle walk through the village and surrounding fields.
Continuation to Lung Tam village to visit a Hmong weaving cooperative, preserving traditional linen weaving techniques and supporting local livelihoods.

Overnight in Nam Dam

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: Nam Dam – Dong Van (85 km): approx. 2.5 hours Walking & sightseeing route (Ma Pi Leng): 3 km – approx. 1.5 hours

After breakfast, depart from Nam Dam towards Dong Van. The road passes through Yen Minh before entering the Dong Van Karst Plateau, a UNESCO Global Geopark characterised by dramatic limestone formations and rich cultural diversity.
Stops are made at Tham Ma Pass viewpoint, historically used by the Hmong to test the strength of their horses, and at the Hmong King’s Palace, a national heritage site combining Hmong, Chinese and French architectural influences.
After lunch, continue towards the Ma Pi Leng Pass. A short hike along the “Sky Path” follows, offering exceptional views over the Nho Que River and surrounding valleys. The walk ends with a descent back to the main road, followed by a stop at one of the main viewpoints overlooking the canyon.
Return to Dong Van in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Dong Van

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ha Giang (180 km): approx. 5 hours Boat trip on Nho Que River: 1–1.5 hours

If visiting on a Sunday, time is allocated to explore the Dong Van weekly market, where ethnic minorities gather to trade produce, handicrafts and local foods.
Departure from Dong Van towards Meo Vac, travelling once again through the Ma Pi Leng Pass under a different light. The road descends towards the Nho Que River, where a boat cruise of approximately 1–1.5 hours provides a unique perspective of the surrounding mountains and gorge.
After lunch, continuation by road towards Ha Giang city, passing scenic valleys such as Lung Phin and Mau Due before arrival in Ha Giang in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Ha Giang

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Distances and journey time: Ha Giang – Hanoi (300 km): approx. 7 hours

After breakfast, departure from Ha Giang for the return drive to Hanoi. The journey gradually descends from the mountains back into the Red River Delta, with stops en route for rest and lunch.
Arrival in Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch