North Vietnam Explorer
- 8 Nights
- 9 Days
- 3 Destinations
- Hotel stay
Hanoi, India
Welcome to Hanoi
The far north, including the Ha Giang loop — the most dramatic road in the country and the main reason to give this route eight nights rather than five.
What makes this trip special?
- Arrival in Hanoi
- North to Sapa
- Trekking the Muong Hoa Valley
- East to Ha Giang
- The road to Dong Van
- Markets of the Far North
- Return to Hanoi
- A last day in Hanoi
- Departure from Hanoi
Trip route
- Hanoi
- Sapa
- Ha Giang
Day-by-Day Itinerary
8N / 9D
Day 1Arrival in Hanoi
Arrive, settle in and spend the evening in the Old Quarter before the route heads north.
Today: Airport Transfer · Old Quarter · Street Food.
Day 2North to Sapa
Up into the mountains to the Sapa valley, with the terraces below the town.
Today: Mountain Drive · Valley Views · Market Town.
Day 3Trekking the Muong Hoa Valley
A full day walking between villages, descending through the terraces with lunch on the way.
Today: Village Trek · Terrace Walk · Local Lunch.
Day 4East to Ha Giang
The long transfer east to the start of the loop, through country that gets steadily steeper.
Today: Mountain Transfer · Roadside Stops · Ha Giang Arrival.
Day 5The road to Dong Van
Over the Ma Pi Leng pass above the Nho Que river — the section everyone comes for.
Today: Ma Pi Leng Pass · Nho Que River · Dong Van.
Day 6Markets of the Far North
Hill markets and the karst plateau, with villages that see very few visitors.
Today: Hill Market · Karst Plateau · Village Visit.
Day 7Return to Hanoi
The long road back to the capital — a full travel day, broken where it makes sense.
Today: Return Drive · Scenic Stops · Hanoi Arrival.
Day 8A last day in Hanoi
The lake, the Temple of Literature and whatever you missed on the first night.
Today: Hoan Kiem Lake · Temple of Literature · Final Evening.
Day 9Departure from Hanoi
A free morning before your transfer to the airport.
Today: Free Morning · Shopping · Airport Transfer.
What’s Included
Included
- Hotel Stay
- Daily Breakfast
- Airport & Local Transfers
- Sightseeing Tours
Not included
- Airfare / Train Fare
- Lunch & Dinner
- Personal Expenses
- Entry Fees & Optional Activities
Location
Hanoi · Sapa · Ha Giang
Guide to locationFrequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit northern Vietnam?
The north, centre and south run on different seasons, so the right month depends on where you are going. Tell us your dates and we will say which regions suit them.
Can I change the number of days or add destinations?
Yes. This 8-night route is a starting point — send us your dates and group size and we will rework the stops, the pace and the price around them.
What standard of hotels is included?
The quoted price covers comfortable 3-star properties with breakfast. Deluxe and 4-star upgrades are available and will be itemised on your quote.
Do I need a visa for this trip?
Entry requirements depend on your passport and change periodically. Tell us which passport you hold and we will confirm what applies and what paperwork you need before you travel.
Are international flights included in the price?
International flights are not included in the base price. We can add them to your booking so you have one itinerary and one point of contact for the whole trip.
How do I confirm this package?
Send an enquiry with your dates and group size. We will confirm availability, share a detailed quote, and hold your booking with a deposit before the balance is due.