7-Day Journey Through the Hidden Gems of Northern Vietnam

After breakfast at the hotel, your journey begins as you head north toward Babe Lake, a scenic drive of approximately four hours through peaceful countryside, rice fields, and traditional villages.
Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed by locals in Pac Ngoi Village, home to the Tay ethnic group who live in stilt houses made of wood and palm leaves. This village is part of a community-based tourism initiative, offering authentic cultural experiences and close connection to nature.
Take a break & enjoy a lunch of delicious dishes, lovingly prepared from local ingredients—simple, fresh, and flavorful.
In the afternoon, set off on a boat trip across BaBe Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in Vietnam, nestled within the lush forests of BaBe National Park. The lake stretches over 8 km and is surrounded by limestone mountains, tropical jungle - a haven for nature lovers.
Along the way, visit the striking Puong Cave, a natural tunnel formed by the Nang River cutting through a limestone mountain. The cave is filled with fascinating rock formations and is a habitat for thousands of bats. As you glide along the water, you’ll also pass by small villages where locals fish, farm, and live in harmony with the environment.
Later, you'll visit a local family who continue the age-old tradition of distilling rice wine and corn wine—a cultural staple in the region. You'll have the chance to see the process firsthand, from fermentation to distillation, and maybe even sample a glass with your hosts.
Return to the homestay and join the host family in preparing dinner, it’s offering a glimpse into the rhythm of local life. 
In the evening, gather around a traditional Vietnamese family meal, where stories are shared and laughter flows—along with a few sips of local corn or rice wine, if you’re up for it. During dinner, you’ll be treated to a live “Then singing” performance, a sacred and cultural tradition of the Tay people. The melodies, performed alongside the Tinh Tau (a traditional string instrument) and rhythmic shakers, bring deep meaning and atmosphere to the meal.
A peaceful night awaits you in the heart of nature.
Meals: B/ L/ D.
Accommodation: Local homestay/ Private room 
 

Wake up to the peaceful sounds of nature and enjoy a breakfast overlooking the calm waters of BaBe Lake. Take in the stillness one last time before bidding farewell to your warm host family.
The journey continues as we drive northeast toward Cao Bang Province, a land of rugged mountains and remote villages near the Chinese border.
Around midday, we’ll stop in Cao Bang City for a break and lunch featuring grilled duck, a local specialty known for its crispy skin and rich flavor—an unexpected highlight for food lovers.
After lunch, we head deeper into the highlands. Along the way, visit a traditional paper-making village of the Nung people. Here, you’ll witness the centuries-old craft of making paper from the bark of the May Sla tree, resulting in durable, spongy, light yellow sheets that resist smudging. You’ll even have the chance to try your hand at the process.
Continue to blacksmith village in Phuc Sen, where locals still forge knives, sickles, and farming tools by hand using age-old techniques. It’s a rare look at traditional craftsmanship that’s slowly fading elsewhere.
In the late afternoon, we arrive at a quiet village near Trung Khanh, not far from the border with China. Nestled by a gentle river and surrounded by rice fields, your local homestay offers a peaceful place to rest after the day’s drive.
If time allows, enjoy a short kayaking trip along the river, gliding between green paddies and limestone hills as the sun begins to set.
End your day with a home-cooked dinner in the tranquility—no noise, no rush, just the sounds of crickets and the flow of water nearby.
Meals: B/ L/ D.
Accommodation: Private Bungalow.
 

After breakfast at the homestay, we begin the day with a visit to one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders: Ban Gioc Waterfall. Located right on the border with China, this is the largest waterfall in Vietnam and one of the most spectacular in Southeast Asia. The falls span over 300 meters across and cascade down multiple layers of limestone cliffs into a jade-green river, creating a breathtaking scene. You can take in the view from the bank or hop on a bamboo raft for a closer look.
Next, explore the nearby Nguom Ngao Cave, a massive limestone cave stretching over 2 km underground. Walk through chambers filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, naturally formed into surreal shapes over thousands of years.
Enjoy a lunch at a local restaurant with regional specialties.
Afterward, continue the journey toward Bac Son Valley, a hidden gem surrounded by lush mountains and vast rice fields. Take a relaxing walk through Quynh Son Village, home to the Tay ethnic group, where people still preserve their traditional stilt houses and way of life. This is a great opportunity to connect with the locals, learn about their daily routines.
In the afternoon, we drive a bit further to reach Huu Lien Village, another Tay community tucked in a quiet valley. Much like Quynh Son, Huu Lien is peaceful and surrounded by green hills and rice paddies, offering a perfect place to unwind.
Check in to a local homestay, where you’ll be welcomed with the warmth and hospitality of family. During your stay, take part in a hands-on experience making Chung cake (Banh Chung)—a traditional delicacy made with black sticky rice, green bean, unique to the village. Guided by your hosts, you’ll learn the steps of this cherished local recipe, deeply tied to cultural celebrations .
Enjoy a cozy dinner with your hosts, sharing stories and experiencing authentic rural hospitality.
Meals: B/ L/ D.
Accommodation: Local homestay/ Private room.
 

Wake up to a peaceful countryside morning and enjoy a relaxed breakfast. Then it’s time to head to Halong Bay, where you’ll board a cruise and begin your journey through one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes—a UNESCO World Heritage Site of limestone islands and calm blue waters.
As the cruise sails deeper into the bay, lunch is served on deck with panoramic views all around.
In the afternoon, you’ll explore hidden caves, swim in quiet coves, or paddle out by kayak. When the sun begins to set, settle in with a drink on deck and take in the view, it’s one of the most memorable moments of the trip.
Later, step into the kitchen with the onboard chef for a Vietnamese cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes using fresh ingredients.
Enjoy the dinner with great menu and then unwind at your own pace, overnight on boat.
 

Start your morning with a sunrise Tai Chi or yoga session on the deck, surrounded by the calm sea and golden light. Afterward, enjoy breakfast as the cruise continues its journey through the bay.
You’ll have a chance to visit a floating village and get a glimpse into local fishing life. Before returning to the dock, a light brunch will be served on board.
From Halong, continue your journey to Ninh Binh—often called “Halong Bay on land”—where rivers wind through limestone cliffs and rice fields form a picture-perfect landscape.
Upon arrival, check in to a peaceful lodge nestled among the rice paddies and limestone mountains. If time allows, hop on a bicycle for a leisure ride through the countryside to end your day.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Meals: B/ L.
Accommodation: Trang An Ecolodge.
 

After a healthy breakfast, explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from 968 to 1010. This historic site was the seat of power for the Dinh, Early Le, and Ly dynasties. Visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang and Emperor Le Dai Hanh, nestled amidst dramatic limestone peaks. This visit offers a meaningful glimpse into a formative chapter of Vietnam’s history.
Next, embark on a serene three-hour journey through the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Glide along tranquil waterways in a traditional sampan boat, passing lush rice paddies, towering karst formations, and hidden caves. You'll have opportunities to pause and visit ancient temples tucked within the landscape.
After the boat trip, return to Hanoi. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take time to relax and reflect on the unforgettable experiences of your journey through Vietnam.
Meals: B/ L.
Accommodation: Rey Hotel
 

After breakfast at your hotel, depending on your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to the airport for your journey home.