Northwestern and Northeastern Highlands Journey

Explore rural scenery around Nghia Lo through selected cycling and walking sections before continuing towards Mu Cang Chai. Activities are linked by vehicle transfers and rest stops to suit the group’s endurance. Reach your accommodation towards the end of the day, have dinner and prepare for tomorrow’s walk among the rice terraces.

Overnight: Mu Cang Chai  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P30 – Mu Cang Chai rice terraces): Gió Đông · Public domain · Source & attribution · Original image

Spend a full day walking among the rice terraces and villages of Mu Cang Chai on a surveyed route. Take time to observe the farming activities actually taking place, enjoy the scheduled meal and stop for photographs at suitable locations. The landscape changes with the growing season. Return to the same accommodation in the late afternoon to relax.

Overnight: Mu Cang Chai  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P30 – Mu Cang Chai rice terraces): Gió Đông · Public domain · Source & attribution · Original image

After breakfast, travel from Mu Cang Chai to Sapa by car. Rest and scenic stops are selected according to the weather, with no long trek added to this transfer day. Check in and enjoy free time on arrival. This evening, prepare your walking shoes and day equipment for tomorrow’s village exploration.

Overnight: Sapa  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P14 – Rice terraces in the Sapa region): Eerin25 · CC0 · Source & attribution · Original image

Explore the Ta Phin area along village paths. Your guide introduces local routines, cultural traditions and agricultural scenery while adjusting the pace to the group. Pause for lunch during the walk and allow time to rest between sections. Return to Sapa in the late afternoon and spend another night at the same accommodation.

Overnight: Sapa  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P14 – Rice terraces in the Sapa region): Eerin25 · CC0 · Source & attribution · Original image

Leave Sapa for the Muong Khuong area, combining the drive with selected village walks and opportunities to meet residents. Stop for a meal during the journey and continue to the accommodation agreed for this region when booking. Spend the afternoon becoming familiar with the village setting, followed by dinner and rest before travelling towards Bac Ha.

Overnight: Muong Khuong area, as specified in the quotation  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P42 – Highway 4D in Muong Khuong): Bùi Thụy Đào Nguyên · CC BY-SA 3.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Travel through the Coc Ly and Bac Ha areas, combining a market visit when the calendar matches with local landscape exploration. Your guide introduces regional trading and community life. If the visit does not fall on the market day, use the village alternative agreed in advance. Check in at Bac Ha and enjoy a relaxed evening.

Overnight: Bac Ha  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P32 – Coc Ly market): Ji-Elle · CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Leave Bac Ha towards Coc Pai and the Ban Phung area. Combine the road journey with short walks at suitable scenic stops. Pause for lunch before continuing to your accommodation. The late afternoon allows time to become familiar with the village surroundings and rest before the following day’s exploration in Hoang Su Phi.

Overnight: Ban Phung  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P43 – Ban Phung rice terraces, Hoang Su Phi): NKSTTSSHNVN · CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Explore Hoang Su Phi through the Dong Loi and Suoi Thau stops on the locally confirmed route. Walk through highland agricultural scenery, meet residents at places that have agreed to receive visitors and enjoy a meal during the day. The paths may change with the weather. Return to your accommodation in the Hoang Su Phi area.

Overnight: Hoang Su Phi  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P43 – Ban Phung rice terraces, Hoang Su Phi): NKSTTSSHNVN · CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

After breakfast, leave Hoang Su Phi for Ha Giang by car. This transfer day includes moderate scenic stops and opportunities to rest after several days of exploration. Check in on arrival and keep the remaining time free. Your guide reviews tomorrow’s trekking plan and the preparations needed for the longer walking stage.

Overnight: Ha Giang  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P27 – Mountain road at Ma Pi Leng, Ha Giang): Khánh Hmoong · CC BY 2.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Transfer by vehicle to the Lung Vai route, then begin the main walk under the surveyed programme. This is one of the more demanding days of the journey, with lunch and rest stops arranged in advance. After the trek, travel to Quan Ba and check in. Actual walking time is confirmed against the route and the group’s fitness.

Overnight: Quan Ba  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P25 – Tam Son area, Quan Ba): NKSTTSSHNVN · CC BY-SA 4.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

Leave Quan Ba and travel through Dong Van towards Meo Vac. Stop to appreciate the limestone plateau, walk through selected town or village areas and enjoy your meals along the way. Visits are chosen carefully to preserve time for exploration. Check in at Meo Vac towards the end of the day, followed by dinner and rest.

Overnight: Meo Vac  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P26 – Dong Van Old Town): HuangWending18072009 · CC0 · Source & attribution · Original image

Travel from Meo Vac towards Ha Giang via the Bac Me direction, allowing time for rest and scenic stops. Short walks may be included when conditions are suitable, while the main focus remains a comfortable transfer. Check in at Ha Giang for your final mountain overnight stay and organise luggage for the return journey.

Overnight: Ha Giang  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Photo credit (P27 – Mountain road at Ma Pi Leng, Ha Giang): Khánh Hmoong · CC BY 2.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image

After breakfast, say goodbye to Ha Giang and return to Hanoi by car. Stop for lunch and breaks along the journey, finishing at your hotel or agreed meeting point. The final day is kept light after two weeks of regional travel. Guests with onward flights should allow an appropriate connection buffer before heading to the airport.

Overnight: Tour ends; no overnight stay  |  Planned meals: Breakfast, lunch.

Photo credit (P27 – Mountain road at Ma Pi Leng, Ha Giang): Khánh Hmoong · CC BY 2.0 (resized for web) · Source & attribution · Original image