Description
Ready for an epic adventure through the lush landscapes of Northern Vietnam? In just 5 days, you’ll tick off all the hidden gems with a local guide. Starting off at Hanoi, you’ll see everything from sprawling rice fields to the bustling markets of Dong Van. Plus, you’ll check out terrace farms, camp by the Nho Que river and hike through limestone cliffs on the Sky Path.
Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam Highlights:
Departures
- Departs Hanoi at 6pm
- Ends Hanoi at 11pm
Dining Summary
- 4 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Lunch (L)
- 3 Dinner (D)
What’s included
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 Lunch
- 3 Dinners
- Expert Trip Manager, Driver Team, Local Guides
- 11 included experiences
- ALL INTERNAL TRANSPORT
- ALL ACCOMMODATION
What’s not included
- Flights to/from the start/end location
- Travel insurance
- Free-time Add-ons
Included Experience
Ha Giang Loop:
- Check out the incredible views from Heaven Gate – a popular stop off on the Ha Giang loop.
- Stop by to get a view of the winding roads that resemble a massive snake making its way down the slope!
- Walk like a royal around this ancient palace that’s made with green pebbles, pine woods, terra-cotta tiles and even sugarcane! (Seriously.)
Dong Van:
- Meet the incredible women at the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative who are working to preserve the craft of H’mong linen weaving. You’ll see all the complicated stages of weaving, learn how they make high-quality fabric here and support local communities too.
Ma Pi Leng Peak:
- Lace up your boots! You’ll take a challenging but short trek towards the Ma Pi Leng peak, passing by H’mong villages on the way.
Nho Que:
- Feast on a delicious lunch with incredible views of the Nho Que river. It’s a photo ops hotspot!
- Go with the flow on a local boat cruise as you check out one of South Asia’s largest canyons.
- Paddle through the turquoise waters of this beautiful river with views of scenic rice fields and mountains along the way.
Dong Van:
- Ever heard of a Qeej? It’s a sacred instrument that was used to call the spirits (or at least that’s what the legends say!). Today’s your chance to witness a local man playing it.
- Ready? We’ll trek all the way up to ruins of the Lung Ho French Fort – a beautiful stone structure built during the French colonisation.
Du Già:
- Cool off with a dip in crystal-clear waters surrounded by jungle greenery, with nothing but the sound of rushing falls and birdsong echoing through the valley. Stunning.
Itinerary
Hanoi
Welcome to Hanoi! Exchange hellos with your Contiki fam as we hop onto an overnight bus. Let the journey begin…
Overnight Bus
It’s the first night, and you’re already travelling like a local! This is your chance to get to know your fellow travellers before tucking into your beds for the night.
Overnight Bus
Morning! The sun’s yet to rise, so you’ve some time to catch some more sleep at our local homestay, and grab breakfast too.
Ha Giang Loop
This morning, we’ll hop into our van and hit the road en route to Dong Van. This world-famous route is packed with incredible views. On our drive, you’ll see the Heaven Gate, Twin Mountain, Tham Ma slope and even visit an ancient palace – all while being surrounded by lush green valleys all the way through. Plus, we’ll make a quick stop to meet the people working to preserve the craft of H’mong linen weaving.
Dong Van
It’s been a looong day! What beer way to end it than by devouring delicious local food with your crew. Then, it’s off to your cosy, cosy beds for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- See the Heaven Gate
- Check out the Tham Ma Slope
- Visit the H’mong King Palace
- Help Support Local Communities & Learn about H’mong Linen Weaving MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
Dong Van
Rise and shine! After breakfast, you’ll join a local guide for an exhilarating trek to the Ma Pi Leng peak.
Ma Pi Leng Peak
It’s trek time! Today, we’ll hike along the Sky Path, enjoying views of the cascading limestone cliffs, Hmong villages and cornfields along the way. And after a delicious lunch, we’ll take a boat cruise to our campsite. But not before checking out the magnificent Tu San Canyon, ofc.
Nho Que
Riverside camping anyone? We’ll check into our overnight tents (that open up to breathtaking views of the Nho Que river). Enjoy dinner and music with your crew before resting your trek-tired limbs for the day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Take an Incredible Trek through the Sky Path
- Grab a Scenic Lunch
- Cruise through the Tu San Canyon
Nho Que
It’s not every day that you get to kayak along a beautiful turquoise river. But that’s exactly what you’ll do this morning. Next, we’ll head back to the accommodation, grab breakfast and jump on a boat back to the harbour. What’s next? We’ll grab lunch at a local spot, then meet a local H’mong man who’ll charm you with the sweet sounds of the traditional Qeej flute.
Du Già
Keep your camera at the ready because we’ll drive along many, many amazing viewpoints. Then, it’s time to wrap up the day with a dinner to remember, packed with local flavours and good vibes. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the heart of the destination.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences:
- Kayak along the Nho Que River
- See a Traditional Vietnamese Flute Performance MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience
- Hike up to the Lung Ho French Fort
Du Già
Morning, sleepyheads! Today we’re chasing a gorgeous little waterfall before packing up and hitting the road. Expect epic views as we wind through terraced rice paddies and dramatic limestone karsts (cameras at the ready!). After a local lunch, we’ll roll into Ha Giang and keep the adventure going.
Ha Giang Loop
And just like that, it’s time for the final leg of the journey. So, get comfy in your reclining seats as we head back to where it all began.
Hanoi
After an incredible trip, it’s time to say goodbye. Don’t forget to exchange socials with your crew! We just have a hunch that you’ll be planning your next trip soon…
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences: Visit the Waterfall in Du Gia
Important Info
-
- TRAVELLERS WITH A MIDDLE NAME MUST PROVIDE THIS TO CONTIKI, AS SERVICES CANNOT BE BOOKED WITOUT THIS INFORMATION. Trip starts in Hanoi at 6pm and ends in Hanoi at 11pm. We do not recommend booking flights to depart on the last day of the trip. We recommend booking a night of post accommodation. Travellers will be accommodated in multi-share rooming which includes homestays or camping as single rooms are not available. Full Passport Information (inclusive of middle name) is required at time of booking as services cannot be booked without this information. Australian Passport holders are required to obtain a visa for Vietnam prior to departure from Australia. Travellers are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of the trip. This trip is operated on behalf of Contiki by our trusted third party supplier Mango Tiger, and led by one of their Trip Managers too.
Please ensure that your name is correct on your ticket, as per your passport. Name changes or amendments may incur Contiki and/or Airline fees. It is the passenger’s responsibility to have a valid passport and all visas, permits and certificates required for their selected holiday as well as any necessary vaccinations. It is compulsory for travellers to take out comprehensive insurance cover for cancellation, personal injury, death, medical expenses, repatriation expenses and evacuation expenses before travelling on a Contiki holiday. We strongly recommend insurance also covers cancellation, personal liability and loss of personal property, and is arranged at time of deposit. Contiki has the right to refuse travellers without the required insurance cover to join our trips. For full details please visit www.contiki.com/booking-conditions. As Contiki trips are specifically designed for likeminded 18-35 year old travellers, to confirm space on the trip each travellers date of birth must be provided. Full payment must be received no later than 60 days before the trip start date.
