DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 1: HANOI – HA GIANG (MEALS: LUNCH, DINNER)

Distance: approximately 300 km
Driving time: 6 – 6.5 hours including comfort stops

Depart Hanoi in the morning and travel north toward Ha Giang Province. The scenery gradually transitions from the Red River Delta into the limestone mountains of northern Vietnam.

A short comfort stop is arranged along the way.

Arrive in Ha Giang in the early afternoon and continue to An Chang Retreat, a boutique hideaway set in a peaceful natural environment. Check in and relax after the journey.

The remainder of the day is free for guests to unwind and enjoy the surrounding greenery, mountain scenery, and quiet atmosphere of the retreat.

Overnight at An Chang Retreat Ha Giang.

An Châng Retreat Ha Giang

DAY 2: AN CHANG RETREAT – QUAN BA – YEN MINH – DONG VAN (MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

Distance: approximately 160 km
Driving time: 5 – 6 hours including scenic stops

After breakfast in the peaceful mountain setting of An Chang Retreat, the journey continues deeper into the Dong Van Karst Plateau.

Drive over Bac Sum Pass, the gateway to the plateau where dramatic limestone formations begin to dominate the landscape. Continue to Quan Ba Heaven Gate at approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views over Tam Son Valley and the famous Twin Mountains.

The journey proceeds through Yen Minh Pine Forest, where winding mountain roads pass through cool alpine scenery.

Lunch is arranged en route.

In the afternoon, visit the Vuong Family Palace, also known as the Hmong King Residence. Built in the early 20th century by Vuong Chinh Duc, this stone and timber complex once served as the political and economic center of a powerful highland domain. Located along historic trade routes between Vietnam and China, the palace reflects a period when the Dong Van Plateau played an important role in regional commerce. Its architecture combines traditional Hmong craftsmanship with subtle Chinese influences.

Arrive in Dong Van Old Quarter in the late afternoon. Guests may stroll along the ancient stone streets or relax at a local café.

Overnight in Dong Van (Hoa Cuong Hotel Dong Van).

Vuong's Palace

DAY 3: DONG VAN – WHITE CLIFF – MA PI LENG PASS – MEO VAC (MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

Distance: approximately 90 km
Driving time: 4 – 5 hours

Begin the morning with a light trek at White Cliff viewpoint. The approximately 6 km walking trail offers sweeping panoramic views across the Ma Pi Leng landscape, overlooking the Nho Que River and the dramatic Tu San Canyon below. The trail is moderate and suitable for travelers with average fitness levels.

Continue along Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most spectacular mountain roads in Vietnam. Carefully selected viewpoints provide safe opportunities to admire the canyon and surrounding karst formations.

In the afternoon, arrive in Meo Vac and check in at Chung Pua Homestay. Built in traditional earthen-house style, the homestay blends authentic highland architecture with comfortable modern amenities. The peaceful setting offers a chance to experience local life in a quiet mountain village.

Overnight in Meo Vac (Chung Pua Homestay Meo Vac).

Ma Pi Leng Viewpoint Trail

DAY 4: MEO VAC – MA PI LENG PASS – NHO QUE RIVER – QUAN BA (MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)

Distance: approximately 150 km
Driving time: 5 – 6 hours

Depart Meo Vac in the morning and travel along the spectacular Ma Pi Leng Pass. From carefully selected viewpoints along the mountain road, guests can admire panoramic views of Tu San Canyon and the emerald Nho Que River winding through the valley below.

Depending on weather conditions, water levels, and guest preference, an optional boat excursion on the Nho Que River may be arranged. The approximately 1.5-hour journey takes guests through the dramatic Tu San Canyon, where towering limestone cliffs rise vertically on both sides. Life jackets are provided and operations follow local safety regulations.

For guests who prefer not to take the boat excursion, the viewpoints along the pass still offer magnificent panoramic views of the canyon and river.

After leaving the Ma Pi Leng area, continue toward Quan Ba Valley, where the landscape gradually softens into terraced fields, corn farms, and quiet mountain villages.

Arrive in Quan Ba in the late afternoon. Check in and relax at the valley retreat.

The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight at Hmong Village Quan Ba.

H'mong Village

DAY 5: QUAN BA – QUAN BA VALLEY – NAM DAM VILLAGE – HA GIANG – HANOI (MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH)

Distance: approximately 300 – 320 km
Driving time: approximately 6 – 7 hours

The morning begins in the peaceful surroundings of Quan Ba Valley.

After breakfast at the resort, guests enjoy a gentle valley walk near Hmong Village. A small trail leads through terraced fields, corn gardens, and scattered traditional houses set against the limestone mountain landscape.

Morning life unfolds quietly along the way as farmers begin their daily work and children walk along village paths. The experience offers a final glimpse of the rhythm of life in the northern highlands.

After the walk, a short drive brings the group to Nam Dam Community Village, a traditional Dao village known for its distinctive earthen houses and well-preserved cultural identity.

Guests continue with a relaxed village walk through the small paths of Nam Dam, observing daily activities and learning about traditional architecture and the lifestyle of the Dao people.

After the village visit, return to Ha Giang City for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, travel back to Hanoi via expressway as the scenery gradually transitions from mountain landscapes to the Red River Delta.

Arrival in Hanoi is expected in the late afternoon or early evening depending on traffic conditions.

Nam Dam Village

*****END OF SERVICES*****

1/ Accommodation Philosophy

Accommodation in Ha Giang is still developing compared to Vietnam’s major tourist destinations. Rather than focusing on luxury hotels, this journey selects the most suitable boutique properties and authentic highland stays in each destination.

Each accommodation has been chosen based on three key criteria: its location within the surrounding landscape, comfort standards suitable for international travelers, and the opportunity to experience the authentic atmosphere of Vietnam’s northern highlands.

2/ Who This Journey Is Perfect For

This journey is ideal for travelers who wish to experience the dramatic landscapes and authentic cultures of northern Vietnam at a comfortable and balanced pace.

It is particularly suitable for couples, small private groups, nature lovers, photographers, and travelers who are interested in meaningful cultural experiences and scenic mountain journeys.

3/ Best Travel Season for Ha Giang

Ha Giang can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering a unique landscape and travel atmosphere.

- Spring brings blooming flowers and fresh mountain air.

- Summer highlights lush green valleys and terraced fields across the highlands.

- Autumn offers clear skies and golden rice terraces in many valleys.

- Late autumn features the famous buckwheat flower season across the Dong Van Karst Plateau.

4/ Safety and Travel Considerations

Ha Giang’s mountainous terrain requires careful travel planning. Scenic stops, optional activities, and transportation arrangements are designed with safety and comfort as top priorities.

Mountain roads are operated by experienced local drivers who are familiar with the terrain. Scenic viewpoints along famous routes such as Ma Pi Leng Pass are carefully selected based on safety conditions.

Optional activities, including the Nho Que River boat excursion, depend on weather conditions, water levels, and guest preference.

5/ Services Included and Excluded

Inclusions:

• Accommodation in shared twin or double room
• Meals as mentioned in the program
• (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
• English or French-speaking guide
• (other languages are available with a supplement)
• Private air-conditioned vehicle for tours and transfers
• Drinking water: 2 bottles per person per day
• Entrance fees for all visits mentioned in the itinerary
• Boat excursion as stated in the itinerary
• Travel insurance up to 170,000,000 VND per case

Exclusions:

• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Services not specified in the program
• International and domestic flights
• Laundry, telephone calls, and personal expenses
• Tips for guide and driver

Important notes:

• Tour rates are valid for 30 days from the date of quotation. After this period, prices and related conditions may be adjusted subject to actual service availability and market conditions.
• Airfares are subject to change without prior notice in accordance with airline policies.
• Sleeper bus fares are subject to change without prior notice in accordance with transport operator policies.
• Surcharges may apply during peak travel periods such as Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year and major public holidays in Vietnam.
• Standard hotel check-in time is from 14:00 on the arrival date, and check-out time is before 12:00 on the departure date. Additional charges may apply for early check-in or late check-out, depending on each property's policy.
• Please note that all services and arrangements above are currently proposed for reference only. Reservations and service confirmations will be processed only after Nomadic Soul Travel receives the guest’s official confirmation together with an initial deposit equivalent to 30% of the total tour value, including any applicable surcharges for requested support services.
• In the event that one or more proposed services are unavailable at the time of booking, Nomadic Soul Travel will proactively arrange suitable alternatives or equivalent services in order to preserve the overall quality of the journey. 

Nomadic Soul Travel 

We believe every journey is a connection between people, culture and nature.

With Nomadic Soul Travel, you do not simply travel, you truly live the destination.