5 Days in Mountainous North Vietnam: Ha Giang and beyond

Commence a journey to Ha Giang, a breathtaking mountainous province nestled in the northern region near the Chinese border, as part of this North Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour. Renowned for its stunning Tay Con Linh range and the captivating Dong Van Karst Plateau, this area has long been a haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts.

Travel through the picturesque sceneries of Phu Tho and Tuyen Quang, offering serene countryside views. Enjoy stops along the way to explore local plantations and agricultural practices.

Arrive in Ha Giang in the early afternoon, and prepare for a delightful walk through the ethnic villages at the base of the Tay Con Linh range: Ban Tha, Ban Ha Thanh, and Ban Tan Thanh. These traditional villages, surrounded by rice fields, latan trees, and lush greenery, are home to the Tay minority. Like the Thais, the Tay people inhabit the lowlands at the foothills of the northern mountains and sustain their livelihood through agriculture and fish farming.

As the afternoon winds down, settle in with the warm and welcoming Doan family, spanning three generations. Enjoy some free time for relaxation.

In the evening, indulge in a delightful dinner with the family, and then retire for the night in their cozy stilt house, marking a perfect start to your North Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour.

Extend warm greetings to our hosts as we continue our journey towards the karst plateau of Dong Van, one of Asia's largest geological parks. Today's route winds through twisting roads, navigating dizzying massifs that offer unparalleled and extraordinary landscapes - countless limestone peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. Brace yourself for the most awe-inspiring leg of the trip.

Several planned stops enrich our adventure:

• In Lung Tam, explore a Hmong women's linen factory, where the ancestral craft of linen production is showcased. Discover a wide array of items such as clothing, bags, and wallets inspired by the region's ethnic cultures.

• Visit a quaint neighborhood in Pho Cao, which is adorned with clay houses and tiled roofs that have stood the test of time, offering a glimpse into the architectural traditions of the area.

• In Sa Phin, unveil the majestic Vuong Chi Duc Palace. This architectural marvel is a fusion of Chinese and local styles and serves as a testament to the legacy of Vuong Chinh Duc, a renowned king of the Hmong tribes who left his mark during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Arrive in Dong Van by late afternoon, check in at the hotel, and enjoy a leisurely evening for rest or strolls in this mountainous haven. Spend the night at the hotel, then take the plunge into the tranquil beauty of the surroundings.

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, set out for Ngai Lau via route 4C, which winds around the famous Ma Pi Leng pass—a colossal limestone wall once considered impassable due to its vertiginous verticality. Descend from route 4C through small zigzagging paths, traversing numerous karst peaks and valleys embellished with traditional houses belonging to ethnic minorities. Pause Ngai Lau, a charming Hmong hamlet, before continuing the trek to Ta Lang, a small pier on the Nho Que River.

Embark on a boat for an enchanting journey along the vivid Nho Que River, which originates from Yunnan. The river gracefully meanders at the base of the Sino-Vietnamese massifs, flanked by breathtaking vertical limestone cliffs. Its emerald green waters captivate throughout the year.

Upon disembarking, proceed by road to Bao Lac, a quaint town nestled along the Gam River. Discover Khuoi Khon, an elevated hamlet arrayed with rice terraces and inhabited by the black Lolo ethnic group.

Settle into a homestay with a Lolo family in the village, then get involved in the local culture, and spend the night in the placid surroundings of Khuoi Khon.

Descend to Ba Be, the expansive natural park nestled in the high mountains of the North-East. This park, graced with several emerald lakes embraced by mountains and lush forests, is predominantly inhabited by the Tay, Dzao, and Hmong minorities. 

Upon reaching Ba Be, embark on a captivating boat journey across Ba Be Lake, revealing magnificent panoramas, limestone cliffs, and mountains draped in verdant vegetation surrounding the lake. Situated at the heart of Ba Be National Park, the lake spans 500 hectares and encompasses three basins (Pelam, Pelu, and Peleng). Ranked among the world's twenty most distinctive lakes, it stands as the largest natural lake in Vietnam—a Ha Long Bay amidst the mountains.

Settle into a guesthouse hosted by a Tay family, take a moment to rest, and then explore the village. Engage with the Tay people, whose livelihoods revolve around fishing and rice cultivation, providing a glance at their daily lives. The Tay, primarily residing in the moderate mountains of the North, constitute the second-largest ethnic group in Vietnam, following the Viets. 

Savor a local dinner in the evening and spend the night in a charming stilted house.

Dedicate the morning to a delightful bicycle excursion along a narrow path nestled between the sloping tropical forest, rice fields, and waterways. The park boasts over 550 plant species and hosts an extensive range of wildlife, including mammals, fish, turtles, birds, and butterflies. Explore the enchanting Hua Ma Cave, known as the "horse's head," and visit the traditional villages of the Tay and Nung ethnic groups.

In the afternoon, journey back to Hanoi, with an anticipated arrival by day's end. Unwind and rejuvenate with a massage session at a local institute.

Experience a tranquil night in Hanoi. This marks the end of your North Vietnam 5 days itinerary with Kampá Tour. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this memorable journey. Safe travels!