Ha Giang & Halong Bay Tour

  • Code: CV12A
  • Private tour
  • Duration: 12 days

Overview

Venture into the heart of Vietnam's northern frontier on an unforgettable 12-day Ha Giang & Halong Bay Tour. This private, meticulously crafted itinerary is a deep dive into the rugged beauty of Ha Giang, where you'll trek through awe-inspiring terraced fields and dramatic karst peaks. Your journey also takes you to the serene waters of Ba Be National Park before culminating in a peaceful cruise through the legendary limestone formations of Halong Bay. If this tour captures your interest, please share your specific requirements, and we will customize the program to your satisfaction.

Trip Map

Ha Giang & Halong Bay Tour
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Highlight

  • Hanoi: Discover the charm of Vietnam's capital with a guided city tour, exploring its history and culture.
  • Hoang Su Phi: Trek through stunning rice terraces and experience the remote beauty of this mountainous region.
  • Dong Van Karst Geopark: Hike amidst dramatic karst landscapes, visit traditional villages, and learn about local ethnic cultures in this UNESCO Global Geopark.
  • Meo Vac: Traverse the awe-inspiring Ma Pi Leng Pass and explore the cultural heritage of the H'mong communities.
  • Ba Be National Park: Unwind in nature with a boat ride on Ba Be Lake, visit local villages, and explore tranquil forests and waterfalls.
  • Halong Bay: Cruise through the emerald waters, exploring iconic limestone karsts, caves, and fishing villages on an overnight journey.

Detailed Itinerary

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Welcome to Hanoi, Vietnam!
Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed and greeted by the Custom Asia Travel tour guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. The remainder of the day is relaxing or be on your own discovery.
Located on the banks of the Red River, Hanoi capital is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Here, visitors are able to find well-preserved colonial buildings, old Buddhist pagodas, and unique museums within the city. The best way to explore its Old Quarter is on foot. This French-colonial city is also known for its delicious cuisines, vibrant nightlife, and souvenir shopping

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Private airport pick-up/ Tour guide/ Hotel accommodation

hanoi-train-street khue-van-cac-hanoi

After breakfast, you will start your day by visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Uncle Ho's house on stilts to learn about the life and legacy of Vietnam's beloved leader. Next, you will visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a unique temple built on a single stone pillar, and the Temple of Literature, Vietnam's first university. After a quick lunch break, you will head to the Hoa Lo Prison, known as the "Hanoi Hilton" during the Vietnam War, to gain insight into the country's history of struggle and resistance. Next, you will visit the Women's Museum, which showcases the important role of women in Vietnam's history and culture. You will then take a cyclo ride through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter to soak up the atmosphere and experience local life. Your last stop of the day will be at Hoan Kiem Lake with Ngoc Son Temple, where you can learn about the legend of the lake and its significance to the people of Hanoi. To wrap up the day, you will attend a traditional water puppet show, a unique and entertaining art form that has been a part of Vietnam's cultural heritage for centuries.

Overnight in Hanoi:
Inclusions: Private a.c transfer/ Tour guide/ Entrance fee/ Water puppet show/ Breakfast, Lunch/ Hotel accommodation

hoan-kiem-lake-hanoi cyclo-in-hanoi

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and preparing for your adventure.

At 8:00 AM, your private guide and driver will pick you up for the journey to Ha Giang province. The drive to Hoang Su Phi takes approximately 7 hours, with stops for lunch, photos, and short breaks along the way. Arriving at Thong Nguyen commune in the afternoon, you'll embark on a scenic 2-hour uphill trek through stunning terraced fields and traditional ethnic minority villages.

Settle into your first highland accommodation, unwind, and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Overnight in Hoang Su Phi
Inclusions: Private a.c vehicle/ Tour guide/ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ Local way leader/ Bungalow accommodation

Hoang-Su-Phi hoang-su-phi-rice-terraces

Today, embark on a 5–6-hour hike along the fertile mountain slopes, taking in the breathtaking beauty of the region's majestic terrain and iconic terraced rice fields. Some of these terraced fields are recognized as heritage sites, celebrated among the most stunning in Hoang Su Phi and across Vietnam.  

The trek is of moderate difficulty, with mostly gentle trails and small concrete paths. Prepare for the day by bringing a hat, warm clothing (if in winter), sunglasses, sunscreen, and sturdy trekking shoes.  

Lunch will be a simple yet authentic meal prepared by your local guide and served at a local house along the route.  

In the late afternoon, you'll be picked up by car and returned to your accommodation, where you'll enjoy your second night in Hoang Su Phi.

Overnight in Hoang Su Phi
Inclusions: Private a.c vehicle/ Tour guide/ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ Local way leader/ Bungalow accommodation

trekking-hoang-su-phi trekking-to-ha-giang

After breakfast, check-out and heading to the Karst Geo-park. The drive up to the highland region of Ha Giang will offer you some good photo opportunities on the way.
Lunch is at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, the scenery is getting more stunning with high passes and august mountains. The typical photo opportunities are a stop at Quan Ba pass, a step hike to a view-point for Quan Ba Fairy Mountains. Short walks at Pho Cao village of the Hmong, Pho Bang of the Han (Chinese). Check-in a hotel in this peaceful town for the night.

Overnight in Dong Van
Inclusions: Private a.c. vehicle/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Breakfast, lunch, dinner/ Hotel accommodation

quan-ba-twin-mountain Stilt-house-of-Tay-people

After breakfast, setting off for the scenic morning trek in Karst Geopark. The trek in between the gray limestone mountains takes more than 3 hours (approx. 13km). This trek is a real discovery on which you have a chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learning the amazing daily life of the tribal H'mong people. At the end of the trek, you will reach an interesting historical and cultural site. It is the H'mong King Palace. Take your time to visit the construction. Lunch is prepared at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, take a drive to Lung Cu Flag Tower (The monument was built to mark the northernmost point in Vietnam). Walk to the tower for the view over the area. After that, your private vehicle will take you to Dong Van town. Check-in a hotel and stay for the night.

Overnight in Dong Van
Inclusions: Private a.c. vehicle/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Breakfast, lunch, dinner/ Hotel accommodation

entrance-gate-palace-hmong-kings-ha-giang lung-cu-ha-giang

There is a colorful market in town (If it is Sunday today), take time of the morning to stroll around the market for hunting some photos of the locals while they are trading before hiking up to Dong Van Cannon Fort Mt. for the stunning panorama view over the valley and its town.

Back to the town for lunch. ​The afternoon transfer takes you to Meo Vac. On the way, stop for another trek which is above the Ma Pi Leng Pass. This scenic trek is amazing as it is on a small path but offers you marvelous views over the abyss and Nho Que River. Arrive at Meo Vac, check into your hotel and take easy for the remainder of the day.
(If it is not on Sunday, the morning will be spent for the skywalk trek and the afternoon will be for a boat ride on Nho Que River through Tu San Canyon. This boat ride is a nice experience in this rocky area of Ha Giang, and considered one of the deepest and most unique canyons in Vietnam. Late afternoon, check-in a hotel in Meo Vac and stay overnight.)

Overnight in Meo Vac
Inclusions: Private a.c vehicle/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Boat ride/ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner/ Hotel accommodation

nho-que-river ma-pi-leng-ha-giang

7:30 am check out at your hotel and your guide will take you to a breakfast shop to enjoy a typical local breakfast in this small town. Today, you will drive downhill to Bac Kan province, where Ba Be National Park located and it is famous for its large, green freshwater lake. Along the way, you will clearly see the change of terrain from the barren mountains with jagged limestone to the mountains covered with dense vegetation. A countryside of small rivers winding from one valley to the next, a lot of lush fields, and the villages looming at the foot of the mountains.
Lunch on the way.
In the late afternoon, you will arrive at a Tay ethnic minority village located in the national park. Check-in, dinner, and overnight.

Overnight in Ba Be National Park
Inclusions: Private a.c. vehicle/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Bottled water in vehicle/ Breakfast, lunch, dinner/ Hotel accommodation

ba-be-panorama Tay-ethnic

After the breakfast, transfer to the boat dock and take the motor-boat ride through the green lake and onward to Nang river. The scenery is very green with the rain forest covers the limestone mountains. Visit to Dau Dang small waterfall and then cruise upstream the Nang River through Puong Cave and finish the boat ride at Buoc Lom dock. Get back on you private vehicle and spend the afternoon drive back to Hanoi.
Lunch on the way.
Arrive in Hanoi, check in your hotel to finish your adventure.. 

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Private a.c. vehicle/ Tour guide/ Entrance fees/ Boat ride/ Breakfast, lunch/ Hotel accommodation

ba-be-lake-bac-kan puong-cave

In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi and driven to Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the pier in Halong City, you will board the cruise ship. As you cruise through the mesmerizing limestone karsts and crystal-clear waters, a delicious lunch will be served on board. Take in the stunning scenery as you glide along the bay. You will have the opportunity to visit a fascinating cave, where a guided tour will unveil its impressive formations. In the afternoon, you can choose to swim, kayak, or simply relax on the sun deck. As the sun sets, enjoy a delectable dinner on the boat, surrounded by the breathtaking views of Halong Bay. You will spend the night on the cruise ship, immersed in the serene ambiance of the bay.

Overnight in Halong Bay
Inclusions: Cruise's shuttle bus/ Cruise's in-house tour guide/ Cruise package/ Breakfast, lunch, dinner/ Private ensuite cabin on boat.

Peony-cruise halong-swim

This morning get up early this morning for some fresh air on the open deck and join the Tai-chi class for some gentle moves if you wish. Otherwise, you are able to remain in your cabin until breakfast time. After breakfast, the crew will pull up the anchor, start the engine again for more cruising to other parts of the bay. After visiting a big limestone cave, the boat is gently heading back to the pier. The early lunch (Brunch) will be served aboard. Around noon, you are ferried in and take the afternoon drive back to Hanoi. Arrive at your hotel in the afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or doing your last shopping in Hanoi's Old Quarter.

Overnight in Hanoi
Inclusions: Cruise's shuttle bus/ Cruise's in-house tour guide/ Cruise package/ Breakfast, lunch/ Hotel accommodation

taichi-on-board-cruise sun-deck-halong-bay

Today marks the end of our incredible journey together. Depending on your departure flight time, you may have a busy morning preparing for your departure or have some leisure time to relax and perhaps do some last-minute shopping. If your schedule allows, take this opportunity to walk and explore the vibrant streets and markets one last time, picking up souvenirs and mementos to cherish from your time in Vietnam. Indulge in the flavors of the local cuisine, soak up the atmosphere, and create lasting memories. When the time comes, our team will ensure a smooth transfer to the airport, ensuring you reach your departure gate in a timely manner.

As you bid farewell to Vietnam, take a moment to reflect on the incredible adventures, the beautiful landscapes, and the warm hospitality you have experienced throughout your stay. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey through the north of Vietnam. We hope it has left a lasting impression on your heart and created memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Safe travels, and until we meet again, goodbye Vietnam.

Overnight (not available)

Inclusions: Private airport transfer/ Breakfast

ha-noi-green-street departure

Watch detailed itinerary in video

Watch our quick video for a snapshot of your entire journey — all the must-see stops in one view.

FAQS

Absolutely! This itinerary is a suggested travel idea designed to inspire your journey. It serves as a starting point and can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and preferences. Whether you'd like to adjust the activities, include additional destinations, or tailor the pace of the trip, we're here to create a personalized experience just for you. Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll craft an itinerary that perfectly fits your vision.

A private tour means your journey is exclusively yours. You'll have your own professional guide and private vehicle, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can linger longer at spots you love, make spontaneous stops for photos, and enjoy an experience built entirely around your interests, not a fixed group schedule.

Yes, absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups of friends. As a solo traveler, your itinerary is tailored completely to you. A single supplement fee may apply for accommodation, but we will always work to find the best options for your needs.

Your personalized proposal will include a detailed list of inclusions. Typically, this covers:

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast

  • Private, air-conditioned transportation

  • A private, licensed tour guide

  • Entrance fees for all scheduled sights

  • Meals as specified in the itinerary

Exclusions are generally international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

We offer a wide range of accommodations to suit your style, from charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges to luxury resorts. To ensure maximum flexibility, we don't specify hotels in our sample itineraries. Your travel expert will suggest carefully selected options in your proposal, and we are happy to adjust them based on your preferences.

Visa requirements vary greatly depending on your nationality and destination. While your travel expert will offer guidance during the planning stage, we strongly recommend checking the official embassy or consulate website for the most current information.

Our booking process is simple and collaborative:

  1. Send a Request: Fill out the form on our website with your travel ideas.

  2. Personalize Your Trip: A travel expert will contact you to craft a detailed proposal, which you can refine until it’s perfect.

  3. Confirm & Book: Once you are 100% happy with the plan, you confirm your trip with a deposit.

To secure your booking, we require a deposit, which is typically 30% of the total tour cost. The final balance is due 60 days before your departure. Our cancellation policy is structured based on how far in advance the cancellation is made.

For full, detailed information, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Yes, travel insurance is essential for your trip. At Custom Asia Travel, we do not include insurance in our packages to allow you the freedom to choose an insurance provider that best suits your needs and guarantees your rights. Your trip is a significant experience, and having reliable insurance ensures you are well-supported in case of unexpected events.

Please note that basic insurance policies in the host country may not meet your expectations regarding support or administrative procedures. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance from your preferred provider.

Important: All customers are required to have valid travel insurance, and we request that you share your insurance details with us before departure.

Request a quote for this trip

Free service! No credit card requested at this stage The note if you are a solo traveler
At Custom Asia Travel, we create exclusive, private tours tailored to your unique preferences, offering premium, one-of-a-kind experiences. While we don’t offer group tours, our personalized itineraries are perfect for solo travelers seeking flexibility and exceptional service.
Please note that private solo tours may cost more as expenses aren’t shared, but they guarantee unmatched attention to detail and complete customization. Share your travel dreams with us, and we’ll craft your perfect journey!
Travel Date

Watch detailed itinerary in video

Watch our quick video for a snapshot of your entire journey — all the must-see stops in one view.

FAQS

Absolutely! This itinerary is a suggested travel idea designed to inspire your journey. It serves as a starting point and can be fully customized to match your interests, schedule, and preferences. Whether you'd like to adjust the activities, include additional destinations, or tailor the pace of the trip, we're here to create a personalized experience just for you. Let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll craft an itinerary that perfectly fits your vision.

A private tour means your journey is exclusively yours. You'll have your own professional guide and private vehicle, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. You can linger longer at spots you love, make spontaneous stops for photos, and enjoy an experience built entirely around your interests, not a fixed group schedule.

Yes, absolutely! We specialize in creating personalized journeys for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups of friends. As a solo traveler, your itinerary is tailored completely to you. A single supplement fee may apply for accommodation, but we will always work to find the best options for your needs.

Your personalized proposal will include a detailed list of inclusions. Typically, this covers:

  • Accommodation with daily breakfast

  • Private, air-conditioned transportation

  • A private, licensed tour guide

  • Entrance fees for all scheduled sights

  • Meals as specified in the itinerary

Exclusions are generally international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, and personal expenses.

We offer a wide range of accommodations to suit your style, from charming boutique hotels and eco-lodges to luxury resorts. To ensure maximum flexibility, we don't specify hotels in our sample itineraries. Your travel expert will suggest carefully selected options in your proposal, and we are happy to adjust them based on your preferences.

Visa requirements vary greatly depending on your nationality and destination. While your travel expert will offer guidance during the planning stage, we strongly recommend checking the official embassy or consulate website for the most current information.

Our booking process is simple and collaborative:

  1. Send a Request: Fill out the form on our website with your travel ideas.

  2. Personalize Your Trip: A travel expert will contact you to craft a detailed proposal, which you can refine until it’s perfect.

  3. Confirm & Book: Once you are 100% happy with the plan, you confirm your trip with a deposit.

To secure your booking, we require a deposit, which is typically 30% of the total tour cost. The final balance is due 60 days before your departure. Our cancellation policy is structured based on how far in advance the cancellation is made.

For full, detailed information, please see our Booking Terms & Conditions.

Yes, travel insurance is essential for your trip. At Custom Asia Travel, we do not include insurance in our packages to allow you the freedom to choose an insurance provider that best suits your needs and guarantees your rights. Your trip is a significant experience, and having reliable insurance ensures you are well-supported in case of unexpected events.

Please note that basic insurance policies in the host country may not meet your expectations regarding support or administrative procedures. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance from your preferred provider.

Important: All customers are required to have valid travel insurance, and we request that you share your insurance details with us before departure.

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