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- This itinerary is fully customizable according to your preferences, budget, desired duration, and travel dates.
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Vietnam Off the Beaten Track Tour
Code: TVT2026 - Duration:14 daysStart: Hanoi | Finish: Ho Chi Minh City
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This Tonkin Voyage Travel itinerary is not a conventional discovery of Northern Vietnam, but a deeply immersive journey designed to avoid crowds and focus on what truly matters: spectacular landscapes, genuine encounters, and rare moments. From vibrant and cultural Hanoi, you embark on a more exclusive cruise in Lan Ha Bay, sailing through emerald waters and floating villages. The journey then leads into rural Vietnam — Ninh Binh away from peak tourist hours, the hidden trails of Pu Luong with its traditional water wheels, and the mountain routes towards Moc Chau, Son La, Dien Bien Phu and Lai Chau… culminating in the iconic terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai and the peaceful valleys of Tu Le – Nghia Lo.
A well-balanced journey combining nature, culture and gastronomy, accompanied by experienced guides who bring meaning and insight to every stage of the journey.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR:
- Must-see sights… in a rarer version – Hanoi seen differently: the Train Street, Phung Hung murals, lively markets, Long Bien Bridge and historic quarters, explored from less conventional perspectives. Ninh Binh: panoramic viewpoints (Hang Mua), temples and pagodas, and a boat ride scheduled at the right time to limit mass tourism.
- A romantic and unspoilt cruise – Lan Ha Bay (via Cat Ba): a more intimate atmosphere, swimming and kayaking, sunrise views and tai chi sessions. High-quality private cabin, seafood/BBQ dinner and an onboard cooking class.
- Rural immersion and authentic encounters – Pu Luong: walks through rice fields and villages, a suspension bridge, traditional water wheels and bamboo aqueducts, with meaningful exchanges with local residents. Home-hosted lunches and glimpses of daily life (weekly markets depending on the day).
- The “great crossing” of the Northwest mountains – Moc Chau: a cool high plateau, tea hills and highly photogenic landscapes. Son La: history and memory (museum, former prison) and local immersion. Dien Bien Phu: major historical sites (museum, De Castries’ headquarters, Hill A1). Lai Chau: spectacular roads and rich ethnic diversity (Hmong, Dao, Thai…).
- Mu Cang Chai, the highlight of the journey – La Pan Tan – Che Cu Nha – Khau Pha: one of the most beautiful terraced rice field areas in Vietnam. Accessible hikes and “postcard-perfect” viewpoints for photography lovers.
- Local gastronomy across regions – Regional specialty meals, fresh seafood aboard the cruise. Cooking classes (on board or with a local family depending on the stage) and typical tastings.
- Comfort, pacing and Tonkin Voyage logistics – Private transportation, well-balanced stages, carefully selected accommodations, and French-speaking guides on key days. An itinerary designed to optimize travel time while preserving meaningful time on site.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE:
- Day 01: Hanoi – Arrival
- Day 02: Hanoi – In-depth city exploration
- Day 03: Hanoi – Cat Ba – Lan Ha Bay – Cruise & overnight on board
- Day 04: Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba – Ninh Binh
- Day 05: Ninh Binh – “Inland Ha Long Bay” by rowing boat
- Day 06: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Water wheel walk – Pu Luong
- Day 07: Pu Luong – Weekly market, hikes & traditional dance performance
- Day 08: Pu Luong – Kho Muong hikes – Moc Chau
- Day 09: Moc Chau – Son La
- Day 10: Son La – Dien Bien Phu
- Day 11: Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau
- Day 12: Lai Chau – La Pan Tan – Mu Cang Chai
- Day 13: Mu Cang Chai – Hiking – Tu Le
- Day 14: Tu Le – Nghia Lo – Cycling tour – Hanoi – Departure flight
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Day 01 : Hanoi – Arrival & Leisure Time
First impressions of Vietnam’s vibrant capital
Upon arrival at Hanoi International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by Tonkin Voyage’s driver and transferred to your hotel in the city (without guide). Check-in is available from 2:00 pm. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration. Meals at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation
Meals: NoneSuggestions for independent exploration:
- Walking discovery
Enjoy a stroll through the Old Quarter and the French Quarter, discovering Hanoi’s iconic landmarks: the Opera House, the former Bank of Indochina, the former Residence of the Governor of Tonkin (now Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel), the street of traditional herbal medicine, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Water Puppet Show: The theater is located just a 5-minute walk from your hotel.
Day 02: Hanoi – City Tour
Heritage, daily life and hidden corners
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30: Departure for an orientation tour to discover Hanoi.
You will begin your exploration with a visit to Train Street, where you can enjoy a coffee while waiting for the train to pass (around 9:00 am). You may also try the famous egg coffee, a local specialty (coffee at your own expense).
Continue to Phung Hung Mural Street, where a series of paintings recreate scenes of old and contemporary Hanoi along the stone arches of the viaduct carrying the historic Reunification train.
Stroll through Dong Xuan Market, the largest market in the city, as well as a smaller local market at the back—an intense hub of daily life and encounters. The walk concludes at Long Bien Bridge (Paul Doumer Bridge), dating from the French colonial era. Crossing the bridge from one bank to the other, you will admire the Red River and observe the remarkable flow of bicycles, motorbikes, goods—and the train itself.
Next, enjoy a heritage walk along West Lake, including visits to Tran Quoc Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in Hanoi located on an island in the lake, and Quan Thanh Temple, dating back to the 11th century and an important pilgrimage site for Hanoians. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Literature (Temple of Confucius), a major historical and cultural landmark of Hanoi and Vietnam. This beautifully preserved site reflects the depth and longevity of Vietnamese culture and is one of the rare remnants of the former royal era still intact today.
Finally, take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter and the French Quarter, passing by the city’s main landmarks: the Opera House, the former Bank of Indochina, the former Residence of the Governor of Tonkin (now Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel), the street of traditional herbal medicine, St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake.
Free time for personal exploration. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Hanoi.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunchDay 03: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Cruise & Overnight on Board
Sailing through emerald waters and limestone islands
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, drive to Hai Phong (150 km – approx. 2.5 hours) and embark on a ferry at Got Pier (about 15 minutes).
Upon arrival at Cai Vieng Pier, continue by road to Ben Beo Harbor on Cat Ba Island (approx. 26 km – 40 minutes), where you will board your cruise vessel.
12:00 – 12:30: Welcome on board and begin your journey to explore one of the world’s natural wonders — Ha Long Bay, navigating through the quieter and more preserved Lan Ha Bay area.
Lunch is served on board around 13:00, offering a first taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine while cruising.
14:30 – 16:30: Time to swim and kayak at Ba Trai Dao Beach or Ho Ba Ham, or simply relax and admire the breathtaking scenery from the sundeck.
Later, enjoy some free time for an aperitif while watching the sunset in a magical setting. A Vietnamese cooking demonstration will take place on the outdoor deck, allowing you to learn a few secrets of local cuisine.
Dinner is a seafood BBQ, served on board.Evening at leisure or optional squid fishing experience.
Included: Private transportation, private cabin, English-speaking guide on board, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 04: Lan Ha Bay – Hai Phong – Ninh Binh
Sunrise at sea and journey to the countryside
An early wake-up in a magical setting around 5:00 am to admire the sunrise over the bay — highly recommended for early risers.
06:00: Tai Chi session on board.
07:00: Breakfast served on board.07:45: The cruise continues through Lan Ha Bay, sailing close to the most beautiful limestone peaks and rock formations.
08:00: Further exploration of the bay, approaching spectacular islets and karst formations. Visit to a floating house, where local residents raise fish.
09:30: Return to the boat. Free time for swimming, kayaking, or simply enjoying the water.
10:15 – 10:30: Time to shower and vacate your cabin as the cruise heads back to Ben Beo Pier.
10:45: Brunch served on board.
11:30: Visit to a floating fishing village before returning to the pier. Transfer without guide to Cai Vieng Pier (approx. 26 km – 40 minutes), followed by a ferry crossing (about 15 minutes).
Then drive to Ninh Binh (185 km – approx. 3.5 hours), arriving in the late afternoon.Check-in at the hotel. Free time for personal exploration. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, English-speaking guide on board, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, brunch on boardDay 05: Ninh Binh – “Inland Ha Long Bay” by Rowing Boat
Karst landscapes, rice fields and quiet waterways
Breakfast at the hotel.
Ninh Binh is one of the most renowned regions in Vietnam, often referred to as “Inland Ha Long Bay” thanks to its dramatic landscapes reminiscent of the famous Ha Long Bay, with lush limestone hills, natural amphitheaters and waterways carved by erosion.
09:00: Meet your guide and driver. Enjoy a walk or a short cycling ride to Hang Mua (Dancing Cave). Climb the 486 stone steps to the top of the bell-shaped mountain near Tam Coc. From the summit, you will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view over the “Inland Ha Long Bay.”
Continue with a visit to Thai Vi Temple, nestled among rice fields and limestone mountains. Along the way, discover local life and the typical rural scenery of the region.
Lunch at Mrs. Mung’s home, near the temple.
In the afternoon, visit Bich Dong Pagoda, located on Ngu Nhac Mountain, featuring three pagodas and a monastery built in the 17th century. Travelers who have seen the film Indochine will recognize this magical and almost unreal setting where the two fugitives find refuge.
Late in the day, to avoid peak tourist hours, board a traditional bamboo rowing boat for an unforgettable cruise in Tam Coc, gliding through flooded rice fields and dramatic karst formations, passing through the three scenic caves that give the site its name. A serene and breathtaking experience.
(Tam Coc is popular but especially beautiful from March to May and from August to October; the chosen time allows a quieter visit.)Time to relax. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Tam Coc.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunchDay 06: Ninh Binh – Hoa Lu – Water Wheel Walk – Pu Luong
Ancient capitals and rural mountain life
Walking time: approx. 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, visit Van Lam Village, known for its traditional embroidery craft, and explore the local market to observe daily rural life.
Continue to the remarkable site of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where you will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968–980) and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Early Le Dynasty (980–1009).
Then transfer to Pu Luong Nature Reserve via Canh Nang (110 km – approx. 2.5 hours).
Lunch at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, drive to Sat Village – Ban Cong, near a suspension bridge over the Cham River, where you begin a scenic walk (approx. 6–7 km) in search of impressive traditional water wheels. Discover how water is channeled from the river into handmade bamboo aqueducts through simple yet ingenious constructions of various sizes. If time and physical condition allow, the walk may continue toward Chieng Lau, following the Cham River through a bamboo forest.
Late afternoon arrival at your accommodation. Free time to explore the surroundings and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and panoramic views.
Dinner and overnight at a homestay or in a private air-conditioned bungalow.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 07: Pu Luong – Weekly Market, Hiking & Traditional Dance
Encounters with ethnic cultures
Walking time: approx. 2–4 hours | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Breakfast at the homestay.
In the morning, transfer to Pho Doan to visit the local weekly market (held on Thursdays and Sunday mornings). Then enjoy a walk along the Ma River to the nearby villages of Ban Lan and Ban Ui (approx. 4 km – 1 to 1.5 hours), passing through authentic rural landscapes.
You may then continue hiking or meet your driver for a transfer to Hieu Village, where lunch will be hosted by a local family.
In the afternoon, explore Ban Hieu Village and, if weather and physical condition allow, visit the beautiful Hieu Waterfall.
Rejoin your driver for the return to Ban Don Village. This is a rewarding day of walking through villages and terraced rice fields, following small paths winding through cultivated areas, gradually revealing a picturesque village nestled at the foot of an imposing mountain.
Late in the afternoon, you may join your hosts in preparing dinner together.
After dinner, enjoy a traditional dance performance by local ethnic minority groups. Overnight at a homestay or in a private air-conditioned bungalow.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinnerDay 08: Pu Luong – Kho Muong Hiking – Moc Chau
Remote valleys and limestone scenery
Walking time: approx. 2–4 hours | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Breakfast at the homestay.
In the morning, depart via Route 15C towards Kho Muong Village, home to the Thai ethnic group. Begin your hike toward one of the most remote villages in Pu Luong, nestled in a valley and surrounded by limestone mountains and magnificent terraced rice fields. Keep your camera ready to capture the breathtaking scenery and enjoy encounters with local villagers along the way.
Visit the village’s Bat Cave, then enjoy lunch with a local family in Kho Muong.
In the afternoon, depart for Moc Chau (140 km – approx. 4 hours’ drive), arriving in the late afternoon. Check in at the hotel. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Moc Chau.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunchDay 09: Moc Chau – Son La
Tea hills and highland panoramas
Breakfast at your accommodation.
The journey offers beautiful and varied scenery across the Moc Chau Plateau, a region renowned for tea cultivation and home to the Black Thai ethnic group. Perched at an altitude of 1,050 meters and located about 200 km northwest of Hanoi, Moc Chau is a natural gem of Son La Province and a must-see for nature lovers. The area enjoys a pleasant microclimate, with average summer temperatures around 20°C and drier winters compared to other regions. Stretching 80 km long and 25 km wide, the plateau encompasses some 1,600 hectares of grasslands, where peach, bauhinia, plum and mustard flowers bloom seasonally.
In the morning, visit the iconic heart-shaped tea hill, a popular and scenic stop. The meticulous work of Moc Chau’s tea farmers creates beautifully patterned fields, a true source of inspiration for photography enthusiasts and newlyweds alike.
Then drive to Son La (110 km – approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, visit the Son La Museum and the former French prison, offering a powerful insight into the region’s history. The museum houses a valuable collection of ancient artifacts and rich exhibitions highlighting the cultural diversity of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. Built by the French in 1908, Son La Prison was used to detain and torture Vietnamese revolutionaries; its ruins stand as a stark reminder of a dark period in the struggle against colonial rule and are now preserved as a national heritage site.
Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by check-in at the hotel.In the afternoon, drive towards Hua La Commune, on the outskirts of Son La, for an immersion in local life at Ban Mong (Mong Village). In this peaceful and green setting, traditional stilt houses blend with plantations of coffee, plum trees, pine and bamboo. Enjoy the opportunity to interact with local Thai villagers over a convivial moment featuring traditional dishes. You may also relax at the natural hot spring of Ban Mong, a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, appreciated for its soothing and wellness benefits.
Late in the day, return to the hotel. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Son La.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunchDay 10 : Son La – Dien Bien Phu
History along the mountain roads
Walking time: approx. 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Breakfast at your accommodation.
In the morning, depart by road to Dien Bien Phu (155 km – approx. 4 hours), traveling through numerous villages and scenic landscapes. Several stops are planned along the way to enjoy the views and local life.
Upon arrival in Dien Bien Phu, lunch at a local restaurant, followed by check-in at the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit the city’s key historical sites, including the War Museum, General de Castries’ Command Post, emblematic of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu, Hill A1, and the French Military Cemetery.
At the end of the day, explore the central market, a lively place reflecting daily life in the city. Overnight at the hotel.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunchDay 11: Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau
Ethnic diversity and dramatic landscapes
Walking time: approx. 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy
Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue the journey towards Lai Chau (200 km – approx. 5 hours), traveling via Muong Lay, a small town partially submerged following the construction of a large hydroelectric dam. Visit Chan Nua Village, home to the Black Thai ethnic group, known for their impressive wooden stilt houses. Lunch at a local restaurant.
The road then continues towards Lai Chau (formerly Tam Duong), following the Nam Na River, a major tributary of the Black River. Along the way, enjoy spectacular mountain scenery and opportunities to encounter ethnic minority groups such as the Red Hmong, Mang, and Dao.
Arrival in Lai Chau in the late afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunchDay 12: Lai Chau – Than Uyen – La Pan Tan – Mu Cang Chai
Iconic terraced rice fields
Walking time: approx. 2.5–3.5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate
Breakfast at the hotel.
Continue the journey towards Mu Cang Chai (150 km – approx. 4 hours) via Than Uyen, with several planned photo stops along the way as you pass through one of Vietnam’s most spectacular regions of terraced rice fields.
Arrive in Mu Cang Chai around midday. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, head to La Pan Tan for a walk (approx. 2.5–3 hours) to explore a valley completely hidden behind the surrounding mountains. Curious and smiling children often greet visitors, adding to the charm of the experience. The breathtaking scenery of layered rice terraces resembles a living painting — a true natural masterpiece and a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
At the end of the day, check in at your accommodation. Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Mu Cang Chai.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunchDay 13: Mu Cang Chai – Hiking – Tu Le
Postcard views and gentle exploration
Walking time: approx. 3–4 hours + cycling | Difficulty: Easy
Breakfast at the lodge.
In the morning, visit the central market of Mu Cang Chai, a lively gathering place reflecting the daily life of local ethnic communities.
Then enjoy a highly recommended hike in Che Cu Nha, where you will discover some of the most spectacular terraced rice fields in the region, recognized as a national natural heritage site. Along the way, meet local villagers and gain an authentic insight into their daily lives.
Rejoin your driver for the transfer to Tu Le, crossing the majestic Khau Pha Pass, rising over 1,500 meters in altitude. This 20-kilometer stretch offers breathtaking, almost celestial scenery, with several photo stops to fully appreciate the wild beauty of the landscape. Lunch at a local restaurant en route.
Upon arrival in Tu Le, check in at the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure to rest.
Around 5:00 pm, take an easy walk (approx. 1–1.5 hours) or gentle cycling through Thai ethnic villages such as Chao, Com, and Pha, discovering daily life, traditional stilt houses, and warm encounters with welcoming local residents.
Dinner at leisure. Overnight in Tu Le.
Included: Private transportation, accommodation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunchDay 14: Nghia Lo – Cycling Tour – Hanoi – Departure Flight
Final village scenes before departure
Walking time: approx. 2–3 hours + cycling | Difficulty: Easy
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, enjoy some free time to relax and make the most of your accommodation.
Around 11:00 am, drive to Nghia Lo (50 km – approx. 1 hour), located in the Muong Lo Valley, surrounded by mountains rising up to 1,500 meters in altitude. Nghia Lo lies amid lush forests, tea plantations, terraced rice fields and rubber trees, offering surprisingly scenic valleys. The region is home to several ethnic groups, including the Thai, Nung, Hmong, La Ha and Ma peoples.
Visit Ban Sat Village for lunch with a local family.In the afternoon, enjoy a walk and cycling tour through the surrounding villages to discover traditional stilt houses, local craft workshops, gardens, cultivated fields and daily activities, offering insight into the lifestyle of the midland ethnic communities, particularly the Black Thai.
Then drive back to Hanoi, heading directly to Noi Bai International Airport (200 km – approx. 4 hours). Along the way, stop at Thanh Son or Suoi Giang, renowned tea-growing areas — tea being Vietnam’s national beverage. If timing and season allow, you may observe traditional tea cultivation and processing techniques.
Arrival at Noi Bai Airport in the early evening for your departure flight around 11:00 pm. Dinner at leisure. Overnight on board.
Included: Private transportation, French-speaking guide, entrance fees
Meals: Breakfast, lunch - Walking discovery
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