Vietnam Ethnic Minority Colours in 14 days
Itinerary
Uncover the lesser-known wonders of Northern Vietnam on this immersive 14-day journey. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the emerald rice terraces of Sapa, the winding passes of Ha Giang, the enchanting Ban Gioc Waterfall in Cao Bang, and the serene lakes of Ba Be National Park, this tour offers the perfect blend of cultural insight, natural wonder, and authentic adventure far from the beaten track.
Day 1: Welcome to Hanoi – Arrival & Water Puppetry Show (G)
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel in central Hanoi. After settling in, enjoy a relaxing walk through the charming Old Quarter before experiencing a traditional Water Puppet Show, a unique Vietnamese art form that dates back to the 11th century. Let the day wind down as you absorb the lively ambiance of Hanoi’s streets and prepare for the exciting journey ahead.
Meals: None | Service: Guide Pick-up
Day 2: Hanoi Heritage Discovery by Motorbike (B, L, G)
Today, explore Hanoi like a true local on the back of a motorbike. Visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, a symbol of learning and culture. Continue to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, where artefacts and life-size displays offer a deep dive into the rich cultures of Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
In the afternoon, navigate through the vibrant Old Quarter and bustling Dong Xuan Market, sampling local street snacks along the way. Alternatively, take a short stroll through Hom Market, known for colourful textiles and fabrics. In the evening, board your comfortable overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai, travelling north to the mountainous region of Sapa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide
Day 3: Ethnic Markets & Arrival in Sapa (B, L, G)
Arrive in Lao Cai and travel directly to a vibrant ethnic minority market—the specific market visited depends on the day of the week. Here, H’mong, Dao, Tay, and other ethnic communities gather in colourful attire to trade, socialise, and celebrate. Enjoy a picnic-style lunch while immersed in this authentic cultural exchange.
Continue on a scenic drive through the mountains to Sapa, where the cool climate and terraced landscapes await. Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, exploring the quaint town centre or resting at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide
Day 4: Trekking Through Sapa’s Tribal Villages (B, L, D, G)
Start your trek through the dramatic Muong Hoa Valley, home to rice terraces carved into the hillsides. Visit villages inhabited by the Black H’mong and Dzay people, witnessing traditional crafts and customs.
Enjoy a homemade lunch in a local house before continuing through serene bamboo forests to Thanh Phu, where you’ll experience authentic hospitality during your overnight stay in a Tay stilt house.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 5: Xa Pho Tribe Encounter & Return to Sapa (B, L, G)
Venture deeper into Sapa’s lesser-known trails to meet the Xa Pho, one of the region’s smallest and most isolated ethnic minorities. Their traditional way of life, largely untouched by modernity, offers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s rich ethnographic tapestry.
Stop in Nam Toong, a Red Dao village, where your guide will prepare a local lunch. Trek through terraced fields and forest trails to Ban Ho, where your driver will meet you for your return to Sapa. Spend the evening unwinding or exploring the lively town centre.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide
Day 6: Scenic Journey to Ha Giang (B, L, G)
After breakfast, embark on a full-day drive from Sapa to Ha Giang, winding through some of Vietnam’s most picturesque mountain roads. Stop along the way to take in panoramic views and enjoy lunch at a countryside restaurant.
Arrive in Ha Giang by late afternoon. Check into your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening along the Lo River, soaking in the charm of this quiet gateway to the far north.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide
Day 7: Ha Giang Loop – Dong Van & Ma Pi Leng Pass (B, L, D, G)
Today, experience the epic Ha Giang Loop—one of Vietnam’s most scenic motorbike routes. Visit the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, recognised by UNESCO for its unique geological formations and traditional culture.
Stop at the H’mong King’s Palace, then ride across the dizzying Ma Pi Leng Pass, offering unmatched views of the Nho Que River. Spend the night in a family-run guesthouse in Dong Van, where rustic charm meets warm hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 8: From Ma Pi Leng to Bao Lac – Mountain Villages & Sky Path (B, L, D, G)
Ride the Sky Path, a breathtaking road along cliff edges and valleys. Marvel at limestone mountains and crystal-clear streams below. Continue through Meo Vac and on to Bao Lac, a remote town nestled among terraced fields.
In Bao Lac, stay overnight in a traditional Tay homestay, where you’ll share stories and meals with your hosts. Toast the day with a sip of local rice wine known affectionately as “happy water.”
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 9: Journey to Phia Thap – Incense Villages & Forest Roads (B, L, D, G)
Travel deeper into Cao Bang province, home to some of Vietnam’s most dramatic landscapes. Your motorbike journey today will take you through valleys, across ridgelines, and into the incense-making village of Phia Thap, where ancient traditions are preserved.
Enjoy a scenic lunch along the way and spend the night in a peaceful village homestay surrounded by mountains, where time seems to slow down.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 10: Ban Gioc Waterfall & Nguom Ngao Cave Adventure (B, L, D, G)
Explore the mystical Nguom Ngao Cave, a vast underground system adorned with magnificent rock formations. Then, visit the awe-inspiring Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful natural wonders, straddling the border between Vietnam and China.
Take time to enjoy the tranquil setting before returning to Cao Bang city for dinner and an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 11: Ba Be National Park – Mountain Lakes & Eco Discovery (B, L, D, G)
Depart for Ba Be National Park, a pristine haven of limestone peaks, ancient forests, and hidden lakes. Upon arrival, check into a charming lakeside homestay and enjoy a traditional lunch.
In the afternoon, take a boat cruise on Ba Be Lake, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake. Glide through tranquil waters, past waterfalls, caves, and small ethnic villages. Return to the homestay for dinner under the stars.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Service: Guide
Day 12: Return to Hanoi – Scenic Drive & Local Farewell (B, L, G)
After breakfast, bid farewell to the national park and begin your return drive to Hanoi, stopping at a local restaurant for lunch. Arrive in the capital by late afternoon and check into your hotel. Spend your final evening exploring the city’s night markets or enjoying a relaxing spa treatment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Service: Guide
Day 13: Leisure Day in Hanoi – Culture, Cafés & Shopping (B, GP)
Enjoy a day of freedom in the capital. Stroll through the French Quarter, sip egg coffee at a historic café, or visit local temples. For culture lovers, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum or Hoa Lo Prison offer deep insight. You may also explore Hanoi’s culinary scene, shop for handmade crafts, or simply relax by Hoan Kiem Lake.
Meals: Breakfast | Service: Guide Pick-up
Day 14: Farewell Vietnam – Departure from Hanoi (B, DP)
After breakfast, enjoy free time until your private transfer to Noi Bai International Airport. Reflect on the remarkable places, cultures, and people you've encountered on this unforgettable journey through Northern Vietnam.
Meals: Breakfast | Service: Driver Pick-up
Key: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner | G = Guide | GP = Guide Pick-up | DP = Driver Pick-up
Price
The prices for this private tour are per person in US dollars
These prices are valid until 30 April, 2025. Please note that bank transfer fees are not included.
| Number in group | 2 | 3 - 4 | 5 - 7 | *Supplement for single occupancy |
|
Superior (four stars) |
1,873 | 1,753 | 1,634 | 406 |
* ‘Single room occupancy’ refers to the accommodation element of the programme only, and applies to someone who is travelling with others but requires an additional room for him or herself. Single traveller prices are available on request.’
Note:
Price is not valid for the Peak season, please contact us again for price checking and availability
Peak season: Dec 20th, 2024 - Jan 07, 2025, and TET (Jan 25 – Feb 07, 2025)
Inclusions
- Breakfast and accommodation sharing a twin or double room.
- Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
- One-way train ticket: Hanoi – Lao Cai (air-conditioned cabin, good local standard in Chapa Train carriage – sharing soft four-berth cabin)
- Boat cruises as specified in the programme. All Ha Long Bay boats will be fully licensed and comply with current safety regulations.
- Travel in an appropriate private air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced safe driver.
- The services of experienced English-speaking guides as indicated in the itinerary (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
- Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in the best local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.
- VAT and other taxes
Exclusions
- nternational flight tickets and airport tax.
- Visas
- Dinners, except as specified above.
- Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Surcharges for Peak seasons (if any)
- Compulsory dinner (if any)
- Insurance
Hotel List
- Hanoi: Hanoi La Siesta Classic Hotel (**** an exclusive oasis in the Hanoi Old Quarter, just a short walk to the legendary Hoan Kiem Lake – Deluxe room)
- Sapa: Pao’s Sapa Hotel (***** an elegant hotel set on a hill top overlooking Muong Hoa Valley – Deluxe Garden View room)
- Ha Giang: Phoenix Ha Giang Hotel (*** conveniently located in the city centre, one of the best hotels in the city – Superior room)
- Dong Van: Homestay – Private room
- Bao Lac: Homestay – Private room
- Cao Bang: Homestay – Private room
- Ba Be: Homestay – Private room
Tour FAQ's
What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
- Accommodations vary throughout the tour, ranging from comfortable hotels in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to homestays in ethnic villages. Homestays provide basic amenities and offer a unique opportunity to experience local life.
What should I pack for the tour?
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, as trekking is a significant part of the tour.
- Light, breathable clothing suitable for a variety of weather conditions, as well as a rain jacket.
- Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses for protection against the sun.
- A good quality insect repellent.
- Warm clothing for cooler temperatures in the northern mountains, especially in the evenings.
Is the tour suitable for children?
- The tour involves significant travel, trekking, and cultural immersion, which might be challenging for very young children. It is recommended for children who are comfortable with active travel. Please consult with the tour operator about specific concerns.
What kind of physical fitness is required?
- A moderate level of fitness is required, as the tour includes multiple treks and walks in hilly or mountainous areas. Participants should be comfortable walking for several hours on uneven terrain.
Are meals included?
- Most meals are included as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner). Meals typically feature local Vietnamese cuisine, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notice.
What cultural etiquette should I be aware of?
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and rural communities.
- Always ask for permission before taking photographs of local people, particularly in ethnic minority areas.
- Be respectful and considerate when interacting with local communities, and try to engage in cultural exchange without imposing.
How will transportation be arranged?
- The tour includes a combination of private vehicles, overnight trains, and motorbike rides. All transportation adheres to high safety standards, and vehicles are comfortable for long journeys.
What is the maximum group size?
- Group sizes are kept small to ensure a more personalized and enriching experience, typically no more than 12 to 15 participants.
Is there a guide fluent in English?
- Yes, an English-speaking guide who is knowledgeable about the regions visited and the local cultures will accompany the group throughout the tour.
What is the policy on travel insurance?
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for all participants. Ensure that your insurance covers medical evacuation and trip cancellation, as the tour travels through remote areas.
Can I extend my stay in Vietnam before or after the tour?
- Absolutely, you can extend your stay. We can assist with arrangements for additional accommodation, activities, and transportation if needed.
These FAQs are designed to help prepare participants for a safe and enjoyable experience exploring the rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes of Vietnam on the "Vietnam Ethnic Minority Colours in 14 Days" tour.
Tour Map
Tour Overview – Vietnam Ethnic Minority Colours in 14 Days
Step off the well-trodden tourist path and venture deep into Vietnam’s rich tapestry of ethnic cultures and dramatic northern landscapes on this transformative 14-day journey. Vietnam Ethnic Minority Colours is more than a tour—it’s a story unfolding across misty mountains, tribal markets, riverside homestays, and heritage-soaked villages, connecting you to the vibrant heartbeat of Northern Vietnam’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions.
Begin in the thousand-year-old capital of Hanoi, where ancient pagodas, French colonial facades, and lively markets welcome you into Vietnam’s historical and cultural core. Wander through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets, sip on traditional egg coffee, and witness the magic of water puppetry—a storytelling tradition rooted in the Red River Delta.
From Hanoi, board an overnight train into the misty mountains of Sapa, where rolling rice terraces cascade into lush valleys. Trek through remote hill tribe villages home to the Black H’mong, Dzay, Red Dao, and Xa Pho, whose traditions, clothing, and languages are as vibrant as the landscapes they inhabit. Share meals with local families, sleep in stilt houses, and witness a way of life untouched by time.
The road winds north into Ha Giang, Vietnam’s final frontier and home to the legendary Ma Pi Leng Pass. Here, vast karst plateaus and vertiginous mountain roads cradle a raw beauty that is both humbling and exhilarating. Ride the winding Sky Path, pass traditional homes clinging to cliffs, and immerse yourself in UNESCO-recognised Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Encounters with ethnic minorities—such as the Flower H’mong or Tay—offer meaningful insights into life lived in harmony with nature.
Continue to Cao Bang, where cultural richness meets untamed wilderness. Visit the impressive Ban Gioc Waterfall, nestled on the border with China, and explore Nguom Ngao Cave, a surreal underground world of stalactites and stone chambers. In Phia Thap Village, join locals in age-old incense-making practices—an intimate window into Vietnamese spiritual traditions.
Your final retreat is in the untouched tranquility of Ba Be National Park, Vietnam’s largest natural freshwater lake surrounded by tropical forest. Drift by boat through tranquil waters, visit hidden waterfalls and riverside hamlets, and fall asleep to the peaceful sounds of nature at your lakeside homestay.
This itinerary isn’t rushed—it’s designed for the curious, the thoughtful, and the adventurous. It’s for those who long for genuine human connection, who are moved by untouched landscapes, and who believe travel should transform as much as it transports.
Whether you’re a photographer chasing light through limestone peaks, a culture-seeker intrigued by spiritual rituals, or a nature lover searching for pristine trails—this journey into Vietnam’s highlands offers a rare, soulful, and authentic immersion into the stories, flavours, and colours of its ethnic minority heartland.
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