Lost in the Magical Landscapes of Northern Mountain Vietnam
Northeast & Northwest Vietnam Mountain : My Life-time of Memorable Adventure
Northeast and Northwest Vietnam’s mountains are characterized by high peaks and deep valleys, home to many of Vietnam’s ethnic groups. These regions are remote and challenging to access from Hanoi, with difficult road conditions and numerous winding, steep passes, making them less frequented by travelers. However, those who venture to Northern Vietnam Mountain can expect to discover pristine natural landscapes, magnificent mountains, stunning rice terraces, and beautiful waterfalls. There are also opportunities to interact with the friendly local ethnic communities, rich in culture and customs. Thus, this Vietnam mountain adventure surely will provide you with excellent photography and memorable travel experiences.
The beautiful landscape of Tram Ton Heaven Gate in Hoang Lien mountain ranges
We recently returned from a 14-day exploration of Northwest and Northeast Mountain Vietnam. We chose to take part in this expedition at the end of September due to the cooler fall climate, which also allowed us to witness the rice terraces in their best condition in Vietnam’s northern highlands. We were fortunate to experience beautiful weather, enhancing our adventure of great exploration to the region. Impressed by the stunning landscapes and rich cultures of these regions, we are eager to share our day-by-day travel experiences and photos, offering you a comprehensive outlook on these off-the-beaten-path destinations that Vietnam has to offer.
Morning sunrise in Ban Luoc bangalow
Day by Day Travel Experiences in Our Recent Adventure to Northeast & Northwest Mountain Vietnam.
Day 1.Hanoi – Pu Luong nature reserve, hiking in Ban Cong commune.Overnight in Pu Luong retreat.
Driving journey Hanoi- Pu Luong : 200kms in 5,5 hour drive.
Travel funs & activities :
- Enjoy stunning mountain views in Ba Vi and Cuc Phuong National Park while driving.
- Trek in Ban Cong commune, experience the daily life of the Black Thai community, and admire the unique waterwheels they use to irrigate rice fields and for daily water needs.
- Relax with a peaceful night at Pu Luong Retreat, offering a panoramic view of rice terraces and mountains.
System of waterwheels in Ban Cong villages
The view from Pu Luong retreat bungalow
Day 2.Trek down Ban Don village – drive to Mai Hich commune (Mai Chau).Overnight in Mai Chau villa.
Driving journey Pu Luong – Mai Chau valley : 70km in 1,5 hours
Travel Fun & Experiences:
- Morning Trek in Don Village: Start your day with a trek through pristinely green rice terraces in Don village ( Pu Luong Nature Reserve). Climb up the mountain to capture panoramic views of the surrounding villages, lush valleys, and stunning mountains.
- Lunch in Mai Hich Commune: Enjoy a lunch of local dishes prepared by a Thai family in the less touristy Mai Hich commune within Mai Chau valley.
- Afternoon Hike in Mai Hich Village: Take another hike in the hidden corner of Mai Chau valley, where you’ll find peaceful, pristine landscapes of mountains, forests, and rice fields. This is an excellent opportunity to interact with the local White Thai people and learn about their daily life.
- Overnight Stay: Spend the night in a quiet resort, Mai Chau Villa, set near a large lake and local village, offering a serene and comfortable environment.
Don village rice terraces – Pu Luong nature reserve
Trek across the mountain & have a great view of the valley in Ban Don village
For a short vacation focusing on Mai Chau valley and Pu Luong Nature Reserve, consider the following trip options:
- Mai Chau Valley and Pu Luong Nature Reserve Escape – 4 days
- Mai Chau Valley and Pu Luong Nature Reserve Trekking Tour – 3 days
- Pu Luong Nature Reserve Trekking Tour – 2 days
Day 3. Scenic drive Mai Chau valley acrossing Son La province to Mu Cang Chai. Overnight in Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge.
Driving Journey from Mai Chau Valley to Mu Cang Chai: 320 km in 8 Hours
Travel Fun and Experiences:
- Take a long drive through the breathtaking mountainscapes of Northwest Vietnam, ascending and descending through Mai Chau Valley and passing through Son La City on the way to Mu Cang Chai.
- Enjoy stunning views of rice terraces and a picturesque lake in the Ngoc Chien area.
- Spend the night at the serene Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge, a quiet resort perched on a hilltop, offering views of the stream and rice terraces below.
Pristine Mai Chau valley
Sun setting down on Northwest Mountain
Day 4. Mu Cang Chai trek to visit La Pan Tan, Mam Xoi & Cu Che Nha rice terraces.Overnight in Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge.
Driving Journey within Mu Cang Chai Area: 100km
Travel Highlights:
- Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Vietnam’s most spectacular rice terraces, particularly the breathtaking transformation of Mu Cang Chai’s terraced fields from vibrant green to golden hues at their peak beauty.
- Join in extended hikes along less-traveled paths to capture stunning views of rice terraces in La Pan Tan, Mam Xoi, and Cu Che Nha communes.
- Engage with the H’Mong and Thai ethnic communities as they work on the farms or reside scattered across the mountainsides.
- Enjoy an overnight stay at the tranquil Mu Cang Chai Ecolodge, perched atop a hill overlooking streams and rice terraces, offering a serene and picturesque retreat.
Layers of rice terraces in La Pan Tan village – Mu Canng Chai
Local Balck Hmong in Mu Cang Chai
Please, read the best time to visit Mu Cang Chai before making a trip there.
Day 5. Mu Cang Chai – Ban Bo waterwheels- Tram Ton Pass- Silver Waterfall – Fansipan mount – Sapa.Overnight in Amazing Hotel Sapa.
Driving from Mu Cang Chai to Sapa covers a distance of 180 km and takes approximately 4.5 hours.
Highlights of the journey:
- Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien mountain ranges, capturing picturesque photos at Tram Ton Heaven Gate and ascending Fansipan Peak, the highest point in Indochina, via cable car under clear, blue skies.
- Witness the impressive system of water wheels in Ban Bo village, located along the route.
- Stay overnight at the scenic Amazing Hotel Sapa, which offers stunning views of Fansipan Mountain and the Muong Hoa Valley.
Local H’Mong harvest the rice in group
Picturesque waterwheel in Ban Bo – Lai Chau
For the shorter trips to explore Mu Cang Chai or Sapa – Mu Cang Chai area from Hanoi, you can put the following trips into consideration :
- Mu Cang Chai Trekking Tour 3 days.
- Intensive Mu Cang Chai trekking tour 4 days
- Sapa – Mu Cang Chai Exploration 4 days
Day 6. Sapa- Can Cau market- Luoc village.Homestay in Ban Luoc village (Hoang Su Phi)
Driving journey Sapa – Can Cau market – Luoc village in Hoang Su Phi : 230km.
Highlights of the journey:
- Visiting the remote and authentic hilltribe market in Si Ma Cai district, Lao Cai (Can Cau market): A profound immersion into local cultures and captivating encounters with various ethnic groups dressed in vibrant, traditional attire.
- Traversing the scenic Chinese border road from Si Ma Cai to Hoang Su Phi, offering breathtaking views of majestic mountains.
- Staying overnight in a family homestay hosted by the Black Dzao Ethnic group, nestled high in the mountains of Ban Luoc commune: Witnessing spectacular sunrises and sunsets amidst drifting clouds over valleys, creating unforgettable travel moments.
- Indulging in local cuisine prepared by the host family, including savoring rice wine and engaging in heartfelt conversations with them, adding another layer of enriching cultural experience.
Tram Ton heaven gate – Sapa
Authentic Can Cau market
Day 7.Trekking in Luoc village – Nam Hong hamlet.Overnight in Hoang Su Phi bungalow.
Driving journey within Hoang Su Phi : 100km
Travel Funs & Experiences:
- Compared to Mu Cang Chai, the rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi are equally stunning and steeped in legend.
- Trekking through Luoc commune along buffalo trails on mountain slopes offers a remarkable journey to marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Hoang Su Phi’s rice terraces.
- Staying overnight in one of the picturesque hilltop bungalows in Hoang Su Phi provides an unparalleled view overlooking the rice terraces.
- It’s a wonderful opportunity to engage with a local Red Dzao family, sharing drinks and dinner with them, immersing yourself in their culture and traditions.
The view from Ban Luoc homestay
Ban Luoc rice terraces
For the single trips to explore Bac Ha region & Hoang Su Phi area, you can put those adventures into account :
- Sapa-Bac Ha market – Hoang Su Phi Trek 4 days.
- Hoang Su Phi Adventure Trek 4 days
- Thac Ba lake – Hoang Su Phi Trek 4 days
- Impressive Ha Giang Adventure to Dong Van Geopark & Hoang Su Phi rice terraces
Day 8.Trekking in Nam Hong & Nam Ai commune – drive to Ha Giang city.Overnight in Truong Xuan Resort.
Driving journey Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang City : 120km
Travel Highlights & Experiences:
- Enjoy breathtaking views of rice terraces and mountains during morning treks through Nam Hong and Nam Ai communes.
- Engage with the Red Dzao ethnic community, observing their farm work and experiencing their mountain-dwelling lifestyle.
- Stay overnight at the serene Truong Xuan Resort, offering picturesque views of a tranquil lake in Ha Giang city.
Rice terraces in Nam Hong commune
Mountain & lake view in Truong Xuan resort
Day 9.Dong Van Geopark exploration to Quan Ba heaven gate, Yen Minh Pine forest, Lung Cam village, Vuong house.Overnight in Dong Van Resort.
Driving journey Ha Giang along Dong Van Geopark : 180km
Travel funs & experiences:
- Scenic drive along gorgeous Dong Van Geopark of outstanding limestone mountains with stops to visit Quan Ba Heaven Gate, Quan Ba Twin Mountain, Yen Minh Pine Forest, Lung Cam village of H’Mong & Vuong Palace of special achitecture ( exploring Top attractions in Ha Giang)
- Experience the most winding & steep loop in Northeast Vietnam
- Overnight in a tranquil resort – Dong Van resort in the hiiden corner, near the rice field in Dong Van town.
Heaven gate Quan Ba – Ha Giang
Dong Van Geopark – Ha Giang
Day 10.Dong Van town visit to Don Cao peak, Ma Pi Leng Pass.Overnight in Meo Vac town.
Driving journey within Dong Van Geopark : visit Dong van ancient town, Don Cao Bunker, Ma Pi Leng Pass & Nho Que river : 100km
Travel Adventures & Experiences:
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Dong Van ancient town, where you’ll encounter numerous old-fashioned houses of the Black Hmong community.
- Take in the panoramic vistas of Dong Van town and its lush valley while trekking up to Don Cao French Bunker.
- Marvel at the awe-inspiring beauty of Ma Pi Leng Pass, renowned as one of Vietnam’s most formidable and scenic routes. Here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain landscapes and the serene waters of the Nho Que river
Ma Pi Leng Pass – Ha Giang
Please, read Best Time to visit Ha Giang and get those trips referenced for your coming Ha Giang adventure :
Day 11.Meo Vac driving pass Cao Bang city to Ban Gioc waterfall.Overnight in Sai Gon- Ban Gioc waterfall.
Driving journey Meo Vac to Ban Gioc waterfall : 280km
Travel funs & experiences:
- Today, we journeyed through Dong Van Geopark en route to Cao Bang province, a historic land where Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle against the French began in the 1940s.
- We marveled at Ban Gioc waterfall, renowned as Vietnam’s most beautiful, capturing breathtaking sunset shots—a highlight of our adventure.
- Tonight, we find tranquility at Sai Gon Ban Gioc Resort, nestled at the waterfall’s entrance, promising a peaceful overnight stay amidst nature’s splendor.
The view from Don Cao bunker – Dong Van town
Ma Pi Leng Pass view
Day 12.Ban Goc waterfall visit, Truc Lam Pagoda & Nguom Ngao grotto – Lang Son city.Overnight in Muong Thanh hotel.
Driving journey Ban Gioc – Lang Son city: 200km
Travel Highlights & experiences:
- Witness the stunning Ban Gioc waterfall at sunrise.
- Capture panoramic views from Ban Gioc – Truc Lam Pagoda during a hike.
- Discover the beautiful Nguom Ngao grotto near Ban Gioc waterfall.
- Drive through historic sites like Dong Khe and That Khe from the French war era to Lang Son city, near the Chinese border.
Cao Bang – Ban Gioc mountain view
Sun setting & view of Ban Gioc waterfall
You can have this following short trip to explore Northeast Mountain Vietnam read for the details if you only want to cover this part : Highlighted Northeast Vietnam Adventure 8 days
Day 13.Lang Son – Ha Long bay.Overnight in 5* Victory Star Cruise.
Driving journey Lang Son city – Ha Long bay: 200km
Travel funs & experiences:
- Descend from the scenic mountains to the sea and embark on a memorable journey to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site aboard the luxurious 5-star Victory Star Cruise.
- Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Ha Long Bay, known for its stunning limestone pillars rising from emerald waters.
- Engage in a rowing boat ride through Luon tunnels to admire the natural landscapes.
- Indulge in delicious seafood dishes served onboard and spend an unforgettable night amidst the exotic surroundings of Ha Long Bay.
Bai Tu Long Bay
Day 14. Ha Long bay exploration – Hanoi city
Driving journey Bai Tu Long bay – Hanoi: 170km
Travel highlights & experiences:
- More cruising along Ha Long bay & explore Sung Sot cave on mountain top which offered us a beautiful captivation of Ha Long bay
- Journey back to Hanoi along the Red River Delta
Bai Tu Long bay beach
Explore Northern Mountain Vietnam with Golden Holiday Travel.
As a local licensed tour operator, Golden Holiday Travel Team regularly conduct inspection trips to ensure the beauty of the scenery and the quality of services we offer to our clients. Recently in September, we did a 14-day inspection trip to Northeast and Northwest Mountain Vietnam. We have documented our day-to-day travel activities with photos, providing you with insights into these off-the-beaten-path regions. We hope this serves as a valuable reference for your upcoming trip to Vietnam.
If you need travel support such as local consultancy, Vietnam adventure tours, or private car hire to explore these areas, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +84.988451530. Our travel experts are ready to provide you with useful suggestions and consultancy for a memorable travel experience.
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