Vietnam And The Tribes of Upper Tonkin

12 Days
11 Nights

Hanoi | Mai Chau | Pu Luong | Ninh Binh | Halong | Danang | Hoi An | Saigon | Mekong Delta

From $1,308
Per Person

Our Experts

In Asia Mystika, we understand what motivates you to travel is deeply personal. We desire to create meaningful travel experiences comes from getting to know you and how you want to see the world. Our experienced expert team are always ready to listen to your every needs and then customize a bespoke itinerary based on what you want. Please contact us and tell us what you are looking for.

Ngoc Anh (Ms. Mieera)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Ngoc Anh (Ms. Mieera)

Le Huyen (Ms. Helen)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Le Huyen (Ms. Helen)

Duc Anh (Mr. Arthur)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Duc Anh (Mr. Arthur)

Hoang Thuong (Ms. Jade)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Hoang Thuong (Ms. Jade)

Thi Le (Ms. Lily)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Thi Le (Ms. Lily)

Tran Thang (Mr. Billy)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Tran Thang (Mr. Billy)

Pham Nga (Ms. Amelia)

Meet Our Vietnam Expert

Pham Nga (Ms. Amelia)

Map
Map

Trip Highlight

Essentials:

  • See iconic Hanoi – City for Peace
  • See Ninh Binh – one of the 23 best places to travel around the world in 2023
  • Visit Halong Bay – a famous UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Hoi An – a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999

The breathtaking landscapes:

  • Enjoy scenic, local market, rice terrace and colorful hill tribes area in Mai Chau, Pu Luong
  • Immerse yourself in local hot spring in Hua Tat

Immersion in the daily life of mountain ethnic groups and Hikking:

  • Hiking through valley, terraced fields, streams, waterfalls and local villages in Mai Chau, Pu Luong
  • Experience the daily activities of mountain ethnic people – Thai and H'mong people

The MOST of Asia Mystika:

  • 100% tailor-made tour
  • Attention to details and value for money
  • Accompanied by experienced local guides

More experience:

  • Visit Ho Chi Minh City – “the Pearl of the Far East”
  • See local life in Mekong Delta – the “rice bowl” of Vietnam
  • Cycling in Mai Chau, Tam Coc


Design own trip

Itinerary

The estimated price includes what is described in the “price includes” section. The final price will depend on the number of participants, your departure dates, the level of services chosen and any arrangements you may wish to request from us. Please contact us for a personalized quote with the exact price for your trip.

Day 01

HANOI ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: No

Welcome to Hanoi - the capital of Vietnam and start your tour with us! Meet your driver then transfer to Hanoi center, check in to your hotel at 2:00 pm before exploring this beautiful city. 
Overnight in Hanoi.

Note: Hotel check-in time: 14 pm

Day 02

HANOI – LOCAL SMALL HOT SPRING – HUA TAT (B/-/-)

Accommodation: Ecolodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: ~ 170km, ~ 4-hour drive (depending on traffic)

After breakfast, our driver and local guide will pick you up at the hotel to transfer to Hua Tat. On the way, stop at a waterfall hiding in the mountain, a source of water for the paddy fields and people's daily life. 
Then transfer to a nearby local hot spring in a community tourist village. The hot spring runs from the mountain with an average temperature of 35°- 40° Celsius. It is embanked to create a pool for people to have a hot bath. Immerse yourself and relax in the warm and fresh water, it is really good for your health.
Afterward, transfer to Hua Tat overnight.

Hua Tat Village is a lovely small community of H’mong tribe in Moc Chau, blessed with lush, breathtaking scenery, authentic local culture, and a poetic trekking path into a nearby pine forest.

Day 03

HIKING LOCAL VILLAGE – GLASS BRIDGE – MAI CHAU (B/-/-)

Accommodation: Ecolodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: ~ 110km, ~ 3-hour drive (depending on traffic)
Hiking: ~ 2-3 hours 

After breakfast, hiking through pine forest and H’mong village to enjoy the refreshing and cool air of the highland’s plateau. Following the trail to the top of the hill, you’ll see many different kinds of plantations and animals like goats and buffalo. Towards the end of the trail, you will pass by the villagers’ houses and get a chance to interact with the friendly Hmong villagers.
After hiking, relax with a healthy herbal foot bath at the resort.

Option: If time permits, try making paper at a local H’mong Paper Workshop. Paper making is also a handicraft that has been passed down generation after generation in Hua Tat. The papers here are made for domestic and cultural purposes which you can’t find anywhere else.

At noon, drive to Moc Chau to visit Bach Long Glass Bridge - the world’s longest glass bridge by Guinness World Records and join amusement park here (the amusement park is self-pay). Bach Long Bridge offers impressive panoramic views of spectacular mountain landscape.
Then transfer to Mai Chau for overnight.

Day 04

CYCLING – PU LUONG – HIKING THAI VILLAGE (B/-/-)

Accommodation: Ecolodge
Meals included: Breakfast
Hiking/Cycling: ~ 2-3 hours 

Enjoy breakfast as you awaken to the tranquil splendor of the mountain. After that, you will start cycling through local villages, see terraces rice fields, mountains and jungle. After checking out the hotel at noon, transfer to Pu Luong across a mountain pass with amazing vistas of the entire valley. 
In the afternoon, hike the trails through the valleys along the mountain range of Pu Luong nature reserve. You will walk through picturesque places such as terraced fields, streams, waterfalls, local villages of Thai and Muong ethnic people. The harmony that people have with nature is rare. The great thing here is that tourism has not affected life, which makes everything very real.

Overnight in Pu Luong.

Day 05

LOCAL WATERFALL – BAMBOO RAFTING – WATER WHEELS (B/-/-)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Distance: ~ 120km, ~ 3-hour drive (depending on traffic)

Have a chance to see scenic drive mountain pass with amazing vistas of the entire valley and paddy fields to a local waterfall in a community tourist village. The road to the waterfall will go through a local market (that hosts a fair on Tuesday and Sundays). Go through the market and continue up to our destination. The waterfall offers a lot of different spots to enjoy a swim in natural pools and waterfalls. You can choose to go up the stream on foot, a wonderful and refreshing experience.
In the afternoon, experience bamboo rafting on a local river. You travel like a local fisherman down a river and see local agriculture life on both sides and pass a few bamboo water wheels up close. See firsthand how water is transported from the river using handmade bamboo aqueducts.

Then transfer to Ninh Binh. Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Day 06

MUA CAVE – TAM COC CYCLING – BICH DONG PAGODA (B/-/-)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast
Cycling: ~ 2 hours

In the morning, depart to visit Mua Cave (Hang Mua), you’ll climb up 500 stone step to the top of Mua Cave to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the countryside and Ngo Dong river. Then cycling around Tam Coc through beautiful rice fields, small rivers, towering limestone cliffs and buffalo’s and goats walking freely over the roads. Visit Bich Dong pagoda and Thai Vi temple not far from Tam Coc. 
Bich Dong pagoda exists out of a gate with a bridge and three small pagodas. The entrance to the Bich Dong pagoda in Tam Coc is the highlight for many people visiting this place. The complete area of the pagoda is stunning and tranquil, surrounded by mountains and lakes full of lilies.
Located in the stunning scenery of limestone mountains interleaved with rice fields, lakes, and swamp, Thai Vi Temple has made a fantastic impression on every tourist with its own ancient beauty of architecture and peaceful serene surroundings.

Overnight in Ninh Binh.

Option: Visit Phat Diem Stone Cathedral - a complex comprising of a lake, a cathedral, a stone church, Phuong Dinh (bell house) and three artificial grottoes. It is one of the most famous and beautiful churches in Vietnam with special architecture: an elegant combination between Western church architecture style and Vietnamese religious buildings.

Day 07

NINH BINH – HALONG BAY (B/L/D)

Accommodation: Cruise
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: ~ 200km, ~ 3,5-hour drive (depending on traffic)

After early breakfast, bidding farewell Ninh Binh to drive to the coastal port of Halong. The journey takes around four hours with a break to stretch your legs. Upon arrival in Tuan Chau Marina, embark your boat and start cruising. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site composed of almost 2,000 islands and jungle-clad limestone pillars.
After arriving at noon, you will board a beautiful boat for an overnight cruise on Halong Bay with an excellent menu of fresh seafood. Lunch and dinner are served on boat.

Overnight on board.

Day 08

HALONG – HANOI – FLIGHT TO DANANG – HOI AN (B/BR/-)

Accommodation: Hotel 
Meals included: Breakfast, Brunch

Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the aquamarine waters of the bay at its best. After tea/coffee and pastries have been served, the boat will continue to cruise quietly through the spectacular limestone formations of Halong Bay. Enjoy this more isolated part of the bay’s spectacular and unique islands. You will return to Halong harbor after a very hearty brunch on board (at 12pm). 
Head to Hanoi Airport for a flight to Danang – a city in Central Vietnam. Arrive in Da Nang airport, meet our driver and guide then head to Hoi An Ancient Town, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will discover the Hoi An Ancient Town including Chua Ong Pagoda, Chinese Assembly Halls, the 200 - year old Tam Ky ancestral house, and the Japanese Bridge. Spend your night in the nostalgic city.

Overnight in Hoi An.

Optional in the evening: Join a lantern-making class then take a boat to drop lanterns on the river to wish good things (self-pay).

Day 09

TRA QUE VILLAGE – COOKING CLASS – COCONUT VILLAGE (B/L/-)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

After a hearty breakfast, enjoy a morning bike ride through the rural scenery of Hoi An to a small vegetable planting village located on the banks of Tra Que Village. Tra Que Village has been infamous for its special aromatic Vietnamese herbs. Join local people in their daily works of planting and watering produce. Here, you can take a cooking class to learn how to cook some local specialties in a tranquil setting. There is nothing better than enjoying your creations for lunch. 
Head to the Bay Mau 7 hectares water coconut forest at Cam Thanh Village. Hearing about the past war story before exploring the now tranquil coconut-palm flanked waterways of a past war and hearing of the extreme conditions endured by soldiers of both sides. Enjoy Thung Chai basket boat demonstration by our crews.
Learn to paddle the unique Vietnamese bamboo basket boats and join in basket boat racing for fun and learn how to make origami creations from reeds of palm leaves such as grasshoppers, birds, rings, sunglass, bracelets, etc.

Overnight in Hoi An. 

Note: Tra Que cooking class is optional - surcharged

Day 10

HOI AN – BA NA HILLS – FLIGHT TO SAIGON (B/-/-)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, leave Hoi An to visit Bana Hill. We take Cable Car which gains 5 world scores to Ba Na hills station, visit Vong Nguyet hills, Linh Ung pagoda, The Old Villas of French. Moving up by cable car to the Nui Chua Mountain – the top of Ba Na range, visiting Nghinh Phong top, Le Nim Villas, Orchid Garden… Experience hill climbing train (first and unique funicular in Vietnam) and visit an old French cellar (Debay Ancient Wine Cellar), flower garden Le Jardin D’amour and Linh Ung Pagoda. 

In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport to take a flight to Saigon. Welcome to Saigon - the city used to be considered “the Pearl of the Far East” and start your tour with us! The dynamic Ho Chi Minh City is still called Saigon by the locals. Meet our driver and local guide then transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Saigon.

Day 11

SAIGON – MEKONG DELTA – SAIGON (B/-/-)

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

Have breakfast at the hotel. The way from Cai Be towards Cho Lach on the Tien Giang River takes 2.5-hour to drive. Cai Be is a district located in the West of Tien Giang province, it is famous for floating market – a signature of Southeast culture. Travelers will have experience on the Mekong River, visit the floating market on boat, try food on boat, observe resident life, and feel their life live.
Back to Saigon for overnight. 

Overnight in Saigon.

Optional in the evening: Explore Saigon night and food tour by Vespa - surcharged

Day 12

SAIGON DEPARTURE (B/-/-)

Meals included: Breakfast.

Transfer to the airport for onward flight. Make sure to keep in touch with new friends you found during the trip and don’t forget to share your wonderful journey and reviews with us on our social media.

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Inclusions:

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Ecolodge (3 nights), Cruise (1 night)

Transportation

Car, Cruise

Meals

11 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 1 Brunch

Activities & Others

  • English-speaking guide as mentioned
  • Water during the itinerary (2 bottles/pax/day, 350ml - 500ml/bottle)
  • Entrance fees for mentioned visits
  • Package 2D1N Halong Bay overnight cruise
  • Bach Long Glass Bridge ticket
  • Cycling, hiking, bamboo rafting, local activities, etc

Exclusions:

  • All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
  • Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request
  • Others are not mentioned in the Inclusions

What Make Us Different?

Tailor-made experience

Tailor-made experience

We create personalized travel packages with meticulous attention to detail, tailored to your preferences and needs, ensuring authentic experiences while balancing your budget and safety.

Provide Local Expert

Provide Local Expert

Our local tour guides are passionate experts who ensure both the quality and safety of your journey, providing insightful and enthusiastic support throughout your trip.

Trustworthy

Trustworthy

We provide comprehensive pre-travel and post-travel support, handling challenges and accommodating special needs to ensure a smooth and personalized travel experience.

Value For Money

Value For Money

We aim to exceed expectations by leveraging strategic partnerships and negotiated rates to deliver high-quality trips with excellent value for money.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time travel to Vietnam?

The best time to visit Vietnam depends on the region you plan to explore:

  • - In the North, including Hanoi, Ha Long, and Sa Pa, spring (March to April) and autumn (September to November) offer ideal weather with sunny days perfect for sightseeing. For those who love SaPa and the Fansipan mountain, the months of October, November, February, and March are the best times to experience the breathtaking "cloud hunting" scenery.
  • - In Central Vietnam, including destinations like Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue, the best time to visit is from February to August, with July and August being the sunniest months, ideal for beach vacations and exploring the region’s culinary and historical culture.
  • - In the South, including Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, the weather is warm year-round, but the dry season from December to May is particularly favorable for travel

Can you give me advice about the Weather and anything else that I need to taking care of?

Vietnam's rainy season typically falls between mid-July and the end of August, bringing storms and flooding to the central region, and creating challenging, even dangerous, conditions for mountain climbing in the northern areas. Therefore, it is crucial for travelers to regularly check weather forecasts during this period to ensure their safety.

What are the best places to visit in Vietnam?

The best place to visit in Vietnam:

  1. Hanoi ( Vietnam's Capital) : This is tops the list of the best place to visit in Vietnam. The city boasts many distinctive features, such as an iconic red brigde ( The Huc Bridge) that can not be found in any other place, makeing it a must - visit for travel enthusiasts. Even on the busy streets, you can feel Hanoi's charm and peacefulness.
  2. Halong Bay: Renowned for its green waters and towering limestone karsts covered in lush vegetation, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site.For many people, the highlight of their trip to Vietnam is an overnight ride aboard a traditional junk boat around Ha Long Bay. As you glide down the calm rivers, you'll see floating settlements like Cua Van, Vung Vieng, and Cong Dam and be treated to surreal sights. The best ways to see one of Vietnam's most stunning locations are to kayak through the stunning caverns and karsts or have a swim in the clean, quiet waters.
  3. Sapa: Known for its breathtaking mountain scenery, terraced rice fields, and ethnic minority villages, Sapa is great for trekking and cultural experiences.
  4. Ninh Binh: Known as "Ha Long Bay on land," dazzles with its dramatic limestone karsts, serene waterways, and impressive caves. Highlights include scenic boat rides through Tam Cốc’s caves, exploring the historical Hoa Lư Ancient Capital, and marveling at the stunning landscapes and cave systems in Trang An.
  5. Danang: A vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches, modern skyline, and rich cultural heritage. Highlights include the iconic Dragon Bridge, the Marble Mountains, and the scenic My Khe Beach. The city offers a blend of historical sites, vibrant street food, and a gateway to nearby cultural attractions like Hoi An and My Son.
  6. Hoi An: This is a charming ancient town known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant lantern-lit streets, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy wandering through its narrow alleys, exploring historic temples, and savoring delicious local cuisine, all while experiencing a unique blend of traditional and colonial influences.
  7. Mekong Delta: One of Vietnam's most picturesque areas is the Mekong Delta, sometimes referred to as the "Rice Bowl of Vietnam." Life in this land of meandering rivers, mangrove forests, floating marketplaces, and verdant rice fields is dictated by the ebb and flow of the most famous river in Southeast Asia.
  8. Ho Chi Minh City: Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City serves as both the southern region's principal hub and Vietnam's economic center. The dynamic cityscape of HCMC, a free-spirited, multicultural metropolis, combines old and new Vietnam in the smallest possible area, symbolizing both the city's past and future. Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the War Museum are just a few of this city's well-known attractions.

Can the itinerary be customized to my preferences?

We are organize tailor tour so we can remote tour follow your request. Please let us know about it

How are the political and security conditions for travelers in Vietnam?

Intrepid takes every precaution to make sure that excursions are safe, exciting, and pleasurable for all participants because it takes the health and safety of its travelers seriously. Before departing, we advise all travelers to confirm the most recent information with their government or a national travel advisory organization

Are flights included in the trip? Could you quote package include flight ticket?

Tour price does not include international and domestic airfare. Airfares will be quoted and booked separately.

Is tipping customary in Vietnam

Although tipping is not required or customary in Vietnam, drivers, restaurants, and other service providers would appreciate a little tip—especially if the service has been really good—or spare change.

How can I book a tour?

All travel itineraries are fully customized to meet your specific needs. To book a tour, you can reach us via:

Our travel consultants will respond with the best options within 1-2 hours and await your confirmation.

If we booking confirm when will be the last day for transfer deposit?

If you wishes to book the trip, you will need to confirm your booking decision to us by specifying the ofer and quotation that suits your. Then we proceeds to the reservation of all the sevices provided in the offer and reseves the right to proposr equivalent alternatives in case of one or more planned services ( accomodation, dosmetic flights, train,etc..) Once all these reservation have been made, the final travel program will be sent to the traveler for final validation.

How can I process the payment/Tour reservation process? Payment Method

You can deposit to us in 1 of 2 method

  1. Payment link: the money can arrival our account right after you paid. link charge 3,3% for online system fee (we don't take this fee)
  2. Bank transfer: I suggest you use this method more, if you pay in VND by DBS bank, it doesn't charge you transfer fee (my previous client used to pay by this method)

How much deposit is required?

Deposit: It may be requested to start working on a file and to secure reservations for services such as flight, cruise, hotel as well as for certain peal travel periods.The need for deposit and the amount and conditions applying to them ( refundable, non - refundable) will be mentioned by our specialist on a case at the time of trvel planning and quoting. After you confirm our tour bookings, we will proceed with the preparation of the services. After all kinds of service ready we will send you invoice start receiving 50% (of total tour) deposit the rest you can pay on the first day of foot booking to vietnam

How is about Cancel Policy?

Cancellation must be made in writing by email and be receive in time ( please keep in mind weekends, public holidays and different time zones on both ends).The charges below apply unless different terms have been mentioned at quotation/booking time. Individual traveler (1-8 people):

  • + 31 days and more before arrival: Non - refundable deposit or 10% of total tour cost
  • + From 30 days to 22 days prior arrival date: Non - Refundalble deposit or 10% of total tour cost
  • + From 21 days to 15 days' prior arrival date: on - Refundalble deposit or 25% of total tour cost
  • + From 14 days to 08 days' prior arrival date: 50% of total tour cost
  • + Between 7 days and 48 hours before arrival: 75% of total tour cost
  • + Less than 48 hours before arrival: 90% of total tour cost
  • + Shortening or cancellaton on site: 100% of total tour cost

Do I neeed a Travel Insurance before travelling in Vietnam

We encourage you to buy your own travel insurance according to your personal needs

How do authorities assist in emergency situations?

The safety of our travellers, leaders and operators is a major priority for Intrepid. With this in mind, we monitor world events very closely and Intrepid makes operational decisions based on informed advice. We have enough useful address and emergency contact of embassy, police address and security in Vietnam

Do I need visa in Vietnam

Depend on the Nationality passport you holding, you will need or don’t need to apply visa to entry Vietnam

What types of cash and denominations are used when traveling in Vietnam?

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnam Dong, symbolised by ₫ or VND. Vietnamese notes are a mix of small paper bills (no coins are used), and larger polymer bills, in values from 10,000 VND to 500,000 VND. If you’re confused by all the zeros, mentally remove three zeros to get a simpler number. To quickly convert from VND to USD, just remove three zeros and divide by 24.Visitors to Vietnam can bring with them unlimited amounts of foreign currency, objects made of gold, silver, precious metals and gemstones or plated with silver or gold, but these must be declared in detail on their customs forms

Is USD accepted in Vietnam?

US dollar is a widely accepted currency in Vietnam and most goods and services can be paid for in Dongs or Dollars. It is good to carry a combination of both at all times. It is also preferable if the dollar bills are in good condition as many businesses may refuse to accept worn out notes.

Are credit card accepted widely in Vietnam?

While cash is used for small purchases and street vendors in Vietnam, most establishments accept payments from major credit card providers such as Visa. Hotels, tour operators, boutiques, restaurants, grocery stores, and spas all generally accept international debit and credit cards. Conversion rates and swiping fees will be set by your card provider. With few exceptions, your larger travel expenses in Vietnam can be covered by card, on the spot or online in advance, reducing the need to carry and convert large sums of cash on the road

How common is English in Vietnam? What is the English proficiency level of tour guides?

English is not really a popular language in Vietnam. In the tourist area, you can find many people can speaking english but not for everyoneVietnamese ranked 58th in the world for global English proficiency. However, all of our company's tour guides are proficient in foreign languages and knowledgeable about Vietnam. They will be your companions and assist you in having a memorable trip

Kind of transportation we will be using in Vietnam

We believe that the journey to and within a new country is half the fun of exploring it! We opt for traditional and local transportation options whenever possible because they are usually more enjoyable, support small local businesses, and have a lower environmental impact. Depending on the destination, you can use buses, vans, or SUVs

Does you pick me up at airport? Will the car tranfer us to the airport after tour?

Yes, of cause. You will greeted by driver when you arrive to Vietnam and tranfered to the aiport after tour by car

Are there limits on the number of guests for the tour? Is it suitable for children or elderly travelers?

Tour not limit quality paxs. For different ages we have different suggestions to suit your group to ensure you have the best tour experience without limiting the number of guests

Are special dietary options available on the tour, such as weight loss menus, halal food, or gluten-free choices?

Tours typically do not include meals for small groups of fewer than 10 guests. If you would like to arrange for Halal meals or other special menus, please contact our consultant for specific advice and assistance

What If I book hotel myself

It no problem. We are partners of all hotels in Vietnam so we can provide the hotels you want or according to our suggestions if you are ok

Any pool side or water activities during the tour?

Points in tour can includes sightseeings, please let us know about your acitivities you want

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