16 DAYS 15 NIGHTS: NORTHERN VIETNAM

Days	Tour	Meals	Overnight
Day 1	HANOI – HOA BINH – SON LA	– / – / D	Son La
Day 2	SON LA – YEN BAI	B / L / D	Yen Bai
Day 3	YEN BAI – DIEN BIEN	B / L / D	Dien Bien
Day 4	DIEN BIEN – LAI CHAU – SAPA	B / L / D	Sapa
Day 5	SAPA – FANSIPAN – CAT CAT VILLAGE	B / L / D	Sapa
Day 6	SAPA – HA GIANG	B / L / D	Ha Giang
Day 7	HA GIANG – DONG VAN – LUNG CU	B / L / D	Ha Giang
Day 8	HA GIANG – CAO BANG	B / L / D	Cao Bang
Day 9	CAO BANG – BAC KAN	B / L / D	Bac Kan
Day 10	BAC KAN – LANG SON	B / L / D	Lang Son
Day 11	LANG SON – QUANG NINH – MONG CAI	B / L / D	Quang Ninh
Day 12	MONG CAI – HA LONG	B / L / D	Ha Long
Day 13	HA LONG – HANOI	B / L / D	Hanoi
Day 14	HANOI – BAC NINH – HAI DUONG – HAI PHONG	B / L / D	Hai Phong
Day 15	HAI PHONG – THAI BINH – NAM ĐINH – NINH BINH	B / L / D	Ninh Binh
Day 16	NINH BINH – HA NAM – HANOI	B / L / –	–

B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: HANOI – HOA BINH – SON LA

Morning: Gather at Noi Bai Airport. Tour guide and vehicle will pick up the group and depart via the highway to Moc Chau. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Northwest mountains and forests with Thai villages along the banks of the Da River.

Noon: Stop at Thung Khe Pass (Da Trang Pass) in Hoa Binh Province, known as the “Europe of Hoa Binh”. Experience all four seasons in a day and take photos on the legendary S-shaped road.

Afternoon: Continue to Moc Chau, arrive for dinner, and enjoy specialties such as wild boar, hill chicken, and sticky rice. Check in to the hotel and rest. 

Morning: After breakfast, visit seasonal flower gardens (mustard flowers, Mexican sunflowers, plum, apricot, and peach blossoms) and Dai Yem Waterfall.

Noon: Depart for Mu Cang Chai, stop at Tu Le for lunch

Afternoon: Conquer Khau Pha Pass, enjoy views of Khau Pha Valley, and watch paragliders.

Evening: Explore Mu Cang Chai’s terraced fields, visit Che Cu Nha, Che Xo Phinh, La Pan Tan, and other scenic spots. Dinner and overnight at a homestay or hotel. 

Morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for Dien Bien Phu. Upon arrival, have lunch and visit Muong Phang historical site, including Hoang Cong Chat Temple, Nong Nhai Village, Dien Bien Phu Campaign Headquarters, and the bunkers of Generals Vo Nguyen Giap and Hoang Van Thai.

Noon: Visit Dien Bien Phu Historical Museum, which features 5 exhibition areas with 274 artifacts and 122 paintings on themes like the strategic location, enemy stronghold, Party leadership, the impact of the victory, and Dien Bien Phu today.

Afternoon: Pay respects at A1 Martyrs Cemetery and A1 Hill, with 644 graves of soldiers who died in the Dien Bien Phu campaign. Explore De Castries’ bunker, Muong Thanh Bridge, Nam Ron River, and Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument.

Evening: Check into the hotel, have dinner at a local restaurant, and visit the Traditional Cultural Exhibition of Ethnic Minorities in Dien Bien. Enjoy traditional folk songs, dances, and music. Overnight at the hotel in Dien Bien.

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Lai Chau City. Stop at Muong Lay to enjoy the scenery along the Da River and explore peaceful villages.

Noon: Stop at Sin Ho Plateau, over 1,500m high, known as the “second Sa Pa” with terraced fields, mountain villages, and stunning natural scenery. Have lunch with local specialties such as buffalo wrapped in betel leaves, steamed goat, native pork, stream fish, and sticky rice.

Afternoon: Arrive in Lai Chau and visit Si Thau Chai community tourism village in Ho Thau Commune, home to the Dao people. Explore the beautiful landscape and unique customs. Visit the famous Water Wheels of Ban Bo/Na Khuong.

Evening: Depart for Sa Pa, check in at O Quy Ho Pass (2,000m high) for breathtaking views of the Hoang Lien Son range and Fansipan peak. Arrive in Sa Pa, have dinner, check into the hotel, and explore the night market or the Love Market (Saturday nights).

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, visit Fansipan Legend via the Muong Hoa Mountain Train (ticket not included). Explore the area and visit Bao An Zen Monastery at 1,604m. Optionally, take the cable car to Fansipan Peak (ticket not included), enjoying stunning views from 2,800m and reaching the summit at 3,143m.

Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Explore Sapa town, visit Sapa Stone Church, and shop for souvenirs at the local market. Visit Cat Cat Village to learn about the local culture and enjoy the scenic beauty at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son range.

Evening: Dinner at a restaurant, featuring Sapa specialties like salmon, sturgeon, and the local dish Thang Co. Overnight at the hotel in Sapa.

Morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for Hoang Su Phi. Stop to take photos along the scenic roads by the Tay Con Linh range and visit the terraced fields in Ban Phung Village.

Noon: Arrive in Hoang Su Phi, have lunch, and admire the terraced fields and the colorful ethnic groups (Man Ta Pan, Dao Ao Dai, Dao Ao Do) in Thong Nguyen. Visit the terraced fields and Dao Ao Dai Village in Nam Ty Commune.

Afternoon: Depart for Ha Giang. Upon arrival, check in at KM 0.

Evening: Have dinner, check into the hotel, and rest.

Morning: After breakfast and check-out, head to Lũng Cú, the northernmost point of Vietnam, passing through the stunning Dong Van Stone Plateau with its scenic “Happiness Road.” Experience breathtaking views at the Cổng Trời Quản Bạ and admire the unique Núi Đôi (Twin Mountains). Visit the Lũng Cú Flagpole and enjoy the panoramic view of terraced fields and traditional Lô Lô houses.

Noon: Arrive in Đồng Văn for lunch and check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Explore Phố Cáo, Sủng Là, and Lũng Cẩm village, known from the film “Chuyện của Pao,” and see the beautiful fields of buckwheat flowers and peach blossoms. Visit the Vương Family Mansion (King of H’Mong’s House) and take photos of the vast buckwheat flower fields. Discover Đồng Văn Old Town, with its historic architecture and vibrant culture

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, followed by free time to stroll around, sample local specialties, and relax with coffee in Đồng Văn. Overnight stay in Đồng Văn.

Morning: After breakfast, check out and depart for Cao Bang. Stop at Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of Vietnam’s “Four Great Passes,” at 2,000m above sea level. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Nho Que River and the scenic Sky Walk.

Noon: Experience the challenging descent to Tu San Canyon, with slopes of 70-90 degrees. Optionally, take a boat tour or kayak on the Nho Que River (additional cost).

Afternoon: Continue to Cao Bang, have lunch at a restaurant in Bao Lac. Visit the Pac Bo special national relic, Lenin Stream, and Karl Marx Mountain. Explore the area where President Ho Chi Minh lived and worked from 1941 to 1945. Pay respects at the memorial of hero Kim Dong.

Evening: Arrive in Cao Bang, have dinner at a local restaurant, and check into the hotel for rest.

Morning: After breakfast, check out and visit Nguom Ngao Cave in Dam Thuy, Trung Khanh, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Noon: Continue to Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Vietnam-China border, the most magnificent waterfall in Vietnam with three tiers and a height of 53m. Visit Phuc Sen Village, famous for its knife-making. Have lunch and then travel to Ba Be Lake.

Afternoon: Arrive at Buoc Lom Pier, take a boat ride to Puong Cave, and continue along the Nang River to Ba Be Lake. Enjoy the local Tày culture and visit An Ma Temple and Ba Góa Island. Optional activities include swimming, fishing, or bamboo raft rides.

Evening: Return to Pac Ngoi Village, walk 1 km to explore Ba Be National Park and local rice fields. Check into a stilt house, have dinner, and relax. Optionally, enjoy a Tày traditional music performance.

Morning: Optionally, wake up early to enjoy the misty sunrise over Ba Be Lake. After breakfast and check-out, depart for Lang Son.

Noon: Have lunch on the way. Upon arrival in Lang Son, visit Dong Dang town, known for its landmarks like Nhi Thanh Cave, Tam Thanh Pagoda, and To Thi Mountain with the To Thi statue.

Afternoon: Take photos at the Huu Nghi International Border Gate or Dong Dang Railway Station. Check into a hotel in Lang Son.

Evening: Enjoy dinner featuring local specialties such as roasted duck with mac mat leaves, khoai mon Le Pho, and khau nhuc. Explore Lang Son, visit Dong Kinh Market, Ky Lua Street, Ky Lua Night Market, and Phai Ve Flagpole for panoramic views of the city.

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Mau Son. Explore the picturesque landscapes and, in winter, experience potential snow and ice. Enjoy local specialties such as peaches, snow tea, and herbal wine.

Noon: Travel to Binh Lieu, Quang Ninh. Visit the famous “Dinosaur Spine” trail up to landmark 1305. In October, see ripe rice fields; in November, admire blooming flowers; in December, enjoy the cotton flower festival. Have lunch and explore Binh Lieu’s market and local culture, or visit one of the key landmarks: 1300, 1302, 1305, or 1327.

Afternoon: Head to Tra Co, located in the far northeast of Vietnam in Mong Cai, Quang Ninh. Visit Mui Sa Vi at Tra Co Beach, the easternmost point of Vietnam.

Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant and check into a hotel. Enjoy exploring Tra Co Beach, known for its pristine white sand and clear blue water.

Morning: After breakfast, visit Mui Sa Vi, the easternmost point of Vietnam, marked by the poem “Từ Trà Cổ rừng dương. Đến Cà Mau rừng đước” by poet To Huu. Explore the scenic and historic site.

Noon: Visit Black Stone Beach for swimming. Depart for Mong Cai to check in at the Mong Cai International Border Gate and shop. Continue to Ha Long City, have lunch, and check into the hotel. Free time to relax.

Afternoon: Optionally, join a VIP tour of Ha Long Bay (self-pay). Board a cruise at Tuan Chau Pier for a 4-hour journey, visiting sites like Lu Huong Peak and Trong Mai Islet. Explore Sung Sot Cave and kayak through Luon Cave. Return to Tuan Chau Pier, enjoy tea and pastries, and conclude the tour.

Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Explore Ha Long City at night, with options such as Sun World, Tuan Chau Island, Bai Chay Beach, or Quang Ninh Museum.

Morning: After breakfast and checking out, head to Yen Tu Mountain, the sacred site of Vietnamese Buddhism. Explore various landmarks such as Chua Trinh, Suoi Giai Oan, Chua Giai Oan, Chua Hoa Yen, and more (cable car not included).

Noon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Ba Vang Pagoda, a beautiful site with a view of the river and mountains.

Afternoon: Travel to Hanoi, visit landmarks like Ba Dinh Square, Hoan Kiem Lake, Thap Rua, and Ngoc Son Temple. Check into a hotel in the Old Quarter.

Evening: Free time to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter and enjoy local specialties for dinner.

Morning: After breakfast, depart for Bac Ninh to visit Quan Ho Viem Xa Village, Dong Ho Painting Village, Ba Chua Kho Temple, Phat Tich Pagoda, Ngoc Ca Than Well, Dai Bai Bronze Casting Village, and Lim Festival (depending on time and choice).

Noon: Head to Hai Duong for lunch and visit the Con Son-Kiep Bac Historic Site, including Con Son Pagoda, Thanh Hu Dong, Nguyen Trai Temple, and Kiep Bac Temple.

Afternoon: Travel to Hai Phong to see the historic site of Bach Dang River, known for its pivotal battles. Check into the hotel.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and explore Hai Phong city at night. Stay overnight in Hai Phong.

Morning: After breakfast and check-out, head to Vinh Bao District. Visit Nguyen Binh Khiem Temple, Nhân Mục Communal House, watch a water puppet show, explore Bao Ha Village, and see the mysterious Linh Lang Đại Vương statue and the moving grapefruit in the Dragon Eye Well.

Noon: Travel to Thai Binh for lunch and visit Keo Pagoda, a historic pagoda known for its well-preserved 17th-century architecture.

Afternoon: Continue to Nam Dinh to explore the Tran Temple Complex, Phu Minh Pagoda, and optionally visit Bui Chu Bishopric or Phu Nhai Cathedral, depending on time.

Evening: Proceed to Ninh Binh, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to see the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, and explore Bai Dinh Pagoda, known for its impressive records. Dinner at a local restaurant featuring Ninh Binh specialties like goat meat and crispy rice. Check into the hotel for the night.

Morning: For those interested in a sunrise adventure, visit Hang Múa, known as “Vietnam’s Great Wall,” featuring 486 stone steps and stunning views (entry fee not included). After breakfast, travel to Ha Nam to explore the Tam Chuc Ecotourism Complex, the world’s largest spiritual tourism site, set against scenic hills and lakes.

Noon: Proceed to Hương Sơn in My Duc District (formerly Ha Tay, now Hanoi) to take a boat ride through the picturesque Yen Stream. Visit the Hương Sơn pagoda complex, including landmarks like Chùa Thiên Trù and Động Hương Tích, known for its natural beauty and significant cultural heritage. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Continue to Hưng Yên to visit Chử Đồng Tử Temple and the historic Phố Hiến area. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight back. concluding the tour.

Price in US Dollar per full paying guest in twin/double sharing room in a party of
Tour name	1 guests	Single Supp
Package price

 

Supplement:

 

(*)  Child policy: 

• • Children under 2 years old: Fee of 500,000 VND per child (services not included. Parents are responsible for any additional costs).
  • Two adults are allowed to accompany only 1 child; any additional children must pay 50% of the ticket price.
  • Children from 2 to 5 years old: Pay 85% of the tour price. They will share a bed with the family.
  • Two adults are allowed to accompany only 1 child; any additional children will be charged as adults.

• Children over 6 years old: 100% of the tour price.

Services included: 

• Meals as per the itinerary.
• New model air-conditioned transportation.
• Entrance fees for attractions included in the itinerary.
• 3-star hotel accommodation – 2 guests per room; in the case of an odd number of guests, the extra guest will stay in a standard 3-person room + 1 bottle of water per person per day.
• Professional and experienced tour guide.
• Travel insurance with compensation coverage up to 30,000,000 VND per case.
• Cold towels and 1 bottle of 500ml water per guest per day.
• Travel hat and souvenir gifts.
• Travel insurance
• Boat Rides

Services excluded:

• Domestic airfare (quoted separately, if requested)
• International airfare to / from Vietnam (quoted separately, if requested)
• Surcharges for other language guides
• Fansipan Legend and Cable Car
• Boat Tour or Kayak on Nho Que River
• VIP Ha Long Bay Tour
• Cable Car at Yen Tu Mountain
• Additional costs not included in the program
• Personal expenses: drinks, laundry, shooting, etc.
• Early check-in and late check-out
• Peak season surcharge
• Any additional costs caused by reasons beyond control such as floods, natural disasters, flight delays, rescheduling or cancellation, any accidents, riots, etc.
• Visa application and visa stamp fees at Vietnamese embassies overseas and/ or upon arrival (Please note that a visa is compulsory for most nationalities.)

Cancellations:

• Refunds will not be given for unused or canceled services after the tour arrangements have commenced.
• Tour participants are required to make a deposit of at least 30% of the total tour value.
• Cancellation policy:
  • Cancellation 10 days or more before departure: 30% of the total tour cost will be charged.
  • Cancellation 6-9 days before departure: 50% of the total tour cost will be charged.
  • Cancellation 3-5 days before departure: 75% of the total tour cost will be charged.
  • Cancellation 1-2 days before departure: 100% of the total tour cost will be charged.
  • Cancellation of all services by the tour participant must be requested by email, fax, or phone (Zalo, Skype, Whatsapp, etc).
• Melon Travel is not responsible for any cancellation requests that have not been received and confirmed with you. In this case, cancellation fees or no-show fees will apply.

Please note:

• For air ticket reservations, we require the guests’ full names AS THEY APPEAR IN THEIR PASSPORTS. Airfares and reservations are always subject to change until paid in full and ticketed.
• Airfares are subject to increase without prior notice.
• In Vietnam Airlines economy class baggage allowance is 20 kg per person. Excess baggage may be subject to overweight charges by the airline. Melon Travel cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to the passenger’s belongings.
• The transportation rates included in our quotation were based on the fuel rate of VND 19,500-20,500 per litre. We reserve the right to adjust our prices periodically in case of fuel price increases by the Government and subsequent price increases by our suppliers when such cumulative costs from our suppliers exceed 10% and above.
• Surcharges for night-time services may apply. Our standard transfers are operated from 06:00 hrs to 23:00 hrs. Surcharges will be applied for arrivals after 23:00 hrs and arrivals or departures before 06:00 hrs.
• We reserve the right to adjust our prices in case of new directives of the applicable VAT and any other taxes and levies imposed by the Central Government and/or local Governments and/or regulatory state bodies.
• This is a quotation only and neither reservations for services nor hotel bookings have been made.

Important notice:

• In predominately Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting places of worship. Guests are requested to cover knees and shoulders. Gentlemen are required to wear long trousers and ladies should wear long trousers or long skirts. Shoes are generally removed at the entrance to pagodas. Visitors who do not abide to these rules of conduct may not be allowed to enter the places of worship.
• Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and local tourist offices. Melon Travel is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmers. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
• We advise that due to frequent flight changes, delays and cancellations by the various domestic airlines and trains we cannot fully guarantee that the proposed itinerary can be carried out as planned. Based on our experience, changes of departure times and/ or cancellations can occur at very short notice even after confirmation of a flight has been received. The same applies for train travel: Schedule changes occur frequently; often without prior notification. In case of schedule changes or flight cancellations, we always try everything possible to arrange an alternate program within the framework of the original quoted costs. However, we reserve the right to charge any cost exceeding the original budget to the tour operator/ travel agent or to the participant of a tour after consultation with the agent.
• Programmers, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
• We strongly advise leaving valuable items (money, passport, credit cards, jewelry, sensitive documents, laptop computer, etc.) in the hotel safe. During excursions and roundtrips, personal belongings, especially money and valuables should NEVER be left on vehicles, even during short breaks, and carried around at all times.Melon Travel is not responsible for any loss or theft. 
• Vietnam being a developing country is in full process of upgrading its infrastructure. Therefore, driving overland can be cumbersome due to ongoing road construction.

“Have a wonderful and memorable trip!”