Halong Bay & Northern Vietnam

Your journey begins with a scenic ride out of Hanoi’s bustle into peaceful countryside. We follow smaller backroads past rice fields, tea hills, and stilt-house villages toward Thac Ba Lake. The ride is gentle and beautiful — a perfect warm-up day with a mix of paved and dirt tracks.

We’ll arrive at Vu Linh in the late afternoon, a charming Dao village by the lake. Enjoy a refreshing swim, local rice wine, and a cozy lakeside dinner with your hosts.

Accommodation: Local homestay

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

We head north through remote backroads, crossing small rivers and jungle-clad hills. Midday, we ride through the Forgotten French Tunnel, a hidden wartime relic rarely seen by travelers.

Arrive at Ba Be National Park, one of Vietnam’s most beautiful freshwater lakes. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing boat trip on Ba Be Lake, gliding through towering limestone cliffs and visiting Puong Cave, where thousands of bats nest inside dramatic rock formations.

Accommodation: Lakeside homestay or guesthouse

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is a long but scenic day as we ride deeper into the far northeast. The road meanders through limestone karsts and mountain passes with spectacular views. We stop at Thung Mountain (Nui Mat Than) — known as the “Mountain Eye of God” — a unique limestone formation rising above lush valleys.

By afternoon, we reach Ban Gioc Waterfall, one of Asia’s most magnificent cascades on the Vietnam–China border. Visit Nguom Ngao Cave nearby before relaxing in a comfortable hotel or local lodge.

Accommodation: Hotel / Eco-lodge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s ride is one of the most scenic and culturally rich of the trip. We follow the winding border road running parallel to the Chinese frontier — a remote, beautiful region where limestone peaks rise dramatically above terraced valleys and traditional villages.

Along the way, we visit Phúc Sen village, home to the Nung people who have preserved the ancient craft of forging handmade knives for generations. The rhythmic sound of hammer and fire fills the air — a timeless glimpse into authentic mountain life.

Further along the route, we pass through villages famed for traditional paper-making and incense craft, each with its own distinct character and charm. These are rare cultural treasures hidden far from the tourist path.

In the afternoon, the mountains gradually open into the lush Bac Son Valley, surrounded by karst formations and golden rice fields. The sunset here paints the whole valley in soft amber tones — a perfect place to rest after a day of discovery.

Accommodation: Homestay in Bac Son Valley

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A day of transition from mountains to sea. We enjoy smooth roads mixed with light off-road sections through small villages and farmland.

The scenery shifts as limestone peaks give way to the coastal lowlands — a beautiful final stretch of open roads leading to Halong City.

Check in to your hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest with a cold drink overlooking the bay.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake up to the tranquil beauty of Halong — a UNESCO World Natural Heritage and one of the world’s greatest seascapes.

After breakfast, board your luxury cruise and set sail among the towering limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Spend the day exploring hidden lagoons and mysterious caves, kayaking through calm bays, or simply relaxing on deck as the golden light reflects off the cliffs.

As evening falls, enjoy a sunset on the water — a magical moment marking the grand finale of your northern adventure.

Accommodation: Cruise cabin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a peaceful morning on the bay as your cruise glides back toward the harbor. After brunch on board, we’ll return to Hanoi by motorbike (or car), riding through the countryside one last time.

By mid-afternoon, we’ll arrive back in the capital — bringing to a close an unforgettable 7-day journey across mountains, valleys, and the legendary waters of Halong Bay.

The adventure ends, but the memories of Vietnam’s wild beauty and the spirit of the open road will stay with you forever.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch