Northern Vietnam Highlights: Halong Bay on Vega Cruise & Ha Giang Loop

The Ultimate Journey from the Emerald Sea to the Rocky Plateau

This tour combines the serene luxury of Vega Cruise in Halong Bay with the raw, adrenaline-pumping beauty of the Ha Giang Loop. It is the perfect itinerary for travelers who want both relaxation and adventure.

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Day 01: Hanoi – Ha Long bay – Lan Ha bay- anchor for overnight in Lan Ha Bay.

In the morning

-Approximately 08:00 - 08:30, our professional tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel (in the Old quarter area) for a 3-hour drive through the Red river Delta to Ha Long city.

11:30 arrive at the wharf on Tuan Chau Island.

13:00 Vega crew warmly welcome you on the boat and enjoy a welcome tropical drink under the sun in a pleasant atmosphere before room check in.

In the afternoon

13:30 enjoy fresh lunch on Vega cruise ( We can cater Vegetarian or Vegan food on your request)

-Cruise  on Ha Long bay, past beautiful rocky islands and clear blue sea and  the spectacular seascapes of Ha Long bay in the unique route heading to Lan Ha bay for kayaking and swimming.

-Continue towards Lan Ha bay on the hidden route for different amazing sightseeing, pass by the Dark and Light cave, Frog lagoon, Ba Trai Dao beach, Stick islet, Buddhist statue stone….

-Arrive in Lan Ha bay, the biosphere reserved area of the world for kayaking and swimming.

-On each 2 – seat kayak, our tour guide will lead you through the narrow lanes of the karst mountains to fishing villages

-Paddle under a tunnel grotto a stunning lagoon (depending on the tide sometimes ). Here you can swim in the emerald waters or also reach some secluded beaches for a while relaxing lying on sand…

-Enjoy the sunset falling on the crystal bay.

In the evening

-Join a cooking class, our experienced chef will show you how to make some famous Vietnamese traditional dishes that you can easily demonstrate home for your family after this trip.

-Enjoy dinner and overnight on the lovely peaceful bay once on your lifetime.

-Squid fishing is a good choice to those who love night tranquility.

-Enjoy a peaceful lovely night on the bay

Inclusive services: Sharing transfer in a  29 seats bus or minivan, Deluxe sea view room on the Vega Unicharm cruise, full-time English speaking tour guide, kayak, entrance fees into Ha Long Bay – Lan ha Bay, meals (Lunch+ Dinner)

Day 02: Lan Ha bay –Viet Hai village – Ha Long bay  - Hanoi – Ha Giang (~300km - 7 hours) by sleeper bus

 In the morning

06.00 At the crack of dawn, you can walk to the sun deck to experience a spectacular sunrise before having a light breakfast. (Breakfast time: 6.30AM-8.00 AM)

07:00 Tender boat to Cat Ba island, Viet Hai dock for a bicycle trip to Viet Hai village.

-Ride a bike for 30 minutes on the shadowed paths, enjoying the landscape on the way to the village located in a beautiful valley of the National Park of Cat Ba.

-Visit local house to get to know about the local people as well as their daily life of work or visit the island school…

-Afterward cycling back and tender to return to the cruise.

-Relaxing on board or swimming in the bay or breathing nature on the large sundeck chairs.

-10:30 check out and start cruising on another route throughout thousands of limestone islands and islets, taking precious unique pictures meanwhile enjoying our tasteful brunch.

-12:00 arrive back at Ha Long dock

In the afternoon

12:10 disembark, say goodbye Ha Long Bay and drive back to Hanoi.

-Estimated to arrive in Hanoi between 15:00 – 15:30

-We will drop you back to Vega office 

18h30 Pick up to Ha Giang

Inclusive services: Sharing transfer in a  29 seats bus or minivan, bike, full time English speaking tour guide, entrance fees, meals (Breakfast + Lunch ) Sleeper bus to Ha Giang

Day 3 – Ha Giang → Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate → Tham Ma Pass → H’Mong King’s Palace → Dong Van (~130 km)

1.00am : Check – in RAW hostel  - Free stay in dormitory room at RAW hostel in Ha Giang

08:30 – Depart from Ha Giang City. Begin your adventure by heading towards Quan Ba Heaven Gate.

09:30 – Stop at Quan Ba Heaven Gate for a panoramic view of the Twin Mountains and Tam Son town.

10:30 – Continue through winding roads to Lao va Chai viewpoint, a perfect spot for photo breaks.

12:00 – Arrive in Yen Minh. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

13:30 – Drive through stunning passes to Tham Ma Pass.

14:30 – Stop at Tham Ma Viewpoint (a famous zigzag road) for photos.

15:00 – Visit Hmong King’s Palace (Dinh Vua Meo) in Sa Phin village.

16:30 – Arrive in Dong Van Old Quarter.

17:00 – Check in to your homestay or hotel.

19:00 – Dinner at a local restaurant in Dong Van.

Optional – Explore the charming Dong Van Old Quarter, enjoy local happy water, dance, or experience local nightlife.

Inclusive services : English-speaking tour guide / Experienced easy riders (motorbike drivers), Motorbike with gasoline, All entrance fees, Full equipment: open-face helmet, protective gear, rainwear, straps & waterproof bag cover, All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), Drinking water throughout the tour, Private ensuite room (double / twin bed)

Day 4 – Dong Van → Ma Pi Leng → Nho Que River → Sung Trai → M Pass → Ha Giang (~150km)

08:00 – Breakfast and coffee in Dong Van

08:30 – Depart for Ma Pi Leng Pass – the highlight of the loop.

09:00 – Stop at Ma Pi Leng Viewpoint for trekking or just breathtaking views over Nho Que River

09:30 – Head down to Nho Que River

10:00 – Take a boat ride on Nho Que River (~1 hour)

11:15 – Return to main road and continue to pass Meo Vac

11:45 – Begin the journey back to Ha Giang via Road 181

13:15 – Lunch stop in Sung Trai

14:45 – Continue driving and stop at M Pass for photos (~15 mins)

15:00 – Resume the drive through beautiful valleys, retracing the same road for about 40 km back toward Ha Giang City.

17:00 – Arrive back in Ha Giang City. 

Bus from Ha Giang → Hanoi

Pick up time: 18:00; 19:00 at RAW Hostel in Ha Giang city

Inclusive services : English-speaking tour guide / Experienced easy riders (motorbike drivers), Motorbike with gasoline, All entrance fees, Full equipment: open-face helmet, protective gear, rainwear, straps & waterproof bag cover, All meals (breakfast, lunch ), Drinking water throughout the tour, Sleeper bus to Hanoi

Free luggage storage at our hostel during the tour and shower available after the tour before you leave

Price(USD) : $320 / pax -  Minimum Group: 2 people Ha Giang loop by motorbike

Price(USD) : $380 / pax -  Minimum Group: 2 people Ha Giang loop by car

Excludes:

Drinks (beers, smoothies, soft drinks, etc.

Personal expenses

Personal travel insurance

Optional: Feel free to stay an extra day in Ha Giang if you like! You can also head to Ha Giang first and visit Halong Bay afterward.