Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam
Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam
$555
Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam
5 Days Starting and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Dong Van
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NVHL25
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Ha Giang Loop in Northern Vietnam, starting and ending in Hanoi. This adventure takes you through breathtaking landscapes, including the iconic Heaven Gate and the winding roads of Ha Giang. Experience the rich culture and history as you explore an ancient palace and trek to the Ma Pi Leng peak, passing H'mong villages. Enjoy a boat cruise on the Nho Que River, surrounded by stunning rice fields and mountains. Discover the vibrant town of Dong Van, where you can witness traditional Qeej flute performances and visit the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative. With comfortable accommodations ranging from homestays to riverside camping, and delicious local meals, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi & Overnight Bus
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Overnight Bus
Accommodation Name: Overnight Bus
Welcome to Hanoi! Exchange hellos with your Contiki fam as we hop onto an overnight bus. Let the journey begin... It’s the first night, and you're already travelling like a local! This is your chance to get to know your fellow travellers before tucking into your beds for the night.
Day 2: Overnight Bus To Dong Van Via Ha Giang Loop
Location: Dong Van
Accommodation: Dong Van Homestay (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Dong Van Homestay (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Morning! The sun's yet to rise, so you've some time to catch some more sleep at our local homestay, and grab breakfast too. This morning, we’ll hit the road en route Dong Van. We’ve got plenty of picturesque viewpoints on the way, so keep your cameras at the ready! Prepare to be amazed. This world-famous route is packed with incredible views. On our drive, you’ll see the Heaven Gate, Twin Mountain, Tham Ma slope and even visit an ancient palace - all while being surrounded by lush green valleys all the way through. It’s been a looong day! What better way to end it than by devouring delicious local food with your crew. Then, it’s off to your cosy, cosy beds for the night.
Day 3: Dong Van To Nho Que Via Ma Pi Leng Peak
Location: Dong Van
Accommodation: Nho Que River Camping (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Nho Que River Camping (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise and shine! After breakfast, you’ll join a local guide for an exhilarating trek to the Ma Pi Leng peak. It’s trek time! Today, we’ll hike along the Sky Path, enjoying views of the cascading limestone cliffs, Hmong villages and cornfields along the way. And after a delicious lunch, we’ll take a boat cruise to our campsite. But not before checking out the magnificent Tu San Abyss Alley, ofc. Riverside camping anyone? We’ll check into our overnight tents (that open up to breathtaking views of the Nho Que river). Enjoy dinner and music with your crew before resting your trek-tired limbs for the day.
Day 4: Nho Que To Dong Van
Location: Dong Van
Accommodation: Dong Van Homestay (or similar)
Accommodation Name: Dong Van Homestay (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
It’s not every day that you get to kayak along a beautiful turquoise river. But today's the day. You’ll paddle across the river (with sprawling terrace fields on the banks) before enjoying a lunch by the river with your crew. Then, we’ll make our way through Dong Van Geopark where you’ll visit a local H’mong man who’ll charm you with the sweet tunes of a traditional Qeej flute. Wanna catch 360° panorama views of Dong Van Town? You can choose to join us for a challenging but short trek up to a French fortress. Tonight, we’ll head out to explore this quaint town even further.
Day 5: Dong Van To Hanoi Via Ha Giang Loop
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's the final day. But we ain’t done just yet. This morning, we’ll head back to Ha Giang (with even better views this time!). Today, we’ll stop by for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience and meet the wonderful women who create intricate traditional linen fabrics that help support their community. And with that, it’s time for the final leg of the journey. So, get comfy in your reclining seats as we head back to where it all began. After 5 incredible days, it’s time to say goodbye. Don’t forget to exchange socials with your crew! We just have a hunch that you'll be planning your next trip soon…
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
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Accommodation
Accommodation includes an overnight bus, Dong Van Homestay, and Nho Que River Camping.
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Ha Giang Loop Experience
Enjoy incredible views from Heaven Gate and visit an ancient palace on the Ha Giang Loop.
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Ma Pi Leng Peak Trek
Take a challenging trek towards the Ma Pi Leng peak, passing by H'mong villages.
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Nho Que River Activities
Feast on lunch with views of the Nho Que river, enjoy a local boat cruise, and paddle through the turquoise waters.
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Dong Van Experiences
Witness a local man playing the Qeej, trek to the ruins of the Dong Can fortress, and meet women at the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Any optional activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
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International Flights
International flights to and from Vietnam are not included.
Dining Summary
- 4 Breakfast (B)
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 2 Dinner (D)
Included Experience
- Ha Giang Loop: Check out the incredible views from Heaven Gate - a popular stop off on the Ha Giang loop.
- Ha Giang Loop: Stop by to get a view of the winding roads that resemble a massive snake making its way down the slope!
- Ha Giang Loop: Walk like a royal around this ancient palace that's made with green pebbles, pine woods, terra-cotta tiles and even sugarcane! (Seriously.)
- Ma Pi Leng Peak: Lace up your boots! You'll take a challenging but short trek towards the Ma Pi Leng peak, passing by H'mong villages on the way.
- Nho Que: Feast on a delicious lunch with incredible views of the Nho Que river. It's a photo ops hotspot!
- Nho Que: Go with the flow on a local boat cruise as you check out one of South Asia's largest canyons.
- Nho Que: Paddle through the turquoise waters of this beautiful river with views of scenic rice fields and mountains along the way.
- Dong Van: Ever heard of a Qeej? It's a sacred instrument that was used to call the spirits (or at least that's what the legends say!). Today's your chance to witness a local man playing it.
- Dong Van: Ready? We'll trek all the way up to ruins of the Dong Can fortress - a beautiful stone structure built during the French colonisation. It's the perfect spot for epic 360° views of Dong Van town.
- Dong Van: Meet the incredible women at the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative who are working to preserve the craft of H'mong linen weaving. You'll see all the complicated stages of weaving, learn how they make high-quality fabric here and support local communities too.
Mode of Transport
Travel like a local with an overnight bus journey from Hanoi, offering a chance to bond with fellow travelers. The tour includes scenic drives through the Ha Giang Loop, with stops at picturesque viewpoints and cultural landmarks, ensuring a comfortable and enriching travel experience.
Accommodation
Experience a unique blend of comfort and adventure with overnight stays on a bus, at a local homestay in Dong Van, and riverside camping at Nho Que River. Enjoy cozy beds and breathtaking views, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the Ha Giang Loop tour?
During the Ha Giang Loop tour, you will experience a variety of accommodations including an overnight bus, a homestay in Dong Van, and camping by the Nho Que River.
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What activities are included in the Ha Giang Loop tour?
The tour includes a range of activities such as trekking to Ma Pi Leng peak, a boat cruise on the Nho Que River, kayaking, visiting the Dong Can fortress, and experiencing local culture through music and traditional linen weaving.
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Will there be opportunities to interact with local communities during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes opportunities to interact with local communities, such as meeting the women at the Lung Tam Linen Cooperative and witnessing a local man playing the traditional Qeej flute.
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What kind of meals are provided on the tour?
The tour provides 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, allowing you to enjoy local cuisine throughout the journey.
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Is there a specific highlight of the Ha Giang Loop tour?
A specific highlight of the tour is the breathtaking views from Heaven Gate and the opportunity to walk around an ancient palace made with unique materials like green pebbles and sugarcane.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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