This Vietnam tour through the country's Northeast gives intrepid travelers an unparalleled opportunity to discover a hidden corner of the country. Mixing drives through spectacular sceneries with visits to hilltribe markets, small villages and historic sites, you will get a taste of the region's unique culture.

As you depart Hanoi for the drive north, you will be struck by the dramatic change in landscapes as city skylines quickly fade and rolling hills and rice fields begin to appear. The morning market in Lang Son is your first stop on this Vietnam tour and a good introduction to what awaits in Cao Bang, with locals browsing stalls packed high with fresh produce.

Arriving in Cao Bang, where you are likely to be the only tourist, you will find a town dotted with houses and farms complemented by a backdrop of mountains and rivers. Spend a day touring the area, visiting the Ban Gioc waterfall, skirting the Chinese border and wandering around the rural villages, a highlight of this Vietnam tour.

The area also has a rich history and, before returning to Hanoi, you will visit Pac Po Cave where Ho Chi Minh hid during the 1940s. It was here that he planned the country's revolution which eventually led to their independence from the French. Then, with one final drive through limestone mountains and views untouched landscapes, you will return to Hanoi or continue with an extension to Ba Be Lake, Vietnam's only natural mountain lake.

For nature lovers or those who like to step off the beaten path, our Discover Northeastern Vietnam Tour is the perfect excursion.

Discover Northeastern Vietnam - Tour Map

Leave the capital this morning for a three-hour drive to Lang Son city to see the bustling morning market. Continue along spectacular mountain roads to Cao Bang, a drive filled with spectacular views of lush valleys, village hamlets and distant mountains. Upon reaching Cao Bang, a small town on the Chinese border, there is time to take a short stroll to see the colorful hilltribe inhabitants.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

Spend today exploring the unspoiled nature that surrounds Cao Bang as you drive along the Chinese border to Ban Gioc Waterfall. Set amid stunning scenery, overlooking the border, Ban Gioc is one of the country's largest waterfalls and you'll have time to relax or take a swim in its emerald waters. Return to Cao Bang late afternoon for a chance to explore more of this quaint town.

Overnight in Cao Bang.

Early this morning depart for a drive north toward the Chinese border to see the cave where Ho Chi Minh hid for four years while planning the country's move to independence. On certain days, stops will be made at the exotic local markets to mingle with the hilltribes as they barter their wares. You'll return to Cao Bang midday and after lunch, return to Hanoi by road arriving mid-evening or extend your trip with an overnight at Ba Be Lake.

Anne Cruickshanks
Group Product and Marketing Director - Exotissimo Travel Group

My favorite tour would have to be the Discover Northeastern Vietnam tour.  This section of Vietnam is one of the most beautiful areas in Asia- the nature is unspoiled, the culture and traditions are fascinating (the area is home to 9 different hilltribe groups) and there are very few tourists.  Plus it is closer to Hanoi than Sapa and the drive on the way there is spectacular.  Just a few hours out of Hanoi the road is surrounded by hills and rice fields which continues as you make your way north to Cao Bang. 

I travelled through this area a few years ago with a friend of mine who was living in Hanoi at the time.  I remember meeting so many friendly villagers as we were trekking- they would invite us in for tea and although we couldn’t converse in the local dialect, we still were able to communicate.  Also on the return, we were travelling by public bus and although the scenery was spectacular around us, the inside of the bus was also captivating- local traders were carrying goods to Hanoi and at every stop we were amazed at the endless amounts of people and bags that kept piling into the bus with us!

Enjoy the journey as much as the destination.  There is also a lot of history in the area- Ho Chi Minh lived and worked around there before the 1945 revolution so if you’re interested in history, there are interesting stops to make en route.  Also it’s very important to respect the local culture and help preserve the traditions and environment of North Vietnam.

I would love to travel to Myanmar’s Myeik Archipelago and spend a few days amid the 800 islands kayaking, snorkeling and exploring the beaches.  For me, it is exactly what a beach holiday should be: no big resorts, no crowds and lots of nature to be explored!