Sapa Ha Giang Ba Be lake Itinerary 8 Days

This perfect Northern Vietnam Itinerary 8 Days visits Sapa, Ha Giang, Dong Van and Ba Be Lake road trip off the beaten track. Admire stunning panorama views from Sapa rice terraced fields, breathtaking landscapes of Ha Giang, biggest natural lake in Ba be awaiting you

The remote mountains of northern Vietnam are home to some of South East Asia’s most rugged terrain, beautiful scenery and colourful hill tribes. Leaving the graceful boulevards of Hanoi behind, travel to Sapa before traversing the bumpy mountain roads to Ha Giang, Dong Van and cruising the waters of Ba Be Lake.

Experience breathtaking mountain views and meet friendly locals along the way. If you want to get a taste of remote Vietnam, this is the trip for you.

Overview Northern Vietnam Itinerary 8 Days

Day 1: Hanoi to Sapa village
Day 2: Sapa wandering
Day 3: Sapa to Ha Giang loop
Day 4: Dong Van rocky plateau
Day 5: Dong van
Day 6: Bao lac
Day 7: Ba Be Lake
Day 8: Hanoi

Northern tour map Sapa Ha Giang Ba Be lake Itinerary 8 Days — Northern vietnam itinerary map

Tripadvisor reviewed from previous group: Pls Check it out here > 3 week guided tour of Northern Vietnam

Why you’ll love this trip

Stay in a local homestay and get to know our H’mong hosts invite you to learn about their rich culture, to share stories and to try some of their local home cooked cuisine.
As the dramatic mountains of Heaven’s Gate soar above the green forests and rice paddies of Ha Giang, a deep appreciation of this region’s landscape will be understood as you journey through it
Float along the lake, viewing magnificent waterfalls and wildlife in the Ba Be National Park. A traditional homestay is the perfect way to access remote parts of this region and to get a real glimpse of Vietnamese life

Is this trip right for you?

This Northern Vietnam itinerary 8 Days includes a number of long journeys on windy and sometimes bumpy roads in a private mini-bus. This is the only way to access some of these locations, but we promise you that the views for most of the journey are impressive enough to make it all worthwhile.
This trip includes 2 nights in simple homestay accommodation, and there a few ways to better understand a country and its people. You will sleep on mattresses on the floor in a mixed-gender dormitory style, and bathrooms will be shared.
This trip includes a moderate level of hiking in the hills on day 7 for approximately 4 hours. Terrain can be uneven, muddy or loose underfoot. Although this hiking is possible for most travellers, a good level of fitness and comfortable pair of shoes will help increase your enjoyment of this experience.

What to see and do in detailed Northern Vietnam Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi to Sapa village

In the morning, take a bus transfer from Hanoi towards Lao Chai in the Sapa region. The drive may take a little while (approx. 5 hours). Press on along the winding road before taking your first glimpse of Lao Chai village, sitting comfortably in a valley with cleared hillsides and rustic farmland. Stretch your legs as you walk off the bus, then begin a trek to your homestay in Ta Van (approximately 10 km; 6 mi), enjoying a picnic lunch stop on the way. Your homestay is comfy, quaint and surrounded by pristine farmland.

Included Activities

Sapa – Lao Chai trek and homestay

Day 2: Sapa wandering

After breakfast at your homestay trek to Giang Ta Chai – home to the Red Dzao hill people. Push on through 5 kilometres of terraced farmland and bamboo scrub for excellent views of emerald valleys and rushing waterfalls as you stroll on by. Rest your legs on the bus ride back to Sapa.

Once you arrive in Sapa, enjoy some free time to rest your legs. If you still have some energy perhaps visit the local market. This is where you can indulge in some local goods, such as dyed fabrics, hemp plants and handmade textiles. In the evening, settle into your hotel in Sapa for the night.