Many people will have seen Ho Chi Minh City’s crazy traffic in videos. Riding in it is truly an experience as we start the tour. A few short cuts get us out of the city quickly to a mid morning coffee stop and the start of quieter, flowing country roads. Lunch beside Tri An Lake is a welcome stop before continuing on to a network of small concrete paths weaving their way through the stunning, rich farmland bordering Cat Tien National Park.

Our stop for the night in Cat Tien Village is a world away from Saigon’s busy streets. A mostly Ethnic community catering to Agriculture and growing numbers of tourists to HCM’s closest jungle national park, a hammock by the river and a cosy wood cabin is waiting for you!

If we are lucky, a sunrise wake-up call and chance to see wild Gibbons is a magical experience. For the energetic, an early morning cruise on the river is an option or coffee on your private balcony looking over the river.

A leisurely day with options for those who like a good hike or would rather take it easy! A short distance from our accommodation is Hang Mua Viewpoint. Named after the caves at the base of the mountain, the steep climb to the two viewpoints is challenging but well worth it for the 360 degree views across the surrounding mountains and waterways.

The afternoon allows for a chance to relax as we explore the Trang An lake system. No motors allowed here - just the gentle splash of oars as we glide through a series of cave systems that connect the lakes. Peaceful temples hidden away on small islands and if we’re lucky a glimpse of the local wildlife.

A short drive from the Trang An Complex leads us to Bai Dinh Pagoda. The largest temple complex in Vietnam is impressive with it’s original old temples and the new Pagoda, which can be seen from miles away!

As we continue west, a short detour into a beautiful forested valley, takes us to May Waterfall. A series of limestone ledges with aqua blue ice cold pools to swim in, flowing into the equally blue river below. A welcome swim if it’s not too ‘refreshing’ is followed by lunch with one of the local families in a traditional longhouse.

Continuing our journey, we turn off the highway to follow some narrow valleys where small farming communities live in between the steep, forest covered mountains. A chance to cross the country’s longest bamboo floating bridge before we rejoin the main road and start our climb into the mountains.

Pu Lu’ong Nature Reserve could be one of the most ‘postcard perfect’ destinations close to Hanoi. Small villages scattered through a series of narrow, vivid green valleys, surrounded by steep, mist covered mountains. A feeling of having stepped back in time in contrast to the busy streets of Hanoi just a couple of days before. Unlike surrounding areas which have been saturated with a growing number of homestays, Pu Lu’ong has retained it’s charm and remote feel.

The day is relaxed with a chance to explore some of the surrounding villages, meet the locals and have a swim in one of the crystal clear waterfalls. After lunch we head deep into one of the surrounding valleys to a settlement hidden away from the world and home of one of the bigger caves in the area. A short trek takes us from the village into the end of the valley to find the awe inspiring vast entrance hidden away in the forest.

A steep and winding climb over the surrounding mountains provides spectacular views into the surrounding valleys as we leave Pu Lu’ong behind. Descending nearly 1,000 meters, we follow the course of the Red River north west to the Provincial Capital of Son La. A small but busy and vibrant city on the main road west, it’s a change of pace from our previous nights!

Today’s drive sees us push further into the mountains. A good road that follows the river valley before pushing over two mountain ranges to reach the remote border town of Dien Bien Phu. Just a few kilometres from the Laos border and famous for the landmark battle which saw the French control of the country finally broken. Vietnamese forces used their intimate knowledge of the surrounding mountains and caves to their advantage, resulting in a hard won victory.

For the history buffs, there is plenty of time either in the afternoon or following morning to indulge in some knowledge of this fascinating area.

Heading due North on the QL12 - the road to Muong Lay is the western most and maybe remotest main road in Vietnam. A handful of mostly ethnic communities populate this area, their villages bright with the traditional colorful weaving.

Muong Lay is a small community of traditional long houses built along side a large lake. The town was originally located further down the valley but relocated to allow for a hydro electric scheme. Popular now for it’s remote and isolated atmosphere, mountain scenery and as a destination for adventurous travelers escaping the tourist trail!

Sapa - 190 kms

Today is all about the mountains! After a fair distance following the Da River, we start climbing. Spectacular scenery greets us as we reach nearly 2,000 meters. Approaching Mt Fansipan from the south allows a different perspective to most viewers who approach from Sa Pa.

Sa Pa has grown rapidly in recent years to match the growing amount of tourism.

A cable car ride to the the summit of Fansipan to stand at the highest point in SE Asia, offers views that will take your breath away!

A leisurely drive out of the mountains and into the border city of Lao Cai? Have you ever been to China? If not, this is about as close as we can get you before the security guys start looking worried! Time for a photo and we head back into the mountains.

Bac Ha is little known in travel communities, but in recent years, grown in popularity for it’s stunning Sunday market. Ethnic groups from the surrounding mountains come to trade, bargain, eat, party, meet friends, find lovers and most importantly, trade Buffalo! Have you ever seen a pink buffalo??

We encourage you to get up early and explore! Bac Ha market is truly an experience. Vibrant colours, amazing foods, chaotic bargaining and a perfect place to grab a gift for home or simply soak up the atmosphere. Try a local dish or two but watch out for the old ladies selling rice wine! They aren’t shy with their free samples at 6am!

From Bac Ha we push north across a series of small mountain trails, to the city of Ha Giang. One of the most ‘Googled’ destinations in Vietnam, the city is the start point for the Ha Giang Loop. A popular motorbike route famous for mind blowing scenery.

Starting the Ha Giang Loop, it doesn’t take long before we are climbing again. A stop for a coffee at Heavens Gate gives us a stunning panorama and hint of things to come!

The further north we go, the more impressive the scenery gets. Many iconic photo points along the way are only surpassed by Ma Pi Leng Pass! A winding mountain road carved into the cliffs with breathtaking views into the gorge below. A short run to our homestay afterwards allows plenty of time for photos even if it’s getting a bit late in the day.

Following the second half of the Ha Giang Loop, we turn east to follow the border with China to the City of Cao Bang. Vietnam’s most northern city and our stop for the next couple of nights

This area is known as the departure point for visitors to Ban Gioc Waterfall, but is growing in reputation for it’s beauty, remoteness, culture and potential for adventurous travelers to experience an untouched part of the county.

After a relaxing start with breakfast by the river or a stroll round the local market, we head to Ban Gioc Waterfall. Straddling the border with China, this spectacular waterfall is a must see. Plenty of time to relax, take photos and have a leisurely lunch.

A slow drive back to take in the sights and some time in the early evening to explore the town, relax, catch up with social media or just do your laundry before we go out for a great local feast!

Ba Be is Vietnam’s largest natural lake. Surrounded by dense primary forest and steep limestone cliffs, the area has a lost world feel!

The drive from Cao Bang takes us through one of the most sparsely populated areas in the country. A good road running along the mountain ridges gets us to Ba Be in plenty of time to head out for a boat cruise in the afternoon to visit some of the local caves, waterfalls, a small island temple. For those brave enough, a swim in the crystal clear waters will definitely wake you up before dinner!

A delicious evening meal hosted by a local family marks the final night of the tour before returning to our traditional accommodation on the shores of the lake

A long but easy drive on good roads sees us leave the remote north of the country and arrive back in Hanoi late afternoon

For those with connecting flights we can arrange airport transfers or direct transfer to your hotel.

Saying goodbye at the end of a tour is always a bitter-sweet moment. Customers have become friends after sharing so many experiences along the way. We hope you have had the trip of a lifetime with us and seen so much that will stay with you forever!

Of course, it’s not ‘Goodbye’... just ‘See you soon’ and we hope you come back to see more of our beautiful country.