Discovering Vietnam

A Journey Through the Northern Lands

April 2027

Hanoi - Ha Giang - Cat Ba - Ninh Binh - Mai Chau - Bac Ha

Discovering Vietnam

A Journey Through the Northern Lands

April 2027

Hanoi - Ha Giang - Cat Ba - Ninh Binh - Mai Chau - Bac Ha

At the Heart of Vietnamese Culture

Overview

This trip takes you into the mountains and waters of North Vietnam, far off the beaten path, for an adventure rich in encounters, landscapes and sensations. Each stage reveals a different face of the country: a different scenery, pace of life, and culture shaped by the mountains, the water, or the rice fields.

What makes it so special

Highlights

Ha Giang Loop: Dizzying mountain passes and Hmong, Dao and Tày markets, far off the beaten path.

Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay: Limestone peaks, hidden coves and floating villages, magical scenery.

Mountain markets: In Meo Vac and Bac Ha, Hmong, Dao and Tày communities gather in a burst of colour.

Night train (and day train): Travel the way locals do, in an atmosphere that leaves time to watch the scenery roll by.

Temples & Buddhist philosophy: Sanctuaries tucked into each stage of the trip, amid incense and golden buddhas.

And other beautiful things... We like to keep a few surprises for you!

Expert travellers

Your Guides

Julia

– traveller, graphic designer, Ayurvedic therapist and trip organiser –

 

Driven by a deep love of travel, I have a particular passion for discovering new cultures, countries and their philosophies. A passionate cook, for me travel inevitably passes through the senses, the flavours, and the sharing found around a meal. What matters most to me: guiding you gently, with authenticity and care, as you discover a country and its customs. With presence, warmth and authenticity.

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Veer

– traveller, cultural curator and eternally curious –

 

Founder of The Sangha Project, I'm a globetrotter at heart above all: I've settled in 3 different countries and travelled through more than 20 others. For me, travel is a true way of life. Vietnam holds a special place in my heart: I lived there for more than 7 months, crossing the country from north to south by motorbike, and I've kept a particular attachment to it ever since. Passionate about philosophy, meditation and cooking, I'll also be your guide on the food side, discovering the fragrant flavours that shape the trip!

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Where are we going?

Itinerary

Hanoi

-First Steps in the Old Quarter | April 8

We welcome you in Hanoi and head to our accommodation to settle in. This first day is a gentle start: a foot massage to ease the legs after travel, then a wander through the lively lanes of the Old Quarter - past stalls, the smell of street food, and a calm buzz of activity. We try our first bowl of phở on the street, for a first taste of Vietnamese flavours.

Ha Giang

-Dizzying Passes & Minority Lands | April 9 – 13

After breakfast at our favourite local spot, we head for Ha Giang, at the gateway to the far North. Here begins our loop through one of Vietnam's most spectacular landscapes: winding roads clinging to cliffs, dizzying mountain passes, and valleys where rivers snake through. We head towards Meo Vac, then the morning market in Dong Van and the heights of Lung Cu, a stone's throw from the Chinese border, before continuing on to Yen Minh or Du Gia depending on our pace. Along these roads, we cross paths with Hmong, Dao and Tày communities: colourful markets, hand-embroidered costumes, and age-old gestures that still shape life on the highlands.

Cat Ba

-Emerald Islands and Waters | April 14 – 15

After a night on the train - an unforgettable part of the trip - we arrive early in the morning and discover the town and its local market, where fishermen unload the day's catch. The following day is devoted to the bay: a kayak outing among the limestone peaks rising out of the turquoise water, or a traditional boat tour to discover the floating villages and hidden coves of Lan Ha Bay. A gentle pause, in spectacular scenery.

Ninh Binh

-Rice Fields, Pagodas & Sacred Rivers | April 16 – 18

We continue on to Ninh Binh, nicknamed the "Halong Bay on land" for its limestone peaks rising out of the rice fields. A quiet first day, walking along paths that wind through the countryside. The next day, we explore the vast complex of Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist sanctuaries in Southeast Asia. Then, at dawn, a bamboo boat ride takes us through the wetlands of Van Long, in an almost unreal silence - before a free afternoon to explore at your own pace.

Mai Chau

-Stilt-House Villages & Gentle Rice Fields | April 19 – 21

We continue on to Mai Chau. Here, the landscape changes: a green valley ringed by mountains, Thai stilt-house villages, and terraced rice fields invite you to slow down. A full day of cycling lets us explore the valley, with stops in Thai villages to watch traditional weaving and chat with locals. A free day then lets those who want to head off on an excursion to Pu Luong, an even wilder and more rugged valley.

Hanoi

-One Night, Two Paths | April 22

We head back to Hanoi, where the group splits. For the 16-day trip, this is where the journey comes to an end, with one last night in the capital before the flight home. For those continuing the adventure (the 22-day trip), we board the night train to Lao Cai, to reach the mountains of Bac Ha.

Bac Ha

-Markets and Mountains of the North | April 23 – 26

We arrive in Lao Cai early in the morning, then head to Bac Ha. The first days are calm: short walks through the surrounding countryside, gentle strolls, time to catch your breath. A more sustained hike takes us through the hills and perched villages nearby, before the highlight of this stage - the Bac Ha Sunday market, one of the most authentic and colourful in North Vietnam, where Flower Hmong come to sell livestock, textiles and farm produce.

Hanoi

-Back to the Capital | April 27 – 28

A day train brings us back to Hanoi. We return to the capital for these final days, between shopping, last-minute purchases, and wandering the lanes of the Old Quarter, to enjoy the city's calm buzz one last time.

Departure

-Bye Bye Vietnam | April 29

It's time to say goodbye. We head to the airport for the flight home, hearts full and memories still vivid from these three weeks among mountains, rice fields, markets and encounters.

What’s covered and what’s not

Included & not Included

All activities mentioned in the programme

All accommodation in shared double rooms.

Breakfast every day, plus full board during the Ha Giang loop.

All transport during the trip, including airport transfers.

Expert Sangha Project guides - Veer & Julia.

A group video call to get to know each other and answer your questions.

A practical checklist with tips for packing and bringing the essentials.

Meals and activities not mentioned.

Tips for drivers and hotel staff.

Personal expenses.

Anything not mentioned in the programme.

All you need to know

Essentials

Physical Level: Easy to Moderate

This trip combines immersive cultural experiences with light to moderate physical activity (the choice is yours). An afternoon cycling through the rice fields of Mai Chau, a more intense hike in the hills of Bac Ha (which can be swapped for some downtime), and winding roads on the Ha Giang loop. Ideal for active travellers who enjoy staying on the move, without requiring great physical fitness.

Transport

We mix local buses, a private minivan, night and day trains, and traditional boats. From the Ha Giang loop to the night train to Lao Cai, every journey is part of the experience itself - a genuine immersion in local life, not just a way to get from point A to point B.

Sustainability

The Sangha Project carefully selects experiences that respect local traditions, benefit the communities we pass through, and push back against the negative effects of mass tourism. By staying with local families rather than in big hotel chains, we contribute directly to the families and villages who welcome us.

Security

Vietnam is a very safe country, and your safety and wellbeing are our priority. We plan every stage carefully, working with trusted local partners, and remain available throughout your stay.

Accommodation

You'll stay with local families, in comfortable, simple double rooms, and sometimes in dorms in traditional stilt houses. We favour simplicity and authenticity over hotel standards, so you can experience the country as close as possible to the people who live there.

Meals

Breakfast is included throughout the trip, as are all meals during the Ha Giang loop. The rest of the time, you'll choose freely from small street restaurants (budget €4 to €10 per meal). We're happy to accommodate any dietary restrictions.

Small Groups

To guarantee the intimate experience that's our signature, this trip runs in a small group of 6 to 10 people.

Itinerary Changes

We do everything we can to stick to the planned programme, but some aspects may change depending on circumstances (roads, weather...).

Any questions?

FAQ's

Do I need a visa for this trip?

Visa requirements for Vietnam vary depending on your nationality. For French citizens, the visa is free and issued on arrival.

What clothes should I bring?

How much money should I budget?

What train class will we travel in?

Why aren't all meals included?

Do you offer customized or private tours?

How can I contact you if I have other questions?

Gallery

Prices

Dates

I am In! What's Next?

1. We get in touch and have a video call.

2. Your spot gets confirmed once you make the 40% deposit.