Day 1: Getting There – Taking the Bus from Hanoi to Ba Be National Park

Northeastern Vietnam is vast so getting from one town or sight to the next can easily take you several hours. Trips are also stretched due to tight, winding mountain roads which would make it unsafe to travel too fast. But to be honest, part of the fun of exploring Vietnam’s northeastern provinces is seeing the breathtaking landscapes change in front of you as you slowly move over mountains and through valleys.

After the five-hour ride, you reach Ba Be National Park or you can choose to get off at one of the other stops including the boat station, Pac Ngoi village, Bo Lu village, Coc Toc village or the Ba Be Tourism Center.

Since you still have half a day left, you can easily do some exploring after dropping off your bags at your homestay. With the help of a local guide, you can get out for an afternoon trek along the shores of Ba Be Lake. There you will likely come across beautiful ethnic minority villages and have the chance to visit with some of the residents and experience their quiet way of life.

When you arrive back in Thon Tha village, it’s time for another dinner with your host. If you return early, maybe you can help!

Day 4: Go from Thon Tha to Dong Van

Before you head out for another day of scenic views and visits to several ethnic minority villages, stop by Thon Tha market. Here you can stock up on snacks and you’ll also have a chance to meet members of various tribes. Of course, this includes a lot of fruits and vegetables, but you’ll also see many beautiful handicrafts. If you need any more souvenirs, this is your chance!

Now that you’re ready to get back on the road, it’s time to set off towards Dong Van. As you drive you’ll come across countless scenic spots which will all but force you to take a break and take in the view. Make sure your camera is fully charged so you can capture some of the breathtaking beauty of nature all around you.

Just before reaching Dong Van, you’ll stop in Sa Phin town to visit the palace of a Hmong king. It was built in the 1920s by Vuong Chinh Duc who was the self-proclaimed king of the Hmong people and had amassed considerable wealth and influence by working closely with the French. Today, Vuong Chinh Duc’s descendants have turned the palace into a museum exhibiting artifacts used in day-to-day life during this time and the story of how he built his legacy.

In the evening, make sure you are back in town on time to catch the night bus to Hanoi. To ensure you get a seat, book your tickets in advance. You can do this the day before at the bus terminal or online. For a good night’s sleep, book the VIP bus which comes with a comfortable berth where you can recline properly and get some real shuteye.

Where to Stay during Your Road Trip and Other Things You Should Know

While traveling around northeastern Vietnam, the best places to stay are usually homestays. This gives you the chance to meet and interact with locals in a way you never could at a hotel or hostel. By booking a homestay, you can also be sure that you’ll get delicious home cooked meals and get to try many regional specialties you might have skipped otherwise. Another great aspect of staying with local hosts is that it supports them and their lifestyle. Many members of ethnic minorities are forced to abandon their traditional lifestyle because they can’t survive on it anymore. By welcoming guests into their home, they can now make a regular income and care for their family without having to move to another town or city.

When heading to some of the remote areas we’ve included in our itinerary, keep in mind that you might not find the same amenities you would in hotels and hostels in Vietnam’s big cities. If you can live without these luxuries for a few days, you are good to go.

Curious to get out and explore Vietnam’s scenic, remote north? Then why not start planning your trip right now! If you still need some more information and inspiration, you can always check out our other article about top spots to see in this area including Ha Giang and Sa Pa. Whatever itinerary you end up choosing, you will have the time of your life on this trip!

Credit to Juliana Hahn