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Ha Long Bay – Bac Son Valley Tour

3 Day(s)
Departure: Hanoi
Transportation: Ô tô
Cities: Ha Noi - Ha Long

Description

Ha Long Bay – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World – is a breathtaking seascape of nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets rising dramatically from emerald-green waters. Often described as a living masterpiece, the bay enchants visitors with its towering cliffs, hidden caves, tranquil lagoons, and pristine beaches. Beyond its surreal landscapes, Ha Long Bay is also a cradle of culture and history. Floating fishing villages scattered among the islands reveal the traditional lifestyle of communities who have lived on these waters for centuries. Whether exploring spectacular caves, kayaking through serene lagoons, or simply relaxing on a cruise, every moment here promises wonder and discovery.

Bac Son Valley, nestled in Lang Son province, offers a completely different yet equally captivating charm. Surrounded by majestic limestone mountains and vast rice fields, the valley paints a poetic picture of rural Vietnam. Scattered across the landscape are stilt houses of the Tay, Nung, and Dao ethnic groups, exuding timeless cultural beauty. From Na Lay Peak, perched more than 600 meters above sea level, visitors are rewarded with a panoramic view of the valley, especially mesmerizing during the rice harvest when golden fields stretch endlessly. Unlike bustling tourist hubs, Bac Son retains a peaceful, authentic atmosphere, where culture, tradition, and natural beauty harmoniously blend.

This unique combination of Ha Long Bay’s legendary seascape and Bac Son Valley’s hidden highland charm creates a one-of-a-kind journey from Hanoi—perfect for travelers seeking both world-renowned wonders and untouched local treasures.

Highlights

  • Cruise through Ha Long Bay – Admire the UNESCO World Heritage seascape of limestone islands, hidden caves, and emerald waters.

  • Explore limestone caves – Discover magnificent stalactites and stalagmites inside one of the bay’s natural wonders.

  • Kayak or swim in tranquil lagoons – Experience Ha Long Bay up close from the water.

  • Vietnamese cooking demonstration – Learn traditional recipes on board your cruise.

  • Visit a floating fishing village – Meet locals and discover their unique lifestyle on the water.

  • Stay overnight on a cruise ship – Watch the sunset and sunrise over Ha Long Bay’s dramatic landscape.

  • Scenic drive to Bac Son Valley – Pass rural countryside, rice fields, and mountain passes.

  • Homestay in Quynh Son Village – Experience Tay ethnic minority culture and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.

  • Village workshop visit – See how locals handcraft roof tiles and bricks in traditional kilns.

  • Trek through Bac Son Valley – Walk along peaceful backroads, rice fields, and authentic stilt house villages.

  • Hike to Na Lay Peak – Capture panoramic views of Bac Son’s patchwork rice fields, rivers, and limestone mountains – a paradise for photographers.

Journey

Morning Activities:
At 8:00 AM, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi for a scenic drive through the verdant countryside and coastal plains of the Red River Delta. After about four hours, arrive at Ha Long City and board your deluxe cruise for an unforgettable overnight journey through Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its spectacular limestone islands rising from emerald waters.

Afternoon Activities:
Enjoy a welcome lunch on board as your cruise sets sail among the dramatic karst formations. In the afternoon, explore one of the bay’s fascinating limestone caves, adorned with thousands of stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards, you may choose to swim in the crystal-clear waters, paddle a kayak through hidden lagoons, or simply relax on the sundeck and admire the stunning seascape. A Vietnamese cooking demonstration is also available for those interested in local culinary traditions.

Evening Activities:
As the sun sets, your vessel anchors at a tranquil spot surrounded by magnificent islands. Savor a delicious dinner on board, then relax under the starry sky or enjoy optional onboard activities.

Overnight on the cruise.

Morning Activities:
Wake early to breathe in the fresh morning air on the sundeck, accompanied by a cup of hot tea or coffee as the first rays of sunlight touch the bay. After breakfast, continue your cruise through lesser-visited corners of Ha Long Bay, passing more limestone islands and hidden lagoons. A short excursion by tender takes you to a traditional fishing village, where you can learn about the daily life of families who have lived on the water for generations. Return to the boat and enjoy a wholesome brunch as you cruise back toward the harbor. Disembark around noon.

Afternoon & Evening Activities:
Meet your driver and begin the scenic mid-day journey to Bac Son Valley, traveling through peaceful rural landscapes and mountain passes. By late afternoon, arrive at Quynh Son Village, home to the Tay ethnic minority. Check in at a cozy traditional stilt house homestay, where you’ll experience the warm hospitality of the locals. Savor a home-cooked dinner and spend the evening relaxing or chatting with your hosts, gaining insights into Tay culture and lifestyle.

Overnight at the homestay in Bac Son.

Morning Activities:
After enjoying a traditional local breakfast, begin the day with a short walk to visit a village workshop, where locals still handcraft roof tiles and bricks using simple kilns. Continue on a backroad trek into the peaceful Bac Son Valley, passing lush rice fields, rustic stilt houses, and serene countryside views. Around noon, your vehicle will meet you at the end of the trek and transfer you back to the homestay for lunch and a short rest.

Afternoon Activities:
In the afternoon, take a short stroll to the base of the Na Lay Mountain (Phone Station Mountain) and begin your hike to the peak, standing more than 600 meters above sea level. From the summit, enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Bac Son Valley, especially rewarding for photographers with its patchwork of rice fields, winding rivers, and mountain ranges. After descending, depart Bac Son at around 4:00 PM for the drive back to Hanoi. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the capital around 7:30 PM, concluding your memorable journey.

End of Tour
We hope you have thoroughly enjoyed this unique experience combining the legendary beauty of Ha Long Bay with the hidden charm of Bac Son Valley.

Oriental Destination look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Vietnam!

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