From Hanoi: 2-Day Ha Thanh Waterfall and Khuoi My Village

Traveling from Hanoi to the northern reaches of Vietnam offers an escape into untouched landscapes and traditional lifestyles. This 2-day tour costs $132 per person and takes you through the stunning Dong Bac region, focusing on natural beauty, local culture, and outdoor adventure. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit Ha Thanh Waterfall, Khuoi My Village, and explore rice farms, tea plantations, and lush mountain scenery, all while staying in authentic accommodations like homestays and tents.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines adventure with cultural insight. First, you’ll get to swim in the waterfall—a refreshing break that feels both exhilarating and peaceful—plus enjoy a BBQ dinner in the jungle that makes you feel like you’re part of the landscape. Second, the opportunity to learn firsthand about rice farming from local farmers and see tea plantations in full bloom adds a genuine touch of rural Vietnam.

A possible consideration is the early wake-up calls and outdoor trekking, which might not suit every traveler—especially those with mobility issues or looking for a more relaxed pace. Still, if you’re active and eager for authentic outdoor experiences, this tour will hit the spot.

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who appreciate nature, small-group tours, and cultural learning—especially those willing to embrace some physical activity and outdoor camping. It’s an excellent choice if you want more than just sightseeing and seek an immersive, off-the-beaten-path journey.

Key Points

• Authentic rural culture: Learn about rice farming and traditional food preparation from local Tay farmers.
• Natural highlights: Swim in the stunning Ha Thanh Waterfall and trek through mountain and forest landscapes.
• Outdoor adventure: Hike, camp in tents or stay in homestays, and enjoy a bonfire in the evening.
• All-inclusive value: Transportation, most meals, guide, and accommodations are covered, making it easy to relax and focus on the experience.
• Suitable for active travelers: Expect some hikes and outdoor activities; not ideal for those with mobility challenges or young children.
• Cultural immersion: Visit traditional Tay houses and tea plantations for an authentic glimpse into local life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the 2-Day Itinerary

Starting Point and First Impressions

You’ll begin your journey at the 68 Phung Hung meeting point in Ha Giang City, a convenient location that’s easy to find and provides a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. From there, a comfortable bus takes you to Ha Giang City, where you’ll stay overnight in a homestay. The initial evening allows for some rest and informal chats with your guide, setting the tone for a trip filled with genuine encounters.

Day 1: Into the Heart of Nature and Culture

After an early breakfast, your group departs for Ha Thanh, a remote yet breathtaking area. Here, the highlight is visiting a Tay house—a traditional wooden home—and learning about rice farming practices. The guide will explain how rice is cultivated, harvested, and cooked, giving you a hands-on understanding of the local economy and cuisine.

You’ll enjoy a traditional Tay lunch, typically featuring local rice dishes cooked with natural ingredients, giving you a delicious taste of rural Vietnam. The afternoon focuses on swimming in the Ha Thanh Waterfall, a perfect spot to cool off and take in the scenery. The experience is both invigorating and serene, with the waterfall’s cascading waters creating a natural spa.

As evening approaches, you’ll settle into base camp accommodations, either in private rooms or tents, depending on your preference. The night ends with a BBQ dinner in the jungle, a chance to relax around a bonfire and swap stories with fellow travelers under a starry sky.

Day 2: Trekking, Tea, and Return

The next morning begins with breakfast before heading out for a trek through the palm forest to Tha village. The lush greenery offers a peaceful setting, and the hike provides a good opportunity to see local flora and fauna. From there, you trek to Na Thac village, where tea plantations flourish—an impressive sight, especially during the harvest season when the leaves are fresh and green.

Midday, you’ll enjoy lunch in Khuoi My with a view of terrace fields, a landscape that’s both scenic and emblematic of rural Vietnamese agriculture. After lunch, a final swim in Ha Thanh Waterfall caps off the outdoor activities.

In the late afternoon, the group returns to Ha Giang City, where you’ll catch the bus back to Hanoi, reflecting on two rich days filled with natural beauty, cultural insights, and outdoor adventure.

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Practical Details and What to Expect

Transportation and Group Size

The tour includes two-way sleeper bus tickets from Hanoi to Ha Giang, making the trip comfortable and straightforward. Once in the mountains, transportation shifts to car transfers or motorbikes, facilitating flexible access to remote spots. The group is relatively small, which enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows for more personalized interaction with the guide.

Accommodation and Meals

You’ll spend one night in a homestay or tent, enjoying local hospitality and outdoor camping. The meals—breakfasts, lunches, dinners—are mostly included, giving you the chance to savor traditional Vietnamese dishes and fresh, local ingredients. The BBQ dinner in the jungle is a memorable highlight, blending outdoor fun with good food.

Activities and Highlights

Expect hiking, swimming, and cultural visits. The hikes are generally manageable but involve some physical activity—be prepared with comfortable shoes and water. Swimming in the waterfall is a refreshing experience, but note that swimming is not permitted outside designated areas for safety reasons.

What to Bring

Prepare for outdoor conditions with comfortable shoes, hiking shoes, warm clothing, towels, a camera, and snacks. Since the trip involves some physical activity, packing light but practical gear is recommended.

Important Considerations

• The tour is not suitable for children under 9 years or travelers with mobility issues.
• Participants should be non-swimmers or comfortable with outdoor water activities.
• Cancellation is flexible—full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

The Authentic Experience and Value

This tour offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, culture, and natural scenery. For just $132, you gain a comprehensive experience—covering transportation, accommodations, most meals, and guiding services. The inclusion of local guides means you’ll gain insights that might slip past larger, more commercial tours, making this a more authentic journey.

The small-group format ensures you’re not just a number but part of a tight-knit team experiencing Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and traditional ways of life. Guests consistently appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to connect with local culture on a deeper level.

While the physical aspects—like hiking and water activities—might be demanding for some, those who enjoy outdoor pursuits will find this tour rewarding. It’s especially appealing for those seeking an active, on-the-ground experience rather than a passive sightseeing trip.

The Sum Up

This 2-day tour from Hanoi to Ha Thanh Waterfall and Khuoi My Village offers a down-to-earth way to experience Vietnam’s rural north. You’ll leave with a richer understanding of rice farming, tea cultivation, and mountain scenery—together with some unforgettable moments swimming in waterfalls and camping under the stars. It’s a fantastic choice for adventurers eager to get off the beaten path and cultural travelers looking for genuine local encounters.

The price is quite reasonable considering the all-inclusive nature—covering transportation, meals, accommodation, and guiding. If you’re prepared for a bit of physical activity and outdoor conditions, this trip will deliver a memorable, authentic slice of northern Vietnam.

For anyone craving nature’s serenity amid traditional village life, this tour stands out as a value-packed, engaging experience. It’s perfect for active travelers, small groups, and those who want to see Vietnam beyond the usual tourist spots.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 9 years old due to the physical activity involved, such as hiking and outdoor water activities.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes 2-way sleeper bus tickets, all meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners), local guide, transportation in the mountains, and overnight accommodations in homestays or tents.

Can I swim in the waterfall?
Yes, swimming in Ha Thanh Waterfall is part of the experience; however, swimming outside designated areas is not allowed for safety reasons.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, hiking gear, warm clothing, towels, camera, water, and snacks for energy.

Is the tour accessible for those with mobility issues?
No, this tour involves hiking and outdoor activities that are not suitable for travelers with mobility impairments.

How long is the journey from Hanoi?
The trip starts with a 2-way sleeper bus from Hanoi, with the entire tour lasting 2 days and 3 nights.

Are the accommodations comfortable?
You’ll stay in homestays or tents, providing a genuine local experience. While not luxury, the accommodations are cozy and functional.

What is the group size?
The tour offers a small group experience, fostering a more personalized and intimate adventure.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely, solo travelers will find it easy to join in and meet others, thanks to the small-group format.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, allowing for flexibility in your travel plans.

You can check availability for your dates here: