HOANG SU PHI – DONG VAN – MA PI LENG PASS 6 DAYS 7 NIGHTS

This 6-day tour in Vietnam takes you through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery, hill tribes, and terraced fields in the country. Starting from Hanoi, you’ll explore Ha Giang Province, visiting iconic sites like the Ma Pi Leng Pass, Dong Van Plateau, and the Heaven’s Gate at Hoang Su Phi. The trip also includes visits to local villages, waterfalls, and even a boat ride on the Nho Que River—all for $574 per person.

What we love most about this experience is how it balances adventure and authenticity. You get a chance to stay in local homestays, which offers a genuine glimpse into rural Vietnamese life, and you’ll travel on both motorbikes and boats, adding diversity to your journey. Plus, the stunning vistas of terraced fields and mountain passes are truly unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere in Vietnam.

A potential consideration is the long travel times on the sleeper bus and the possibility of variable weather, which can impact visibility from mountain viewpoints. But if you’re comfortable with some minor discomfort for extraordinary landscapes, this tour is an excellent choice.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy scenic drives, outdoor exploration, and culture—particularly those who appreciate breathtaking vistas and rural village life away from the tourist crowds.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: Explore some of Vietnam’s most iconic mountain passes and terraced fields.
• Authentic Experiences: Stay in local homestays and visit traditional villages.
• Diverse Activities: Includes boat trips, mountain drives, and village walks.
• Balanced Itinerary: Mix of sightseeing, culture, and scenic drives.
• Practical Pricing: Competitive value with all major costs covered.
• Ideal for Adventure Seekers: Designed for those comfortable with rural settings and mountain roads.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the 6-Day Tour Experience

Starting Point: Hanoi to Ha Giang

The journey begins with a sleeper bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Giang, an experience in itself. The overnight trip offers a chance to rest before the adventure and gives a glimpse of local life outside the city. Upon arrival, we were greeted by our guide, who provided a warm, friendly welcome that set the tone for the days ahead.

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions of Ha Giang

Once in Ha Giang, the excitement starts with a short exploration and settling into accommodations. The tour uses a comfortable meeting point at 68 Phung Hung—easy to find and well-organized, perfect for preparing for the upcoming exploration. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing a friendly, intimate atmosphere that enhances the experience.

Day 2: Hoang Su Phi and Terraced Fields

The highlight here is visiting the Heaven’s Gate at Hoang Su Phi. From this vantage point, you’re greeted with views of seas of clouds, a sight that feels almost surreal. We loved the way the terraced rice fields in Nam Ty and Ho Thau stretch endlessly across the hillsides—each one meticulously carved and maintained by local farmers.

Visiting villages like Ban Peo, Ta Su Chong, and Ban Phung allows us to observe rural life up close. The tour’s inclusion of local homestays enhances the authenticity, giving a warm, personal touch to the experience. We found the balance between guided sightseeing and free exploration just right, with plenty of time to absorb the scenery and snap photos.

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Day 3: Suoi Thau and Thong Nguyen

This day takes us to the beautiful savanna of Suoi Thau, an area that’s surprisingly expansive and lush, contrasting with the mountainous terrain. The visit to Thong Nguyen village offers insights into local customs and architecture. Our homestay in Nam Hong village was a highlight, offering authentic local hospitality, home-cooked meals, and a chance to connect with villagers.

Day 4: The Mountain Passes and Dong Van Plateau

This stretch is a series of breathtaking mountain drives with stops at notable sites like Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate, Co Tien Twin Mountains, and King Family Mansion. The Bac Sum Pass and Tham Ma Pass are especially renowned for their spectacular views and challenging curves—ideal for photography and thrill-seekers alike.

The Lung Cu National Flagpole marks Vietnam’s northernmost point, providing a sense of geographical achievement. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of these sites, adding depth to the visual spectacle. The visit to Lo Lo Chai Village also offered a peek into ethnic diversity.

Day 5: Ma Pi Leng Pass and Nho Que River

The Ma Pi Leng Pass is often called one of the most beautiful mountain passes in Vietnam, and for good reason. The sheer cliffs plunging into the Nho Que River below make for some unforgettable scenery. The boat ride along the river further immerses you into the landscape, with towering limestone formations on either side.

Lunch at Tu San Alley is a simple but hearty local meal, perfect after a morning of driving. In the afternoon, the trip continues to Du Gia Fairy Village, a peaceful spot where you can unwind amid nature.

Day 6: Return Journey and Final Stops

The last day involves a visit to Du Gia Waterfall and the local market, offering one last taste of rural Vietnamese life. The return trip to Ha Giang by bus allows time to reflect on the journey and process all the stunning visuals.

The journey then concludes with a night sleeper bus back to Hanoi, providing a restful way to wrap up your adventure.

Value for Money and Practical Considerations

At $574 per person, the tour offers good value, considering all transportation, meals, accommodations, entrance fees, and guides are included. The homestay experience adds authentic local flavor, often at a lower cost than hotels, and the inclusion of boat rides and motorbike rentals enhances the adventure aspect.

Traveling on a sleeper bus might seem daunting for some, but it’s a common and cost-effective way to cover long distances in Vietnam. The group size tends to be manageable, allowing for a more personalized experience. The guides are fluent in English and Vietnamese, which helps in understanding the cultural and geographical context.

The tour is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable with mountain roads—some sections can be winding and challenging, especially if you’re riding a motorbike. It’s not suited for travelers with mobility issues or those expecting luxury accommodations.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Travelers seeking off-the-beaten-path scenery will find this trip rewarding. It’s perfect for adventure lovers, cultural explorers, and photo enthusiasts eager to capture Vietnam’s rugged beauty. If you enjoy staying in local homes and engaging with ethnic communities, this tour offers an authentic peek into rural life.

However, if you prefer luxury hotels or smooth, flat terrain, you might find this tour a bit rustic. It’s also best suited for those who don’t mind long travel hours and the occasional basic accommodation.

The Sum Up

The Hoang Su Phi – Dong Van – Ma Pi Leng Pass 6-day tour offers a remarkable journey through some of Vietnam’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. It combines stunning mountain scenery, cultural visits, and adventure activities like boat rides and mountain passes—delivering great value for the price.

This trip is especially suitable for travelers who crave an authentic and scenic Vietnam experience, willing to embrace a bit of rural simplicity and physical challenge for the reward of unforgettable vistas. It’s a fantastic way to see a side of Vietnam that remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it a truly special adventure.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included, covering the two-way sleeper bus from Hanoi, as well as motorbike or car rentals during the trip, plus the boat ride on the Nho Que River.

What kind of accommodations will I stay in?
You’ll stay in local homestays during most nights, which provide a genuine experience of rural Vietnamese life, with basic but comfortable facilities.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour provides 6 breakfasts and 12 main meals, offering local cuisine and hearty traditional dishes. Extra eating outside the program isn’t included.

Can I participate if I don’t ride a motorbike?
Yes, the tour offers car options for those who prefer not to ride a motorbike, but you’ll still be able to enjoy all the scenic drives and stops.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really—it’s designed for travelers aged 12 and up who are comfortable with outdoor activities and mountain roads.

What should I bring?
Pack comfortable shoes, warm clothing, hat, camera, sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. A valid international driver’s license is needed if you plan to ride a motorbike.

Travelers looking for a genuine taste of Vietnam’s northern mountain life and jaw-dropping scenery will find this tour an unforgettable experience. It’s well-paced for those with a sense of adventure and a love for natural beauty, making it a memorable journey into Vietnam’s rugged heart.

You can check availability for your dates here: