Romantic Getaway to the Alps of Northern Vietnam

One of Northern Vietnam’s most enchanting destinations is Sapa, which is an attractive town among the immaculate stretches of forest-topped mountains that are known as the Tonkinese Alps. The town has grown into a thriving tourist destination because of its immensely unspoiled beauty. In the summer, golden rice terraces cascade towards rivers, and Karst Mountains flourish with emerald foliage. You will board a regal train in Hanoi that is bound for your boutique hotel among the surreal Sapa scenery. The lavish voyage will reveal the desolate allure of Northern Vietnam's countryside while you delight in opulent relaxation. You will arrive, and the hotel’s professional staff will show you to your chic and private suite. With exceptional amenities and a world-class spa, your stay will exceed your every expectation. Your first evening will be spent in complete relaxation and luxury as you transfer to an elegant restaurant for a marvelous meal that will be prepared by a renowned chef. You will indulge in extraordinary recreations of classic Vietnamese dishes that are set inside a traditionally-inspired establishment.

The following day will highlight the flawless majesty of the mountainous region. After you have eaten a delectable breakfast, you will transfer with your private tour guide to pristine wilderness locations. You will venture to the tremendously attractive Love Waterfall, which is where streams of silver water flow over the lime green, moss-covered rocks. The beloved waterfall is shrouded in a mystical folklore that tells the tale of a forbidden love between a fairy and a local boy who would come to the pouring falls to play his flute. Afterward, you can breathe in the fresh jungle air from the Thac Bac Bridge, which is backdropped by the mighty Thac Bac Waterfall. These two bewitching destinations share romantic atmospheres that are unlike many others. At each stop, your guide will part ways with you and allow you the opportunity to soak up the scenic splendor together. You will be swept away by the magical moments that you share in these idyllic destinations.

The next morning will bring with it a dreamlike sunrise over the mountain-flanked skyline. Today, you will venture to the more traditional parts of Sapa to discover what makes the cultural traditions of Vietnam tick. Accompanied by your knowledgeable tour guide, you will venture to a signature, local restaurant for an incredible taste of authentic Hmong-style cuisine, which is an endearing food culture that originates from the Southeast Asian Hmong people. You will delight in the enriching flavors of traditionally prepared Hmong pork confit and spring rolls to name a few. Then, you two and your experienced guide will trek to a local hill tribe. This hands-on experience will introduce you and your loved one to the ancient lifestyle practices of these peaceful people and immerse you into their unchanged environment. You will learn a great deal from these people and their truly authentic way of life.

A few hours from the Tonkinese Alps lies the remote province of Ha Giang and its popular district Dong Van. After a filling breakfast in Sapa, you will board a comfortable coach and meander along the winding roads that lead up toward this precious destination. Along the way, you and your partner will capture blissful journey to a region that is rarely visited by foreigners. Among the sloping mountains of Ha Giang sits a historic, upper-class hotel that you will have the pleasure to call home for the duration of your stay. From here, you and your loved one will cherish expeditions across the unbelievable stretch of luscious landscape. Your first afternoon will be designed for you to discover the simplicity of the traditional lifestyle. You will venture to beloved restaurants for outstanding delicacies such as Pho, which an authentic Vietnamese noodle soup, and dried buffalo meat, which a Northwest Vietnam specialty. The evening will share picturesque photo opportunities alongside the emerald hills that roll off into the distance.

The following day, you will explore the vast green paradise that is the Ha Giang landscape. Today, you will set off in your professional tour guide’s comfortable vehicle in search of the region’s treasured sights. You will marvel at the sheer majesty of the Quan Ba Twin Mountains. Immaculately kept rice fields flank these two tall hills and the mighty Heaven’s Gate, which is situated 1500 meters above sea level, will share uninterrupted vistas of the grand topography. Your expedition will continue to the highlight of Ha Giang: Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site that is famous for its monumental, limestone mountains and terraced, emerald rice fields. Many of the park’s distinguished rock formations are steeped in mystery with unidentified carvings that highlight their distant roots. Your day of exploration will showcase the dramatic landscape in all its rugged glory.

Your final full day in Ha Giang will share more of the surreal settings and unique cultural heritage. At daybreak, you will transfer to Dong Van Old Quarter and visit the Dong Van Sunday Market. It is a colorful event that brings together Southeast Asian cultural minorities who display their ancient traditions with the utmost pride. You can peruse the vibrant market and encounter exuberant stalls that sell all sorts of timeless trinkets and food. The incredibly friendly atmosphere will ensure that you feel completely welcome among the cheerful, local inhabitants. You and your partner will delight in the opportunity to discover what makes these communities so special and how their ways of life differ from our own. You can explore more of Ha Giang’s humble environment as you visit significant heritage sites and witness splendid scenic sights.

You and your loved one will be whisked away to the peaceful countryside of Cao Bang, following your stay in the Dong Van district of Ha Giang. The marvelous destination boasts a wealth of captivating sights and holds significant historical value. You will soon appreciate these experiences in comprehensive detail as your adventure to Cao Bang will lead you to a boutique hotel that is run by a friendly, professional staff and offers exquisite private suites for secluded, intimate seclusion. You can spend the evening that you arrive at your own pace and tuck into delightful Vietnamese dishes as the sun slowly sets over the horizon. You may take advantage of this moment to connect with your partner and reminisce on your adventurous exploits.

After a sumptuous breakfast the following morning, your travels will kick off in full swing. You will venture toward the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall and capture the awe-inspiring display of rapidly flowing water. On board a traditional boat, you will marvel at the powerful streams up close and feel the spring water breeze against your cheeks. Then, you will journey to an ancient cave and brave the golden tunnel systems that makeup Nguom Ngao. Stalagmites rise from the cave floor and create mystical rock formations that can be seen in the likes of popular travel magazines. You and your partner will traverse the depths of this cave system as your private tour guide shares the fascinating folklore in which it is shrouded. Finally, you will share in romantic splendor at the Valley of Secluded Love. Do not let the name mislead you, as it is an endearing title that has been given to the destination because of its divine allure that is represented in a classic Chinese novel. You can trot along the whimsical roads that lead to magnificent mountain displays and outstretching emerald valleys. You will thoroughly enjoy the environment as indigenous wildlife moves around you and presents idyllic photo opportunities.

The following day in Cao Bang will highlight the treasured history of the location. Accompanied by your experienced guide, you will venture to sacred sites of significant importance. Starting with the Na Lu Ancient Citadel, you will witness relics of the Qin Dynasty and learn more about its prominence as an age-old military station. Your journey will continue to noteworthy temples and memorials that are sprawled across this Northern Vietnam region. You will uncover intricately designed statues and buildings that provide a lens into days past. This tour will perfectly capture the historical highlights of Northern Vietnam and will give you two an opportunity to share in the joys of first witnessing these sites.

The final destination on your romantic retreat across Northern Vietnam is the picturesque emerald waters of Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure location that is complete with towering limestone islands and immense stretches of peaceful sea. You will journey to the bay via luxury train and spend a night in an opulent resort that shares idyllic vistas. You will spend your first evening at a celebrated, gourmet restaurant and fine dine on exquisite Vietnamese dishes. You can watch the remarkable sunset over the bay as it illuminates the limestone cliffs and the shimmer of the sea.

First thing the following morning, you will travel to the pier and board a luxurious cruise liner that is bound for the bay. The fluent and friendly staff will welcome you on board and usher you to your private suite. You will witness the immaculate sights from the comfort of your balcony and share in complete intimacy on board the regal boat. Throughout your stay, you will be treated to world-class cuisine at the prestigious restaurant in between your pristine adventures. The liner will gently glide across the water past the striking sights of limestone islands and hideaway caves. You will deboard the boat into a kayak as you and your beloved traverse the peaceful water and capture the magnificent sights up close. Then, you may take a dip in the warm water and swim among the towering cliffs that surround you. The voyage will move to a traditional floating village, where you will have the unique opportunity to connect with the locals who have set up houses on stilts in the water. You can also acquaint yourselves with this intriguing way of life and peruse the stalls in search of precious keepsakes to remember your enchanting expedition. Finally, you will reach a picturesque cave and cherish the moments that you spend within the age-old rock formation. A delectable dinner spread of various cuisines will conclude your day, and you will indulge in a candlelit dinner under the twinkling stars.

Today, you will begin your morning with an invigorating Tai Chi session on the open-air deck as you feel the day’s embrace awaken your spirit. You and your partner will revitalize your minds and bodies as you perform timeless poses under the guidance of an expert Tai Chi specialist. Before you dock at the pier, you can fuel up on a marvelous spread of Vietnamese breakfast delicacies. Afterward, you will make your way back to Hanoi with ample time to catch your plane that is destined for home. You and your loved one will leave Northern Vietnam having explored all of its romantic highlights and will return home with unforgettable memories of this intimate adventure.