Tours with GIOI
SMALL GROUP and PERSONALISED TOURS
Gioi offers a unique opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of rural northern Vietnam away from the tourist crowds. Below is a description of some of the tours Gioi offers. He is flexible and is able to tailor tours to suit your particular timeframes and interests so please be in touch to discuss what you would like to do while in northern Vietnam.
Tour 1 -
COLOrfull MARKETS AND NATURAL EXPERIENCE
A journey combining colorful ethnic markets, peaceful mountain landscapes and authentic village life. This experience is designed for travelers who want to slow down, walk through nature and connect with local culture in a genuine way.
Stay at Cinnamon Eco Lodge and discover a quieter side of Northern Vietnam.
Day 1 – Lao Cai Arrival & Ethnic Market Visit
You will be picked up early in the morning at Lao Cai train stationby a private car. After breakfast, we visit one of the traditional ethnic markets, depending on the day of your arrival:
Tuesday – Coc Ly Market
Wednesday – Sin Cheng Market
Saturday – Can Cau Market
Sunday – Bac Ha Market
These markets are lively meeting places where different ethnic groups gather to trade goods, meet friends and maintain long-standing traditions. Walking through the market offers a unique glimpse into local life in the mountains.
In the afternoon, transfer to Cinnamon Eco Lodge. Relax, enjoy the mountain views and a peaceful evening surrounded by nature. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 2 – Full Day Trek to Nghia Do & Village Homestay
After breakfast, begin a full-day trek to Nghia Do valley, an untouched area known for its beautiful scenery and traditional Tay villages. The trail passes through forests, rice fields and small local paths far from mass tourism.
Along the way, you will meet local families and experience the daily rhythm of village life. Lunch will be served in a local home or as a picnic depending on the route and weather.
In the afternoon, arrive in Nghia Do village. Enjoy a simple home-cooked dinner and spend the night in a traditional local homestay, surrounded by nature and the peaceful atmosphere of the valley.
Day 3 – Morning Walk, Cinnamon Experience & Return to Hanoi
Wake up to the quiet sounds of the countryside and enjoy breakfast, then do a gentle morning walk around the village before being picked up by cả to return to Cinnamon Eco Lodge. You will join a cinnamon peeling experience with local farmers and learn how cinnamon is harvested and prepared, an important part of local life in this region.
After lunch, transfer by shared limousine car back to Hanoi at 14:15.
MEETING LOCATION + TOUR DURATION
Pick up location: Lao Cai train station (early morning pick up)
End location: Hanoi Old Quarter or your hotel in Hanoi
Duration: 3 days
TRANSPORTATION
This tour uses a private air-conditioned vehicle for transfers, limousine bus from Cinnamon Eco Lodge to Hanoi, plus walking and trekking activities.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
1 night accommodation at Cinnamon Eco Lodge (bungalow room with en-suite)
1 night local homestay in Nghia Do village
1.5 litres of water per person per day
English-speaking tour guide
Cinnamon harvesting experience
WHAT’S EXTRA
You are responsible for purchasing any items of a personal nature related to shopping, souvenirs, snacks, drinks, and additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
NOTE:
This is a private tour; however, the limousine transfer from Cinnamon Eco Lodge to Hanoi is on a shared basis. If you prefer a private car for the return journey, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange it.
Please note this tour price is based on two people sharing accommodation. We can also accommodate families or larger groups in our traditional Tay house. Please contact us for more information about these options.
TOUR 2: HÀ NỘI - CINNAMON ECO LODGE
Cinnamon Ecolodge is a new attractive destination in North Eastern Vietnam. This is a place for people who like to be away from tourist areas, and to explore the real rural Vietnam. Come stay with us and you will see real farmers who work on cinnamon, rice, and green tea farms. You can have unique experiences in planting and harvesting cinnamon. This is where it all begins, long before you get to buy your cinnamon at the supermarket.
To make it easier to get to cinnamon ecolodge and to offer you the chance to explore some less visited areas, we are pleased to offer you some different packages so that you can choose which is most suitable for you.
PACKAGE : HÀ NỘI - CINNAMON ECO LODGE
"Cinnamon Eco Lodge" is a unique holiday destination in North-East Vietnam. It is away from the usual tourist routes, located in a rural village, surrounded by thousands of cinnamon trees.
Take a private cinnamon tour and explore this scenic region with a local guide who will share his local culture so you can appreciate the life style and activities of the region's local ethnic people.
Trek through the quiet valley trails, past terraced rice fields, cinnamon forests and beautiful natural waterfalls. Visit the mountain villages around the Cinnamon farm, where your guide will introduce you to the flower H'mong and black and white Tay people who live there. On Saturday morning, you can visit Vinh Yen market or Can Cau market. You are welcome to learn about harvesting cinnamon (and have a hands-on experience!) and rice. All your meals are made from locally sourced free product from the cinnamon farm.
We know you will enjoy the tranquility and privacy of our purpose-built bungalow and the warm welcome you will receive on our Cinnamon farm tour.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Ha Noi - Cinnamon farm [ Cinnamon Eco Lodge] :
In the morning, our driver will pick you up from Ha Noi and transfer you to Cinnamon Eco Lodge in an air-conditioned vehicle. The trip will take about 4 hours (3 hours on the highway north and then another hour by private car). On the way you will see many mountains and beautiful villages along the road and there will be a half hour rest stop on the way.
Arrive Cinnamon Eco Lodge for lunch then have time to rest and enjoy the quiet beauty of the farm. In the afternoon you will be taken on a walk to visit Tay village and see local life in Northeast Vietnam and spectacular scenery.
Day 2: Full-Day Trek to Nghia Do Villages
The day starts with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before setting out on a full-day trek to explore the area further. Along the trek, you’ll visit Tay villages, meet local people, and learn about their traditions and way of life then have lunch at a local homestay. The trek concludes with a visit to a nearby waterfall, where you’ll have the chance to swim and refresh in the cool waters. in the afternoon, you will be picked up from the village by a private car to return to Cinnamon Eco Lodge to rest and enjoy dinner. The trek is about 12-17km.
Day 3: Harvest cinnamon - Back to Ha Noi
This morning there will be time for you to experience planting and harvesting cinnamon alongside the local people. This will be a special experience and one we believe is a unique opportunity for you in Vietnam.
After a delicious lunch it will be time to leave Cinnamon Eco Lodge at 14:30, with transfers arranged for you to travel back to Ha Noi; arriving there at approximately 20:00.
MEETING LOCATION + TOUR DURATION
Pick up location: You will be picked from your hotel in Ha Noi or the airport
End location: You will be dropped off at your hotel or the airport
Duration: 3 days
TRANSPORTATION
This tour uses a private air-conditioned vehicle, plus walking.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transportation.
-2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners.
- 2 night’s accommodation in a bungalow room with en-suite
-1.5 litres water per person per day.
English speaking Tour Guide
WHAT’S EXTRA
You are responsible for purchasing any items of a personal nature related to shopping, souvenirs, snacks, and restaurant meals.
Note: This is private tour but the transportation on the highway is on a car sharing basis. If you need a private car from Ha Noi please contact us so that we can make these arrangements for you.
Please note this tour is based on two people, sharing accommodation. We can also accommodate family groups or larger groups in our traditional Tay home. Please contact us if you are interested in knowing more about these options.
TOUR 3 –
A JOURNEY TO SLOW DOWN & TRULY CONNECT
This experience is more than just a trip – it is a journey back to simplicity.
From the untouched landscapes of Y Ty to the warm hospitality at Cinnamon Eco Lodge, every moment is designed to help you slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect – with nature, with local culture, and with yourself.
If you are looking to escape the crowds, discover authentic Vietnam, and experience something truly meaningful, this journey is made for you.
Day 1: Arrival & Journey to Y Ty – Into the Hidden Highlands
Your journey begins early in the morning as we pick you up from Lao Cai train station in Lào Cai. From here, we leave the busy town behind and head deep into the remote mountains towards Y Tý.
Y Ty is a small, hidden commune near the border with China – a place that feels truly untouched by mass tourism. Here, nature remains raw and authentic: rolling mountains, endless rice terraces carved into the hills, ancient forests, and clouds drifting gently through the valleys.
What makes Y Ty truly special is not only its landscapes, but its people. This region is home to several ethnic minority groups such as the Ha Nhi, Dao, and Giay, who still live in a very traditional way. Their culture, customs, and daily life remain deeply rooted and beautifully preserved.
Unlike more popular destinations, Y Ty offers a rare sense of peace. No crowds, no noise – just nature, fresh mountain air, and genuine human connection.
Upon arrival, you will check in at a local homestay and enjoy a simple, authentic meal. In the afternoon, take a gentle walk around the village, meet local families, and begin to immerse yourself in this peaceful world.
Note: Special local experience:
If your visit falls on a Saturday, you will have the chance to explore the vibrant weekly market in Y Ty. If it is Sunday, we will visit Mường Hum market instead.
These markets are not tourist attractions, but genuine gatherings of local communities. People from different ethnic groups come together in their colorful traditional clothing, creating a lively and unique atmosphere. You will see them selling products from their own farms – fresh vegetables, herbs, handmade goods, and local specialties – all reflecting the richness of their culture and way of life.
This is a rare opportunity to witness an authentic highland market, full of character, color, and human connection.
Overnight: Local homestay in Y Ty
Day 2: Trekking & Cultural Immersion in Y Ty
Wake up to the sound of nature and fresh mountain air. After breakfast, we begin a trekking day through some of the most stunning and untouched landscapes in northern Vietnam.
Depending on the season, you will walk through golden rice terraces, misty valleys, or green mountain paths. The scenery here is often described as “heaven-like” – quiet, vast, and deeply calming.
Along the way, you will pass through small villages, meet local people, and witness daily life in its most authentic form. There are no staged experiences here – everything is real, simple, and sincere.
This is not just a trek, but a journey into a different rhythm of life – slower, more connected, and closer to nature.
Return to your homestay in the afternoon. Enjoy dinner and another peaceful night in the mountains.
Overnight: Local homestay in Y Ty
Day 3: Y Ty → Cinnamon Eco Lodge – Nature & Comfort Combined
After breakfast, we leave Y Ty and travel back towards Cinnamon Eco Lodge, where a new chapter of your journey begins. Upon arrival, you’ll check-in to the lodge, have some time to rest and enjoying lunch. Afterward, embark on a half-day trek, where you’ll explore the lush landscapes and traditional villages, offering an insight into the local culture. In the evening, return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner, where you can unwind in the serene surroundings.
Day 4: Full-Day Trek to Nghia DoVillages
The day starts with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before setting out on a full-day trek to explore the area further. Along the trek, you’ll visit Tay villages, meet local people, and learn about their traditions and way of life then have lunch at a local homestay. The trek concludes with a visit to a nearby waterfall, where you’ll have the chance to swim and refresh in the cool waters. in the afternoon, you will be picked up from the village by a private car to return to Cinnamon Eco Lodge to rest and enjoy dinner. The trek is about 12-17km.
Day 5: Cinnamon Harvesting Tour & Return to Hanoi
On your final day, start with a unique experience: the Cinnamon Harvesting Tour. You’ll join local farmers as they demonstrate the cinnamon harvesting process, from collecting the bark to processing it into cinnamon sticks. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about this essential crop and its cultural significance in the region. After the tour, enjoy a satisfying lunch at the lodge. At 2:30 PM, you will be transferred back to Hanoi by shared limousine car, where you’ll arrive by early evening, marking the end of your memorable journey.
MEETING LOCATION + TOUR DURATION
Pick up location: You will be picked up from Lao Cai train station or your hotel in Lào Cai
End location: You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hà Nội
Duration: 5 days 4 nights
TRANSPORTATION
This tour uses a combination of private air-conditioned vehicle, shared limousine transfer (return to Hanoi), and trekking on foot.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Transportation: Private car from Lao Cai - Y Tý- Cinnamon Eco Lodge, shared limousine return to Hanoi
4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
2 nights’ accommodation in a local homestay in Y Tý
2 nights at Cinnamon Eco Lodge (bungalow with en-suite)
1.5 litres of water per person per day
English-speaking tour guide
All trekking and local experiences mentioned in the itinerary
WHAT’S EXTRA
You are responsible for purchasing any items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, snacks, additional drinks, and personal expenses.
NOTES
This is a private tour designed for flexibility, authenticity, and comfort.
Please note that this tour is based on two people sharing accommodation. We are happy to accommodate families or larger groups – please contact us for customized arrangements.
Due to the remote and mountainous nature of the destinations, road and weather conditions may vary. However, this is also what makes the journey truly unique, offering an authentic and immersive experience far from the usual tourist paths.
Our trekking experiences are designed to be flexible and suitable for different fitness levels:
· Half-day trek: approximately 6–8 km
· Full-day trek: approximately 12–17 km
The routes can be adjusted depending on your physical condition and preferences, ensuring a comfortable yet rewarding experience for every guest.
TOUR 4:
UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AROUND CINNAMON ECO LODGE
Day 1: Ha Noi - Cinnamon Eco Lodge
Your adventure begins with a pick-up from Hanoi, where you’ll be transferred by a shared limousine car to the Cinnamon Eco Lodge. The journey takes around 4-5 hours, offering scenic views of the countryside. Upon arrival, you’ll check-in to the lodge, have some time to rest and enjoying lunch. Afterward, embark on a half-day trek, where you’ll explore the lush landscapes and traditional villages, offering an insight into the local culture. In the evening, return to the lodge for a relaxing dinner, where you can unwind in the serene surroundings.
Day 2: Full-Day Trek to Nghia DoVillages
The day starts with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before setting out on a full-day trek to explore the area further. Along the trek, you’ll visit Tay villages, meet local people, and learn about their traditions and way of life then have lunch at a local homestay. In the afternoon, continue your trek to reach the homestay where you'll stay overnight with a local family. The trek concludes with a visit to a nearby waterfall, where you’ll have the chance to swim and refresh in the cool waters. In the evening, Enjoy a traditional dinner and immerse yourself in the warmth of local hospitality.
Day 3: Trek Back to Cinnamon Lodge
After a breakfast at the homestay, you’ll begin your trek back to Cinnamon Eco Lodge. Along the way, you’ll pass through more charming villages, interact with friendly locals, and learn about their daily lives. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed in nature before you continue your journey back to the lodge. The day concludes with a delicious dinner at the lodge, providing a perfect end to the trek.
Day 4: Cinnamon Harvesting Tour & Return to Hanoi
On your final day, start with a unique experience: the Cinnamon Harvesting Tour. You’ll join local farmers as they demonstrate the cinnamon harvesting process, from collecting the bark to processing it into cinnamon sticks. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about this essential crop and its cultural significance in the region. After the tour, enjoy a satisfying lunch at the lodge. At 2:30 PM, you will be transferred back to Hanoi by shared limousine car, where you’ll arrive by early evening, marking the end of your memorable journey.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Transportation from and return Hanoi.
- Meals.
- 3 night’s accommodation ( 2 nights bungalow, 1 night homestay)
- 1.5 litres water per person per day.
- English speaking Tour Guide
TOUR 5: Unique trip to rural places
Escape the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in a genuine Vietnamese experience, where the culture remains untouched in the northern part of the country. The trip takes 5 days and you will have an unforgetatable adventure.
Day 1: Hà Nội - Bắc Hà.
You will take an overnight train from Hanoi train station to Lao Cai station. You will arrive early in the morning ( around 5am), and be welcomed by a tour guide and a driver then transfer to Bac Ha - a small district in Lao Cai province.This is an area inhabited by many Flower Hmong people and boasts various unique cultural aspects. In the afternoon, we will take a walk to explore the tribal villages around the area. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in a homestay in Bắc Hà.
If you arrive on Saturday or Sunday, you will have chance to visit interesting local market. (Cán Cấu market on Saturday morning and Bac Ha market on Sunday). You will see many ethnic minority people come from villages around with their own traditional clothes, they sell different stuffs from their own farm: vegetables, spices, animals ( cats, dogs, buffalos, chickens,…)
Walking distance; 6-8km
Elevation : 200m
Day 2: Bắc Hà - Hoàng Su Phì
After having breakast, you will be transfer by car to Hoang Su Phì. Check in a homestay there amd do a walk in the afternoon.
As you explore Hoàng Su Phì, you'll be captivated by the vibrant green terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see, especially during the rice planting and harvesting seasons. The terraces create intricate patterns on the hillsides, resembling a stairway to heaven.
Beyond its stunning scenery, Hoàng Su Phì boasts a warm and welcoming community. The local people here are known for their hospitality and friendliness, making your visit a truly memorable cultural experience. You can immerse yourself in their traditional way of life, learn about their agricultural practices, and even participate in local festivities if you're fortunate enough to visit during a festival.
Walking distance : 4-6 km
Day 3: Trekking day around Hoang Su Phi.
You will spend a full day trek around this beautiful area. Trekking through the rugged terrain, visiting ethnic villages (Red Zao people), and interacting with the indigenous people will provide you with a unique opportunity to gain insight into their rich traditions and customs. Moreover, the region's relatively untouched status means you can explore pristine forests and encounter diverse flora and fauna. The scenery here is unforgettable and a must-visit at least once in a lifetime.
Hiking distance : 10- 12 km
Elevation: 200- 500m
Day 4 : Hoàng Su Phì - Cinnamon Eco Lodge
Check out the homestay in the morning and transfer to Cinnamon Eco Lodge. On the way you will stop sometime to visit beautiful local villages. Immerse yourself in nature by plunging into the refreshing and crystal-clear waterfall after a morning hike through the incredibly friendly local villages. Have lunch in the village with the Tay people and take a break to observe how they live. In the afternoon, continue exploring for another 3-4 kilometers before returning to Cinnamon Eco Lodge to rest after an exciting and eventful day.
Escape the hustle and bustle as you venture into a tranquil space, offering you the chance to explore nature and relax. In the afternoon, Enjoy dinner and rest in a private room enveloped by cinnamon trees within a cinnamon forest.
Day 5: Cinnamon Eco Lodge - Ha noi .
After breakfast you have chance to learn how Cinnamon is planted and harvested. You will directly join in the harvesting.
Have lunch and relax before the car pick you up to hightway then take the Limousin car to return Ha noi.
TOUR 6: EXPLORE northeast Vietnam
This 10 day/9 night tour departs and returns to Ha Noi. The trip is tailored to your needs and can depart on any day as requested. The trip includes visits to Sa Pa, Bac Ha, Xuan Hao, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Cao Bang, Ban Gioc waterfall, Bac Kan and Ba Be Lake national park.
Day 1
You will be met at your hotel in Ha Noi and travel by air conditioned vehicle to Sa Pa. After enjoying lunch with a local family there is a walk from Ta Van village to Lao Chai village. This traverses terraced rice fields along the Muong Hoa Valley, home to ethnic tribal villages with imposing mountain scenery. Overnight in hotel in Sa Pa.
Day 2
After breakfast, travel to the love waterfall then on to Ban Khoang village, home to the Red Zao people. From here there is a trek to Ta Phin village and then on a further 15kms through the unique landscapes of the area back to Sa Pa. Overnight in a hotel at Sa Pa.
Day 3: Colourful Market Day
Travel by air conditioned vehicle to one of the colour mountain markets. Many ethnic villagers walk long distances through the mountains to come to the weekly markets which are important not only for trading but also for socialising. The women arrive in beautiful handmade traditional costumes and there is always a sense of celebration and fun at these markets. After lunch there will be the chance to visit a village – Ban Pho village to see the life style of the Flower H’mong, including how they make corn wine. From you will travel to Cinnamon Eco Lodge for the evening. Your accommodation will be a traditional Tay home overlooking a pond in the cinnamon forest.
Day 4: Trekking
After breakfast Gioi will take you for a unique day’s trekking in rural Viet Nam, away from the bustle of other tourist areas. You will visit a variety of villages and learn about farming life in rural northern Viet Nam. This includes seeing cinnamon, tea and other crops growing and being harvested as well as terraced rice fields, houses on stilts and the lifestyles of different ethnic tribal groups who live in the area. Overnight at the homestay at Cinnamon Eco Lodge and enjoy the hospitality of a local family, embracing the true rural community lifestyle (see accommodation for more details).
Day 5: to Dong Van
After breakfast and farewells you will travel with Gioi to Ha Giang city and to Quan Ba district to visit a Flower H’mong village which is open to tourists. This is located in the Kast Plateau Geo Park heritage area and overnight in a hotel in the quaint town of Dong Van.
Day 6: Dong Van trek
This is a very special day with the chance to walk to Tay and H’mong villages in locations set amongst the rocks and karst mountains of the region. The scenery is stunning and unique to Viet Nam. The day’s trekking takes in about 12kms with plenty of time to stop for photos and to enjoy the majestic scenery. Overnight in hotel in Dong Van.
Day 7: Dong Van to Cao Bang
The day’s traveling traverses some spectacular roads and scenery including high mountain passes. There will be time to stop at the ‘happy road’ and the Ma-Pi-Leng mountain, and to admire the views down to Nho Que river and many more photo opportunities to take in the stunning scenery before eventually arriving for the night in Cao Bang. Hotel accommodation.
Day 8: Ban Gioc Waterfall and Ba Be Lake
There is an early start as there is quite some distance to travel. First to see the impressive Ban Gioc Waterfall. This is located on the Quy Son river which divides the boarders of Viet Nam and China and is located in an impressive area of karst formations. It is the largest waterfall in Asia and the world’s fourth largest waterfall on a national border. Continuing on you will reach Ba Be National Park and your homestay at Bac Kan Village.
Day 9: Ba Be Lake cruise
Enjoy a day on the lakes of the Ba Be National Park. Travel by traditional boat and discover the waterfalls, rivers, valleys, caves and local villages while enjoying the picturesque natural scenery and tranquillity of the area. There are also options to visit attractions such as the Dau Dang Falls, Puong Cave and Tien Pond. Return to bac Kan to overnight at the homestay accommodation once again.
Day 10: Ba Be to Ha Noi
After breakfast it is time to leave the serenity of the National Park and travel south back to Ha Noi. You will be taken back to your hotel in Ha Noi or to the airport for your next destination.
Included in this tour:
Local (English speaking) Vietnamese guide
Private air conditioned vehicle and Driver
Entrance fees
Permits
Government taxes and Service Charges
Luggage Transfers
Accommodation – 9 nights
Meals – 9 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 9 evening meals