Northern Vietnam

An incomparable adventure, rich with culture, history, wildlife, and exquisite cuisine, all wrapped in the warmth of Far Eastern hospitality.

Northern Vietnam

An incomparable adventure, rich with culture, history, wildlife, and exquisite cuisine, all wrapped in the warmth of Far Eastern hospitality.

Hanoi - Hoan Kiem Lake and the Pagoda on the Island

Hmong woman at the market in traditional attire, Sapa, Vietnam

Tra Lin Valley - Blue Mountains and Clouds in Sapa, Vietnam

Halong Bay shrouded in mist, with limestone islands weaving a tale amidst the waters of Vietnam

Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces in Northern Vietnam, harvest season

Why Northern Vietnam?

Where the Mist Dances with the Mountains

There are places that are not explained, but experienced. Vietnam is exactly that - a country that cannot be confined to a guidebook. Time moves at its own rhythm there. Capitals pulse with the energy of millions of motors, while mountain villages exist in silence that is not empty, but filled with meaning.

This is a land where ancient temples rise from the jungle like memories from another world. Where every bowl of pho carries the aromas of generations. Where you can lose yourself in the chaos of a street market and find yourself again in the gaze of an elderly monk or the smile of a child.

We'll walk down streets that awaken at five in the morning with steam from rice pots and do not calm until after midnight. We'll head north to a place where the mountains thicken like a dream—Ha Giang, with its sharp peaks, slowly living villages, and skies that never stay in one place.

We'll descend the "path of happiness", hear the echo dance between the rocks, watch lanterns drift on water in ancient Hoi An. We'll taste seafood by the river and gaze at rice fields from the top of a solitary hill.

Vietnam is not just geography—it's a sensation. A balance between past and present, between mysticism and raw reality, between beauty and contradiction. It will enter you and linger long after you've left.

Is this journey meant for you?

Challenge

Comfort

Nature

Culture

If the city's chaos excites you as much as the mountain's silence. If you want more than a break – you want a story to tell.

This is for you if you're unafraid of dust on your shoes, of a train passing 30 cm from your coffee, of a night in the mountains where the only sound is crickets and distant waterfalls.

This is for you if you're a seeker. Not just of places, but of sensations. If you believe that comfort isn't found in a 5-star hotel, but in a view that can't be bought. If you're tired of everything being easy, convenient, predictable.

We will move quickly. We'll rise early. We'll eat with our hands and laugh with heart. We'll get lost at least once (on purpose). We'll discover what's beyond the next bend. We'll experience it truly, without filters.

If this sounds like home... come. It will be a journey you won't want to end.

Halong Bay Group with limestone islands behind them

Upcoming Journeys

Hanoi

Chaos and Harmony in Hanoi

Hanoi doesn't just hit you — it envelops you. With motorbikes weaving like dancers between teapots, street cooks, and children with paper kites. With mornings where you sip egg coffee in a quiet alley, only to find yourself in the most incredible street symphony of sounds and scents. This isn’t a city you simply visit — it’s a city you breathe in. Every corner is a stage, every day split between old and new, spiritual and bustling, sacred and raw.

Trekking to the Rice Terraces in Sapa, Northern Vietnam

Traditional Hmong Architecture and Crafts in Northern Vietnam

Night Boat Excursion in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Hanoi's Old Quarter - narrow streets and colonial architecture

Ha Giang Loop

The Road Beyond the Map

Somewhere high up north, where roads twist like snakes around rocky peaks, begins a route that is not just a road — it is a revelation. Ha Giang Loop takes us through territories that seem painted, yet are real — with passes disappearing into the clouds, with people living slowly and looking straight into your eyes. Villages where evenings are dark and the stars are blindingly bright. This is a place where you realise how much lies beyond the known.

Hoi An

Lights from Another Era

Here, the night isn't dark; it's warm and alive – lit by thousands of glowing lanterns, reflections upon the river, and smiles from people who invite you to make a wish and send it afloat with a flame on the water. By day, you lose yourself in streets of yellow façades and wooden houses that tell stories with every door. You create your own lantern and carry it with you — not as a souvenir, but as a symbol. Hoi An isn't just a beautiful place. It’s a feeling that lingers long after you've left.

Motorcycle Adventure on the Mountain Roads of Northern Vietnam

Tinh Tuc Cave in Ninh Binh, Vietnam - a boat beneath the rocks

Itinerary

Day 1

Journey to Vietnam

We gather at Sofia Airport and embark on a long flight with a stopover in Istanbul. The whole day is devoted to travel. Through the airplane windows and terminal glass, we watch as Europe fades behind us and what we’ve long dreamed of begins — a distant, tropical, entirely different 'tomorrow'.

We spend the night in the air. Next stop — Hanoi.

Day 2

Welcome to Hanoi

We land in Hanoi and with the first step, we feel the humid air, the new sounds, the movement—chaotic but alive. We move towards our hotel in the heart of the Old Quarter. We settle in, freshen up, and plunge into the city.

The evening is dedicated to the first tastes—a bowl of hot pho, eaten on a plastic table on the pavement, just as it should be. A walk by Hoan Kiem Lake, amidst lights, laughter, and street music. Vietnam greets us—noisy, fragrant, real.

Day 3

The Temple of Literature and the train that runs right by your table

In the morning, we start with a local classic—egg coffee and a light snack at one of the hidden cafes in the Old Quarter. Then we intentionally lose ourselves in the alleys—each one brimming with life, scents, sounds, and colours.

We visit the Temple of Literature—a quiet, beautiful place where time seems to flow more slowly. In the afternoon, we're off to the famous Train Street—the train passes within inches of us, while we sit with a drink in hand, eyes wide with wonder.

We end the day by the lake—a stroll, dinner, and the feeling that we're starting to truly understand this city.

Day 4

The aroma of coffee and the silence of the lakes

Today, we dive into one of the most crucial arts of Hanoi — coffee. We visit some of the most special cafés in the Old Quarter, each with its own story, recipe, and soul. Black with egg, with sweet milk, with salty foam… surprises in every sip.

In the afternoon, we leave the centre and head towards West Lake — the largest in the city. We visit the Tran Quoc Pagoda, perched on a small island, and stroll through local markets filled with flowers, fruits, and chatter. Hanoi slows its pace and reveals its quiet side.

Day 5

Journey to the North – where roads embrace the clouds

Early in the morning, we leave Hanoi and head north—towards Ha Giang. We travel by bus through ever-changing landscapes: from urban chaos, across rice fields, to hills that embrace the clouds. This is a day of transition—a day for views out the window, music, and dreams. We arrive in a small town and rest. Tomorrow, something big begins.

Day 6

Trek through Bac Sum and the Lung Khuy Cave

We have breakfast and meet with our local guide. We begin the legendary Ha Giang Loop — a route through some of Vietnam's most breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Our first stop is the Bac Sum Pass — views that leave you breathless. We pass through Quan Ba and the so-called ‘Heaven's Gate’, from where we see the rocky peaks of the Twin Mountains. We explore the Lung Khuy Cave, hidden high in the mountains. The day ends in Yen Minh — a small, peaceful mountain town where night falls heavily and beautifully.

Day 7

Vuong Royal Palace and the northernmost point of Vietnam

After breakfast, we head to Dong Van Geopark — a world of stone, time, and legends. The road is dramatic — we pass over Tham Ma Pass, a mountain pass with such sharp bends, it feels like climbing the back of a dragon.

We visit the Vuong Royal Palace — an old residence shrouded in mist and tales. Then, we reach the northernmost point of Vietnam — Lung Cu and its flag tower, from which China can be seen.

In the evening, we're in Dong Van — an ancient town with narrow streets, lanterns, and wooden houses. We stay overnight in a traditional house — silence, warmth and a sense of time that doesn't rush.

Day 8

On the Path of Happiness and the 'Heavenly Trail' above the Nyoque River

We embark on the "Path to Happiness" — one of the most stunning roads in Southeast Asia. It leads to quaint villages, steep slopes, and dramatic vistas.

We'll hike along the so-called "Sky Trail" — a narrow path with views of the emerald waters of the Nho Que River. Cut off from everything. Just us and the mountain.

We end the day in Du Gia — a village nestled in greenery, where we'll spend the night. There's no internet here, no noise. Only the sounds of the jungle and the smiles of people who don't rush.

Day 9

Du Gia Waterfall and Return from the Wild

The morning is slow, damp, and tranquil. We visit the Du Gia waterfall — a hidden oasis in the jungle, where the water flows with a calm yet determined rhythm. Time for a walk, photos, and one last dip into the wild beauty of Northern Vietnam.

Then we head back to Ha Giang. The road is long but familiar. We listen to music, share stories, gaze out the window, and already feel like we're not the same people we were a week ago.

In the evening, we board the sleeper bus. We travel back to Hanoi — in motion, in darkness, in thoughts.

Day 10

A free day to embrace a slow pace and city vibes

Early morning, we return to the capital. Today is a day for rest and gentle adaptation. No schedule, no rush. Just the city and us.

We wander through the Old Quarter, sip coffee, and buy gifts. If someone wishes – they can visit the art museum, a pagoda, the market, or just get deliberately lost.

After the wilderness, Hanoi feels different now—closer, softer. In the evening, we gather for dinner and toasts. Well-deserved.

Day 11

Flights to the Past – The Enchanting Alleys of Hội An

In the morning, we fly from Hanoi to the central coast — landing in Da Nang, and from there, taking a transfer to Hoi An. A town where time gently drifts by. Here, everything feels softer — the light, the people, the movements.

We settle into a cosy hotel, and the afternoon is for leisure: a walk along the river, the first lanterns, coconut coffee, short streets leading to unexpectedly beautiful inner courtyards.

Hoi An is a place where the soul sits and breathes.

Day 12

Stroll through the Old Town and Lantern Workshop

In the morning, we begin with a tour of the Old Town — a UNESCO site. We enter ancient Chinese houses, temples, and covered markets. Wood, stone, and time, gathered in architecture.

In the afternoon, we participate in a lantern workshop — a local art that comes to life in our hands. We create our own lantern and take it with us — as a memory and a symbol.

In the evening, we stroll across bridges illuminated by thousands of lights. We sip tea at a street-side table and watch the river reflect the sky.

Day 13

Cycling to the gardens and a lunch made from your own harvest

In the morning, we'll hop on bicycles and head out of the city, through rural roads, rice fields, and fragrant vegetable gardens. We stop in the village of Tra Que, where local farmers show us how they grow everything—with hands, water, and faith.

We gather vegetables, learn new spices, then sit down for lunch prepared from the same things we've harvested. Natural, simple, tasty.

The afternoon is free—you might head to the beach, relax, drink coconut in the shade or just get lost in the alleyways of Hoi An again.

Day 14

The final stroll by the lanterns and an evening in the street rhythm

The morning is free — time for final strolls, a coffee with a view, or simply peace.

In the afternoon, we fly back to Hanoi. We arrive and settle in for our final stay in the capital. In the evening, the city transforms into a stage — the central streets become a pedestrian zone, filled with music, street performers, and colourful stalls. One last encounter with this chaotic, yet now familiar city.

Day 15

Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and the view from Hang Mua

Before dawn, we head to Ninh Binh — a province often referred to as the 'dry Ha Long'. First, we explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu — ruins, stories, and memories from an era of kings and battles.

Then, we sail through the canals of Tam Coc — among limestone cliffs draped in greenery. Silence. Just the paddles and the birds.

We climb to the panoramic viewpoint of Hang Mua — 500 steps, but the view from above takes your breath away.

We end the day with a boat trip in the Trang An complex — where we pass through water caves where time does not exist.

Day 16

Farewell to Egg Coffee and a Peaceful Finale

Last day. A day without an agenda. A day for contemplation, for another coffee, for a slow walk. Perhaps we'll visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, perhaps we'll wander into the Museum of Arts… or simply sit somewhere in the Old Quarter and watch life as it is.

In the afternoon, we prepare for the journey back. We bid farewell to Vietnam not with sadness, but with gratitude. For everything it has shown us. For everything it has left within us.

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

WHO WILL BE YOUR GUIDE?

Martin Grahovski

Martin's love for travelling began in two pivotal moments during his student years – hitchhiking thousands of kilometers across Europe and his first trip to Japan at the age of 22, where he spent a month conducting interviews with former Yakuza members, undercover detectives, and journalists for his thesis.

These utterly diverse experiences have taken him to over 50 countries around the globe in the past decade and shaped his interest in human stories of survival and beauty, told through documentary filmmaking. Although he has travelled everywhere, Asia remains closest to his heart, and the tours he leads for Panic are a blend of the history of SPOTS, his personal adventures, and the art of getting lost in the best possible way.

mgrahovski

Dive into adventure!

16 days

Price per person

€3,452

Includes airfare from Sofia, all accommodations, transport, guide, food

Become a part of our community

Over 400 people have already journeyed with us through Asia

Itinerary

Day 1

Journey to Vietnam

We spend the night in the air. Next stop — Hanoi.

Day 2

Welcome to Hanoi

Day 3

The Temple of Literature and the train that runs right by your table

We end the day by the lake—a stroll, dinner, and the feeling that we're starting to truly understand this city.

Day 4

The aroma of coffee and the silence of the lakes

Day 5

Journey to the North – where roads embrace the clouds

Day 6

Trek through Bac Sum and the Lung Khuy Cave

We have breakfast and meet with our local guide. We begin the legendary Ha Giang Loop — a route through some of Vietnam's most breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Day 7

Vuong Royal Palace and the northernmost point of Vietnam

We visit the Vuong Royal Palace — an old residence shrouded in mist and tales. Then, we reach the northernmost point of Vietnam — Lung Cu and its flag tower, from which China can be seen.

Day 8

On the Path of Happiness and the 'Heavenly Trail' above the Nyoque River

We embark on the "Path to Happiness" — one of the most stunning roads in Southeast Asia. It leads to quaint villages, steep slopes, and dramatic vistas.

We'll hike along the so-called "Sky Trail" — a narrow path with views of the emerald waters of the Nho Que River. Cut off from everything. Just us and the mountain.

We end the day in Du Gia — a village nestled in greenery, where we'll spend the night. There's no internet here, no noise. Only the sounds of the jungle and the smiles of people who don't rush.

Day 9

Du Gia Waterfall and Return from the Wild

Then we head back to Ha Giang. The road is long but familiar. We listen to music, share stories, gaze out the window, and already feel like we're not the same people we were a week ago.

In the evening, we board the sleeper bus. We travel back to Hanoi — in motion, in darkness, in thoughts.

Day 10

A free day to embrace a slow pace and city vibes

Early morning, we return to the capital. Today is a day for rest and gentle adaptation. No schedule, no rush. Just the city and us.

We wander through the Old Quarter, sip coffee, and buy gifts. If someone wishes – they can visit the art museum, a pagoda, the market, or just get deliberately lost.

After the wilderness, Hanoi feels different now—closer, softer. In the evening, we gather for dinner and toasts. Well-deserved.

Day 11

Flights to the Past – The Enchanting Alleys of Hội An

We settle into a cosy hotel, and the afternoon is for leisure: a walk along the river, the first lanterns, coconut coffee, short streets leading to unexpectedly beautiful inner courtyards.

Hoi An is a place where the soul sits and breathes.

Day 12

Stroll through the Old Town and Lantern Workshop

In the morning, we begin with a tour of the Old Town — a UNESCO site. We enter ancient Chinese houses, temples, and covered markets. Wood, stone, and time, gathered in architecture.

In the afternoon, we participate in a lantern workshop — a local art that comes to life in our hands. We create our own lantern and take it with us — as a memory and a symbol.

In the evening, we stroll across bridges illuminated by thousands of lights. We sip tea at a street-side table and watch the river reflect the sky.

Day 13

Cycling to the gardens and a lunch made from your own harvest

We gather vegetables, learn new spices, then sit down for lunch prepared from the same things we've harvested. Natural, simple, tasty.

The afternoon is free—you might head to the beach, relax, drink coconut in the shade or just get lost in the alleyways of Hoi An again.

Day 14

The final stroll by the lanterns and an evening in the street rhythm

The morning is free — time for final strolls, a coffee with a view, or simply peace.

Day 15

Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and the view from Hang Mua

Then, we sail through the canals of Tam Coc — among limestone cliffs draped in greenery. Silence. Just the paddles and the birds.

We climb to the panoramic viewpoint of Hang Mua — 500 steps, but the view from above takes your breath away.

We end the day with a boat trip in the Trang An complex — where we pass through water caves where time does not exist.

Day 16

Farewell to Egg Coffee and a Peaceful Finale

In the afternoon, we prepare for the journey back. We bid farewell to Vietnam not with sadness, but with gratitude. For everything it has shown us. For everything it has left within us.

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

WHO WILL BE YOUR GUIDE?

Martin Grahovski

mgrahovski

Dive into adventure!

16 days

Price per person

€3,452

Includes airfare from Sofia, all accommodations, transport, guide, food

Become a part of our community

Over 400 people have already journeyed with us through Asia

Itinerary

Day 1

Journey to Vietnam

Day 2

Welcome to Hanoi

Day 3

The Temple of Literature and the train that runs right by your table

Day 4

The aroma of coffee and the silence of the lakes

Day 5

Journey to the North – where roads embrace the clouds

Day 6

Trek through Bac Sum and the Lung Khuy Cave

Day 7

Vuong Royal Palace and the northernmost point of Vietnam

Day 8

On the Path of Happiness and the 'Heavenly Trail' above the Nyoque River

Day 9

Du Gia Waterfall and Return from the Wild

Day 10

A free day to embrace a slow pace and city vibes

Day 11

Flights to the Past – The Enchanting Alleys of Hội An

Day 12

Stroll through the Old Town and Lantern Workshop

Day 13

Cycling to the gardens and a lunch made from your own harvest

Day 14

The final stroll by the lanterns and an evening in the street rhythm

Day 15

Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and the view from Hang Mua

Day 16

Farewell to Egg Coffee and a Peaceful Finale

* Panic Frame & Travel reserves the right to adapt and change the program according to changes in accommodation conditions, climate, and other factors that require it.

WHO WILL BE YOUR GUIDE?

Martin Grahovski

mgrahovski

Dive into adventure!

16 days

Price per person

€3,452

Includes airfare from Sofia, all accommodations, transport, guide, food

Become a part of our community

Over 400 people have already journeyed with us through Asia

Let's head to Northern Vietnam!

Upcoming journeys

By clicking the "Sign Up" button, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WHAT'S THE JOURNEY LIKE?

Fill out the registration form – if you have an invite, we'll give you a call and provide the necessary documents.

You'll get a contract, insurance, and an invoice – pay a 50% deposit now, and we'll expect the rest up to 45 days before departure.

A month before the expedition, we'll remind you about the journey with a detailed email filled with insights about the destination, flights, and more.

If you don't have an invitation, we'll add you to the waiting list and get in touch if a spot opens up or when we announce the next group.

Included in the price:

Flight tickets from Sofia and back, including standard hand luggage and a checked-in suitcase up to 23 kg.

All Inner Flights

All Hotels

All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

All tours and activities described in the itinerary

Bulgarian Guide for the Journey

What's not included:

Services not mentioned in the programme

Personal Expenses

Food not mentioned in the itinerary

Alcohol and Drinks

Tips for Local Guides and Services

Let's head to Northern Vietnam!

Upcoming journeys

By clicking the "Sign Up" button, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

WHAT'S THE JOURNEY LIKE?

Fill out the registration form – if you have an invite, we'll give you a call and provide the necessary documents.

You'll get a contract, insurance, and an invoice – pay a 50% deposit now, and we'll expect the rest up to 45 days before departure.

A month before the expedition, we'll remind you about the journey with a detailed email filled with insights about the destination, flights, and more.

If you don't have an invitation, we'll add you to the waiting list and get in touch if a spot opens up or when we announce the next group.

Included in the price:

Flight tickets from Sofia and back, including standard hand luggage and a checked-in suitcase up to 23 kg.

All Inner Flights

All Hotels

All breakfasts, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

All tours and activities described in the itinerary

Bulgarian Guide for the Journey

What's not included:

Services not mentioned in the programme

Personal Expenses

Food not mentioned in the itinerary

Alcohol and Drinks

Tips for Local Guides and Services

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is something unclear?

office@panicframe.com

+359 887 293 757

Is Vietnam a safe country?

The overall security situation is good. Caution is needed when participating in street and road traffic and keeping an eye on the weather forecast and changes in conditions.

What vaccines do I need for Vietnam?

There are no mandatory vaccines for Vietnam. Consult your GP for recommended precautions. Wear light long-sleeved clothing and use repellent.

What documents do I need for Vietnam?

No visa is required, only an international passport with validity of at least 6 months after the end of the journey.

What's the currency and how much money should I carry with me?

The official currency in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is the Dong (VND). The exchange rate is 1 Vietnamese Dong = 0.000076 BGN. Transactions are conducted in local currency. Credit and debit cards are standard payment methods in cities. ATMs are widely available, except in the smallest and most mountainous areas.

What's the weather like in Vietnam?

Vietnam is long and narrow, with climate variations across regions. North (Hanoi, Ha Long): winter (November-March) 10-20°C, summer 30-35°C, monsoons June-September. Centre (Hue, Hoi An): rains October-December. South (Ho Chi Minh): hot all year round (25-35°C), dry season November-April. The best time to visit depends on the specific region.

Can you get mobile service and internet access?

Mobile internet is well-developed, and most local hotels offer free Wi-Fi. You can also catch Wi-Fi in many restaurants and cafes, and even on bustling streets. The main providers of 3G connections in Vietnam are Viettel Mobile, MobiFone, and VinaPhone.

A SIM card can be purchased in specialized shops, shopping centres, and private stores. A passport must be shown at the time of purchase.

Can I fly a drone in Vietnam?

Drones require permission from the Ministry of Defence of Vietnam. In theory, the process is complex and slow. In practice, tourists with small drones (under 250g) rarely encounter problems, but there is a risk of confiscation. It is forbidden near military facilities and government buildings. We recommend caution and discretion.

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DESTINATIONS

CALENDAR

STORIES

GALLERY

BLOG

ABOUT US

CONTACTS

Select Language

Destinations

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Contact

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You can join the waitlist.

Discover More

This journey requires an invitation.

You can join the waitlist.

Discover More

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WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Who are we?

Panic Frame & Travel is not a commercial travel agency. We don't offer you tranquility, tickets, or accommodation in an all-inclusive hotel with white tablecloths. We see ourselves as Tarzan tourists, organizing journeys to hard-to-reach places, encountering wild nature, and traveling by campers, catamarans, off-road jeeps, and even helicopters.

Discover more about us