How Bong Hostel’s Combo Tours Make North Vietnam a Breeze for Travelers
- Faye Hilling
- Jun 23
- 10 min read
Would you believe you can actually cross multiple Northern Vietnam bucket-list spots—the Ha Giang Loop, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, and beyond—with one hassle-free adventure?
Say hello to Bong Hostel’s Combo Tours: the ultimate shortcut to exploring Vietnam’s north like a boss. These fun-packed & well-priced combos keep your travel stress at bay while turning each day into unforgettable memories.
Let’s dive into how these bespoke tours make North Vietnam a breeze for travelers!
What Are Bong Hostel’s Combo Tours?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s break it down:
Bong Hostel’s combo tours bundle two or more Northern Vietnam highlights into one epic multi-day escapade.
No need for individual bookings, awkward logistics, or having to remind yourself, “What time’s the bus again?”
Current lineup includes:
Ha Giang Loop + Ha Long Bay
Ha Giang Loop + Ninh Binh
Ha Giang Loop + Cat Ba/Lan Ha Bay
Ha Giang Loop + Sapa trekking
Pssst! These tours are designed to be either easy-rider friendly or self-riding, depending on whether you're a confident biker.
What’s Included?
At a basic level here’s exactly what you get when booking Bong Hostel’s Combo Tours:
Accommodation
Dormitory-style accommodation in local homestays on the Ha Giang Loop.
Cruise cabins in Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (2–5★ choices).
Guesthouses and homestays in Ninh Binh or Sapa.
Meals
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners are included in 6 day combos—and all meals are served family style with local, fresh ingredients.
Transportation
Fully covered routes: Hanoi → Ha Giang → Ha Long/Cat Ba/Sapa/Ninh Binh → Hanoi.
Cruise also included.
Motorbike with gas (self or easy-rider option).
Drivers (if you’ve selected the Easy Rider option).
Additional
Local English-speaking guide.
All entrance fees at cultural stops and viewpoints.
2 kg laundry per person.
Rain gear, protective wear such as helmets and knee/elbow pads, etc.
Endless Happy Water.
What’s Not Included?
Typically, the following experiences are not included in the Combo Tours:
Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic, aside from Happy Water on Ha Giang Loop).
Pickup service from Ha Long, Cat Ba, Sapa, or Ninh Binh.
Personal expense.
Tips for guides and drivers.
Related article: How Much Should You Tip Your Easy Rider on the Ha Giang Loop?
Why a “Combo” Is the Way to Go in North Vietnam
1. Easy Planning
Who wants to juggle five tourist agencies to piece together a trip from Hanoi to Ha Giang to Ha Long Bay and back? Not you! Bong Hostel packages it all—in one single booking.
2. Hassle-Free Transport
You hop on a sleeper bus in Hanoi, wake up in Ha Giang, blaze around hairpin bends, wrap that mountain high and roll directly to a cruise in Ha Long. No rerouting, no sweat—just pure travel magic.
3. Cost Effective and Budget Friendly
Package deals are a great way to budget on your trip. Touring Ha Giang and Ha Long separately can cost more and more in scattered bookings vs combo savings—including meals, accommodation, and even laundry.
4. Meet People, Make Memories
Mixers in hostels = instant friends. These tours attract small, sociable groups—you share karaoke, Happy Water nights, riverside meals, and viewpoints with fellow travelers.
5. Local and Authentic
You’ll stay in family-run homestays, visit real ethnic minority villages (not curated tourist stops), and share meals and stories with locals.
You’ll sample regional dishes you wouldn’t find in restaurants, watch traditional weaving in Lung Tam, and maybe even have a Happy Water toast with a H’mong grandma.
The experiences are intimate and grounded, not glossy and manufactured.
Sample Itinerary: Ha Giang Loop + Ha Long Combo Tour
For the full 6 days and 5 nights combo tour you can expect to follow this itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi → Ha Giang City → Yen Minh (90 km)
7:00 PM - 2 AM: Take the night bus to Ha Giang—arrive refreshed (ish)
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Bong Ha Giang Hostel
10:00 AM: Start the Loop tour
Visit Quan Ba Heaven’s Gate & Twin Mountains
Lunch in Tam Son town
5:00 PM: Arrive in Yen Minh homestay
Family dinner, karaoke, card games & Happy Water bonding
Related article: 20+ Tips to Connect with Your Ha Giang Loop Easy Rider.
Day 2: Yen Minh → Meo Vac (110 km)
8:00 AM: Depart for Lung Cu Flag Tower (Vietnam’s northernmost point)
Visit H’mong and Lo Lo minority villages
Lunch in Lung Cu
Drive the breathtaking Ma Pi Leng Pass
Arrive in Meo Vac for the night
Day 3: Meo Vac → Du Gia (100 km)
Optional: Nho Que River boat ride or bamboo rafting + swimming
Scenic ride through M Pass
Arrive in Du Gia village
7:00 PM: Dinner at local homestay
Day 4: Du Gia → Ha Giang City (100 km)
Morning swim at Du Gia Waterfall
Visit Lung Tam weaving village en route
5:00 PM: Return to Ha Giang City
7:30 PM: Overnight bus to Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay Cruise
8:30 AM: Pick-up from Bong Hostel Hanoi
12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor
12:30 PM: Board cruise, welcome drink, cabin check-in
1:00 PM: Lunch while cruising Ha Long Bay
2:30 PM: Visit Sung Sot (Surprising) Cave
3:30 PM: Swim or hike Titop Island for panoramic views
5:00 PM: Sunset chill on deck with cocktails
6:00 PM: Sunset party & spring roll cooking class
7:00 PM: Dinner on board
Evening: Karaoke, drinks, squid fishing, or star-gazing
Related article: How to Prepare for a Bong Hostel Cruise: Packing Tips and What to Expect.
Day 6: Ha Long Bay → Hanoi
6:00 AM: Sunrise and fresh air on deck
7:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM: Kayaking or boat tour to Luon Cave
10:00 AM: Cabin check-out
11:00 AM: Lunch on the way back to the harbor
12:00 PM: Disembark & return to Hanoi by bus
4:00 PM: Arrive at Bong Hostel Hanoi – Trip ends!
Book here: Combo Ha Giang Loop & Ha Long Bay Tour.
Other Combo Tour Highlights With Bong Hostel
Because why stop at just Ha Giang and Ha Long?
P.S. Each of these Combo Tours picks up where the Ha Giang Loop left off. Read on for full itinerary breakdowns and tour highlights!
Sapa Highlights: Rice Fields and Trekking
If you’re continuing your Bong Hostel adventure into the clouds, Sapa is where the mountains meet your leg muscles. Expect misty rice paddies, local homestays, and even more curious locals than Ha Giang.
Day 1 (Arrival + Overnight in Sapa)
Overnight bus from Hanoi lands you in Sapa bright and early
Chill in the dorm or wander around town—breakfast included
Day 2 (Trekking Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van)
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Bong Sapa
9:30 AM: Begin a scenic 12km trek through H’mong villages
Lunch with a local family or riverside snack shack
Overnight with a Dzay family in Ta Van Village
Trek Level: 6/10 – pack decent shoes and a good attitude
Day 3 (Trekking Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa)
8:00 AM: Wake up and breakfast at your homestay
9:30 AM: Visit Red Dzao and H’mong villages
Waterfalls, rattan bridges & bamboo forests
End in Sapa town by 3:00 PM
Bus back to Hanoi or onward to Ha Long/Cat Ba/Ninh Binh
Perfect for: Culture lovers, hikers, and people who like rice paddies more than rice cookers.
Book here: Combo Ha Giang Loop & Sapa Trekking.
Cat Ba Highlights: Coastal Adventures
Cat Ba is Halong Bay’s chill cousin—less crowded, more jungle vibes, and still jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Bong Hostel’s combo includes a Lan Ha Bay overnight cruise, kayaking adventures, and a sweet, sweet “happy hour.”
Related article: Top Things to Do on Cat Ba Island.
Day 1 (Ha Giang → Cat Ba → Overnight Cruise)
6:30 PM: Overnight bus from Ha Giang
11:30 AM: Arrive at Beo Harbor and board Sunlight Cruise
Seafood lunch as you cruise past limestone giants
Kayak through Dark & Bright Caves
Swim, dive, or somersault off the deck
Spring roll cooking class + karaoke + “Happy Hour” on deck
Overnight on board = sea breeze + stars
Day 2 (Lan Ha Bay → Viet Hai Village → Hanoi)
6:00 AM: Sunrise magic (or moody mist if it’s winter)
Bike 5km through jungle trails to Viet Hai village
Cruise back, have lunch, then bus back to Hanoi
4:30 PM: Arrive in Hanoi, tanned and satisfied
Perfect for: Beach goers, island hoppers, and sunset chasers.
Book here: Combo Ha Giang & Cat Ba tour.
Ninh Binh Highlights: “Ha Long Bay on Land” with Temples & Caves
Known as “Ha Long Bay on land,” Ninh Binh is all about ancient capitals, boat rides through magical caves, and big pagoda energy.
Day 1 (Hanoi → Hoa Lu → Tam Coc)
7:00–7:30 AM: Pickup from Bong Hostel Hanoi
Visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and temples of King Dinh & Le
Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon boat trip through Tam Coc's 3 mystical caves
Check-in to homestay, dinner, and explore Ninh Binh by night
Related article: Ninh Binh's Ancient Temples: A Spiritual Journey in North Vietnam.
Day 2 (Bai Dinh Pagoda → Trang An → Hanoi)
Visit Bai Dinh, Vietnam’s largest pagoda complex
Lunch included
Explore Trang An by boat – wind through 4 epic caves and 3 spiritual sites
7:30 PM: Return to Hanoi
Perfect for: History buffs, pagoda explorers, and cave fans.
Book here: Combo Ha Giang & Ninh Binh tour.
Bonus: Lan Ha Bay vs. Ha Long Bay (Brief Comparison)
Both options offer overnight cruises, spring roll classes, and views for days.
Lan Ha Bay (via Cat Ba) is:
Less touristy
Packed with lush jungle cliffs
Includes biking to hidden villages
Top tip: Keep an eye out for the super rare Cat Ba Lemurs!
Ha Long Bay (classic route) gives you:
Iconic spots like Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island
Grand cruise vibes and bustling bay energy
Either way? You’ll be sailing through a UNESCO World Heritage site and that’s very special!
For a full Ha Long vs. Lan Ha breakdown, click here: Exploring Lan Ha Bay: And Why It Might be Better Than Ha Long Bay.
What is the Downside of a Bong Hostel Combo Tour?
The Pros
Let’s do a quick refresh on the pros of booking a combo tour:
Super convenient: One booking, seamless travel
Bang for your buck: Meals, gear, laundry, tours included
Flexibility: Easy-rider OR self-rider options
Social & Safe: Small groups, local guides, good community vibe
Authenticity: Ethnic villages, cave visits, local food, plus “happy water” connects you with the locals
The Cons
And now, what are the cons to booking a combo tour?
1. Rustic Over Luxury
The homestays are warm, comfortable, welcoming, and clean—but don’t expect turn-down service or infinity pools—although there are still pools!
You’ll sleep on mattresses in shared rooms with mosquito nets, but that’s kind of the point: it’s about living close to the culture, not behind a hotel lobby.
And you can always secure a private room for an additional fee in advance if you think this will be an issue for you! No judgement from us!
2. Lively Nights Can Go Late
Most groups are social, and after long days on the road, a few rounds of karaoke or Happy Water can go well into the night.
If you’re someone who prioritizes quiet, early sleep, you might want to pack earplugs—or let the Bong team know your vibe in advance and get yourself a private room.
3. Some Things Happen Last-Minute
While Bong’s team is great at making things work, Vietnam is Vietnam. Bus schedules, room assignments, and weather-based changes might be confirmed only 24 hours before.
If you’re a super planner, this might feel loose—but for most travelers, it’s part of the charm and spontaneity of Asia.
Related article: Rainy Season on the Ha Giang Loop: Tips, Safety, & What to Expect.
4. Route Adjustments Happen
Flooded roads, mountain mist, or roadworks might mean last-minute route tweaks. The upside? Your guides know secret detours and stunning alternative roads you’d never find on Google Maps.
Just bring an open mind—and maybe a waterproof jacket.
The Bottom Line?
If you're the kind of traveler who wants to see more with less hassle—without losing the local flavour—Bong Hostel’s combo tours are basically the North Vietnam cheat code.
You’ll save time, meet people, and pack your days with authentic experiences that go beyond guidebook pages.
Sure, it’s not always luxurious. But it’s real, fun, raw, and unforgettable—and you don’t have to plan a thing!
Pro Tips to Maximize Your Combo Experience
Choose your vibe: Want party vibes or peaceful? These tours offer that balance—make that clear up front.
Pack smart: A warm jumper and track pants come in handy at altitude nights.
Prep docs: If you self-ride, don’t risk fines—get an International Driving Permit ready. Group guides also help with police checkpoints.
Set expectations: Good—but budget—accommodation. Homestays won’t be luxury hotels; they’re cozy and authentic.
Private upgrade: Want your own room? Private rooms are often available for +~400k VND/night.
Book in-person: Many travellers book tours when they arrive—some combo logistics (bus times, guesthouse availability) finalized last-minute.
Combo Tours FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What’s the group size?
Tours typically keep group sizes small (6–15 people max), ensuring personal attention and bonding time.
2. Can I ride myself?
Definitely! You can self-ride or choose an easy-rider (guide drives) setup. Self-riding requires an IDP; guides can help with checkpoint matters.
Related article: What License Do I Need to Ride the Ha Giang Loop in 2025?
3. Are the drivers safe?
100%—guides are locals, experienced, and customer reviews highlight their reliability and friendliness.
4. What’s the refund/booking policy?
Bong Hostel are quite flexible. Often bookings confirm the day before—typical Southeast Asia style. If you’re wary, ask for private tour confirmation or email assurances.
5. How should I pack?
Light breathable layers, rain gear (although we do provide ponchos), comfy hiking/kayaking clothes, a swimsuit, snacks, trainers, a jumper, personal medicines, and a power bank.
Related article: What to Pack for the Ha Giang Loop: The Ultimate Guide.
The Final Verdict on Bong Hostel’s Combo Tours
If you’re aiming for a stress free North Vietnam adventure—motorbiking through mountain passes, boating under cascading karsts, karaoke-sharing with fellow travellers—without losing your mind in logistics, Bong Hostel’s Combo Tours are your ticket.
Why they rock:
All-in-one seamless booking
Inclusive of meals, lodging, laundry, and transport
Social without being rowdy, flexible without being disorganized
Real traveler thumbs-up: “safe,” “fun,” “organised”
Ready to Book?
Scope yourself a Bong Hostel combo tour for your next Northern Vietnam escapade. Just pick your flavor—Ha Giang + Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Sapa or Cat Ba—pack your sense of adventure, and let Bong take care of the rest.
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