Starting from the charming town of Hanoi you travel by roads through the stunning mountain scenery and sleepy villages of different hill tribe groups. This little rugged adventure explores a beautiful north eastern part of the country. The legendary lake of Ba Be surrounded by primeval forest, the scenic Ban Gioc Waterfall , the historical Pac Po Cave all exposed to your sight. You spend one night on a traditional junk and feast on fresh seafood.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy a cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2 : Hanoi
Today we spend a full day exploring Hanoi. The first stop is Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam, the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history and the outlaying Ethnologic Museum. This gleaming mansion is dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive back to the town center , stopping at the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. They are some major highlights set by the beautiful West Lake. We see these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 3: Hanoi - Ba Be Lakes
The journey northeast begins as we depart Hanoi and drive past the undulating terrains of tea plantations, terraced rice fields and sleepy villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. On arrival at Ba Be National Park we change our pace when boarding a boat for a short excursion across the scenic lakes to Pak Ngoi. Tonight we will be toasted as honored guests of a Tay family and sample some of their homemade foods! The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities but the experience is definitely unique. O/N in Ba Be. (B,D)

Day 4: Ba Be - Cao Bang
The boat excursion is a major part of sightseeing in Ba Be. Today we embark our boat navigating around the lake, which gives us a taste of relaxation and an interesting exploration of the tropical forest . This legendary lake is just one continuous water body although its name means "three lakes". Along the way we have several stops to visit the lakeside hill tribe villages and the scenic Dau Dang waterfalls. The traditional boat weaves its way along the tranquil Nang River through the Poung Grotto before reaching Cho Ra. At this small village, we meet up with our waiting vehicle and drive towards Cao Bang past the scenic scenery of rugged mountain. O/N in Cao Bang. (B)

Day 5: Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfalls - Cao Bang
Heading out of the town we venture into the most northern region of Cao Bang Province. The scenic roads traverse Trung Khanh on our way to Ban Gioc Waterfall which boasts the largest waterfall in Vietnam. We visit Ban Gioc waterfall and explore the nearby Nguom Ngao Cave. This enormous cave has two entrances ; one branch reaching almost all the way to the waterfall where is a secret entrance. By mid afternoon we make our way back to Cao Bang and can make stop as much as you please, to see the hill tribe villages and catch some wonderful shootings. O/N in Cao Bang. (B)

Day 6: Cao Bang - Pac Po Cave - Lang Son
The following stop of our trip is Pac Po Cave. This famous history site was once the headquarter for the August Vietnamese Revolution in 1945. We visit this spectacular setting of stream and cave before we set off on a half day drive past the tranquil town of Dong Khe and That Khe. They are some historical vestiges of the war time. The verdant and rugged mountain landscape with a mixture of terraced rice fields and hill villages is all interesting along the way. We arrive in Lang Son by late afternoon. This border town had been all destroyed during the recent Sino - Vietnamese war, but was rebuilt to become an important trade center in north eastern region. O/N in Lang Son. (B)

Day 7: Lang Son - Tien Yen - Halong
Today we have time to see the lively central market and the legendary Tam Thanh. They are some major sights in town. Upon leaving Lang Son we make our way on a winding roads to Halong Bay and pass the breathtaking landscapes, some of the best in Asia. En route we encounter many local villagers going about their daily business such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. On arrival in Halong Bay we board a traditional boat for a exciting trip around this natural wonder. The pace of our cruise is very relaxing, a perfect way to enjoy a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery. We will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. O/N on board. (B,D)

Day 8: Halong - Hanoi
The sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. We have an option to get up early to admire the splendid scenery and see the fishmen on a morning catch. The boat trip continues navigating past islets of various shape and size. They have different name given by local people. This day will give you plenty of time for your own pleasure; swimming or lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine. By mid morning we arrange luggage and cruise back to the Halong pier. The waiting vehicle will take us back to Hanoi, with stopover at Dong Trieu pottery village. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 9: Hanoi - Departure
There is a free time for you to relax and further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: + Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver + Accommodation : twin sharing room at mentioned hotel and mini hotels or similar one + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Water puppet show + Cyclo trip + Boat trip in Ba Be Lakes and Halong Bay

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Vietnam, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

TRIP NOTES

-VIETNAM IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMMODATION MAY BE BASIC IN REMOTE AREAS

-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, JACKET FOR COLD WEATHER, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

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