Starting from Hanoi, you spend a day exploring the charm of this delightful town before heading to the mountainous region to see many different hill tribe groups. They have interesting local culture and colorful history. You drive through the breathtaking landscape of Yen Bai, Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai and Tam Duong before taking a rest at the hill station of Sapa. This ideal trip ends with an overnight cruise in Halong bay, giving a chance to explore the bay from sunrise to sunset.

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 on a short 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: Ha Noi
Today we spend a full day exploring the charming Hanoi City. 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 a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The sightseeing also includes the outlaying Ethnologic Museum, 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 - Yen Bai - Nghia Lo - Suoi Giang
The modern comforts will be left behind as we travel into the remote northwest region. We make our way towards Yen Bai and pass the scenic tea plantation. On arrival in Nghia Lo we check in hotel and stroll around this hill town, which was one the site of the Yen Bai people's struggle against the French domination. Heading out of the town we travel along a zigzag way leading us the Suoi Giang ecological zone. This hill station is famous for giant tea trees, many of which are over 300 years old. Here, we have a chance to taste local tea and embark on a walk to see the tea forest and nearby hamlets , home of the Hmong hilltribe people. They are very poor but have rich and colorful culture. O/N in Nghia Lo. (B)

Day 4: Nghia Lo - Tu le - Mu Cang Chai - Than Uyen - Tam Duong
An early morning start to drive uphill. The roads are bumpy at times; however the spectacular landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and colourful local population makes the hardship all worthwhile. We drive past Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai, Than Uyen and Binh Lu and encounter the various hilltribe people going about their daily business. These local villagers are almost the Hmong, Thai, Dao people who still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. Along the way we can make stops at pleasure to stretch our legs and take some wonderful pictures. We arrive in Tam Duong late afternoon depending on road and traffic conditions. O/N in Tam Duong. (B)

Day 5: Tam Duong - Sapa
The breathtaking north scenery is unequalled although the conditions are very basic. Today we continue driving along a zigzag route to Sapa. The road conditions is very poor in some places but it is still a wonderful trip for photograph hunters as we pass though the various scenic water falls, charming villages and rolling mountains. The hill station of Sa Pa was founded in early last century and rapidly became an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape from the unbearable heat in plains. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, it has some warm days and cool evenings. Today we can soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending the time to wander around and catch the first look of Sa Pa. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 6: Sa Pa Hiking
The mountain range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam’s highest peak and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. Heading out of town we embark on a walk, using the local tracks to Lao Chai village, home of the Black H'Mong people. The footpath traverses some terraced rice fields, giving us a chance to see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for some fantastic views. We arrive at Ta Van hamlet and visit the Zay ethnic minorities who are very friendly and welcoming. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 7: Sapa - Ta Phin - Bac Ha
Heading out of town we set off on a short drive towards Ta Phin. This hill village is conquered by the Red Dao minority people. The first stop is the ruin of the old French Colonial Church. Here we have a chance to catch a panoramic view of the mountain scenery dotted with steep terraced fields. On arrival at Ta Phin we embark on a walk to visit the craft center and the nearby village of the Red Dao People which are very poor but have rich and colorful history. Close to this hamlet is Ta Phin Cave, an ideal place for adventurous fervors to explore. We leave Ta Phin and drive through the border town of Lao Cai to Bac Ha. We also have time to explore the surrounding areas on a walking tour past Hmong King's former residence and Ban Pho Village where they make the potent local maize alcohol. O/N in Bac Ha. (B)

Day 8: Bac Ha - Hanoi ( Sunday)
The remote hill town of Bac Ha is home of a world famous colourful market. There are various ethnic minority groups including Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay but the dominants are the Flower Hmong people. These ethnic minorities are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress and come in town for trade on every Sunday. Today we stroll around this colourful congregation to see the different hill tribe groups and their amazing trading way. Upon leaving Bac Ha, we travel by roads back to Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. En route, we can make stops as we please, to catch some wonderful shootings of peaceful villages, lush vegetation as well as farmers at work. O/N in Hanoi. (B)

Day 9: Hanoi - Halong Bay
Today we depart for Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights. On arrival in Halong Town we are welcomed on a Junk with a refreshing drink and get some information on boat. This is time for us to settle into a private comfortable cabin and unpack for a two days navigating around Halong Bay. Along the way we enjoy a huge lunch served on board and admire the picturesque scenery of islands. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. We will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to Sung Sot cave, one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The remainder of day is for your own pleasure; observing the bay, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine. O/N on board. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Halong Bay - Hanoi
The sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay make for a marvelous scene. We have an option to get up early to observe the splendid landscape and see the fishmen on a morning catch. The huge breakfast is a perfect way to start our relaxing day. We weave our way past Man Head and Rua rocks. These imposing islets are aptly named by their distinctive shapes. The next stop is Luon cave, giving us a chance to explore a water tunnel in a scenic lagoon, using a small bamboo rowing boat. We continue our cruise venturing in new area of Halong Bay. Upon arrival in Halong Pier you are met and driven back to Hanoi with stopover at the pottery village of Dong Trieu. O/N in Hanoi. (B)

Day 11: Hanoi - Departure
There is a free time for you to relax or 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 in delta and 4 WD in mountain region as specified: - New model 4 WD car on deluxe class tour - Medium model 4 WD car in superior and first class tour - Old model 4WD in standard class tour + 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 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 IN CERTAIN AREAS.

-THE WEATHER CONDITIONS IN THIS REGION CAN BE VERY COLD FROM DECEMBER TO MARCH . WE RECOMMEND YOU TO BRING RAIN JACKET, WALKING BOOTS, WARM CLOTHES ( IN WINTER) AND LAMP TORCH.

-THE MARKET OF SA PA IS HELD ON WEEKEND ONLY SO YOU NEED TO PLAN THE STARTING DATE OF YOUR TRIP , WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO VISIT ALL MORDER IN GOOD ORDER.

-TTHE 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.

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