The north region is the historic heart of the country. You visit the charm of Hanoi and drive to the remote areas of Ba Be for an exciting boat trip to explore the famous national park. Travelling close to the Chinese border, we follow the local track and encounter various hilltribes who still retain their traditional lifestyle and unique customs. You spend the night in traditional long house and make friend with local people. At end of trek you drive towards Halong Bay Bay and relax on a cruise around this wonder.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Hanoi
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 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: Hanoi
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 - Ba Be Lakes
The modern comforts will be left behind as we travel into the remote northeast region and pass through the undulating terrains of tea plantations, terraced rice fields and sleepy villages. They are almost 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 the Ba Be National Park we change our pace when boarding a boat for a short excursion across the scenic lakes to Pak Ngoi. This lakeside village reflects an interesting combination of traditional style and modern comforts. We spend the night in a traditional stilt house of a Tay family and sample some of their homemade foods. O/N in Pak Ngoi. (B,D)

Day 4: Ba Be - Cao Bang
The boat excursion is a major part of sightseeing in Ba Be. Today we navigate 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 - Pac Po - Nam Nhung
Heading out of town we set off on a two hour drive towards Pac Po Cave. This famous history site was once the headquarters of Vietnam's revolution against the French domination. We visit the spectacular setting of stream and cave before we embark on a walk into Caobang highland region, inhabited by the Tay , Hmong, Dao and Nung ethnic minority groups. They may be our fellow-passengers since we will use their local paths in our trekking expedition. The walking day ends once we reach Nam Nhung village in Ha Quang District. Tonight we are the guest of a Nung family. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities but it is a chance to live as many local villagers usually do. O/N at Nung Village. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Nam Nhung - Tong Cot
The undulating mountainsides will involve some uphill and downhill walking, but it is still an unforgettable experience. Today we get well off the beaten track and walk on footpaths used by local people, along the Sino – Vietnamese frontier. We pass several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. There are several stops to stretch the legs and make fun with waving kids. We have a picnic lunch en route before heading towards Tong Cot. This secluded village is inhabited the Tay people. They are very poor, but very friendly and welcoming. O/N at Tay Village. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Tong Cot - Na Ma
The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of our expedition although the conditions are very basic. Upon leaving the village of previous night we blaze a trail with our local guide and walk into the jungle only attended by the hunters and the mountain dwellers seeking the fire wood. A part of the pleasure of our adventure is the simple joy of seeing the verdant and rugged mountain scenery and exploring the varied customs of local people. The destination for this evening is Nam Ma village in Tra Linh district. On arrival you stroll around this charming hamlet or partake in preparing a traditional dinner. O/N at Tay Village. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Na Ma - Quang Yen
Today we continues our walk along the mountainsides and traverse many villages of the Tay and Nung ethnic minorities. They are almost farmers living from their slash as well as burn tradition, and even speak different languages but our local guide are on hand to help you ask questions . The trekking is ardous at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking; however some physical preparation will enable you to fully appreciate the walk. At the end of our trekking day we reach Quang Yen and check in a small guest house. The accommodation in this hill town is very basic but it still gives us a chance to get a proper shower. O/N in Quang Yen. (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Quang Yen - Khuoi Mit - Tha Miang
The following destination of our expedition is Tha Miang. We leave Quang Yen and drive for 20km to Khuoi Mit Village before embarking on an easy trek along the Vat Vong River. The riverside terrains are dominated by the lush plantation of rice, corn and manioc. This moderate walk gives us plenty of time to admire the countryside and the rural life. On arrival at Tha Miang we wander though this seldom visited village, catching a chance to understand a little more about the culture and lifestyle of local people. Tonight we will be toasted as honored guests of a Tay family and spend the night in a traditional stilt house. O/N at Tay Village. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Tha Miang - Ta Lung - Lang Son
Upon leaving the village of previous night we begin our half day walk past the stunning mountain landscape to Ta Lung. The mixture of terraced rice fields and hill villages makes an interesting view. The trekking expedition is complete once arriving at Ta Lung border gate. We say farewell to our support team and take a rugged but scenic drive to Lang Son Town. This border town had been all destroyed during the Sino - Vietnamese war, but was rebuilt to become an important trade center in north eastern region. By early evening we reach Lang Son Town and check in hotel in town center. O/N in Lang Son. (B,L)

Day 11: Lang Son - Ha Long
The lively central market and the legendary Tam Thanh Cave are some major sights in Lang Son Town. We include these in a short morning tour before we follow a winding road to Halong Bay. The road conditions are very poor in some places but it is still a wonderful trip for photograph hunters as we pass through the rolling hills, charming villages and lush vegetation of various corn fields as well as rice fields. The spectacular landscape changing from the mountain region to the costal plains boasts one of the best scenes in Asia. Along the way can make stop as we please to stretch our legs and catch wonderful shootings. On arrival in Halong Bay spend the remainder of day to relax by the beach. O/N on board. (B,D)

Day 12: Halong - Hanoi
The legendary Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Today we board a traditional boat for a five hour trip around Halong Bay. This exciting cruise provides us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way 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. We round off our excursion with a seafood lunch served on board and make our way back to Ha Noi, stopping off to visit Dong Trieu pottery village. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 13: 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 in delta and local transport in mountain + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels or similar one and tents during the trek + English or French speaking guide and local guide for trekking + Meals as mentioned :B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Permit and porter for trekking + Cyclo trip + Water puppet show + 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. AT VILLAGE, WE STAY IN DORMITORY OR TRIBAL HUTS, THERE ARE NEITHER WESTERN TOILET , NOR CURRENT WATER NOR ELECTRICITY .

- 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 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 GOOD WEATHER FOR TREKKING IN CAO BANG IS FROM LATE SEPTEMBER UNTIL JUNE.

- 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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