The many hill tribe groups and the breathtaking mountain scenery are all on this true adventure. You spend a day exploring the delightful town of Hanoi before venturing into the mountainous area of Mai Chau. The expedition begins with a walk through many sleepy villages down to Mai Chau Valley. You spend the nights in long house and sample the local foots. The active days are followed with a fantastic cruise across Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island

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 - Mai Chau - Hang Kia
The journey northwards begins as we depart Hanoi and drive through the scenic landscape of rice fields, tea plantation and traditional stilt houses to Mai Chau. This mountainous region is home of many ethnic minority groups including Muong, Hmong, Dao and Thai people. They may be our fellow-passengers since we will use their local footpath in coming expedition. After a lunch at Poong Coom Village near Mai Chau Town, we wind our way for an hour to Xa Linh to begin our trekking. We walk through the breathtaking mountain scenery and some hill villages before arriving at Hang Kia in a picturesque valley of peach orchards. This remote village is conquered by the Hmong hill tribe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting local history and a colorful culture. O/N at Hang Kia village. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Hang Kia - Cun Pheo - Van
Upon leaving the village of previous night we blaze a trail with our local guide and walk through tropical rain forest to Cun Pheo. The trekking is difficult at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking; however some physical preparation will enable you to fully appreciate the walk. We pass several villages of the Thai People, and are sure to attract attention since this part of the country receive very few visitors. By mid afternoon we reach Van village which is home to the White Thai people. Tonight we are toasted as honored guests of a Thai 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 at Van village. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Van - Sam Khoe - Poong Com
The verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population make for an unforgettable adventure. Today we continue our trek along the local footpath past many different hilltribe villages and terraced rice fields. A part of the pleasure of our adventure is the simple joy of seeing the scenic mountain scenery and the varied customs of local people. The trekking expedition ends once arriving at the small village of Khoe. We catch a short drive back to Pong Coom village and have time to stroll around , enabling us to understand a little more about the lifestyle of villagers. The perfect way to celebrate your achievement in completing the trek is a traditional music show followed with the local rice wine. This performance is held by the young White Thai minorities, reflecting the rich culture of this ethnic group. O/N at Pong Coom village. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Mai Chau - Cuc Phuong
Today we spend our time for a short walk on valley floor surrounded by rice fields and stunning mountain backdrop. Along the way we see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the field or weaving brocade. Here is a chance for the shoppers to try their hands at bargaining. Upon leaving Mai Chau we embark on a drive along the winding roads towards Man Duc. There are some possibilities to do a short trekking into the homeland of the Muang ethnic minorities. They have settled there long time ago and make for the main local population. We continue our overland trip to Cuc Phuong National Park and pass through the breathtaking countryside. O/N in Cuc Phuong. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Cuc Phuong - Ninh Binh
The preserved tropical forests of Cuc Phuong is home to many species of plant and rare animals, some of which we may see on our trek. Today we take a short drive to the parkcenter for a half day walk into the jungle. The local guide will give information on wild herbs and vegetables, and show some flying animals. The rich variety of birth life is also remarkable in this park. We drive back to the park entrance, stopping en route at Nguoi Xua cave which still retains some vestiges of primitive man. The next stop is Hoa Lu. This ancient capital has left its legacy in form of two temples, the first one dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor and the second one to the rulers of the Le Dynasty. We visit these sites and drive a short distance to Ninh Binh Town. The remainder of day is free for your own exploration. O/N in Ninh Binh. (B,L)

Day 8: Ninh Binh - Halong
Upon leaving Ninh Binh Town, we set off on a short drive to Tam Coc which is surnamed “ Inland Halong Bay”. On arrival we board a sampan for a leisurely trip through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by towering limestone cliffs to the grottoes of Tam Coc. The following destination is Halong Bay via a half day drive from Ninh Binh. The journey is long but it is still an interesting day as we travel across the Red River Delta and pass the spectacular rural landscape. En route we can make stop as we please, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful shootings. The thrilling drive will deliver us to Halong Bay by mid or late afternoon depending on traffic conditions. O/N in Ha Long. (B)

Day 9: Halong - Cat Ba
The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. We spend this day out on a boat cruising around Ha Long Bay towards Cat Ba. Views of sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and out crops jutting out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular. 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 interesting visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. The extra enjoyment is a wonderful seafood lunch served on board. You spend the rest of time after lunch for your own pleasure; admiring the landscape, lazing around the deck or simply soaking up the sunshine. On arrival in Cat Ba pier we catch a short drive to the town center. O/N in Cat Ba. (B,L).

Day 10: Cat Ba - Hai Phong - Hanoi
The interesting national park makes Cat Ba a highlight in Vietnam tourist map. Today you have a half free day to explore Cat Ba Island on your own. There are various options to choose from, some of which are biking, kayaking or exploring the national park. These optional activities are not included; however our guide is on hand to advise you with invaluable information. We regroup at our hotel in early afternoon and travel by ferry to Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. Once arriving in Ha Phong we meet up with our waiting vehicle and drive back to the capital city. The ideal way to spend your last evening in Vietnam is a dinner at one of the town famous eating spots. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 11: Hanoi - Departure
There is a free time 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 local transport in mountain + Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels, guesthouses or similar one and village huts 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 for trekking+ Water puppet show + Cyclo trip + Boat trip in Tam Coc and Halong Bay + Ferry ticket Cat Ba - Hai Phong

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 MAI CHAU 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 .

Customize tour

- Your group includes: *	Adult (s)
	Child (ren)

First name: *
Last Name: *
Gender	Male Female Other
Country: *
Address: *
Email: *
Telephone:
You are: *	A counple A family A group of friend A company Other
More:
	Now click SEND to submit your request to us. We will reply to you with a quote within 24 hour.