Starting in the charming Hanoi City you see all key attractions in one day and travel by train to Lao Cai. This is time for us to soak the fresh climate in Sapa and explore this hill town. You get off the beaten track and walk through villages where ethnic minorities are very poor but still have interesting culture. The breathtaking mountain scenery and the colorful local population are a highlight of the expedition. The perfect way to round off the trip is a cruise around the picturesque Halong Bay.

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 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 - Lao Cai
Today we spend a half day exploring the charming Hanoi City . The first stop is Ho 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 Hanoi. We follow it with the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. Afterwards we drive back to the town center to visit the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the vibrant old quarter streets. The reminder of day is free for your own exploration of town. By mid evening you are transferred to Hanoi rail station and board a night train to Lao Cai. The train conditions are very basic however we will travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for 4 passengers. O/N on board .(B)

Day 3: Lao Cai - Sa Pa
The train journey ends once arriving at Lao Cai Station. You are greeted by our local guide and wind your way on a scenic drive uphill to Sa Pa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa has warm days and cool evenings. This mountainous region is home of many ethnic minority groups including Hmong, Dao, Xa Pho , Tay and Zay people. They may be our fellow- passengers since we will use their footpath in coming days. On arrival in Sa Pa we check in hotel and have breakfast a local restaurant. This day will give us a chance to soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. We visit the lively market of Sa Pa and pack for the trekking expedition. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 4: Sa Pa - Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai - Ta Van
Heading out of town we walk along the local track and venture into the remote and beautiful mountain region around Sa Pa Town. The footpath traverses some sleepy villages of San Sa Ho and Lao Chai which are inhabited by the Black Hmong ethnic minorities. We make stop to see the local people and explore their simply life style. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. We finish our walking day on arrival at Ta Van village where we are guest of a Zay family. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities but the experience is definitely unique. O/N at Ta Van village. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ta Van - Den Thang
The undulating mountainsides will involve some uphill and downhill walking, but it is still an unforgettable expedition. Today we continues our trek passing through many different hilltribe villages. 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. We ascend a very steep slope before reaching Den Thang, home of the Hmong ethnic minorities. This remote village is rarely visited by travelers; however we are sure to attract their attention. Upon arrival we visit some tribal huts and make friend with people. They are very poor, but have an interesting local history and a colorful culture. O/N at Den Thang Village. (B.L,D)

Day 6: Den Thang - Ban Ho
Upon leaving the village of our previous night we blaze a trail with our local guide and walk towards Ban Ho. The trekking is challenging at times; however some physical preparation will enable you to maximize your enjoyment from the walk. Along the way we see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of rugged mountain range and colourful population makes for an unimaginable view. We arrive at Ban Ho village by mid afternoon and have time to stroll around this charming village, allowing us to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle. O/N at Ban Ho village. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Ban Ho - Nam Tong - Nam Ken - My Son - Thanh Phu
The extremely beautiful mountain region around Sa Pa is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. Today we embark on a walk into the lowland of Sa Pa and pass Nam Tong, Nam Ken and My Son hamlets, getting a chance to explore the Red Dao, Xa Pho and Tay people. They are just some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic minority groups. The trekking will lead us to Thanh Phu village which is situated against the picturesque mountain backdrop. Here, we are toasted as honored guests of a Tay family and sample some of their homemade foods!. O/N at Thanh Phu village. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Thanh Phu - Ben Den - Pho Lu
Today we spend few more hours walking along the local trail through the lush plantation to Ben Den. At this small village we take a short drive using the local transport towards Pho Lu. There are nothing to see in town but it is still a necessary stop to catch the night train back to Hanoi. The day room in a simple guesthouse will be arranged for our group to freshen up and leave luggage. We board our train and travel overnight to Hanoi. The train conditions are basic; however this journey is in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the 'real Vietnam'. The food on board is not the best you will have in Vietnam, so we recommend you to prepare some foods, water, snack. O/N on board. (B,L)

Day 9: Hanoi - Tho Ha Village - Halong
The train journey delivers you to Hanoi Station in early morning. You are met by our guide and transferred to a small hotel for breakfast. By mid morning we travel by roads along the scenic Cau River towards Tho Ha village. This former craft center has remained detached from the world by a boat ride for hundreds of years. We stroll around this charming village to see various ancient style houses and home works such as rice paper making and rice wine distilling. The pace of our walk is very relaxing and different from the previous day activities. Upon leaving this area we set forth to Halong Bay and pass trough Dong Trieu pottery village. The remainder of day is free for a well earned rest on a beach O/N in Halong Bay. (B)

Day 10: 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. The exciting cruise provides a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands, which rise 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 end up our excursion with a seafood lunch served on board and make our way back to Ha Noi, arriving in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)

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 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 + Train ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai - Hanoi ( soft sleeper cabin for 4 passengers) + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Permit and porter for trekking + 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 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 SA PA IS FROM 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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