This most adventurous trip is specially designed for those who are keen to explore the seldom visited areas on foot and accept the very basic conditions. You leave Hanoi after the city tour and travel by air to Dien Bien Phu. There are few historical sites set around this hill town but you just have a short visit. Crossing the mountain region you arrives in Sin Ho and embark on a week walk through many remote villages to Binh Lu. The relaxing time on cruise in Halong Bay is a perfect way to round off this memorable trip.

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 - Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau
The journey northwards begins as we board a flight to Dien Bien Phu. This mountainous area is a world famous site for the decisive battle in Vietnam's struggle for independence in 1954. On arrival you are greeted by our local guide and transferred though this fast growing town to visit Dien Bien Phu’s Museum which details the event in place. The next stop is an old battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and artillery pieces. We travel by roads to Lai Chau and pass many sleepy villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northeastern region. The remainder of day will be free for you to pack for trekking days. O/N in Lai Chau. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Lai Chau - Ta Co Pinh
The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Lai Chau is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and exciting trekking expedition. Upon leaving Lai Chau Town we embark on a rugged but scenic drive towards Sin Ho before we set off on a full day trek to Ta Co Ping village. The local footpath will lead us through the breathtaking mountain scenery to the remote hill tribe villages, home of the Hmong, Ha Nhi and Dao people. They are just some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic minority groups and have settled there long time ago to make for the major local population. O/N at Ta Co Ping village. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ta Co Pinh - Nam Pe
Today we blaze a trail with our local guide and trek along the mountainsides to Nam Pe Ping village. Along the way we meet some villagers and are sure to attract their attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. The trekking usually takes around 7 hours and is quite steep in places, but the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for an unforgettable experience. We finish our walking day on arrival at Nam Pe Ping village. 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 Nam Pe village. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Nam Pe - Pa Ha
The trekking expedition continues as we walk towards Nam Trang village, following a small path used by local people. At the small village of Nam Trang, we change our pace while we board a boat for a leisurely trip down stream to Pa Ha. This river trip gives us a taste of the tranquil countryside and a wonderful time for relaxation. On arrival in Pa Ha village we have time to wander around this seldom visited village, enabling us to understand a little more about the different lifestyle of villagers. They are very poor, but have an interesting local history and a colorful culture. O/N in Pa Ha village. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: Pa Ha - Pu Sam Cap
An early morning start to climb up the Pu Sam Cap Mountain. The trekking will be challenging with many steep uphill walking, however some physical preparation will enable you to maximize your enjoyment from the walk. The panoramic views at certain height are fantastic. By late afternoon we reach Pu Sam Cap and spend our night in a traditional long house. This top mount and remote hamlet is conquered by the Hmong ethnic minorities who are almost farmers living from their slash and burn tradition. They even speak a different language but our village guide are on hand to help you ask questions. O/N in Pu Sam Cap. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Pu Sam Cap - Dong Pao
The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight of our expedition although the conditions are very basic. Today we continue venturing into this beautiful region with the next stop being Dong Pao. The trekking is less arduous as it mainly walks downhill. We use the local footpath and encounter the local villagers going about their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the field. They may be the Lao, Lu, Hmong or Dao ethnic minorities. These mountaineers still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N in Dong Pao village. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Dong Pao - Ban Bo
Upon leaving the village of our previous night we set off on full day walk along the undulating terrains. There are several stops at unacquainted villages to visit the ethnic minorities or simply stretch our legs. A part of the pleasure of trekking in this region is the simple joy of seeing the mountain landscape and exploring the varied customs and cultures of some minority people. The small local tracks passes through many rice fields before dropping down to Ban Bo Village. Here, we spend the night in a traditional stilt house, as guest of villagers and enjoy some of their local foods. O/N in Ban Bo village. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Ban Bo - Than Thuoc - Sa Pa
The trekking expedition will be complete with a half day walking from Ban Bo to Than Thuoc. Once arriving at Than Thuoc village we say farewell to our support team and board a waiting vehicle for a scenic drive towards Sa Pa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sa Pa was founded in the early years of the last century as a hill resort for French administrators when the heat on the plain became unbearable. Here are some remains of colonial period and many colorful ethnic minority groups. We check in hotel for a proper shower and can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending our time strolling around this charming town. O/N in Sa Pa. (B,L)

Day 11: Sa Pa - Hanoi
Today we have time seeing 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. Upon leaving Sa Pa Town we embark on a walk to Lao Chai and Tan Van to explore this beautiful mountain region. By mid afternoon we are transferred to Lao Cai train station for an overnight journey back 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)

Day 12: 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 13: Halong - Hanoi
The legendary Halong Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Today we board a traditional boat for an 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 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 end up our excursion with a seafood lunch served on board and make our way back to Ha Noi. The ideal way to spend your last evening in Vietnam is a dinner at one of the famous eating spots. O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)

Day 14: 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 + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Permit and porter for trekking+ Cyclo trip + Water puppet show + Cyclo trip + Boat trip in Nam Pe and Halong Bay + Train ticket Lao Cai - Hanoi ( soft sleeper cabin for 4 passengers ) + Domestic flight Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu

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 LAI 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 .

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