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Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau (Lunch and dinner included)
This morning we enjoy a half day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh
Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi
Minh, the Presidential Palace , the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts and the One
Pillar Pagoda. The following sights are the Temple of Literature and the
peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. We also make stop at the
impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic minorities, some
of which we will see on our forthcoming days. Heading out of the town, we travel
by road to Mai Chau, an idyllic valley populated by the many White Thai people.
There are some opportunities en route to visit the Dao Son Dau and the Muong
hill tribe groups. Overnight in Mai Chau.
Day 2: Mai Chau - Son La (B, L, D)
Upon leaving Mai Chau the roads begins to deteriorate; however many villages dot
the hillsides and undulating terrain make for an interesting journey. Along the
way we stop in Xa Linh for a two hour trek past many timeless hill villages
which are home of the Hmong hill tribe people. Travelling across the Moc Chau
Plateau we catch a glimpse of the many tea plantations and see the Black Thai
hill tribe people. They belong to the same Thai ethnic group, but are different
from the White Thai in Mai Chau by their tradition and habits. Overnight in Son
La.
Day 3: Son La - Dien Bien Phu (B, L, D)
The provincial museum and the nearby old prison are some of this hill town's
major sights. We have a chance to visit these before we leave for our next
destination. The winding roads cross over the Pha Din Pass before reaching Dien
Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam's struggle for independence
in 1954. After checking into our central located hotel we enjoy a walk around to
see this fast growing town. Our main stop is Dien Bien Phu's Museum which
details the event in place. We also pay a visit to the old battle field where
the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and
artillery pieces. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu .
Day 4: Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau (B, L, D)
The journey north continues on to Lai Chau Town, our base for exploring the
surrounding areas 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. After checking
into hotel, we embark on a boat for a two hour trip along the Da River, passing
through the stunning mountain landscapes. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect
way to observe the local lifestyle close up. Overnight in Lai Chau. (B)
Day 5: Lai Chau - Muong Te - Lai Chau (B, L, D)
An early morning departure to Muong Te. This upstream area of the Da River is
settled by many ethnic minority groups including the Thai, Ha Nhi, Cong , Si La
and La Hu, just some of Vietnam's most colourful ethnic groups. The roads
conditions are very poor; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery
combined with the colorful local population makes the hardship all worthwhile.
Along the way we stop at seldom visited villages, a great chance for
photographers. Overnight in Lai Chau.
Day 6: Lai Chau - Sin Ho - Tam Duong(B, L, D)
Today we continue venturing into northern Vietnam with the next stop being Sin
Ho which is home land of the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang and Dao ethnic minorities.
They are settled there longtime ago and still retain their traditional culture
and habits. The trip to Sin Ho is occasionally suspended due to the restriction
of the local authority. Departing Sin Ho we make our way past the hilly region
to Tam Duong. This timeless town is surrounded by stunning mountain backdrops
and lush tea plantations. Overnight in Tam Duong.
Day 7: Tam Duong - Binh Lu - Sapa (B, L, D)
The scenery of the north is unequalled although the conditions are very simple.
After breakfast we drive following the main artery of trade in northwestern
region. This bumpy road links to many hill towns and villages. At an elevation
of 1,500 meters, Sapa 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. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much
as we want by spending our time wandering around this charming town and some
legacies of the French period. Overnight in Sa Pa.
Day 8: Sapa (B, L, D)
The huge range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam's highest mountain and lends an
alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time
to 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. We get well off the beaten track as we
embark on a walk to discover this beautiful mountain region. Along the way we
traverse several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily
works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. Overnight in Sa
Pa.
Day 9: Sapa - Bat Xat - Lao Cai (B, L, D)
Heading out of town, we make our way through the breathtaking mountain landscape
to Bat Xat. The weather in this region is cool due to the high altitude. On
arrival, we embark on a short walk, passing through several villages which is
populated by the Phu La, Dao and Giay ethnic minorities. They are very poor, but
have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. A part of the pleasure
of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing hill tribe people. We
continue our trip to Lao Cai border town, our final destination. Overnight in
Lao Cai.
Day 10: Lao Cai - Muong Khuong - Bac Ha ( Sunday) (B, L, D)
The weekend market of Muong Khuong also attracts a wide variety of ethnic
minority groups such as Hmong, Dao, Thu Lao, Pa Di, Tu Di and Phu La. After
breakfast, we embark on a two hour drive delivering to Muong Khuong Town. There
is a wonderful experience to wander around this colorful congregation. In the
early afternoon, we travel by roads to Bac Ha. This is basically an overnight
stop to break our long journey. After checking into hotel we can enjoy walk to
visit the Hmong King's former residence and Ban Pho where villagers make the
potent local maize alcohol. Overnight in Bac Ha.
Day 11: Bac Ha - Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang (B, L, D)
Upon leaving Bac Ha we set off on a full day journey through Sin Man and Hoang
Su Phi to Ha Giang Town. The rough but scenic route traverse a dense jungle
before crossing over a pass and dropping down to Sin Man. This day is a real
challenge for our driver as we travel by winding roads with many uphill and down
hill drives. Along the way we may encounter the Nung Ing, Tay, Red Dao, Dao Ao
Dai, La Chi and Co Lao, just some of the many hill tribe groups who have settled
there. Overnight in Ha Giang.
Day 12: Ha Giang - Sa Phin - Dong Van (B, L, D)
The remote region of Dong Van and Meo Vac is a land of rugged mountains and
beautiful hill villages which are unchanged for centuries. Today we head north
west out of Ha Giang Town towards this northernmost tip of Vietnam. The former
H'mong royal house at Sa Phin is a primary attraction of the region but the
blend of hill tribe people's colorful costumes and the majestic mountainous
scenery make this long and bumpy trip an unforgettable experience. Overnight in
Dong Van.
Day 13: Dong Van - Meo Vac - Ha Giang (B, L, D)
The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small
vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. We have time to
visit Dong Van Town before continuing to Meo Vac which is conquered by the Lo Lo
and Pu Peo ethnic minority people. They still retain their age old cultural
traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The
remoteness and the simple lifestyle of local people are a highlight of Meo Vac
although conditions are very basic. We return to Ha Giang via Yen Minh, using a
shortcut way. Overnight in Ha Giang.
Day 14: Ha Giang - Bac Me - Bao Lac - Nguyen Binh - Ba Be Lake (B, L, D)
An early morning start to drive through the rolling hills and the picturesque
scenery to Ba Be National Park. The roads are very bumpy and zigzagging however
we will have a chance to meet the Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung ethnic minorities who
make for the main population of this region. We are sure to attract their
attention as this part of the country receive very few visitors. Depending on
road and traffic conditions we arrive in Ba Be by late afternoon or early
evening, but it is till an interesting day. Overnight in Cho Ra.
Day 15: Ba Be Lake (B, L, D)
The legendary lake of Ba Be is just one continuous water body although the name
means'' three lakes''. Today we embark on a boat cruising down the Nang River
which is the main water source of the lake. This exciting river trip will give
us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an enjoyable exploration of the Ba Be
National Park. We traverse en route the Poong Grotto before stopping at some
nearby hill tribe villages and getting off the beaten track to the scenic Dau
Dang Waterfalls. Overnight in Cha Ra.
Day 16: Ba Be Lake - Cao Bang (B, L, D)
The following destination of our trip is Cao Bang Town. After breakfast we set
off on our half day journey past the spectacular mountainous landscapes, with a
mixture of steep terraced rice field and hill villages. Along the way, we can
made stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and shoot some wonderful
photographs. The remainder of the day will be free to explore the town or simply
to relax. Overnight in Cao Bang.
Day 17: Cao Bang - Pac Po Caves - Lang Son (B, L, D)
Heading out of town , we make our way north to the historical cave of Pac Po
where Ho Chi Minh set up the headquarter for the August Vietnamese Revolution in
1945. After seeing this vestige site we continue our journey past the many hill
villages and the tranquil town of Dong Khe and That Khe. The drive will deliver
us into Lang Son by late afternoon. This border town had been all destroyed
during the recent Sino - Vietnamese war, but was rebuilt to become an important
trade center in north eastern region. Overnight in Lang Son.
Day 18: Lang Son - Halong (B, L, D)
The lively central market of Lang Son and the legendary Tam Thanh Cave are
visited this morning before we depart for Halong, truly one of Vietnam's most
impressive scenic sights. The drive is difficult at times as we travel through
many mountain areas. Their breathtaking scenery is some of the best in Asia. We
have some opportunities en route to visit the Tay, Nung and San Diu hill tribe
people. On arrival in Halong we spend the remainder of the day for a well-
earned rest on a Beach. Overnight in Ha Long. (B)
Day 19: Halong - Hanoi (B, L)
Today we embark on a sailing boat for an exploration of Halong Bay. This
exciting five hour cruise provides a fantastic view of the bay which is dotted
with some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald
water. The 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.
After a seafood lunch on board we return to Hanoi, arriving in Hanoi around
15.00
TRIP ENDS |
