Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D)
Welcome to Hanoi. After transferring to your hotel, the day is free at leisure to relax after your journey or take a walking tour through the buzzing Old Quarter. This evening's dinner, at one of Hanoi's best local restaurants, is a great introduction to the delicious flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.
Overnight in Hanoi
Day 2: Hanoi - Ba Be - Cho Ra (B, L, D)
Leave the city behind and set off for Ba Be National Park. The drive is filled with spectacular scenery as you enter mountainous landscapes and paddy fields dotted with limestone karst formations. Along the way, you will stop in the town of Thai Nguyen to visit the Museum of Ethnology for an introduction into the cultures and lifestyles of the various hilltribe groups that reside in the region.
Overnight in Cho Ra.
Day 3: Ba Be - Trekking (B, L, D)
Begin today with a riverboat cruise along the River Nang to Puong Cave, a natural 300-meter long cave. Further upstream, reach dry land and the start point of today's hike. Entering the hills, you'll wander through forests, terraced rice paddies and a Dzao village with local inhabitants wearing their colorful clothing.
Trekking: 5-6 kilometers (2.5 hours trekking; trek is moderate with two climbs and some loose terrain.)
Overnight in Ban Cao Thuong (guesthouse)
Day 4: Ba Be - Overnight Homestay in Tay Village (B, L, D)
Descend through primeval rainforest to the valley floor where you'll take a boat trip to Dau Dang waterfall. Cross Ba Be Lake, passing by fishermen as they cast their nets into the waters and stopping on a small island for a swim. Reaching the opposite bank, take a short 20 minute walk to a Tay village for an overnight homestay.
Trekking: 7-8 kilometers (3 hours trekking with decent including some challenging sections)
Overnight homestay, Tay hilltribe village.
Day 5: Ba Be - Cao Bang (B, L, D)
As the morning sun rises, walk along the lake shores to the main entrance of the Nature Reserve where the bus is waiting for the onward journey to Cao Bang. The scenery changes in to mountainous terrain and your afternoon features unlimited views of this verdant landscape as you trek from Ma Phuc Pass to Thang Hen Lake.
Trekking: 12 kilometers (3 hours trekking)
Overnight in Cao Bang.
Day 6: Cao Bang - Ta Lung - La Village Homestay (B, L, D)
Drive toward the Chinese border stopping along the way to visit blacksmith villages and meet local families. Reaching Ta Lung midday you'll have a chance to visit the Chinese border before setting off on an afternoon trek. Covering lush jungle and karst-filled valleys, the trek offers breathtaking views as you make your way to a small village for an overnight homestay.
Trekking: 12 kilometers (3-4 hours trekking)
Overnight in homestay.
Day 7: La village - Dong Khe - That Khe - Lang Son (B, L, D)
Start today with a short walk to Dong Khe village to visit the unique local market with a vast array of goods for sale. Continue with a scenic drive to Lang Son stopping along the way to take a bamboo raft ride along the Ky Cung River.
Overnight in Lang Son.
Day 8: Lang Son - Halong Bay (B, L, D)
Depart early this morning for the scenic drive to Halong Bay where you will board a wooden junk boat for an overnight cruise. Setting sail at midday you'll enjoy a delicious seafood lunch as the boat winds its way among the limestone karsts. Stop to swim, kayak through hidden grottos and visit caves before dropping anchor in the middle of the bay for the evening.
Overnight on a junk boat, Halong Bay.
Day 9: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B, L, D)
Spend the morning cruising through the back reaching the port at midday. Drive back to Hanoi where there will be free time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing. Your Vietnam tour culminates this evening with a traditional water puppet show followed by a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Day 10: Hanoi Departure (B, L)
This morning is free at leisure until transferring to the airport for your onward flight. |
