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Code: |
VNTK 01
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Routes: |
Hanoi - remote Sapa -
hill tribe people - Trekking - Wonder of
Halong |
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Duration: |
11 Days |
Itinerary in brief
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
DAY 2: HANOI - LAO CAI
DAY 3: LAO CAI - SAPA
DAY 4: SAPA - TAVAN
DAY 5: TAVAN - DEN THANG
DAY 7: BAN HO - THANH PHU
DAY 8: THANH PHU - BEN DEN
DAY 9: HANOI - HALONG
DAY 10: HALONG - HANOI
DAY 11: HANOI - DEPARTURE
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL -
HANOI
On arrival at Noi Bai
Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel.
Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, 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 permit ) we enjoy
a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old
quarter streets named after the specific goods
once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha
Noi.(B)
DAY 2: HANOI - LAO CAI
This morning we enjoy
a half day city tour, seeing the the 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.
The complex also comprises the One Pillar
Pagoda, whose origins date back to the
foundation of Hanoi. The next stop of our trip
is the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated
to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, some of
which we will see on our forthcoming days. We
also visit the Temple of Literature and the
peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred
temple. The reminder of the day is free for your
own exploration of Ha Noi until transferring to
the rail way station for 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 - SAPA
The train journey
arrives in Laocai this morning. We embark on a
scenic drive uphill to SaPa. At an elevation of
1,500 meters, Sa Pa is the former hill retreat
for French administrators when the heat in plain
became unbearable. The remoteness and simple
lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a highlight
of Sa Pa although conditions are very basic.
After checking into hotel we can soak up the
fresh climate as much as we want by spending
time to wander around. The ethnic people are
frequently seen in this hill town and small
vendors along the street sell local textiles and
handicraft. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)
DAY 4: SAPA - TAVAN
Today we get well and
truly off the beaten track as we trek into this
beautiful mountain region. On the way we pass by
the hill villages of San Sa Ho and Lao
Chai which are home of the Black Hmong
hill-tribe people. They still retain their age
old cultural traditions and are recognisably
distinct from each other by their dress. 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. O/N at
Ta Van village. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: TAVAN - DEN THANG
The majority of
local trails follows undulating mountainsides
therefore our trek will involve some uphill and
downhill walking, but it is still an
unforgettable experience. A part of the
pleasure of our adventure is the simple joy of
seeing the verdant and rugged mountain scenery
and the lifestyle of local people. We ascend a
very steep slope before arriving at Den Thang.
This remote village is conquered by the Hmong
hill tribe people who are very poor, but have an
interesting 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 set off on a
full day walk towards Ban Ho. The trekking of
today is also challenging; however some physical
preparation will allow you to maximize enjoyment
from the walk. Along the way we pass through
several hamlets, and are sure to attraction
attention as this part of the country receives
very few visitors. On arrival at Ban Ho village
by mid afternoon we will have time to walk
around this charming village, enabling us to
understand a little more about their culture and
lifestyle. O/N at Ban Ho village. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: BAN HO - THANH PHU
The extremely
beautiful mountain region around Sapa is ideal
for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking
expedition. We continue venturing into the
lowland with stopover at the Xa Pho, Tay
hill tribe villages, just some of Vietnam's most
colorful ethnic minority groups. After a full
walking day, we reach our final destination, the
Tay hill tribe village of Thanh Phu which
is situated in a picturesque valley. Here we
will be toasted as honored guests and will be
sample some of their homemade rice wine!. O/N at
Thanh Phu village. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: THANH PHU - BEN DEN
The impressive way to
complete our trekking expeditions is a few
hour walk along the local path. On arrival at
the small village of Ben Den, we meet up with
our local transport and take a short drive to
Pho Lu for a night train back to Ha Noi. 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 - HALONG
An early morning
arrival in Hanoi. We enjoy a shower before
travelling by roads to Halong Bay. We make stop
en route in Hai Phong, the biggest port town of
northern Vietnam. This charming town has plenty
of interesting sights, some of which are
the Hang Kenh Communal House, the Du Hang
Pagoda, the Hang Kenh Carpet Factory and
the vibrant Sat Market. A drive through tree
lined boulevards punctuated with many striking
French colonial architecture, will deliver us to
some of these landmarks. We continue our journey
Halong Bay and spend the remainder of the day
for a well - earned rest on Bai Chay Beach. O/N
in Ha Long. (B)
DAY 10: HALONG - HANOI
The legendary Ha Long
Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive
scenic sights. Today we embark on a sailing boat
for an exploration of this wondrous 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 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)
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