Northeast Vietnam
is a destination most tourists who go to Vietnam do not visit. It is really a
pity, because sceneries here are fabulous. In some of the places, tourism is
still very scarce. These areas offer breathtaking views and interesting
subcultures. The legendary lake of Ba Be surrounded by primeval forest, the
scenic BanGioc Waterfall, the historical Pac Po Cave...all exposed to your
sight.
This trip takes you through a stunning and isolated area which has changed
little over the centuries and is steeped in history. You will not only
experience rural Vietnam behind the scenes but also meet numerous different
ethnic minority groups who are only too pleased to let you into their world.
Day 1 Ha Noi - Ha Giang
This first long day will take you over a good road to Ha Giang, the capital of
the remote province of the same name. Ha Giang is located at the highest
latitude in Vietnam . It is surrounded by Cao Bang, Tuyen Quang, Lao Cai, and
Yen Bai. Many ethnic minorities, including the Dao, H’mong, Tay , and Nung, live
in Ha Giang Province, this is where H'mong poeple consider as their capital. We
will meet many ethnic villages en route with rich culture, this is a political
sensitive area - Ha Giang shares its borders with Vietnam 's arch-enemy China in
the north and your guide will apply for a "permit" for the days to come.
Overnight: Phuong Dong hotel or similar
Meals included: none
ETHNIC MINORITIES OF VIETNAM
There is nothing better than walking amongst the rice paddy patchwork that makes
up the mountains of northwest Vietnam . To awake and wander off from the village
among the clouds and watch as the mist rises from the mountaintops is
unforgettable. Vietnam is home to 54 ethnic minorities and a number of these
have made the mountainous region of the north their base. During our time here
we’ll meet many of these fascinating people and have the privilege of staying as
guests in their villages. As we wander through the mountains we're constantly
met by the delighted squeals and smiles of children and we'll see many members
of the ethnic groups who still wear their traditional dress. We'll meet people
dressed in exquisite hand-embroidered clothes,and others weaving fabrics,
embroidering ancient patterns, dying cloth with indigo and using beeswax to
create a batik design. The ethnic groups are well adapted to the harsh life on
hillsides, and you will see many terraces built into the slopes where rice and
vegetables are grown.
Day 2 Ha Giang - Sa Phin - Dong Van
Rise and shine for a few hours drive over an endless winding road to the most
northern town of Vietnam , Dong Van. You'll travel through many of the Heaven
Gates such as Quan Ba, Yen Binh, and Dong Van. They are so called because one
gets the feeling of touching the sky, the heaven gates. This is the best time
and place to enjoy the wonderful sightseeing of the vast limestone mountain
range and perpendicular rock walls which give a feeling of adventure while being
lost in a magic land. Here we are surrounded by many rocks of all shapes and
sizes. Then we continue our trip to visit the infamous Vuong Palace , a H'mong
high-rank family during French colonial rule. This palace attracts keen interest
from architecturally minded visitors due to its mixed style of European and
Chinese architecture. The more you go north, the further "normal" Vietnam seems
to vanish and most people you'll see wear their traditional, extremely colorful
clothes. But you won't be the only one who is amazed, so are Ha Giang's
inhabitants who seldom see a foreigner. In Dong Van you'll spend the night in a
simple, government run "nha khach" (guesthouse).
Overnight: Dong Van guesthouse or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 Dong Van - Meo Vac - Lung Phin - Bac Me
The trip from Dong Van to Meo Vac is one you'll never forget: along a steep,
hundreds of meters deep abyss the road will take you through a spectacular
mountain area with on your left side China . Meo Vac 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. Main goal of this day is a visit to the
market of Lung Phin, a small village where time has stood still for ages. Miles
and miles before you'll reach Lung Phin there's an endless stream of people
accompanied by goats, cows and dogs - for human consumption – who are heading by
foot to the market. After spending a few hours in the amazing village of Lung
Phin, you'll keep going to Bac Me via Yen Minh, using a shortcut way.
Overnight: Song Gam hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4 Bac Me - Bao Lac - Nguyen Binh - Babe lakes
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 still an interesting day.
Overnight: Ba Be hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5: Babe lake
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 the Poong Grotto en route before stopping at some
nearby hill tribe villages and getting off the beaten track to the scenic Dau
Dang Waterfalls. In one of the desolated villages near the water you'll spend
the night in a traditional Tay house.
Overnight: Tay village homestay
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 Babe - Cao Bang
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: Huong Thom hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7 Cao Bang- Ban Gioc Waterfalls- Cao Bang
An eighty kilometers long road will take you to the Ban Gioc Waterfalls. Half
way you'll visit a village of the Nung minority. Close to the Chinese border
you'll make a short walk to the falls which are 300 meters wide and 50 meters
high. In winter, the dry season, it's possible to take a boat to the falls. On a
short distance from the falls are the Nguom Ngao caves. Our local guides will
take you for a trip to underground rivers and lakes and sinter caves. Late in
the afternoon you'll return to Cao Bang.
Overnight: Huong Thom hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 Cao Bang - Pac Bo cave - Lang Son
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 journey north
continues along the National Highway 4 and follows the Ky Cung river which flows
around the foot of limestone mountains to Lang Son. If time permits we will
visit Mau Mount. It's about 30 kilometres from Lang Son city to Mau Mount on the
winding narrow mountain path, like a snake, lies tucked between 2 steep
mountains. Mau Mount is 1542 m above sea level, This area's picturesque scenery
turns it a mini Sapa characterized with the beautiful steep mountains. In the
late afternoon we drive back to Lang Son, Visit KyLua busy night market. And
spend the night in Lang Son.
Overnight: Huy Hung hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 Lang Son- Hanoi
Langson is the capital of this mountainous area and is an important crossing and
trading route with China . As a trading post, Langson has two markets worth
visiting, the Ky Lua Market and the Dong Kinh Market. You’ll find everything
from electronics and gadgets to textiles and house wares. Its definitely buyer
be aware, as there’s lots of knock-offs of the original. If the markets aren’t
your thing then just a couple of kilometers from town are two large, beautiful
caves and the ruins of the Mac Dynasty Citadel worth a visit. Tamthanh Cave
contains a pond and offers great views of the surrounding farmlands. Nhithanh
Cave , formed by the river that flows through it, has poems carved into the
entrance by the man who discovered the cave in the 18th century. After your
morning of exploration its time for lunch and prepare for the trip back to Hanoi
. The road from Langson is a modern highway that quickly carries down from the
mountains, back onto the Red River Delta and into Hanoi . Back to the hotel for
dinner and a toast to the completion of one of Vietnam 's most spectacular loops
Meals included: breakfast.
Tour includes:
• Accommodation with daily breakfasts
• Extra meals as per the itinerary
• Private transfer round trip by 7 seater
• Tours and excursions as described in the program
• Entrance fees and permits where applicable during guided time
Tour excludes:
• Pre & post trip arrangements
• Transfers beyond the itinerary
• Local English speaking tour guide (30 usd/day)
• Entrance fees and permits during free time
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Food & drinks not mentioned within the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Expenses of a personal nature such as bar bills, laundry and telephone charges
• Other services not clearly described in the program
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