Day 1 Hanoi - Lao Cai - Bac Ha
Bac Ha is situated in a region of breathtaking beauty, known for its colourful
Sunday market. Upon our arrival in Lao Cai railway station in the early morning,
we drive to Bac Ha town (70 km by car).
We head out for some exploration of the township. In the early afternoon we
follow the trail winding through the tiny tribal settlement of Tay and plum
orchards and then proceed due north over hillocks and verdant farmland.
When we have finished our hike we are the guests of a Flower H’mong family in
Lung Phing village.
Overnight: at Ngan Nga hotel in Bac Ha
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 2 Bac Ha - Viet Quang
From the Lung Phing we take a 2-hour trek to Can Cau Market. It is an open-air
traditional market on Saturdays. We discover some of the area’s finest scenery
marked by dramatic rice terraces and hilltribal villages scattered along the
way.
It is the best time for appreciating the market. This is followed by a drive to
the downtown of Viet Quang for an overnight stay in a hotel.
Overnight: at hotel in Viet Quang
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3 Viet Quang - Ha Giang - Quan Ba
Ha Giang is one of the most remote provinces in North East Vietnam. The area is
home to some of Vietnam’s most colourful hill tribe minorities. We arrive in Ha
Giang for lunch. In the early afternoon, we head north of Ha Giang to Quan Ba
District.
The area is populated by Dao ethnic people and encircled by truly awesome remote
forested mountains. We combine a long, but gentle hike (about 3 hours) with an
opportunity to stay with a Dao family.
Overnight: at Tam Son hotel in Quan Ba
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 Quan Ba - Bao Lac
The beauty of the surroundings tempts us to follow the rugged trail setting off
through verdant hills and tangled jungle growth. Eventually, the trail arrives
at a tiny village perched nearby the township of Quan Ba.
From there we board our vehicle and make our way to Bao Lac for an overnight
stay in a guesthouse.
Overnight: at Thuy Duong hotel in Bao Lac
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 Bao Lac - Cao Bang
We take to the road again for a 90 km drive, arriving in Cao Bang around lunch
time. In the afternoon we go to Tra Linh, an area far removed from everything
industrial and loud. We hike up to some Tay traditional villages on the steep
slopes.
We find one of the few places in Vietnam that are blessed with unique landscapes
featuring vast mountain complexes and spectacular valleys. The night will be
spent in a hotel in Cao Bang town..
Overnight: at Huong Sen hotel in Cao Bang
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 Cao Bang - Ba Be
About 150 km east of Cao Bang, we depart Cao Bang at 8 a.m and embark on a route
up into mountain areas onwards to Ba Be Lake National Park.
This is one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam, home to many kinds of
birds, scenic valleys, towering rocky outcrops, underground river tributaries,
and a gigantic cave.
All of the villages in the park are not necessarily ethnic Tay. Those located
high up on the slopes are inhabited by Green H’mong and Red Dao hilltribal
people.
Following a relaxing boat trip and a hike along the riverfront, we stay
overnight with a Tay family in a traditional house. .
Overnight: at homestay in Babe lake
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7 Ba Be Lake boating
The day begins with a morning hike in the park. Later, we descend into the
scenic valley, home to the Tay minority people and encircled by rock formations.
We cross the rolling hills and pass H’mong and Red Dao villages.
The scenery is extraordinary, with rural farmland and rugged mountains jutting
out of the tangled jungle growth. After a short boat trip along the lake, we end
our day in the park’s headquarters, where we spend the night at a comfortable
guesthouse.
Overnight: at homestay in Babe lake
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8 Ba Be Lake - Hanoi
We visit the thriving, local market of Chu and the Museum of the Cultures of
Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups in Thai Nguyen province on our way back to Hanoi.
Following lunch in a local restaurant, it is our drive back to Hanoi, arriving
there at around 5pm.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Tour includes:
• Accommodation with daily breakfasts
• Extra meals as per the itinerary
• Local English speaking tour guide
• 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
• 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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