This is one of the most exciting and spectacular journeys in Vietnam. The northeast is a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes and colourful hill tribes. The journey takes us to a border area crowded with incredible limestone mountains and populated by Nung, Tay and H’mong ethnic peoples. Swim under the amazing BanGioc Waterfall right on the Chinese border, take a longboat on the fjord-like Ba Be Lake in the heart of a national park, sail through spectacular limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay, laze the day away on gorgeous white sand surf beaches and dunes of unexplored Quan Lan island, visit remote villages of colorful hilltribes, and cruise on sealed roads over beautiful mountain passes.
Day 1 Ha Noi - Babe lake
The journey northeast begins as we depart the town and pass through the
undulating terrain of tea plantation and the many timeless villages linked to
the road which is the main artery of trade between the northeastern region and
the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone
for the days ahead. Depending on road and traffic conditions our drive will
leave us with a mid to late afternoon arrival in Ba Be lakes. After checking
into hotel we will have free time to walk around or simply to relax.
Overnight: Thuy Dung hotel or similar
Meals included: none
Day 2 Ba Be – Cao Bang
The national park of Ba Be is centered on large Ba Be Lake. This is just one
continuous water body although its name means "three lakes”. Today we embark on
our boat navigating around the lake, which gives us a taste of relaxation and an
enjoyable visit to the park. Along the way, we make stopover at some hill tribe
villages before getting off the beaten track to the Dau Dang Waterfalls. The
cruise continues on the main water source of Ba Be Lake up to Cho Ra. At this
small village, we meet up with our vehicle and drive towards Cao Bang.
Overnight: Huong Thom hotel or similar
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfalls
Heading out of the town we start venturing into the most northern region of Cao
Bang Province . The scenic roads traverse Trung Khanh before arriving at Ban
Gioc Waterfall, which boasts the largest waterfall in Vietnam . We visit this
sight and follow our trip to Nguom Ngao Caves , just off the road to Cao Bang.
This enormous cave has two main entrances and one branch reaching almost all the
way to the waterfalls where is a ˜secret” entrance. A local guide is provided
for your exploration of the cave. On the way back, you can make stops as you
please, to visit hill tribe villages and take pictures. O/N in Cao Bang.
Overnight: Huong Thom hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 4 Cao Bang – Lang Son – Cai Rong
An early morning departure takes us through 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. 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, after a short visit around town we keep heading
to Cai Rong, we drive past Mau Mount, about 30 kilometres from Lang Son city 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 arrive in Cai Rong, O/N in Cai Rong.
Overnight: Duy Khanh hotel or similar
Meals included: breakfast
Day 5 Cai Rong – Quan Lan island
Today we board a ferry for an exploration of the legendary Bai Tu Long Bay on
the way to Quan Lan island, on board the ferry you have the opportunity to take
in the breathtaking scenery of the bay during the 3 hour journey, views of
sailing junks navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting
out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of spectacular.
Arriving at Quan Lan Island , a Vietnamese tuk-tuk will take you to your
bungalow on the beach. It is then free time to chill, relax, or take a walk
along the beach, a popular option is to hire a bicycle and take a photographic
trip around the Island, which will allow you to glimpse the remoteness and
untouched scenery that was Vietnam before wide-scale tourism made its impact.
Overnight: Beach bungalow
Meals included: breakfast
Day 6 Quan Lan – Ha Long – Ha Noi
Early this morning we reboard the ferry for another cruise to Ha Long city where
you meet up with your vehicle, lunch in a local restaurant before driving to Ha
Noi, stopping en route at Dong Trieu pottery village, back to the hotel in Ha
Noi 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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