LUXTRAVEL THAILAND
11 NIGHTS: NORTHERN VIETNAM LOOP
Hanoi, Ba Be, Ban Gioc Falls, Cao Bang, Meo Vac, Dong Van, Ha Giang, Hoang Su Phi, Bac Ha and Sapa
DAY 1 HANOI - BA BE
Ba Be National Park
Depart Hanoi this morning and travel north to Ba Be National Park through Thai Nguyen Province, stopping on the way to see a tea plantation and the beautiful mountain scenery. We arrive at the park after around 5 hours and and heck into the hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, ride bicycles to the Tay village of Coc Toc, with stilt houses and friendly Tay people who make their living by fishing and farming. Ride at your leisure to explore the beautiful Ba Be Lake and surroundings. Ride to the Hua Ma Cave then descend into the cavern with thousands of stalactites and columns and learn the local folk legend.
DAY 2 BA BE NATIONAL PARK
Boat trip and Hmong Village
After breakfast, travel on foot to Bo Lu Quay for a boat trip around Ba Be Lake. Relax onboard and spot the wildlife while floating down the Nang River, taking in the scenery of the surrounding limestone karsts. The boat will stop at Puong Cave where you can explore the stalactites and stalagmites and look out for the bat colony. In the afternoon, continue hiking to a H'mong ethnic village. Follow your local guide through the mountain ranges and valleys to see the stilt houses and school of the Dzao people.
DAY 3 BA BE NATIONAL PARK
Ban Gioc Waterfalls
This morning we travel further north through some amazing and remote scenery of mountains and rivers. Arrive at the town of Ban Gioc in Trung Khanh District located by the border between Vietnam and China. We visit the stunning Ban Gioc Falls and take a bamboo boat to get a closer look at the falls. Then explore the Nguom Ngao Cave, an impressive 2km long cave system with three entrances: Nguom Ngao, Nguom Lom and Nguom Ban Ton.
Check into the hotel in Ban Gioc.
DAY 4 MEO VAC
Cao Bang and Meo Vac
Today we travel from Ban Gioc town to Meo Vac in Ha Giang Province, the northern-most province in the country. The first 3 hours are along winding mountain roads, with views of the green Gam River. Stop at Cao Bang town for a break with a visit to the town market. Enjoy a local lunch and a coffee before we continue for 5 more hours to the small town of Meo Vac.
DAY 5 DONG VAN
Dong Van
Visit the Meo Vac hill tribe market (on Sundays only) or Lung Phin Market, around 15km from the town. Local people from surrounding villages exchange farm products and meet relatives or friends and you can meet hill tribe groups that you can’t find anywhere else in Vietnam. Minority groups are distinguished by their clothes, hats and jewelery. After the market, drive to Ma Pi Leng Pass which offers superb views of mountains, rivers and the winding mountain roads. Continue to the town of Dong Van and take a tour of the ancient district, market and rice fields. Enjoy a local coffee at an ancient house and enjoy the slow-living style of the local people.
DAY 6 HA GIANG
Ha Giang
After breakfast, we travel to Ha Giang, stopping along the way at the House of H’mong King, Pho Bang, a 300 year-old village of Chinese people, Quan Ba Heaven Gate and hill tribe villages along the way. Arriving in Ha Giang, visit Tha Village of the Tay minority people. Spend some time exploring the remote traditional village nestled in the mountains and the local people’s lifestyle, traditions, and traditional houses.
DAY 7 HUE
Hoang Su Phi
Head out to Tien Thang and Me villages of the Tay minority people. We continue west to arrive in the remote area of Hoang Su Phi and check into the lodge. Explore the nearby mountains traveling through tropical forests and rice terraces, stopping at a village of the Red Dao minority people for lunch. The mountain slopes have been developed into terraces to grow rice. Tea trees also grow in the cool climate. After lunch, continue exploring through cassava fields, bamboo forests, tea plantations, then to a village of Yao minority people who wear long tunics.
DAY 8 BAC HA
Bac Ha
We visit the hill tribe market (Sundays only) with villagers including Tay, Nung, Dzao, H’mong and La Chi. Stroll around the market and learn about local dress, products and culture. Later, we take a 3-hour drive along a mountain road to the town of Bac Ha in Lao Cai Province. On arrival, check into the hotel and walk to Hoang A Tuong Palace, the home of the former King of this area in the early 20th century. We also visit Ban Pho Village of the H’mong hilltribe minority.
DAY 9 SAPA
Sapa
Choose to visit a local market (Saturdays or Sundays), at Can Cau market on Saturday, 17km from Bac Ha town or Bac Ha market in the town. In the afternoon, travel 3-hours to the mountain town of Sapa and check in to the hotel.
DAY 10 SAPA
Hilltribe Village Trekking
After breakfast, we begin the excursion today with a walk through Sapa and along a trail through rice terraces. Walk down the Muong Hoa valley to the river and along it's banks to arrive in Y Linh Ho village of the Black H'mong minority. Continue to reach Lao Chai village and visit a local house and have a picnic lunch. After lunch, follow the trail to Ta Van village, inhabited by the Giay minority. From Ta Van, transfer back to Sapa.
DAY 11 SAPA
Silver Waterfall and Fanxipan Cable Car
This morning, visit the Silver Waterfall before we continue to the Fanxipan Cable car, a long three-rope cable car system that travels from Sapa to Fansipan Peak. Return to Sapa for lunch and spend the afternoon at your leisure.
DAY 13 HO CHI MINH CITY
Departure
Tansfer to Hanoi for your onward journey.