Day 1: Hanoi |
Upon arrival in Hanoi at 10:15 AM, you will be picked up from airport to a hotel in Hanoi for check in and relax. Overnight in Hanoi. |
Day 2: Hanoi - Mai Chau (B, L, D) |
After breakfast at hotel we heading west to Hoa Binh Province where we stop for refreshments. From our stop we climb towards the Mai Chau valley, about another two hours away, stopping on the way to take in the spectacular scenery. Following lunch in Mai Chau town we drive to the White Thai village of Sa Linh from where we commence a 3-hour trek to the village of Hang Kia. Our hosts for this evening will be the H’mong minority people. Whilst enjoying their hospitality, we will discover a little more about their lives and culture. Tonight’s accommodation could probably be a little more rustic than you would be used to. Overnight in Mai Chau. |
Day 3: Mai Chau - Hanoi - Lao Cai (B, L, D) |
Following breakfast we embark on a lovely walk to Lac village and Van village. As we walk we will encounter the local villagers going about their daily business tilling the fields, logging or herding the buffalo. We enjoy lunch in Mai Chau before we drive back to Hanoi. Visit Muong village in Hoa Binh before proceeding to Hanoi for dinner then catch the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train. |
Day 4: Lao Cai - Sapa - Cat Cat (B, L) |
Upon arrival in Lao Cai (at: 06:00), transferred to Sapa by car. Have breakfast. Relax. Your guide will meet you at hotel for short trek to Catcat village, the village of H'mong tribe in the valley, which remains very generally uncorrupted outside forces. Excellent views of the valley, the magnificent limestone and paddy fields of H'mong village. Enjoy some visits to local families and reach their customs. After the village down into the valley, the Cat Cat waterfall will be visible. A "White curtain" cascade appears, surrounded by flowery valley and deep-green pines. The rocks near the river and waterfall provide a marvelous place for picturesque photos and sunbathing during good weather… overnight at the Sapa Hotel. |
Day 5: Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Hanoi (B, L) |
Breakfast before private car transferred to Lao Chai village, a village of Black H’mong. Short trek down to river to visit hill tribe house to see their living style and the local woman made their handicraft clothes. Further on along the road, the Tavan village where Dzay people staying can be seen. Visit the village and reach their customs. Trek back to main road and the car take you back to Lao Cai railway station for the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train. |
Day 6: Hanoi - Halong on Duluxe Phoenix Cruiser (B, L, D) |
08:00 AM: Shuttle bus pick you up at your hotel for the 3.5 hr drive (165km) to Halong City. 12: 00 Board Halong Phoenix Cruiser. Lunch and a welcome drink are served while the boat cruises the bay to enjoy the beautiful limestone seascape. You will see Dog Rock and Incense Burner Rocks, as well as Fighting Cock Rock before heading to Sung Sot Cave (Cave of Surprises). Later, we stop at a floating house owned by fishermen before kayaking to Luon Cave to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the bay. After returning to the boat, we will anchor in a safe and scenic location for swimming and seasonal fruit in the “ Floating Garden ”. Dinner is served onboard and then you will have free time to listen to music, relax under the stars or join in Karaoke singing. |
Day 7: Halong - Kayaking (B, L, D) |
Full day sea kayaking to discover the hidden beauty of Halong Bay. After breakfast, served at around 7: 30, kayaking begins. The guide will show you the most beautiful parts of the bay, such as Drum Cave, Man's Head Islet, Turtle Islet and Fairman's Cave before heading to Van Gia fishing village for BBQ lunch and relaxation. You will have an opportunity to understand more about fishermen's daily life in the bay. Afterwards we continue kayaking to the other side of the bay to visit a pearl farm. We return to the junk at around 4:00 PM for the second night. |
Day 8: Halong - Hanoi (B, L) |
After breakfast, we take a local wooden boat back to the Junk for our return to Halong City. Enroute there will be time for swimming and ‘arm-chair' exploration of more beautiful limestone islands- have your camera ready for some beautiful shots!
11: 30 Halong Phoenix Cruiser arrives at the dock for lunch in an A/C restaurant before returning to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi at 4:00 PM, check in hotel and relax. Overnight in Hanoi.
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Day 9: Hanoi (B) |
After breakfast, transferred to Noi Bai airport for your ongoing flight. End of service |
