North Vietnam Adventure 12 Days/11 Nights

We depart Hanoi and head west towards Hoa Binh city where we stop for refreshments and visit Hoa Binh hydro station was built in the 1980's. Leaving Hoa Binh we climb to towards the Mai Chau valley, about another two hours away to the White Thai village of Lac. Enjoy the stunning views while lunching on tasty local dishes cooked by the White Thai girls of the village. Afternoon we walk to the surrounding village then drive to Co luong harbor for the delights of a boat trip on Ma River for visit Ban En village. Trek along the river bank to where you will reboard the boat where boat to go back to the Lac village. Our hosts for this evening will be the White Thai minority people. While enjoying these people's hospitality we find out a little more of their lives and cultures while socialising after the evening meal. Tonight’s accommodation in a stilt housewill probably be a little more rustic than you would be used to but nonetheless a lot of fun. Traditional dancing can be arranged as an extra.

To day we will visit XaLinh village- 60 km following the Hwy 6, the village of Black Hmong people. You will trek 2-3 hours though the mountains to see the daily life of the Hmong peole, tilling the fields, logging or herding buffalo. Have lunch cooked by a local White Thai woman from Lac village in Hang Kia village before returning to Lac village. Have dinner and spend other night in your stilt house in Pom Coong village.

Following breakfast we embark on a lovely walk to Van village. We have the opportunity to spend some more time strolling around the hamlets and witnessing the beginnings of another day in rural Vietnam before we return to Hanoi. We enjoy lunch in Mai Chau before we drive back to Hanoi. Visit Muong village in Hoa Binh before driving to Hanoi. Upon arrival in Hanoi, have dinner then catch the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train.

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.

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 Sapa, transferred to Lao Cai for dinner the take the night train back to Hanoi. Overnight on the train.

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.

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.

8:00 depart to Ninh Binh, enjoying the rural scenery along the road. Visit Hoa Lu old citadel. Have lunch at restaurant before take the rowing boat along the tiny canal among the rice fields to visit Tam Coc (Three Grottoes). 15h30 back to the car for going back to Ha Noi.

Relax until transferred to Noi Bai airport for your ongoing flight.