The interesting culture of many hill tribe groups and the breathtaking mountain scenery of the north are all on this adventure. The trek is real challenge since there are many uphill and down hill walking, but it is a great experience.
Day 1: Arrival – Ha Noi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits, we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling Old Quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places, have welcomed dinner at one of the nicest restaurant.
Include: Hotel in Ha Noi, Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Welcomed dinner
Day 2: Ha Noi city tour
The sightseeing tour of Ha Noi begins with Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature well known as Vietnam’s first university and the History Museum which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. A next stop is the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. We also visit the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market before we enjoy a performance of Ha Noi's famous Water Puppets. Overnight at hotel.
Include: Hotel in Ha Noi, Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Ha Noi – Mai Chau – Hang Kia
Heading out of the town we travel by road to Mai Chau. This mountainous region is populated by the Muong, H'mong, Dao, White Thai ethnic minority groups, some of which we will see on our forthcoming adventure. After lunch at Poong Coong Village near Mai Chau Town, we drive for an hour to Xa Linh to begin our trekking. We walk through the breathtaking mountain landscape and several hill villages before arriving at Hang Kia. This remote village is conquered by the H'mong hill tribe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting history and a colorful culture. Overnight at Hang Kia village.
Include: Home stay in Hang Kia village, Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Hang Kia – Cun Pheo – Van
An early morning start to trek mountainsides to Cun Pheo. Today, we get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek through tropical rain forest, using the local track. The trek is difficult at times, with some steep uphill and downhill walking; however some physical preparation will enable you to fully appreciate the walk. We arrive at Van village by late afternoon and have time to walk around this charming village, enabling us to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle. Overnight at Van village.
Include: Home stay in Van village, Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Vam Sam Khoe – Poong Coong
The verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population make for a forgettable experience. On our today’s trek to Sam Khoe, we pass through several White Thai villages, and are sure to attract attention since this part of the country receive very few visitors. At the small village of Khoe, we meet up with our vehicle and drive back towards Mai Chau. This evening you will enjoy a traditional music show followed with local rice wine. This performance is held by the young White Thai minorities, reflecting the rich culture of this ethnic group. Overnight at Poong Coong village.
Include: Home stay in Poong Coong village, Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Mai Chau – Cuc Phuong
After breakfast, we walk on the valley floor, seeing many villagers on their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the field or weaving brocade. Here is a chance for the shoppers to try their lucky at bargaining. We then make our way following the winding roads to Man Duc. This area is populated by the Muong Hilltribe people who have settled there long time ago. A two hour trek will enable us to explore their home land. Departing Man Duc we continue on to Cuc Phuong National Park, our final destination. Overnight at Cuc Phuong village.
Include: Hotel in Cuc Phuong National park Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Cuc Phuong – Ninh Binh
The national park of Cuc Phuong boats one of the best preserved tropical forests in Vietnam. This morning we take a short drive to the park headquarters before we set off on a half day walk in the jungle. This is home to many species of plant and rare animals, several of which we may see on our trekking. After a picnic lunch we visit one of the famous caves, Nguoi Xua which still retains some vestiges of primitive man, and transfer to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. There is not much to see in this place besides two remaining temples. The first one is dedicated to Dinh Tien Hoang Emperor. The second commemorates the rulers of the Le Dynasty. Overnight at hotel.
Include: Hotel in Ninh Binh, Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay
Upon leaving the town, we take a short drive to Tam Coc which is surnamed “Inland Ha Long Bay”. On arrival we board a tiny boat rowing us along a river through the quiet and peaceful landscape of rice fields surrounded by limestone formations to the grottoes of Tam Coc. After the impressive boat trip we continue our journey across the Red River Delta to Ha Long Bay. The drive is long and roads are bumpy at times, but it is still a memorable experience. A part of the pleasure of traveling in this region is the simple joy of seeing the spectacular rural landscape the smiling faces of the people. Overnight at hotel.
Include: Hotel in Ha Long, Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Ninh Binh – Ha Long Bay
After breakfast at hotel we embark on the private junk, boat cruise around the bay to visit Dinh Huong Island, Ga Choi Island, Dog Island, Sail Island, visit Sung Sot cave and a swim at Titop beach, have special seafood lunch before finished cruise at harbor for transfer back to Hanoi, overnight in Hanoi
Include: Hotel in Ha Noi, Transportation, Tour guide, Entrance fees, Boat trip, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Ha Noi – Departure
There is a free time to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
Include: Transportation, Meal: Breakfast
