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This “Northern Vietnam Adventure” trip will take you off the well-trodden path and into Vietnam’s remote, mountainous north, which most visitors never get to see. Spend time among local hill tribes whose way of life hasn’t changed for centuries, and discover a new angle on key northern highlights.
Begin your northern Vietnam adventure in Hanoi, the first and current capital that ranks among the most photogenic cities in the world. Abundant greenery winds between grand buildings, museums, markets, and shops, unifying the town’s many different elements. Head talk with locals, who are always willing to share knowledge about their culture and traditional livelihoods, and cycle through scenic rice fields. Then arriving in Vietnam’s rural part in the beautiful Mai Chau valley. This corner of the northern Vietnam countryside is still untroubled by mass tourism and is a wonderful place to immerse yourself with nature. Hop on an overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa, nicknamed as ‘Tonkinese Alps’ by the French. Hiking to hill tribes villages and taking in the lush mountain views from Sapa’s majestic Silver Waterfall…
Finally, as a reward for all the hard exploration, enjoy an overnight cruise in Halong Bay, a unique UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the World’s Wonders. End of Northern Vietnam Adventure.
Your Vietnam adventure begins with your arrival in Hanoi. Your private driver will meet you at the airport, holding a signboard with your name. He will escort you to your accommodation right in the heart of the city, with the fascinating Old Quarter at your fingertips. You can easily explore the city at your own pace or relax at the hotel after the flight.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel then our experienced English-speaking guide escorts you on the trip to Ba Vi, a countryside located on the outskirt of Hanoi.
Arrive at Ri village, enjoy the welcome drink and snacks and meet your first host – Mr. Duoc, who is a Vietnam War veteran and tea-farm owner. Listen to the stories of Mr. Duoc’s life during the war while enjoying the drink and then visit his tea plantation. You will learn how to pick the best tea leaves to make the most wonderful beverage in Vietnam. Carry on with the tea production at his small workshop, where most of the work is manual.
Then have a short drive to Moc village, where you will meet your next host Mrs. Chin, who will teach you how to cook local Vietnamese dishes. Later have the meals you made for lunch in a beautiful tropical garden.
Have a short break after lunch, and join Mrs. Chin for a walk around the village. You will visit some local families to understand the rural lifestyle and learn how tofu, conical hats, and other local products are made. Then have a cycling trip through beautiful paddy fields to meet your last host Mr. Chinh, who will meet you with fresh mint lemon juice. All ingredients are freshly picked from his garden.
Wrap up your countryside tour with traditional feet soak in warm water with herbs, following the traditional recipes of the Muong ethnic minority. It will relax you (and your feet) after cycling around the village.
Then your driver will transfer you to Mai Chau.
Overnight in Mai Chau.
Have breakfast at your resort. Then you can spend your time soaring mountains, green paddy fields, and nice traditional houses on stilts together with the unique cultural features of Thai ethnic people that are less affected by modern life. All of this will bring you an unforgettable memory. You can also relax at the pool or enjoy the Spa offered by the resort.
Overnight in Mai Chau.
Have breakfast at your resort and have some leisure time. Your private driver will meet you at the lobby, and you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Have breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your Sapa exploration. Your private driver and guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to Sapa. Upon arrival in Sapa have lunch and check-in at the hotel. Later you will visit Ta Phin village. Located in a large valley, surrounded by high mountains, covered by pine trees and forest, Ta Phin commune is home to the Red Dzao and Black Hmong ethnicities. Despite living close to each other for decades, these two ethnic people are very different. The Hmongs are cheerful and open-minded, while the Red Dzaos are economical and reserved.
Take a short drive to the center of the valley, where you will enjoy an easy walk following the village path around the valley, paying a visit to Hmong hamlets scattering from the bottom of the valley to higher mountain slopes. From high elevation, you will enjoy the great view of the valley stretching under your feet. Continue your walk to the Red Dzao village, where you will meet a group of women making handicrafts, including embroidered clothes and handbags. Later you will be transferred back to Sapa.
Overnight in Sapa.
The day is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sa Pa valley. Start the walk with a picturesque road where you can admire the rice terraces hidden behind the mist of the morning, a truly awe-inspiring sight.
Follow a small track crossing the Muong Hoa River and pass well-tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai. Continue walking through the colorful rice terraces, and you will reach the village of Ta Van Giay. As you continue your trek along the Muong Hoa River, you will cross a small suspension bridge, roughly 2km from the settlement. Here you can discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings. These engravings depict some beautiful images of man, stilt houses, and some beautiful decorative patterns.
Have lunch in a local house. After lunch, continue your walk through the bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After taking a rest nearby a waterfall to refresh, you start climbing uphill to a road where the car is ready for your journey back to Sapa.
Overnight in Sapa.
Have breakfast at the hotel and have some leisure time. Your private driver will meet you at the lobby, and you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
In the morning, check out of the hotel, and get picked up by the Cruise team. Take the most scenic route to reach Halong Bay, taking you across the Red River Delta with emerald green rice paddies stretching for as far as the eyes can see.
On arrival at Halong, you will board the cruise and enjoy the fantastic views of limestone rocks and the karst grottoes. Have an utterly delicious seafood lunch and enjoy the time at the sundeck exploring the Bay.
The cruise will stop in a secret place where you will spend time kayaking or swimming, so you can explore the karst grottoes closer. Towards the evening, you will return to the boat for an early dinner, followed by some time at leisure. You can optionally attend the activities taking part on the boat or just relax.
Overnight on cruise.
Rise early today to view the dawn at the Wonder of the Nature World with breakfast served in the dining room. A Tai Chi class on the sun deck will awake your mind and muscles.
Then head off to visit the limestone cave full of stalagmites and stalactites. Then return to the boat to check out and enjoy the brunch while the cruise is sailing back to the harbor. Later you will be transferred to your accommodation in Hanoi.
Overnight in Hanoi.
Relish a healthy breakfast on the final day of your trip to Vietnam. Complete the hotel check-out formalities, after which you can visit the local markets to buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Later your private driver will transfer you to the airport to take your flight back home.
Trip Ends.
