NORTHWEST TRAIL DISCOVERY TOUR
Code: VNTK 17 Routes: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Sapa - Halong Bay - Trekking - homestay Duration: 15 Days
Itinerary in brief
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
DAY 2: HANOI
DAY 3: HANOI - DIEN BIEN PHU
DAY 4: DIEN BIEN PHU - LAI CHAU
DAY 5: LAI CHAU - TA CO PINH
DAY 6: TA CO PINH - NAM PE
DAY 7: NAM PE - PA HA
DAY 9: PU SAM CAP - DONG PAO
DAY 9: PU SAM CAP - DONG PAO
DAY 10: DONG PAO - BAN BO
DAY 11: BANBO - THAN THUOC - SAPA
DAY 12: SAPA - HANOI
DAY 13: HANOI - HALONG
DAY 14: HALONG - HANOI
DAY 15: HANOI - DEPARTURE
Detail Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
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 permit ) we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.(B)
DAY 2: HANOI
The sightseeing tour of Hanoi 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 Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Hanoi. (B)
DAY 3: HANOI - DIEN BIEN PHU
An impressive way of commencing our day is a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake at dawn, where hundreds of people come to do their morning exercise (optional). After breakfast we will have free time until we board a short flight taking us over mountainous regions to Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam's struggle for independence in 1954. After checking into our central located hotel we enjoy a walk around to see this fast growing town. Our main stop is Dien Bien Phu's Museum which details the event in place. We also pay a visit to the old battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and artillery pieces. O/N in Dien Bien Phu .(B,L,D)
DAY 4: DIEN BIEN PHU - LAI CHAU
Upon leaving Dien Bien, the roads begins to deteriorate, but drive offer some fantastic views and interesting visit to many hill villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northeastern region. After a half day travelling we arrive in Lai Chau Town, our base for exploring the surrounding areas. As a highlight of the trip we board a boat for a short trip on the mighty Da River, passing through the stunning mountain landscapes. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe the local lifestyle close up. Afterwards we have free time to explore the town and pack for trekking days. O/N in Lai Chau. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: LAI CHAU - TA CO PINH
The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Lai Chau is ideal for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. This morning we take short drive before we set off on a full day trekking, using the local path. Along the way we cross over several hill villages which are populated by the Hmong and Dao ethnic minority people, just some of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic minority groups. They have settled there long time ago. O/N at Ta Co Ping village. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: TA CO PINH - NAM PE
Today we get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek into this mountainous region. We walk through different villages, and are sure to attract attention as this part of the country receives very few visitors. The trek usually takes around 7 hours and is quite steep in places, but views of the scenery are fantastic. We finish our walking day on arrival at Nam Pe Ping village where we are guest of a Thai family. The accommodation is very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities. O/N at Nam Pe village. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: NAM PE - PA HA
The exciting walk begins as we depart our village of previous night and follow the path used by local people. At the small village of Nam Trang, we change our pace while we embark on a boat for a leisurely trip down stream to Pa Ha, our final destination for this evening. On arrival we have time to take a wander around this seldom visited village, enabling us to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle. O/N in Pa Ha village. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: PA HA - PUSAMCAP
An early morning start to ascend the Pu Sam Cap Mount. The trekking will be difficult at times with many steep uphill walking, but the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for an unforgettable experience. After a full day walking we arrive at Pu Sam Cap. This remote village is conquered by the Hmong hill tribe people. They are very poor, but have an interesting history and a colorful culture. O/N in Pu Sam Cap. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: PU SAM CAP - DONG PAO
The scenery of the north is unequalled although conditions are very basic. After breakfast we continue venturing into this beautiful region with the next stop being Dong Pao. The trekking is less arduous as we walk downhill. Along the way we encounter the local villagers going about their daily business such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the field. They are the Lao, Lu, Hmong or Dao, who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. O/N in Dong Pao village. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: DONG PAO - BAN BO
Heading out of Dong Pao we continue our trek, using the local track, passing the undulating terrains and some rustic villages which are home to numerous ethnic minorities. A part of the pleasure of trekking in this region is the joy of seeing the mountain landscape and exploring the interesting culture of the people. We arrive at Ban Bo village late afternoon and spend the night, as guest of villagers. The facilities are very basic, but the experience is unique. O/N in Ban Bo village. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: BANBO - THAN THUOC - SAPA
The trekking expeditions finishes this morning after we spend few more hours completing the distance from Ban Bo to Than Thuoc. At the small village we meet up with our vehicle and drive to Sa Pa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was founded in the early years of the last century as a hill resort for French administrators when the heat on the plain became unbearable. Here are some remains of colonial period and many colorful ethnic minority groups. After checking into hotel, you can soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending your time strolling around this charming town. O/N in SaPa. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: SAPA - HANOI
The Phan Si Pang range boasts Vietnam's highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. After breakfast we explore the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay, Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the surrounding the mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. We follow this with a walk into this mountainous region. Departing the town we get well off the beaten track and pass through many hill villages and beautiful mountain landscape. In the mid afternoon you are transferred to Laocai to board a night train back to Hanoi. O/N on board. (B)
DAY 13: HANOI - HALONG
An early morning arrival in Hanoi. We enjoy a shower before we travel by roads to Halong Bay, truly one of Vietnam's most scenic impressive sights. AWe make stop en route in Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. This charming town has plenty of interesting sights, some of which are the Hang Kenh Communal House, the Du Hang Pagoda, the Hang Kenh Carpet Factory and the vibrant Sat Market. A drive through tree lined boulevards punctuated with many striking French colonial architecture, will deliver us to some of these landmarks. We continue our journey Halong Bay and spend the remainder of the day for a well - earned rest on Bai Chay Beach. O/N in Ha Long. (B)
DAY 14: HALONG - HANOI
The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Today we embark on a sailing boat for a four hour cruise around this wondrous bay, dotted with some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we return to Ha Noi, arriving in time to see an evening performance of Ha Noi's famous water puppets. O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)
DAY 15: HANOI - DEPARTURE
There is free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi . The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B)
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