Northeast Vietnam Discovery in 13 Days

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, we are met and transferred to hotel for relax.

Hanoi Old Quarter

Today we enjoy a full day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nations founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minhs house on stilts. This 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 first university and the History Museum, which displays an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history.

Our next stop is the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnams 54 hill tribe groups, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. We also visit the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple and the vibrant Dong Xuan Market before attending a performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets.

Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

One Pillar Pagoda – Hanoi

Leave Hanoi drive to Mai Chau (180km) – a beautiful area surrounded by a green valley and stilt houses. Most people here are the White Thai, very friendly and helpful. And staying with the local in thatched-roof stilted house on split bamboo floors and eating local food is a great experience, sight seeing en-route.

Lunch in Mai Chau, walk or light trekking to nearby villages named Poom Coong, Nhot… Enjoy their common life and activities (farming, weaving, feeding the pigs, etc…). Home stay at Lac Village. In the evening if you are fortunate, you will have a chance to join with local people in traditional dance performance and drink their rice wine out of a large cask from one of numerous bamboo straws (fee by yourself).

Overnight at homestay in Mai Chau.

Mai Chau

After breakfast, trekking to Mai Chau valley, visit Nhot and Na Phon village of Thai people. Then transfer to Son La (130km). On the way, stop over for taking photos and visit the Suspension Bridge and Back Thai village. Arrive in Son La, check in hotel. Overnight at hotel in Son La.

Son La From Above

The provincial museum and the nearby old prison are some of this hill town’s major sights. We have a chance to visit these before we leave for our next destination. The winding roads cross over the Pha Din Pass before reaching Dien Bien Phu (240km), the site of the decisive battle in Vietnams 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 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.

Overnight at hotel in Dien Bien.

Dien Bien Phu

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 (120km), 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.

Overnight at hotel in Lai Chau

Lai Chau

After breakfast we set off on a half day drive following the mountain roads to Sa Pa (180km), our final destination. 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. We arrive in Sapa by mid afternoon and can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering this famous hill town.

The ethnic people are frequently seen on the main street of Sapa and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft.

Overnight at hotel in Sapa

Sapa

After breakfast we continue visit Lao Chai village, a village of Black Hmong. 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.

Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Kids Riding Buffalo At Lao Chai Ta Van – Sapa

This morning we visit market: Can Cau Market Saturday only Bac Ha Market Sunday only Coc Ly Market Tuesday only Muong Khuong Market Sunday only Lung Khau Nhin Market Thursday only Cao Son Market Wednesday only These most colorful markets in the North Vietnam – filled with many different hill tribe peoples.

At the market, you have chance to enjoy peoples simple but unique kinds of food with special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different sorts of fruits such as plumps, apple stalking to the minorities. Have lunch. The return journey begins as we depart market and pass through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery to Lao Cai. Transferred back to Lao Cai. Overnight at hotel in Lao Cai.

Bac Ha Market – Sapa

Have breakfast.

After that at 07:30 we will start a full day for transferring (400km) to Hanoi. We have lunch on the way.

At about 17:00pm we arrive in Hanoi. Check in hotel for relax. Have dinner by yourself. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake At Night – Hanoi

AM: Pick up at your address in Ha Noi at 8.00am and drive to Ha Long. Arrive at 12.00 noon. At Ha Long port, our Crew welcomes you on Junk, enjoy welcome drink & check into your cabin.

PM: Lunch with seafood will be served right after. At 13.00, boat starts 3.5 hours cruising into Ha Long bay to see the amazing karsts with different formations: Mat Qui (Monsters face) Islet, But Moc Islet, Cap De Islet, Trong (Drum) Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, to a Floating Fishing village to see this unique way of life… and then explore Luon Cave (from 16.40 to 17.30). There will be lots of time for swimming, sun bathing. Enjoy a great sunset dinner and relax under the starlit sky before retiring to the comfort of your cabin. Overnight on boat in Halong.

AM: Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bays landscapes with a cup of tea, coffees, fresh fruits. Sitting on the upper deck, we can enjoy the breath – taking beauty of the rocky Islands rising from the crystal-clear waters of the Bay. The quiet is almost eerie; we can hear birds singing, cicadas chirping ashore and the gentle lapping of the waves against our boat, the perfect soundtrack to accompany the fresh air and gentle breeze.

And then explore Sung Sot (Amazing) Cave (8.00 to 9: 00), swim and relax at Titop beach. At 09.30, boat start cruising back and brunch buffet will served from 10.30 to 11.30, check out procedure at 11.35.

PM: Arrive at harbor by 12.00 noon, and drive back to Ha Noi for relax. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

Halong Bay

There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.

A Street Vendor In Hanoi