Trip summary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL HANOI
DAY 2: HANOI
DAY 3: HANOI – SON LA
DAY 4: SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU
DAY 5: DIEN BIEN PHU – TAM DUONG
DAY 6: TAM DUONG – SAPA
DAY 7: SAPA – THE FOOT OF FANSIPAN
DAY 8: SAPA – CAN CAU – BAC HA (Saturday)
DAY 9: BAC HA – HANOI
DAY 10: HANOI – HA LONG
DAY 11: HA LONG – HANOI
DAY 12: HANOI – DEPARTURE
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DAY 1: ARRIVAL HANOI
Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport, transfer to Ha Noi , Hanoi, 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. In the evening, enjoy the famous Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry at Thang Long Theatre.Dinner at local restaurant. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
DAY 2: HANOI
Morning, city tour to visit Hochiminh Complex, this complex comprises the Mausoleum of the nation’s founder Hochiminh (closed on Monday, Friday and the whole months of October-November), the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts, the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow this with a trip to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam built in 1070.
Afternoon, we visit the Ethnological Museum, the most interesting museum in Hanoi. We will view Tran Quoc Pagoda, Vietnam's oldest pagoda, built in the 6th century and located on Cayang Island in the middle of the lake. We visit these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with Ngoc Son Temple, take 1-hour Cyclo trip around with 36 streets of Ha Noi old quarter and enjoy the performance of the famous Vietnamese traditional art of water puppetry at Thang Long theatre.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 3: HANOI – SON LA
Morning, we depart Hanoi and pass through the undulating terrains of tea plantations and the many timeless villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on road and traffic conditions our drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon. After checking into hotel we take a walk around this mountain town. There is a little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in traditional costume scurry in all directions. Overnight in Son La.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 4: SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU
Morning, we cross the winding roads over the Pha Din Pass to reach 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 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.
Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 5: DIEN BIEN PHU – TAM DUONG
Today we spend a full day travelling into Vietnam’s most mountainous region. The roads are difficult at times, but the spectacular landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and hill villages makes the hardship all worthwhile. On the way, we have some opportunities to see the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people ... who still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We arrive in Tam Duong by late afternoon and have time strolling around to catch our first glimpse; a small town surrounded by breathtaking mountains and tea plantations. Overnight in Tam Duong.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 6: TAM DUONG – SAPA
Morning, after breakfast we set off on a half day drive following the mountain roads to Sa Pa, 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 in Sa Pa.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 7: SAPA – THE FOOT OF FANSIPAN
The trip commences from Sapa with a 15 minute drive to the trekking point. From there you start your descending walk on a dirt path through rice terraces to a suspension bridge which connects two paths of the Black Hmong village of Y Linh Ho. You will visit the village before taking a rest by the side of a river for some fruit and crackers while enjoying the picturesque view of the Muong Hoa valley. You then continue your trek up and down hill on a river-side mountain path, heading to Catcat village. 
Upon arrival to the village, you will walk up the steps for a while to meet your vehicle and have a transfer back to Sapa. Overnight in Sa Pa.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 8: SAPA – CAN CAU – BAC HA (Saturday)
After breakfast, we drive through the Chinese border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Saturday Market at CanCau - one of the smallest local market in the area. It is very colorful by Flower H’mong minority as well as others such as Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung and Ha Nhi . The market provide a variety of local products such as corn wine, handicraft... as well as an interesting animal market. Return to Bac Ha after lunch. As option , we can embark a walk this afternoon, visiting the Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize wine. Overnight in Bac Ha.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 9: BAC HA – HANOI
Morning, free visit market ( BacHa market open on sunday morning only). This is the most colourful market in North Vietnam. At the market, you have chance to enjoy BacHa people's simple but unique kinds of food with special wines made from rice, cassavas, corn and different sorts of fruits such as plumps, apples, peaches... talking to the minorities through the guide's interpretation. Leave the market for the H'mong King's house (King Hoang A Tuong) built by the French colonists and the Chinese in 1920. Return the town for lunch. In the afternoon, spend time visiting another village (BanPho village). 3pm take the bus going back to railway station for a night train Ratraco to Hanoi depart at 6pm. Overnight on the train.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 10: HANOI – HA LONG
Early morning, arrive at the train station. Have breakfast at the restaurant then transfer to Ha Long. 08:00 Our guide and driver pick you up from hotel, transfer to Halong via vehicle (160km driving one way - 3.5hrs drive). This will be your first opportunity to see some of the rural areas of Vietnam. The drive goes through the Red River delta, so we'll have plenty of chance for taking photo of Vietnamese farmers tilling the vast green paddy field. At half way, we will have a visit to a handicraft workshop with fine clothes and embroidered paintings.12h15: Check-in registration, Boarding on Junk. Welcome drink is served12h45: Start cruising
13h00: Have lunch board
13h30: A fantastic cruise in Ha Long bay, visit Dinh Huong island, Ga Choi island, Dog island, Sail island, visit Sung Sot cave and a swim at Titov beach.
17h30: Relax and enjoy sunset
19h30: Enjoy dinner on board.
21h00: Fishing or relax and spending a night on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
DAY 11: HA LONG – HANOI
Early risers can enjoy a morning view of Bay's landscapes. Sitting on the upper desk we can enjoy the breath - taking beauty of the rocky islands rising from the crystal-clear water of the Bay. We can hear the 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.7:00 Have breakfast
7:30 A morning cruise to visit Man's head island. Tortoise island. Visit to Bai Tu Long bay.
10:00 Arrange luggage and check out then have lunch on boat.
Return to Hanoi capita. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 12: HANOI – DEPARTURE
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.Meals: Breakfast.
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Price Include: 9 night hotel accommodation as listed below or similar, 1night on board in Ha Long, 11 breakfasts, 10lunches and 2dinners, modern transportation throught the tour, entrance fees as stated in the tour program, experienced local English or French speaking guide, One way train ticket from Sapa – Hanoi, Gov’t tax and service charge, Miniral water is available.
Price Exclude: Visa stamping fee on arrival, International ticket, any meals, drinks other than specified, tip and personal expenses. Travel Insurance in all kinds, Peak tourist season or special event rates, Compulsory dinner for Xmas and New Year Eve
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Vietnam Tours: 12 Days - Northern Adventure
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