Far North Vietnam Adventure

You will depart from Hanoi in the evening by night train leaving at 21.10 to Lao Cai near the Chinese border.

Overnight on the train

Upon your arrival at Lao Cai Station, pick up to a local restaurant for breakfast before a scenic drive to one of the regional markets (Sunday – Bac Ha; Tuesday – Coc Ly; Wednesday – Cao Son; Thursday – Lung Khau Nhin; Saturday – Can Cau). Spend the morning visiting ethnic market activities and festive atmosphere.

After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Bac Ha to check in your hotel and enjoy a short break. Then enjoy gentle hike to explore Ban Pho valley inhabited by Flower Hmong, Tay and Nung peoples. There various hiking routes from 1.5 hours to nearly 3 hours so please discuss with your guide to decide on spot which one suit you best.

Summary: Road transfer from 75km to 125km depending on market to visit/ Market visiting, walk and sightseeing 4 to 5 hours

This morning, drive through the remote region of Bac Ha district which is famous for the spectacular landscapes as well as unique way of life of the Flower Hmong and Phu La peoples. Enjoy 2 hours walking in the morning from Pa Chu Ty 1 to Pa Chu Ty 2 villages. Lunch break in small town of Xin Man, followed by 3 hour drive to Hoang Su Phi Lodge in Thong Nguyen Commune where you stay the night. The remainder of the day will be at leisure or stroll around the nearby village. You might wish to enjoy a herbal bath at the lodge (at additional cost).

Summary: Road transfer 145km, approx. 5 hours/ Walk and sightseeing 2 hours

Leave for Ha Giang after breakfast and follow road 4C 46km uphill the spectacular Quan Ba mountain pass for about 3 hours including some stops en-route to visit villages of the Tay and Hmong as well as taking photo of the stunning landscapes. From the top of Quan Ba pass which is called Heaven Gate, the panorama of Tam Son valley opens wide below which is highlighted with green rice fields and colorful flower farms, especially the Twin Hills beautifully set amongst immense and walled-up lime stone mountain.

After lunch, your afternoon begins with an hour walking to explore Nam Dam village of the Zao Ao Dai (Zao with long dress) who live their most traditional way in a beautiful village at the foot of Quan Ba mountain range. Continue driving for 42km to Yen Minh while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the terraced fields, probably among the most beautiful sections in northeast Vietnam. Arriving at Dong Van townlet at around 17.00, check-in your local guesthouse with free time to explore this remote charming town.

Summary: Road transfer 165 km, approx.5 hours/ Walk and sightseeing 3 to 4 hours

Morning visit Historical relics of the Vuong Palace to learn about the past when the Vuong family ruled over the region and control opium production and trading. Then drive uphill heading to Lung Cu and then onto Meo Vac. The road of this part gets winds its way up and down steep mountains with many sharp bends but the amazingly spectacular scenery compensates. Prepare your camera ready to capture magnificent and beautiful landscapes en-route as well as to visit some highlights of the region including: The ancient village of Lo Lo Chai.

After lunch, wander around to explore the ancient town and the surroundings before the road trip downhill 28km passing over the Ma Pi Leng pass which is famous for its magnificence and beauty, composed by walled-up mountains, deep valley and the 800m high canyon and the Nho Que River running in the between.

Notes:
If on Sunday: Spend about 1 hour early in the morning to visit the market where tribal peoples such as Hmong, Zao…in their colorful traditional costumes gather not only for shopping but also for socializing, a feature of social life in the mountainous region.

Summary: Road transfer 82km, approx.3 hours / Walk, sightseeing, village visiting 2 to 3 hours

Today you will drive the mountain road to Ba Be National Park passing by Bao Lac. The trip will be highlighted with brief visits to villages of the San Chay and Zao Tien (Zao with coins) en-route. You will arrive the center of Ba Be National Park in the afternoon at about 17.00. Stay the night in a Tay family by Ba Be Lake.

Notes:
• If on Sunday: Spend an hour early in the morning joining the weekly market in Meo Vac town let before leaving.
• If on the date of the Tiger and Monkey: Early breakfast and then transfer 17km to Lung Phin to visit the famous weekly market where customers have chance to meet Hmong and Zao peoples from remotest villages who come and create festive atmosphere at the market place.
• If on 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 of the lunar months, spend an hour joining the tribal peoples at Niem Son Market (25km from Meo Vac) or even earlier for 2 hours driving to Bao Lac Market where the Black Lo Lo and San Chay peoples can be met.

Summary: Road transfer 197km, approx.5 hours/ Walking and sightseeing 4 hours

After a simple breakfast at homestay, the day begins with a 20 minute walk to the boat pier where you will embark on a 3 hours boat cruise on the emerald water of Ba Be Lake, the largest natural lake in the mountainous region of Indochina which is surrounded by high mountains covered by thick forest, getting through the stunning Puong Cave. Pick up and drive to Cho Ra for lunch. An afternoon drive will take you back to Hanoi. End of services.

Summary: Road transfer 217km, approx.5 hours/ Boat trip 4 hours.