Northern Vietnam Adventure

Xin chao. Welcome to Vietnam. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. 

In the morning, take a guided half-day tour of Hanoi and its tree-lined streets. Visit the major sights including the Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda and visit the former residence of Vietnam’s most famous revolutionary, Ho Chi Minh. Pass by the Hoan Kiem Lake and visit the historic Old Quarter, before moving onto the gatehouse museum of Hoa Lo Prison. Head for lunch at KOTO cafe, which is a project aimed at providing vocational training to underprivileged young people. In the evening, board an overnight train to Sapa (approximately nine hours).

Arriving in Lao Cai in the morning, transfer by road to Sapa. Once there, walk around the foothills and cross an array of rice terraces before strolling across lush tea plantations. Along the way, meet some of the hill-tribe people. Head out on a walking tour of Sapa town and also visit the town’s market. This is where you can indulge in some local goods, such as dyed fabrics, hemp plants and handmade textiles. From the market, venture out on a short trek (approximately 2.5 hours) to visit a hill-tribe village called Cat Cat. This is home to the H’mong people, who emigrated from China 300 years ago. In the evening, settle into your hotel in Sapa for the night.

Today is a lot more relaxed than yesterday. After breakfast, use your free time exploring Ta Van and then transfer to the village of Ta Phin in the afternoon. This is a remote village within Sapa where you'll be able to wander around, chat with the locals and learn about their lifestyle. In the evening, head back to the hotel.

In the morning, embark on a long bus journey (approximately seven hours) to the province of Ha Giang. This is a highland region of forests and terraced rice paddies, with the mountains of Heaven’s Gate (Quan Ba pass) soaring in the background. The Ha Giang province also shares a border with southern China, and is known as Vietnam's final frontier. After relaxing and getting to know your surrounds, visit the local markets and shop fronts, which are relics of a bygone era. Afterwards venture to the the local museum and explore Cuom Village, witnessing the colourful traditional dress of the local people. The evening is then free to do as you please.

Today, leave for the first of many scenic mountain drives throughout Ha Giang province. Stop to browse Minh Tao Market before wandering through the village of Nam Luong. A visit to Mrs Mai’s Responsible Tourism project will be a highlight of the day. Learn about the stories of human trafficking and how the victims/witnesses of this crime found the opportunity of a life free from exploitation here. Afterwards pass through Lung Tam textile village and the Vuong Family Palace in Sa Phin commune, before continuing to Dong Van where you'll spend the night.

After breakfast visit the local market, before setting off on a trekking loop that starts and finishes in Dong Van. The trek (approximately 4 hours in total) is surprisingly moderate and suitable for those with an average fitness level. Wind your way through the spectacular landscape, where you can expect to witness glorious views and capture some amazing pictures of lush valleys and rice paddies. The evening is then free to relax or explore more of Dong Van.

Travel onto Ba Be Lake early in the morning, where you'll board a houseboat. The drive to Ba Be takes around 5-6 hours, but the views are remarkable and the destination is well worth the trip. Once there, the boat takes you around the largest natural lake in Vietnam, surrounded by limestone bluffs and mountains. Disembark for some light walks along the way, visiting waterfalls and observing the natural flora and fauna. Return to land in the evening and head to a local home where you'll have dinner and spend the night.

After breakfast, head down the river by boat and visit the waterfall in the National Park of Ba Be. Returning to your homestay in the afternoon, lunch will be prepared by the family you're staying with and the rest of the day is then free to explore. In the evening sit down for one last dinner with your hosts, which is a great opportunity to gain an insight into their lives and culture.

Head back to Hanoi after breakfast, which should take between four and five hours. Use your free time exploring the boulevards and colonial buildings of the city. 

Your Northern Vietnam Adventure comes to an end after breakfast, as there are no more activities planned for today. You're free to depart the accommodation at any time.