Scene Of Northern Vietnam, 9 days

On arrival at Hanoi Airport, you are greeted  by our guide and taken to your hotel by private transfer. You will have some time free to relax or explore at your own leisure. The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi is a fascinating blend of East and West, combining traditional Sino-Vietnamese motifs with French flair. The building boom has made Hanoi a rapidly developing city in Southeast Asia. However, it still retains an old charm brought from a thousand year of history, with many interesting cultural and historic monuments, beautiful lakes, shady parks, bustling street markets, funny shops and open air eating spots jostled in ancient houses, and historic temples adjoining colonial style structures. They offer both local and foreigner visitors an endless exploration. You might like to stroll through the fascinating old quarter containing many vibrant streets which are named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. The lively atmosphere in Hanoi old quarter runs from the early hours until late at night  with many street vendors calling, horns honking, and chaotic traffic with waves of motorbikes you’ve never experienced.

Today, we spend our time to explore Hanoi, taking a short drive through diverse streets encompassing a millennium of the city culture and evolution to the Ba Dinh Square. This park setting contains the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (close on Mon. and Fri. and Oct. to Nov) and the Ho Chi Minh Residence. We queue up for a walk past silent sentries, paying a homage to Ho Chi Minh before  continuing  to his residence, a simple stilt house set in a well-tended garden. He has lived and worked in this place until his final days. Nearby this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, of which the origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi City. We visit all of them and head to the Temple of Literature. This well preserved temple is now dedicated to the scholars of Confucius but was once the first university of Vietnam. The successful candidate records are still found in various stone steles set over giant stone turtles in the temple ground. We keep going to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (close on Mon.) where display in both outdoor and indoor sections, various documents, images and objects focusing on 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. The sightseeing tour takes us past various attractions, including Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, West Lake, Long Bien Bridge, and Opera House. There are no stops planned as it is simply a glimpse of the cityscape. We finish a round of city tour  with a fantastic water puppet show followed by a pleasant walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the major scenic spots in Hanoi.

The mountainous region in northern Vietnam boasts a dramatic variety of landscapes and an eclectic mix of many colorful hill tribes. Today, we venture into this remote north, driving along the new highway to Lao Cai Town. The beautiful scenery changing from the delta region to the Tonkinese Alps will make for an interesting journey. Upon arrival in Lao Cai Town, we start our drive uphill to Sapa, one of  the most captivating places in this highland region. The roads zigzag themselves on mountainsides, giving us some fantastic views of  vertical rice terraces and towering cliffs. We arrive in Sapa by mid-afternoon and check in our hotel. This  hill station  set at an elevation of 1,500 meters has some warm days and cool evenings. The evident vestiges of the French colonial era are still found in place as it was once a summer retreat place for French administrators to escape the unbearable summer heat in the  plain regions.  We spend our time to take a  cable car ride  to the Phan Si Pan Mountain Peak. This impressive ride takes us over the undulating mountains, simple local houses, steep terraced rice fields and green valley, making for a unique experience in the sky. Upon reaching the terminal at  2800 meters oversea level, we have a pleasant stop to catch  some panoramic views,  visit a prominent  pagoda and   enjoy  a walk uphill of 600 meters or take an optional train ride  to conquer  the striking rooftop of Indochina.  We leave the cable car behind and keep driving through the Silver Waterfall to the Heaven Gate, an ideal place to catch some gorgeous  photos of the winding  O Quy Ho Pass on sunny days.

The imposing mountain peak of Phansipan lends an alpine feel to the surrounding hillsides and valleys.  We spend this day out to explore this mountainous area . There are many trekking options to choose from, but we will opt for a walk from Giang Cha Village. This secluded hamlet is populated by the Black Hmong hill tribe people who are mostly farmers living from their slash and burnt tradition. The local footpaths are difficult at times, with some uphill and downhill walking, but it is still an exciting experience.  We may meet local villagers doing their daily works, such as logging, herding buffalo, and tilling the field. Perhaps they are the Hmong, Giay or Red Zao ethnic minorities.  We continue our walk on undulating terrains to Suoi Thau  Village on our way to Ta Phin Valley, home to the Red Dao ethnic minorities. They are one of the most colorful ethnic groups in Vietnam and very famous for their handmade embroidery. We visit a local house, see villagers sewing the brocade or learn the local traditional medicine. Upon leaving Ta Phin Village, we head towards Phin Pho Village  and catch some beautiful views of  terraced fields and rugged mountain  backdrop.  The optional walk back to Sapa Town is available, but we also arrange a transport for anyone who prefers to stretch the legs on a scenic drive.

Upon leaving Sapa, we start our drive through Lao Cai Border Town to Bac Ha. These mountain roads are difficult in some places, with some downhill and uphill drive. On arrival in Bac Ha Town, we enjoy a walk  around to explore the vibrant Bac Ha Weekend Market. This local trade fair is rather affected by the influx of mass tourism, but it still offers some colorful picture and a unique experience.  We see many different ethnic minorities including  the Flower Hmong, Dao, Phu La, Nung, La Chi, and Tay, and discover their amazing local trading ways. These hill tribe people come into this conglomeration on every Sunday for not only to trade but also enjoy some entertainments, and are recognisably distinct by their dress. They  make for the entirely local affair full of noise, colour and  hustle, and the bustle of commerce. We also have time to enjoy a short walk  to the nearby village of  Ban Pho, home to the flower Hmong people who are dominant in this mountainous area. They have their own culture, traditions, and costumes different from their counterpart in Sapa. We visit a traditional house to learn more about the local lifestyle and taste the potent maize alcohol distilled by villagers. Today we travel by overnight train from Lao Cai back to Hanoi. The train conditions are basic; we travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for up to four people, a communal environment. This train journey is in keeping with the adventure nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste of the ‘ real Vietnam’. 

The train journey delivers passengers at Hanoi Terminal. You are met by  hotel staff and walk to a nearby hotel for  fresh up and breakfast. Upon leaving Hanoi, we see off on our drive along the highway to Cat Hai Island. This new line links Hanoi and Hai Phong Port Town, giving us an impressive view from the peaceful countryside to the local life, busy waterway and vibrant port. We continue our journey along the sea-crossing bridge of Tan Vu – Lach Huyen before we get an experience of ferry ride and reach our final destination of Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay. On arrival in Cat Ba, we embark on a traditional style junk  for a  two-day cruise around Lan Ha and  Halong Bays. Along the way, we enjoy a huge lunch served on board in tranquil setting of  the sky and limestone islets, which  rise amazingly from the clear and emerald water. You have plenty of time this afternoon, to admire the gorgeous scenery or try your hand at kayaking. The modern kayak is a perfect way to explore many mystical rock formations and secluded lagoons in Bat Cave and Dark Cave. The kayaking is not only activity in places as you can soak up the sunshine , enjoy swimming or simply laze on sundeck. You may get a chance if weather permits, to admire the spectacular sunset  over these stunning bays.   

The early light begins washing the night away, unveiling the marovelous beauty of Halong Bay. You can see the emerald water dotted with local fishmen on a morning catch. Today we continue our exploration of Halong Bay, venturing  into the area off the tourist crowd. The traditional junk makes its way to Cong Tau Lagoon which is  dotted with many islets of different shapes and sizes. We get an opportunity  to visit Dau Be Island and unwind on a pristine beach area. Perhaps it is the Three Peach Beaches, one of the most attractive swimming spots in Halong Bay. The kayaking fervor can have the second  paddle to discover the Three hidden lagoons, locally called Ho Ba Ham.  We get back to our boat and navigate through Lan Ha Bay. The sun falls down into rocky islets, making a sign for our cruise back to Cat Ba Island. We are transferred to Cat Ba Town  and check in our hotel.  This central hub is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete structures along a lovely bay, but many parts of Cat Ba Island are still untouched and as wild as ever.  We have a free evening  to discover Cat Ba Town on our own . You can take a walk along the fishing port, taste many local food at one of the famous eating spots and sip your preferred drink on metallic music ambiance at town bars.

Today, you will have a morning free to relax or explore Cat Ba Island at your own leisure.  This offshore  land  offers various optional activities to choose from.  You can simply laze beaches, go on tours of the Monkey Island, hire a bike for funny ride along the coastline, go on motorbike through incredibly beautiful countryside and fishing villages or simply  enjoy sweeping views over the bay. The avid adventurer should not miss a chance to explore the beautiful Cat Ba National Park. This famous park is rich in flora and also remarkable for  wild animals including chamois, cao cat, kingfisher, bile and highly endangered langur,... The local trails are pretty challenging to some degree; however, some physical preparation will help you to maximize your enjoyment from  any of these trekking trips. The memorable experience of Cat Ba Island will be rounded off  as we join our bus for the return journey. We arrive in Hanoi by late afternoon or early evening depending on road and traffic conditions.

There are no activities planned on this final day. You may have free time to continue your exploration of Hanoi City, do your last shopping or simply look back upon your trip images. The holiday comes to an end with a transfer to Hanoi Airport for  your departure.