Discover Vietnam’s rugged and scenic northwest and its people first hand. By taking to the roads and riding from the capital Hanoi to the remote area of the northwest we can see life as it truly is for the Vietnamese. The perfect itinerary and the support crew ensure you get the most out of the trip in terms of comfort, enjoyment and adventure. Along the way we encounter dramatic landscapes and sweeping panoramas as the rural population goes about its business.

DAY 1: Wednesday HANOI

Meet on arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel for check in.
At leisure. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 2: Thursday HANOI CITY TOUR (B,L,-)

Full day city tour by car and cyclo. Today, itinerary includes HoChi Minh mausoleum and museum before visiting Temple of literature. The tour is flexible and you can choose any other sites that you may wish to visit by discussing the options with your guide. Attractions include: Old quarter, Fine Art museum, Army museum and temples...Late afternoon enjoy water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 3: Friday HANOI - TUYEN QUANG - HAGIANG(B,L,D)

Upon leaving Hanoi we set off on a full day journey through Tuyen Quang  to Ha Giang Town. The cenic route traverse a dense jungle before crossing valley, rice field. Along the way we may encounter the Nung Ing, Tay, Dao Ao Dai, La Chi and Pa Then, just some of the many hill tribe groups who have settled there. Overnight in Ha Giang hotel.

DAY 4: Saturday HA GIANG - SA PHIN - DONG VAN (B,L,D)

The remote region of Dong Van and Meo Vac is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful hill villages which are unchanged for centuries. Today we head northeast  out of Ha Giang Town towards this northernmost tip of Vietnam. The former H'mong royal house at Sa Phin is a primary attraction of the region but the blend of hill tribe people's colorful costumes and the majestic mountainous scenery make this long and bumpy trip an unforgettable experience. Overnight in Dong Van 

DAY 5:Sunday  DONG VAN - MEO VAC - HAGIANG (B,L,D)

In the morning, visit minority market in Dong Van which is one of the most beautiful markets in Vietnam before reaching the peak of Ma Pi Leng. You will be able to admire the  panoramic views of rocky mountain, rivers and terraces. Visit MeoVac weekly market with its colorful fabric stalls, cattle market, busy food sections and then proceed to Yen Minh for lunch.. Return to Hagiang. Overnight in Hagiang's home stay  

DAY 6: Monday HAGIANG - BAC ME - BAO LAC (B,L,D)

An early morning start to drive through the rolling hills and the picturesque scenery to Ba Be National Park. The roads are very bumpy and zigzagging however we will have a chance to meet the Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung ethnic minorities who make for the main population of this region. We are sure to attract their attention as this part of the country receive very few visitors.

DAY 7: Tuesday BAOLAC - BABE LAKES (B,L,D)

We visit  a small market where gather the Black &flower Lolo, the Sanchi, Tay, H'mong people. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the village selling local textiles and handicraft. After lunch we continue to Ba-be lake through NguyenBinh.
Overnight at Ba-be national park lodge.

DAY 8: Wednesday BABE LAKES -CAOBANG (B,L,D)
The legendary lake of Ba Be is just one continuous water body although the name means" three lakes". Today we embark on a boat cruising down the Nang River which is the main water source of the lake. This exciting river trip will give us a taste of the tranquil countryside and an enjoyable exploration of the Ba Be National Park. We traverse en route the Poong Grotto before stopping at some nearby hill tribe villages and getting off the beaten track to the scenic Dau Dang Waterfalls. Afternoon drive to Caobang. Overnight at hotel in Caobang. 

DAY 9: Thursday CAO BANG - BANGIOC WATERFALL - LANG SON (B,L,D)

Depart Cao Bang to Ban Doc Waterfall (Trung Khanh) and enjoy the very nice scenery with water reeling handmade by the Nung People, which brings water from the stream to the rice fields. Peaceful feeling will let you comfortable. Short trek to visit Ngam Ngao Cave, a big and yet unexplored cave with extraordinary natural stalactites (please wear appropriate shoes and shorts, since you most likely will get wet). Continue to Ban Doc Waterfall, which shares the river border with China. Take a boat trip to the waterfall, where you will meet visitors from China, who also come here to enjoy the atmosphere of the famous waterfall on the same river. Boxed lunch will be provided. Afternoon drive to Lang Son.Overnight at hotel in Lang Son.

DAY 10: Friday LANG SON - HALONG(B,L,D)

Drive to Halong bay through the lush of Red River vegetation. Arrival Halong bay pier and check-in registration, board our boat for a stunning cruise amongst towering limestone backdrop while enjoying lunch on board . The cruise will take you by exotic islets with shapes of Dog, Incense Urn, Sail, Fighting Cocks, which are naturally formed by process of erosion between the see water and limestone mountains. Arrive Surprise Cave a a visit and then explore Luon cave by bamboo a row sampan, this cave is a natural tunnel thrusts through a mountain's foot and leads to an exotic lagoon surrounded by mountains covered by dense jungle. Seafood dinner and optional night paddle. Overnight on Halong Junk (twin A.C cabin).

DAY 11: Saturday HALONG - HANOI(B,-,-)

Our boat once again sets sail through breathtaking secluded Halong bay
A new day wake you up with joys and emotions in an early morning for watching sunrise on sea. Enjoy break fast and continue exploration. Visit Tortoise, Man's head islands.Brunch on board before returning to the wharf. Disembark,transfer back to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 12: Sunday HANOI DEPARTURE (B)

At leisure for shopping . Transfer to airport for the departure flight.

TRIP INCLUDES:
Accommodation in twin/double share rooms with air-condition and private bath room
All transportation and transfers
Meals as stated in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Tours with English speaking guide
Entrance fees, boat fees

TRIP EXCLUDES:
International airfare& airport taxes
Travel insurance
Visa and visa arrangement
Surcharges for compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and
Peak season surcharges (which will be advised at time of booking) ,
Personal expenses
Tips & gratuities