11 Days, People of North Vietnam

DAY 1: HANOI (D)
Meet on arrival at Hanoi  Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel for check in.
At leisure. Evening enjoy the famous Vietnamese traditional art of water puppet show.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI - THAINGUYEN - HAGIANG(B,L,D) 
Upon leaving Hanoi we set off on a full day journey through ThaiNguyen and Bachquang to  Ha Giang Town. The rough but scenic route traverse a dense jungle before crossing valley, rice field. Along the way we may encounter the Nung Ing, Tay, Red Dao, Dao Ao Dai, La Chi and Co Lao, just some of the many hill tribe groups who have settled there. Overnight in Ha Giang.

DAY 3: 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 north west 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 4: DONG VAN - MEO VAC - HAGIANG
The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. We have time to visit Dong Van Town  before continuing to Meo Vac which is conquered by the Lo Lo and Pu Peo ethnic minority people. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of local people are a highlight of Meo Vac although conditions are very basic. We return to Ha Giang via Yen Minh, using a shortcut way.  Overnight in Hagiang

DAY 5: 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 6: BAOLAC -  BABE LAKES(B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel
We visit the weekly market where gather the Black &flower Lolo, the Sanchi, Tay, H'mong people.
After lunch we continue to Ba-be lake through NguyenBinh.
Overnight at Ba-be national park lodge.

DAY 7: 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 8: 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. Overnight at hotel in Caobang.

DAY 9: LANG SON - HALONG(B,L,D)
Breakfast at the hotel.
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 lime ston mountains. Arrive Surprise Cave and explore the by bay kayak, paddle to Luon cave, this cave is a natural tunnel thrusts through a mountain's foot and leads to an exotic lagoon surrounded by mountains covered by by dense junle. Seafood dinner and optional night paddle. Overnight on Halong Junk (twin A.C cabin).

DAY 10: HALONG - HANOI(B,L,D)
Breakfast on board
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 Luon cave and  Tortoise, Man's head Lunch on board before returning to the wharf. Back to Halong wharf and disembark. Transfer back to Hanoi.  Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.

DAY 11:HANOI DEPARTURE (B)
At leisure. 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