DAY
1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
On
arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to
hotel. Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and
gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and
some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. The
many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. (If
time permit ) we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the
bustling old quarter streets named after the specific
goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha
Noi.(B)
DAY
2: HANOI - LAO CAI
This
morning we enjoy a half day city tour, seeing the the Ho
Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the
nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace
and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex also
comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back
to the foundation of Hanoi. The next stop of our trip is
the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s
54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our
forthcoming days. We also visit the Temple of Literature
and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple.
The reminder of the day is free for your own exploration
of Ha Noi until transferring to the rail way station for a
night train to Lao Cai. The train conditions are very
basic however we will travel in soft sleeper class which
is compartment for 4 passengers. O/N on board .(B)
DAY
3: LAO CAI - SAPA
The
train journey arrives in Laocai this morning. We embark on
a scenic drive uphill to SaPa. At an elevation of 1,500
meters, Sa Pa is the former hill retreat for French
administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable.
The remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities
are a highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are very
basic. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh
climate as much as we want by spending time to wander
around. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill
town and small vendors along the street sell local
textiles and handicraft. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)
DAY
4: SAPA - TAVAN
Today
we get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek into
this beautiful mountain region. On the way we pass by the
hill villages of San Sa Ho and Lao Chai which are
home of the Black Hmong hill-tribe people. They still
retain their age old cultural traditions and are
recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We
finish our walking day on arrival at Ta Van village
where we are guest of a Zay family. The accommodation is
very simple and dormitory style, no western facilities.
O/N at Ta Van village. (B,L,D)
DAY
5: TAVAN - DEN THANG
The
majority of local trails follows undulating mountainsides
therefore our trek will involve some uphill and downhill
walking, but it is still an unforgettable experience. A
part of the pleasure of our adventure is the simple
joy of seeing the verdant and rugged mountain scenery
and the lifestyle of local people. We ascend a very steep
slope before arriving at Den Thang. This remote village is
conquered by the Hmong hill tribe people who are very
poor, but have an interesting history and a colorful
culture. O/N at Den Thang Village. (B.L,D)
DAY
6: DEN THANG - BAN HO
Upon
leaving the village of our previous night we set off on a
full day walk towards Ban Ho. The trekking of today is
also challenging; however some physical preparation will
allow you to maximize enjoyment from the walk. Along the
way we pass through several hamlets, and are sure to
attraction attention as this part of the country receives
very few visitors. On arrival at Ban Ho village by mid
afternoon we will have time to walk around this charming
village, enabling us to understand a little more about
their culture and lifestyle. O/N at Ban Ho village. (B,L,D)
DAY
7: BAN HO - THANH PHU
The
extremely beautiful mountain region around Sapa is ideal
for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking
expedition. We continue venturing into the lowland with
stopover at the Xa Pho, Tay hill tribe villages, just some
of Vietnam's most colorful ethnic minority groups. After a
full walking day, we reach our final destination, the Tay
hill tribe village of Thanh Phu which is situated in
a picturesque valley. Here we will be toasted as honored
guests and will be sample some of their homemade rice
wine!. O/N at Thanh Phu village. (B,L,D)
DAY
8: THANH PHU - BEN DEN
The
impressive way to complete our trekking expeditions
is a few hour walk along the local path. On arrival at the
small village of Ben Den, we meet up with our local
transport and take a short drive to Pho Lu for a night
train back to Ha Noi. The train conditions are basic;
however this journey is in keeping with the adventurous
nature of our trips and allows you to experience a taste
of the 'real Vietnam'. The food on board is not the best
you will have in Vietnam, so we recommend you to prepare
some foods, water, snack . O/N on board. (B,L)
DAY
9: HANOI - HALONG
An
early morning arrival in Hanoi. We enjoy a shower before
travelling by roads to Halong Bay. We make stop en route
in Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam.
This charming town has plenty of interesting sights, some
of which are the Hang Kenh Communal House, the Du
Hang Pagoda, the Hang Kenh Carpet Factory and the
vibrant Sat Market. A drive through tree lined boulevards
punctuated with many striking French colonial
architecture, will deliver us to some of these landmarks.
We continue our journey Halong Bay and spend the remainder
of the day for a well - earned rest on Bai Chay Beach. O/N
in Ha Long. (B)
DAY
10: HALONG - HANOI
The
legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most
impressive scenic sights. Today we embark on a sailing
boat for an exploration of this wondrous bay, which is
dotted with some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly
from the clear and emerald water. The limestone karst
formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and
beautiful caves. Along the way we will anchor for a
leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit
to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering
cliffs. After a seafood lunch on board we make our way
back to Ha Noi, arriving in time to see an evening
performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets. O/N in Ha Noi.
(B,L)
DAY
11: HANOI - DEPARTURE
There
is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi
. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for
departure. (B)
|
SAPA
CHALLENGE TOUR
( Minimum from 02 people)
|
| |
Standard
Class ** |
First
Class *** |
Superior
Class **** |
| |
US$
678 /pers. |
US$ 736
/pers. |
US$
827/pers. |
| Single
room sup. |
US$
88 /pers. |
US$114
/pers. |
US$192
/pers. |
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