Northern Vietnam Tour 11 days: Northeast Trail & Halong

Upon arrival at Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to hotel for check in.In the late afternoon we will take a short tour by cyclo tour in the Old Quarter. The remaining time would be spent at your own pleasure. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
 

Morning after breakfast, leaving Hanoi we set off on a full day journey through Tuyen Quang and Bach Quang to Ha Giang Town. The rough but scenic route traverses 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 at the hotel in Ha Giang
 

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 at the hotel in Dong Van
 

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 recognizably 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 at the hotel in Ha Giang
 

An early morning departure through remote towns, rolling hills and picturesque scenery will bring you to Ba Be National Park. The road is very bumpy and winding; however, it is interesting to meet the Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung ethnic minorities in colorful costumes working on the terraces along the way. It is memorable to travel through this little-visited region with unspoilt scenery in your own vehicle. On arrival in Ba Be in late afternoon, we check in and enjoy the evening at our own leisure. Overnight in Ba Be
 

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 Cao Bang. Overnight at hotel in Cao Bang.
 

Depart Cao Bang to Ban Doc Waterfall 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. Return to Cao Bang. Overnight at the hotel in Cao Bang.
 

This morning, drive covers 150 km to Lang Son on the Chinese border. This town has become a booming trading town since the normalization of relations between China and Vietnam in the early 1990's. After lunch we go to visit Nhi Thanh Cave, Tam Thanh Pagoda and the Dong Kinh market, the biggest market in the area fully stocked with Chinese goods. Overnight at the hotel in Lang Son.
 

Drive to Halong bay through the lush area. 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 dense jungle. Seafood dinner and optional night paddle. Overnight on Halong Junk 
 

Rising to the tranquil beauty of the bay we have time for an early morning dip with joys and emotions for watching sunrise on sea. This morning we continue to move around the bay to find more secluded areas. Brunch will be served onboard. The junk will be near us at all times serving as a back up vessel for those that require it. At around midday we will return to the main harbor before transferring to our awaiting vehicle for a 3-hour journey to Hanoi. Overnight at the hotel in Hanoi
 

Time free until pick up and transfer to airport for your flight back home. End of the Asia King Travel’s service. Thank you for choosing our Northern Vietnam Tour 11 days!