Detail Itinerary

Day 1  Hanoi - Lang Son  

We pick you up at your hotel to start Vietnam adventure tour. Drive to Lang Son (3 hours), stopover to visit But Thap Pagoda on the way. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Nhi Thanh and Tam Thanh Caves, To Thi Rock, Fairy Pagoda and Dong Kinh Market.
Overnight : at hotel  
Meals :  Lunch/Dinner

Day 2  Lang Son - Dong Khe - Coc Xa Breakfast.
 

 Depart for Dong Khe (3 hours). Visit Na Keo hill which still remains the communication trench used by French army during the war. Lunch at local restaurant in Dong Khe Afternoon: trekking through forests and mountains to Coc Xa village (8km = 2h30 walk). Enjoy beautiful landscapes dotted with the villages of the Tay minority people. Studying the life style of Tay people.
Overnight : at hotel  
Meals :  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 3  Coc Xa - Ba Be Lake - Cho Ra Breakfast.  

Trekking back to the Highway 4A by another way (8km = 1h30) through a local market. Drive to Cho Ra (4 hours). Transfer to basic hotel, lunch. Afternoon boat trip downstream the Nang River into Ba Be Lake, exploring the National Park by boat with stops to visit the limestone grottoes and Tay and Nung ethnic minority villages. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the unspoilt tropical jungle, emerald waters,limestone mountains and the tribal life style.
Overnight : at hotel  
Meals :  Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4  Cho Ra - Thai Nguyen - Hanoi Breakfast. 

Drive to Thai Nguyen, lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Museum of Ethnology to see its rich displays of the cultures of the various ethnic groups of Vietnam. Return to Hanoi.
Meals :  Breakfast/Lunch.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more information and Book this tour.

This Vietnam adventure tour is for active people.

 

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi  

Arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai international airport and transfer to hotel. The rest of the days free at leisure. Overnight at your selected hotel in Hanoi .

Day 2: Hanoi - Bat Trang - Hai Phong - Halong Bay (B/L)
 

Pick up at the hotel. Drive to Bat Trang, the famous pottery village approximate 15km from Hanoi , which is surrounded by fertile farmland. Watch the artisans form, paint and glaze their products, which are then backed for several days in huge kilns. Proceed to Hai Phong, the largest port in North Vietnam , 102km east of Hanoi . Short orientation tour: Du Hang pagoda and Hang Kenh Communal house, both with fine examples of traditional woodcarvings. After lunch at a local restaurant continue to Halong Bay . Transfer to hotel. Overnight at your selected hotel in Halong city.

 Day 3: Halong Bay - Hanoi (B/L)
 

Discover Halong bay, listed as a World Heritage site. "Dragon descending to the sea" as it is know in Vietnamese, picturesque Halong Bay has more than 1,000 islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. Enjoy a relaxing 5-hour boat trip through Halong bay, fresh seafood lunch is prepared and served on board. Afternoon, drive back to Hanoi for overnight.

Day 4: Hanoi city tour (B/L)
 

Full day city tour: Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (close on Monday, Friday and the entire months of October and November), Ho Chi Minh's Residence, One-Pillar pagoda, Temple of Literature built in the 11th century as Vietnam's first university. Afternoon visit Museum of Ethnology , Hoan Kiem lake with Ngoc Son temple and Old Quarters. Evening: Water puppet show, the unique Vietnamese traditional art.

Day 5: Hanoi - Cuc Phuong National park - Ninh Binh (B/L/D) 

Drive to Cuc Phuong national park 4-hour easy trekking to discover the rich flora of the park. Lunch en route at a local restaurant. Drive to Ninh Binh and transfer to hotel for check in. Dinner and overnight at your selected hotel in Ninh Binh

Day 6: Ninh Binh - Tam Coc - Hoa Lu - Phat Diem - Ninh Binh (B/L)
 

Drive to Hoa Lu, often called " Dry Halong Bay ". Limestone rocks rise from rice fields and winding streams. Enjoy the spectacular scenery during a leisurely boat ride in traditional local sampans to Tam Coc caves. Lunch at local restaurant.

Visit Bich Dong pagoda and temple of the Dinh and Le Dynasties. Proceed to Phat Diem for visiting the stone church, a striking architectural complex in the style of a Vietnamese pagoda. Return to Ninh Binh for accommodation at simple hotel.

Day 7: Ninh Binh - Dong Hoi (B/L)
Full day drive to Dong Hoi through charming rural scenery, where offers a glimpse into the life in the southern Red River Delta. Lunch en route. Arrive in Dong Hoi, transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 8: Dong Hoi - Phong Nha cave - Vinh Moc tunnels - Hue (B/L)
 

Drive to beautiful Phong Nha caves accessible by boat on the clear water of the Son River . Lunch en route. Proceed south to visit Vinh Moc tunnels, dug to accommodate an underground village safe from American air raids in the north of the DMZ. Continue driving through the sites of the fierce battle fields of Vinh Linh, Doc Mieu and Dong Ha before arriving in Hue , the former Royal city of the 13 ruling Nguyen dynasties. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 9: Hue city tour (B/L)
 

Boat ride on the Perfume River to visit Thien Mu pagoda and Minh Mang tomb. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit Imperial Citadel with its Forbidden city and Tu Duc tomb and local market. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 10: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An (B/L) 

Depart by coach to Da Nang . The scenic 4-hour drive via Hai Van pass offers spectacular views of mountains, sea, idyllic beaches and villages. Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Cham museum then continue to the Marble Mountains with its beautiful grottoes and temples, which can be reached by climbing steep steps (please wear appropriate shoes). We continue further south to the charming historic city of Hoi An, transfer to hotel for overnight.

Day 11: Hoi An - My Son - HoiAn (B/L)
 

Drive to My Son, the imperial city of the Champa empire of the 4th to 12th centuries, My Son Sanctuary is a large complex of religious ruins comprising more than 70 architectural remains. Return to Hoi An, known to early Western merchant, Hoi An was one of the major trading centers of Southeast Asia in the 16th century. Hoi An has a distinctive Chinese atmosphere with low, tiled-roof houses and narrow street; the original structure of some of these streets is still virtually intact. Many of the houses were constructed of rare timbers and decorated with lacquer panels engraved with Chinese characters and pillars carved with ornamental designs. During a leisurely discovery tour on foot you will visit some of the historic merchant and community houses, places of worship and famous bridges. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An - Da Nang - Nha Trang (B/L)
 

Drive to Da Nang and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Nha Trang. Visit the Institute of Oceanography and Po Nagar Cham tower, a sacred Hindu site dating back to the 2nd century AD. The town was built between the 7th and 12th centuries and is still used today as a place of pilgrimage for the Cham and Vietnamese Buddhists. Transfer to hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Nha Trang.

Day 13: Nha Trang (B)
 

Full day at leisure. Ovcernight at hotel.

Day 14: Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh city (B/L) 

Leisure time until transfer to airport for flight to Ho Chi Minh city . Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and lunch. City tour: War museum, the Post office and Notre Dame Cathedral, former Presidential Palace, (from out side for picture only), China Town with Thien Hau pagoda and local market. Overnight at hotel.

Day 15: Ho Chi Minh City - Tay Ninh / Cu Chi Tunnels (B/L)
 

Drive to Cu Chi and visit the amazing complex of underground tunnels. There are more than 200km of underground tunnels, comprising a main axis system with many branches connecting to underground hideouts, shelters and other tunnels. Proceed to Tay Ninh, center of the Cao Dai religion founded in 1926, a combination of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. You will have the opportunity to watch the worshippers in their white long tunics during noon mass. Lunch at a local restaurant. Drive back to Ho Chi Minh City . Overnight at hotel.

Day 16: Ho Chi Minh city - My Tho - Can Tho (B/L)
 

Coach trip to My Tho and visit Vinh Trang pagoda. My Tho is famous for its extensive orchards and immense rice fields. Enjoy a boat ride on the Mekong river and visit an orchard on an island. Lunch at a local restaurant. Drive to Can Tho and transfer to hotel for check in. Overnight in Can Tho.

Day 17: Can Tho - Soc Trang - can Tho - Chau Doc (B/L)
 

Boat trip on the Mekong river to visit Cai Rang floating market, you also have opportunity to watch local villagers producing rice paper, pop-rice, and rice husking. Continue by car to Soc Trang to visit Bat Pagoda, Clay pagoda and Khmer museum. Lunch en route. Drive back to Can Tho. In the afternoon, drive to Chau Doc, with an en route visit by boat to the Bang Lang stork sanctuary in Thot Not. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 18: Chau Doc - Sa Dec - Ho Chi Minh city (B/L)
 

Visit Sam Mountain, Lady Xu temple, Thoai Ngoc Hau temple, Tay An pagoda and boat trip to the Islamic Champa village. Lunch en route. Depart Chau Doc to Sa Dec, visit the flower village. Return Ho Chi Minh city and transfer to hotels. Overnight at your hotel.

Day 19: Ho Chi Minh city - Departure (B)
 

Breakfast at hotel and at leisure until transfer to Tan Son Nhat International Airport for departure.

DAY 1: HANOI - NGHIA LO

This adventure tour in Vietnam and you will meet Lotussia Travel guide driver 7:30am at the HOTEL, Soon the bustling streets of Hanoi give way to verdant rice paddies and farmland along Hwy 32. By early afternoon you'll be moving away from the Red River Delta and into the mountains of Yen Bai province, on your way to your destination of Nghia Lo. Nghia Lo is situated along a beautiful mountain ridge separating the Red and Black river. With lush forests, tea plantations, rice terraces and gum trees, the picturesque valleys are stunning. The area is home to Thai, Nung, H'mong, La Ha and Ma ethnic minority peoples. Overnight in hotel .( L, D)

 DAY 2: NGHIAN LO - THAN UYEN

This day starts with a visit to the local market in Nghia Lo Town, a chance to explore and shop for local handicrafts. Today's drive will take you along one of the most exciting stretches of road in Vietnam and offers some of the most lush and verdant scenery found anywhere. As you climb over the mountain pass to Mu Cang Chai you'll meet H'mong, La Ha and Dzao along the way. The road, which is not sealed and can be muddy and exiting at times, winds along the Nam Kim river which descends the valley over some cascading gorges. At the bottom of the valley you'll arrive in the town of Than Uyen where you'll spend the night in hotel ( B, L, D)
 
DAY 3: THAN UYEN - SA PA

Enjoy breakfast in a local restaurant, then its time to hit the road for Sapa. From Than Uyen the road rolls along the base of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, home to Mt. Fansipan, Vietnams highest peak. Tea plantations and rice terraces hug the Nam Ma river that winds along this valley dotted with Tay, Dzao and H'mong villages. At Binh Lu junction you'll pick up the main road and start your climb up the highest mountain pass in Vietnam at 1900 Meters, then glide down into the town of Sapa. Enjoy lunch and relax before a 3 hr short trek down this stunning valley sculpted with steep rice terraces, to Ta Van village for a home stay. Your guide will cook you a savory dinner of traditional Vietnamese food that you'll be raving about, as you enjoy the hospitality of your Dzay hosts.( B, L)
 
DAY 4:SA PA TREKKING

along rice terraces, through lush bamboo forest and local villages including that of the colourful Dzao hill tribe, and down to a rolling stream for a picnic lunch. After lunch, continue trekking along the rice terraces, trails and dirt roads into Ban Ho for an insightful night with your Tay hosts, where you'll sleep in the cozy loft complete with comfy mattress and a mosquito net.( B, L, D)
 
DAY 5: SA PA SHORT TREK

To the dirt road for the jeep ride back to Sapa. Enjoy a afternoon to explore Sapa town, great shopping in the market for local produce and you can buy handicrafts from many of the local hill tribes selling their wares there. Bus departs Green Trail Tours office in Sapa 4:30pm, arrive Lao Cai 6:00pm Night train back to Hanoi (soft sleeper aircon). Trip ends 5:00am Hanoi station.(  B).






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Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi - Quang Binh (L, D)

Departure from Hanoi by local bus, 4WD, or private vehicle to Ha Giang. Lunch on the way. Arrival in the afternoon in Quang Binh, Bamboo rafting is here to have a gentle and relaxing ride along the Silver River , this takes you through a few Tribal Villages where you can stop to chat. If it is particularly hot there, you can swim in the Bac (Silver) River. Very pleasant and giving you a feeling of being completely at one with your surroundings, and being in times past. Dinner and overnight in Quang Binh - either the government guest house (Government run... with A/C) or a home stay with a local family. At present that is the only choice of accommodation available. More plans are being made to provide Quang Binh with other alternatives.

Day 2: Quang Binh - Yen Binh - Tien Nguyen (B, L, D)

After breakfast, a car or motorbike will take you to the start of the trek. 5 hours trekking up and down the mountain views, valley. We will have a picnic lunch provided by the guide and porter. And continue on.... O/N with the Tay people.

Day 3: Tien Nguyen - Nam Khoa (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we will start by more than 4hours trekking, passing the rice terraces and visiting the villagers, here you can participate in the cooking of a local meal with your guide and Family... O/N with the Red Dzao.

Day 4: Nam Khoa - Nam Son (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we begin with 5.30 hours trekking: Today you will pass nicer rice terraces. This is a great opportunity for photos to be taken, ethnic groups meeting. The local dress of Dzao people is quite different to other ethnic costumes. Lunch during the trek and then back to. O/N in Dzao Ao Dai Village (This means: Long dress Dzao people)

Day 5: Nam Son - Suoi Thau (B, L, D)

After a healthy breakfast, we depart for a hard 7 hours trekking: magnificent view, meeting local people... O/N in Dzao Ao Dai (Long dress Dao people)

Day 6: Suoi Thau - Hoang Su Phi (B, L, D)

After breakfast, 4hours trekking to Hoang Su Phi. Free time for veiwing the tower and surroundings, then depart again to dinner and O/N in Hoang Su Phi in a guesthouse.
Day 7: Hoang Su Phi - Hanoi (B, L)
Breakfast, Then we'll visit the local markets and then depart back to Hanoi


Contact Lotussia Travel for more information and Book this tour.

Highlight: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Nghia Lo - Sapa - Bac Ha - Lung Khau Nhin Market - Ha Giang - Quang Ba - Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac - Cao Bang - Tong Cot - Ban Doc - Lang Son - Ha Long - Cat Ba Island - Hanoi

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: HA NOI - ARRIVAL (D)
 

On arrival at Ha Noi where we will be taken to our hotel for the night.

 Day 2: HA NOI - MAI CHAU (B/L/D)
 

We will arise early to visit Hoan Kiem Lake to photograph early risers meditating, doing tai chi, exercising and playing badminton. After breakfast, we will go on a ½ day city tour, visiting the Temple of Literature , One Pillar Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum. In the afternoon, we travel to Mai Chau where we will encounter our first experience with ethnic minority people. Late afternoon will be spent exploring and photographing the village and surrounding rice paddies. We stay overnight in a White Thai village having dinner and sleeping in traditional stilt house. In the evening we will be entertained with dances and songs as well as drink an alcoholic beverage called Ruou Can with long straws.

Day 3: MAI CHAU - NGHIA LO (B/L/D)
 

In the morning you are free to explore the town to buy local produce and embroideries or explore the surrounding countryside to photograph the locals going about their farm duties. After breakfast we commence our journey to Nghai Lo where we will begin to witness the spectacular mountain scenery of North-West Vietnam . This is where the density of ethnic minority people walking along the road or attending their fields begins to increase. On arrival in Nghia Lo, we check into our hotel before visiting a historical site marking the resistance of the Yen Bai people against French aggression and an ancient Thai village to discover how they go about their daily lives.

Day 4: NGHIA LO - SA PA (B/L/D)
 

We will arise early to photograph the town of Nghia Lo as it awakes. After breakfast we commence our journey to Sa Pa. On the way we will stop to visit a Lu minority village as well as climb Tram Ton pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam . On arrival in Sa Pa we will check into the hotel. The afternoon is free to visit Sa Pa township, Ham Rong Mountain or the Botanical gardens. That evening we will travel back to Tram Ton pass to photograph the sunset over Heavens Gate.

Day 5: SA PA (B/L/D)
 

Today we will trek down the mountain to Ta Van village. Along the way we will photograph the magnificent terraced rice fields and local minority people going about their day-to-day activities. After an enjoyable picnic lunch, we will continue our trek, walking through a number of minority villages and getting up close to the terraced rice fields. We will photograph the sunset over the terraced rice fields at our leisure. Tonight our accommodation will be a home stay in Ta Van village.

Day 6: SA PA - LUNG KHAU NHIN MARKET - BAC HA (B/L/D)
 

This morning we will arise early to photograph the sunrise over the terraced rice fields and minority people commencing their daily activities. After breakfast, we commence our 3 hour journey to Lung Khau Nhin Market which is one of the most untouched markets in North Vietnam . Here we will observe and photograph Nung, Flower H'Mong, Black Dao and Dzay minority people buying and selling their local produce. After spending the morning casually strolling around and photographing the markets, we will visit a Black Dao village called Sin Lung Chai. We then make our way to Bac Ha, where we will check into our hotel.

Day 7: BAC HA - HA GIANG (B/L/D)
 

We will arise early to visit and photograph Ban Pho, a Flower H'Mong village. We then commence our long journey to Ha Giang, through stunning countryside with valleys and mountains opening up on all sides and then along the remote Chay River Valley . During the trip, we may see Flower H'Mong, Nung, Co Lao, Red Dao, Dao Ao Dai, La Chi Pa Then and White H'Mong minority people going about their daily lives. Stops will be provided along the way for photography. Overnight in Ha Giang.

Day 8: HA GIANG - QUAN BA - DONG VAN (B/L/D)
 

Today we will experience a spectacular day of driving through amazing mountainous landscapes nestled up against the border with China . About 50km's out of Ha Giang, the road zigzags its way up the amazing Quan Ba Pass eventually providing a spectacular view over Quan Ba town and the surrounding countryside. Opportunities to take photographs will be provided along the way. We end out days journey at Dong Van, an isolated town atop a small hill. Dong Van is very beautiful with mountains, forests, hidden grottoes and multi-coloured orchid forests. In the evening, we will explore Pho Bang Street with its ancient multi-story clay brick houses.

Day 9: DONG VAN – MEO VAC – BAO LAC – CAO BANG (B/L/D)
 

We arise early to visit and photograph Dong Van market. After breakfast we commence our journey down Ma Pi Leng pass, providing us with what is regarded as the most stunning scenery in North Vietnam . We eventually descend into a beautiful valley that encloses Meo Vac before continuing our journey to Cao Bang, via Bao Lac. Overnight in Cao Bang.

Day 10: CAO BANG - TONG COT CATTLE MARKET - BAN GIOC WATERFALL - CAO BANG (B/L/D)
 

This morning we will be treated to a unique event that is rarely visited by tourists. We will visit the Tong Cot cattle market where 200 to 300 head of cattle are sold every 5 days. Afterwards, we will make our way to the beautiful Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Chinese border. The picturesque, cascading waterfall is 53m high and has an impressive span of 300m. The drive there and back also offers unique landscapes with limestone karst formations soaring from the rice paddies of the surrounding farms of local ethnic minorities. We will stop on our return trip to photograph waterwheels, which are only found in this part of Vietnam. Overnight in Cao Bang.

Day 11: CAO BANG - LANG SON - HA LONG CITY (B/L/D)
 

We will arise early to photograph Cao Bang as it awakes. After breakfast we will commence our long journey to Ha Long City stopping for lunch and a well earned break at Lang Son. After eating at a local restaurant we will travel to the surrounding limestone hills to visit a couple of impressive caves and the remnants of the ruined 16 th -century Mac Dynasty Citadel. We will then continue our journey to Ha Long City where we will check into our hotel before re-joining for dinner.

Day 12: HA LONG BAY - CAT BA ISLAND (B/L/D)
 

We will arise early to visit and photograph the local fish market. After breakfast, we will board the boat and commence our full day cruise of Ha Long Bay. We will visit Surprising Cave and photograph the bay, floating villages and fish farms. In the afternoon, we will climb up to the peak of Ti Top Island for a panoramic view of Ha Long bay. We will then make our way to Cat Ba where we will check into our hotel. You are then free to explore Cat Ba Island and photograph the sunset over the harbour. For those more adventurous types, you can arrange a boat to take you around the harbour at your own expense.

Day 13: CAT BA - NINH BINH - KENH GA (B/L/D)
 

We will arise early to photograph the sunrise. After breakfast, we board a 

Hydrofoil for transfer to Hai Phong City, where our buses will be waiting for us. After lunch in Hai Phong City, we commence our journey to Ninh Binh, stopping briefly at Thai Binh. We will then make our way to Kenh Ga Floating Village where we will witness and photograph the unique river life.

Day 14: TAM COC - HOA LU - VAN LONG - HA NOI (B/L/D)
 

This morning we will enjoy a 2 hour boat cruise through Tam Coc which boasts some absolutely breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, we will travel along rural roads amongst the rice fields and magnificent rock formations of the Hoa Lu area. After lunch we will visit Van Long Nature Reserve (2 hours) before commencing our journey back to Hanoi . We will stop at a market garden during the return trip to photographs rural life up close. On arrival in Ha Noi, we will check into our hotel before enjoying dinner at a charming restaurant at Hoan Kiem Lake.

Day 15: HA NOI - DEPARTURE (B/../)

We will arise early to visit Dong Xuan markets, the largest markets in Ha Noi. After breakfast we will go on a walking tour for 1 or 2 hrs in the old quarter, photographing the shops, street life and people going about their day-to-day activities. You will then have free time to visit Ha Noi or catch up on your shopping. In the afternoon, we will transfer to the airport for Your flight .

Contact Lotussia Travel for information and Book this tour.

Highlight: Hanoi - Ha Long bay - Cuc Phuong - Vu Quang - Phong Nha Cave - Hue - Hoi An - Cu Chi Tunnel - Mekong Detail - Ho Chi Minh

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Hanoi
 

Arrival in Hanoi followed by a transfer to our centrally located hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore Hanoi's tree-lined streets and wide boulevards. Tonight we have our orientation meeting and overnight in Hanoi.

 Day 2: Hanoi City Tour by Cyclo
 

Today our visits include the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and One Pillar Pagoda. After lunch we continue our sightseeing with the Fine Arts Museum, The Temple of Literature and The Hanoi Hilton (once a political prison and used by American pilots from 1964 to 1972). We also enjoy a tour of the old quarter by cyclo (three-wheeled bicycle rickshaw), the best way to explore this busy place. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 3: To Halong Bay
 

An early departure today to Halong via Ha Bac Province, which is the cradle of Buddhism in Vietnam. We board our boat and have a seafood feast lunch. We spend the afternoon exploring the bay, which consists of thousands of islands and islets formed by wind and water. The many limestone rock formations make for beautiful scenery and wonderful photos.We stop and visit Surprising Cave and Luon Grotto before dinner. We spend the night on the boat.

Day 4: Halong Bay, return to Hanoi
 

This morning we will continue to explore Halong Bay by boat. For early risers, the sunrise from the upper deck is a lovely way to greet the day from the water. We may see the fishing boats returning after the night fish. After breakfast, for anyone who wants to explore by kayak, the option is available at an additional cost. After a seafood feast for lunch, we return to the pier and then back to Hanoi. This evening we attend a water puppet performance and dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 5: Traditional village visit
 

This morning we take a short drive along the Red River for a ferry crossing to the traditional village of Binh Minh. We visit the village market and then walk to the Buddhist Pagoda dedicated to the female Buddha with 1,000 eyes and hands. We also visit a Taoist Temple dedicated to Chu Dong Tu and hear the emotional love story of Chu Dong Tu and his wife. After lunch, we drive to Bat Trang pottery village and take a walk through the workshop to observe how these well-known ceramics are made. We return to Hanoi and there is free time before dinner. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 6: Cuc Phuong National Park
 

We depart Hanoi and drive to Cuc Phoung National Park, the first national park of Vietnam, established in 1962. It is home to over 1983 types of plants, 89 animal species and over 320 types of birds. We first visit the Endangered Primate RescueCenter, which was also the first wildlife center in Vietnam. We may see Delacour's langurs, Cat-ba langurs and gibbons. We continue our exploration of the park with a hike. We will split into 2 groups, an easy hike to Sau Tree or a longer hike to the One Thousand Year Old Tree. Overnight Cuc Phuong National Park.

Day 7: To Vu Quang National Park along the Ho Chi Minh Trail
 

Depart Cuc Phuong for our scenic drive to Vu Quang National Park. During our drive, we pass along the infamous Ho Chi Minh trail, with several stops to enjoy the scenic beauty and photograph the beautiful mountainous landscape. Arrive late afternoon in Vu Quang. Dinner and overnight in Vu Quang National Park.

Day 8: Phong Nha Cave

We depart for Dong Hoi, once again driving along the infamous and beautiful Ho Chi Minh trail. Enjoy a boat ride on the Son river to visit Phong Nha Cave, one of the longest caves in Vietnam and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave holds traces of the Cham people, the rulers of central Vietnam before the 17th century. Admire the beautiful limestone rock formations found in the area. After lunch we continue to Dong Hoi. Afternoon is free to enjoy Don Hoi. Dinner and overnight Dong Hoi.

Day 9: Dong Hoi to Hue via Hein Luong & Thach Han Bridges (The DMZ)

Morning to relax. After lunch we drive from Dong Hoi to Hue, along Highway 1 into the DMZ (The Demilitarized Zone). We first stop at Hien Luong Bridge before continuing on to visit the Vinh Moc Underground Village, which is different from the more famous Chu Chi tunnels, as these tunnels and caves were used for living and not fighting. The Vinh Moc tunnels have also not been altered for tourists. We stop at Thach Han Bridge en route to Hue, where the USA and Vietnam exchanged POWs in 1972. Overnight in Hue.

Day 10: Hue Sightseeing

Today we sightsee in Hue, the most important of the ancient capitals of Vietnam. We visit Dai Noi Citadel and view this fantastic structure, based on Chinese designs in Beijing. We will also visit Thien Mu Pagoda and the Royal Tombs of Tu Duc and Khai Dinh. After lunch we visit the local Dong Ba market and take cyclos to explore the ancient streets of Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Day 11: Hai Van Pass, Da Nang Beach & Hoi An Sightseeing

Today we drive to Hoi An via the spectacular Hai Van Pass. We stop at the Cham Museum in Danang and have lunch at beautiful China Beach.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Hoi An - a ''iving museum'' because of its well-preserved architectural styles. This afternoon we have a walking tour of Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quaint pastel buildings line the streets, interspersed with colorful temples, small art galleries and meandering canals. We visit Hoi An Museum, a Chinese pagoda and an ancient Japanese Bridge. Dinner and overnight in Hoi An.

Day 12: Hoi An boat trip, Vietnamese cooking demonstrationn

Optional early morning visit to the fish market. After breakfast we enjoy a morning boat trip on the river to observe local life. We have lunch in a local restaurant in town. This afternoon we visit an orphanage or a local school (depend on day of the week). An optional walking or biking tour can be arranged if time permits. This evening we enjoy a Vietnamese cooking demonstration and try our hand at some appetizers, followed by dinner. Overnight Hoi An.

Day 13: My Son World Heritage Site

We drive today to the holy land of the Cham people, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son. The My Son ruins cover a large area and have beautiful groups of ruins of Cham towers and Hindu Temples.From the 3rd to the 13th century, there were 74 towers built by the Northern Cham (also referred to as the Betal Nut Clan). This afternoon is free to explore Hoi An. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 14: Hoi An to Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels

We travel today to Da Nang to catch our flight to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City). Upon arrival, we explore the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels, the Vietcong's underground tunnel system that, at one time, stretched as far as the Cambodian border. The network consists of over 130 miles of tunnels in the Cu Chi district alone; parts of which are several stories deep. There are trap doors, specially constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapons factories, field hospitals, command centers and kitchens ' all under ground!Parts of this remarkable tunnel network have been enlarged and upgraded and are now open to the public. Return to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for dinner and overnight.

Day 15: Saigon city sights

This morning we explore the sites of this fast paced city. Highlights include: Notre Dame Cathedral, the historic post office, the War Crimes Museum, and Reunification Hall. Lunch in Saigon. Afternoon free. Dinner and overnight in Saigon.

Day 16: Scenic drive to Dalat

We enjoy a long scenic drive to Dalat; along the way passing the villages of Bao Loc, Di Linh and Duc Trong. We visit the floating houses on Langna River and continue on to Bao Loc. We visit a local family and a workshop that raises silkworms to produce silk. This whole area is known for its successful economic policies and has vast plantations of coffee, tea and mulberry.

After lunch we will visit the Dambri waterfall and continue on to Dalat via Di Linh and Duc Trong. Crossing the mountain pass of Preen there are impressive views of Dalat with its French villas and colorful flowers. Dalat was a former hill station of the French colonials, and is known to the Vietnamese as the '€œCity of Flowers'. Dinner and overnight in Dalat.

Day 17: Dalat city sights

This morning we explore Dalat's sights: the colorful market, 'œCrazy House' the former Palace of the Emperor Bao Dai, and the Flower Garden. After this we will walk or bike around Xuan Huong Lake. We then have a relaxing stop at a coffee and tea house before enjoying free time to visit the local market. Dinner and overnight in Dalat.

Day 18: Dambri Waterfall, Saigon

After breakfast we journey back to Saigon. We stop for lunch in Bao Loc and try to return to Saigon before the heavy rush hour traffic. Dinner and overnight in Saigon.

Day 19: Cai Be, Tein riverboat trip

We drive today from Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) to Cai Be in Tein Giang Province. Upon arrival we board our boat to travel on the Tein River to the Cai Be floating market. During the day we get on and off the boat to explore local villages where we can see coconut candy, dried longan, rice cakes and fish sauce being made. We will also visit a local house that has a beautiful bonsai garden on our way into Vinh Long Province. We overnight in Can Tho.

Day 20: Saigon, floating market

We visit Cai Rang market this morning by boat. Cai Rang is a wholesale market and the sellers hang their products over their boats with a stake to advertise what is on sale. Afternoon free in Saigon. Farewell dinner and overnight in Saigon.

Day 21: Depart Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

We depart for the airport to board our international flights homeward.

Contact Lotussia Travel for information and book this tour.

Itinerary in brief

Day 1: Hanoi - Tuyen Quang - Quang Binh (-,L,D)
 

- Depart at 08.00 from Hanoi with Lotussia Travel guide by vehicle for Tuyen Quang Town Ship via Viet Tri, Phu Tho which takes about 4 hours including some tea breaks and viewing stops along the way. The drive of this part offers lively scenery of the northern country side from the Red River Delta to the midland of Phu Tho province with palm forest and tea plantation on the hilly land.
- Arrive in Tuyen Quang Township at about 12.00, lunch break.
- Leaving Tuyen Quang at 13.00 for 2 hours driving uphill along the Lo River to Vinh Tuy.

 - Take a short break at Vinh Tuy before taking a back road to travel through the prosperous lowland of Ha Giang province. This region stretches for over 50km long, lying between the Chay and Lo rivers with dozens of beautiful valleys separated by low mountain passages and being homes to the Tay ethnic peoples.
- 16.00 stop for visiting Chi village consisting of nearly 100 wooden houses built on stilts in the traditional style of the Tay which lies at the center of a spectacular valley.
- 17.00 leaving Chi village for Quang Binh town let. Checking in hotel, freshen up and Dinner.
• Total driving is 306 km. walking for about two hours for sightseeing and visiting villages.
• Staying overnight Ha Phuong Guesthouse: Air-coned and clean room, private bathroom with hot shower, western toilet.
• Lunch & Dinner: Vietnamese set menu

Day 2: Quang Binh - Nam An - Quan Ba(Tam Son town let)(B,L,D)
 

- Breakfast and leaving Quang Binh at 08.00 and driving 12 km to My Bac Commune and spend 20 minutes to visit the communal market before walking around My Pac village, paying visit to local homes to discover the unique culture of the Pa Then ethnic peoples. There is opportunities to see Pa Then women making traditional brocade and costumes.
- 09.30: Leaving My Pac Village and driving 38 km for about an hour to Nam An. This is a special tip of the day! At the top of the mountain pass about 3 km for the main road, great view of the below valleys, the Lo river… opens wide and far. Nam An used to be a narrow and deep valley, built into a lake for water storage to run a hydraulic power plant and now has become spectacular lake with a peninsular for eco-tourist sport. The group will spend an hour walking around the lake to pay visit to a Red Zao village whose culture and living style is remaining as its was for hundreds of years. Lunch in a house built by the water and relax. Clients may swim in the emerald clear water or moving around the lake on bamboo rafts or boats.
- Leaving Nam An at about 13.30 driving 45 km to Ha Giang and then uphill 43 km to Quan Ba. Clients will enjoy stunning landscapes along the Lo river from Nam An to Ha Giang and then the real high mountains cenery for an hour from Ha Giang to Quan Ba. At about 16.00 arriving at Quyet Tien Commune locating near the top of Quan Ba pass at 1000 m above sea level. Here the group will spend an hours enjoying marvel of nature and paying visit to 2 villages: One is Lung Muoi village of the H’mong with traditional living style of the highlander ethnics and the other, Vinh Tien village of the Kinh peoples immigrated to the region in 1980s in a government project attempting to give local minority ethnic peoples an example about intensive farming so that they can learn better farming technique from these immigrants.
- Continue by road 6 km to the top of the pass for another stop to admire magnificent scenery of a the large valley which is surrounded by high mountains including Quan Ba town let. Then driving down hill to Quan Ba before it get dark. Check in hotel, freshen up and dinner.
• Total driving is 136 km. walking for about 3 hours for sightseeing and visiting villages.
• Staying overnight Tam Son Guesthouse: Air-coned and clean room, private bathroom with hot shower, western toilet.
• Lunch & Dinner: Vietnamese set menu

Day 3: Quan Ba - Yen Minh - Pho Bang - Dong Van (107 Km) (B,L,D)
 

- Breakfast, check out hotel at 08.00, the group will pay a visit to a village of the Zao ao dai(Zao with long dress) 6 km away from the hotel which is well located in a fabulous valley with perfect nature setting for a culture discovery of this ethnic group in the region.
- Continue by road 4C along the Mtem river which sneaks its way between 2 high mountain ranges for 16 km to the foot of yen Minh pass. Here the group will take a walk for about 30 minutes to explore a village of the La Chi ethnic, one of smallest ethnic groups with only over 3000 individuals in Vietnam. - Passing over Yen Minh mountain pass with several stops for stunning scenery of the surrounding area, paying visit to a small Red Zao village near the top of the pass before descending downhill to Yen Minh town let for early lunch break.
- Leaving Yen Minh at about 12.00, the road gets steeper heading the limestone highlands. Rock and rock everywhere along the two sides of the road. Rarely appeared some narrow pieces of land and these are real treasure of the region for the local peoples, mainly H’mong to grow corn for their staple food. In this hard highland, peoples learn the best value of soil and water! Out of imagination but a truly fact that the H’mong peoples get soil from these pieces to carry uphill in back basket to put it in rocky holes to grow corn. - After 27 km driving through lime stone highland, the group arrives in Pho Bang, the ancient market and town let of the H’mong famous for the traditional two storey houses with clay wall of the H’mong. Spend an hours walking around this charming town let. - Leaving Pho Bang and driving back 5 km then getting downhill to the bottom of a long valley for another stop to visit Lung Cam village, paying visit to several homes of the H’mong including a 70 years old house where the famous Vietnamese film: The story about Pha’s life taken.
- Continues driving towards Dong Van for 14 km and arriving to the Vuong family palace, known as the King of the H’mong. The site is recognized as national historical site for its unique architectural structure as well as of its charm. - The last portion 14 km of the road to Dong Van offers unforgettable memory of the nature magnificence. Arriving at Dong Van at about 17.00, check in hotel, freshen up and clients may take an easy walk around the old street of Dong Van and the market.
• Total driving is 107 km. walking for about two and a half hours for sightseeing and visiting villages.
• Staying overnight Rocky Highland Hotel: Air-coned and clean room, private bathroom with hot shower, western toilet.
• Lunch & Dinner: Vietnamese set menu

Day 4: Dong Van - Lung Cu - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (B,L,D)
Opt1: On week day:
 

- Wake up early, breakfast at 6.30 and depart at 7.30 for Lung Cu, 26 km from Dong Van for visiting the northern most commune of Vietnam, especially paying visit to the only Red Lolo ethnic village. If on Friday, clients will have chance to attend the local communal market here, where some hundreds of ethnic peoples from H’mong, Zao and Lolo ethnic gather once a week not only for shopping but also for socializing. - Driving back to Dong Van, having a short rest, check out hotel and leaving for Meo Vac.

Opt2: On Sunday:
 

- Breakfast and joining the local for the market. Dong Van Sunday market is the biggest and famous market in the region taken place every Sunday. Same as the market in Bac Ha, Lao Cai, local ethnic peoples for villages in the region wear their best traditional costumes to go to the market as joining a festival for meeting, socializing…
- Check out hotel at 10.00 and leaving Dong Van for Meo Vac.
- This portion of the road is famous for tough road but stunning landscapes of Ma Pi Leng pass. The narrow road winds its way on deserted and walled-up lime stone mountain sides up and down hill for 21 km. Take a long break at the top of the pass to pay visiting to a small hamlet of the H’mong built on rock, then stop at the monument awarding to the builder of the road to admire marvelous scenery before descending to Meo Vac town let for Lunch break.
- Leaving Meo Vac at 13.30 along the newly built road for 50 km through the remotest region of the far north. Stop at Niem Son commune for enjoying the beautiful scenery of the valley where the Nho Que river meets the upstream portion of the Gam river. Continue driving along this back road for 20 km till Ly Bon commune where it meets national road 34, turn left and follow road 34 along the Gam river to Bao Lac(Cao Bang Province).
- Arriving Bao Lac in late afternoon at about 17.00, check in hotel, freshen up and then take a short walk around this charming town. If on Saturday, the town will be lively with ethnic peoples coming downhill from remote villages for the market on Sunday morning. There is a chance to meet the Black Lolo peoples who live in very high mountain and always wear beautiful traditional costumes when come down for the Sunday market.
• Total driving is 155 km. walking for about two hours for sightseeing and visiting villages.
• Staying overnight Bao Lac Guesthouse: Air-coned and clean room, private bathroom with hot shower, western toilet.
• Lunch & Dinner: Vietnamese set menu

Day 5: Bao Lac - Tinh Tuc - Ba Be national Park (164 Km) (B,L,D)
 

- Breakfast, check out hotel and leave Bao Lac at 08.00. If on Sunday, the group will spend an hour here for joining local tribal peoples at the market place and leaving later at about 09.00.
- Driving 73 km along national road 34 to Tinh Tuc with some stops along the way for beautiful landscapes. Walking about half an hour to visit a small village of the San Chay ethnic peoples at Hung Dao Commune.
- Lunch break at Tinh Tuc and then leaving the national road 34 for the provincial road 212, passing over the 15 km long Golia pass with stop at the top for magnificent scenery of the lowland of Cao bang province.
- Continue driving for another hour along this narrow road and arrive at Na Khao commune in mid afternoon. Here the group will pay visiting to the Lanh village of the Zao Tien(Zao with coins).
- Then take the last portion 30 km of the road to the hear quarter of Ba Be national park in an hour. Check in hotel, relax and free walking to explore the beautiful nature of the famous nature reserve.
• Total driving is 152 km. walking for about two hours for sightseeing and visiting villages.
• Staying overnight at Ba Be National Park Hotel: Air-coned and clean room, private bathroom with hot shower, western toilet.
• Lunch & Dinner: Vietnamese set menu

Day 6: Ba Be Lake boat cruise - Road trip to Hanoi (B, L,-)
 

- After breakfast, the group will take a 45 minutes walk through the well protected forest of the park to the lake side.
- Boarding a boat for the 3 hours cruise around the lake, one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam which is encircled by walled-up limestone mountains covered with thick forest. The boat cruise will be highlighted with the Fairy Pond, Dau Dang waterfall and especially part of the Nang river where the water pour to the lake.
- Arrive back to the head quarter of the park at 11.00, having an early lunch and then leaving for Hanoi.
- The whole afternoon is for driving 260 km for Hanoi along national road 3 via Bac Can and Thai Nguyen with some break along the way. Arriving in Hanoi at about 18.00 and the trip ends.
• Total driving is 260 km. walking for about one hour for, three hours boat trip.
• Lunch: Vietnamese set menu

Detail Itinerary

Day 01 : Hanoi - Arrival
 

Up on arrival at the airport in Hanoi, you will be met and transferred to hotel for check in until we injoy in a welcome dinner at one of the finest restaurant in Hanoi City.
Stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Include: Private car, Hotel in Hanoi, Tour guide, Dinner
 
Day 02 : Hanoi City tour
 
Our tour today starts after breakfast at the hotel, the destination will be Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum with Presidential Palace, One Pillar Pagoda, outside Ho Chi Minh Museum; the Temple of Literature. Free at leisure in the afternoon. At 5PM we have one hour cycle tour around the Old Quarter; after that we will enjoy the Water Puppet show at the Theater.
Stay overnight at hotel in Hanoi
Include: Private car, Hotel in Hanoi, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Entrance fee

Day 03 : Hanoi – Ba Be Lake
 
AM: Depart for Babe Lake, a mountain area which is nearly 200km far from Hanoi. Arrival on midday.
PM: Visit Ba Be area: Nang river, grotto's, waterfall, O/N at ethnic village Pac Ngoi where visitors can learn about the Tay people's customs. Enjoy meals of ethnic minorities. Overnight in guest's house.
Include : Private car, Hotel in guest's house, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 04 : Trekking To Tay's Villages
 
7 hours hard trekking to visit Tay's village accompanied by local guide. Take away lunch will be arranged. It takes 5 hour walk to the village - spend time with ethnic people. Overnight in the village of Tay people.
Include : Private car, Homestay, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 05 : Back To Ba Be LaKe
 
Trekking back to Babe Lake. At leisure on the day. Overnight in Babe guest house
Include: Private car, Guest's house, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 6: Ba Be – Tuyen Quang
 
Depart for Tuyen Quang. Lunch on the way. Overnight in Tuyen Quang
Include: Private car, Hotel in Tuyen Quang, our guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 7: Tuyen Quang – Ha Giang
 
Off for Ha Giang, the remote northern province of Vietnam, where H'mong poeple consider as their capital. Meet many ethnic villages en route with rich culture. Overnight in Ha Giang
Include: Private car, Hotel in Ha Giang, our guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 08: Ha Giang-Meo Vac-Dong Van
 
Depart early morning to visit the wonderful world of ethnic people. Get picture of many impressive scenery en route and colorful weekly market. visit the palace of H'mong king. Overnight in Dong Van.
Include : Private car, Hotel in guest's house, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 09 : Dong Van-Ha Giang-Tuyen Quang
 
Transfer back to Tuyen Quang. Overnight in Tuyen Quang
Include: Private car, Hotel in Tuyen Quang, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 10: Tuyen Quang-Bac Ha
 
Continue your trip to North West. Leave Tuyen Quang for Bac Ha. This day is a hard travelling by car but the scenery on route is incredible. Overnight in Bac Ha.
Include : Private car, Hotel in Bac Ha, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 11 : Bac Ha
 
Visit Can Cau Market, an outstanding feature of ethnic people in the North. Buying souvernir from ethnic people. Short walk to discover some surrounding villages. Overnight in Bac Ha
Include: Private car, Hotel in Bac Ha, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 12: Bac Ha-Sa Pa-Tam Duong
 
Depart for Tam Duong. Stop enroute to visit Sapa market which is organized weekly only in Saturday. 5 hours trekking to discover villages of ethnic minorities such as Sandiu, Hanhi, Xa that remains natural and unspoiled by mass tourism. Overnight in Tam Duong
Include: Private car, Hotel in Tam Duong, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 13: Tam Duong-Sin Ho-Lai Chau
 
Trekking by shortcut to SinHo villages. Car will run free and meet you at Sinho village. Continue to drive to Lai Chau town. Overnight in Lai Chau.
Include : Private car, Hotel in Lai Chau, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 14 : Lai Chau - Dien Bien Phu
 
Leave Lai Chau for Dien Bien Phu. Visit the old battle field. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu
Include: Private car, Hotel in Dien Bien Phu, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 15 : Dien Bien Phu-Son La-Mai Chau
 
Leave Lai Chau for Mai Chau. Enroute visit the prison of French war. Arrival in Mai Chau, join the activities to Thai minority. Overnight at house-on-stilt in Mai Chau.
Include: Private car, Homestay, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 16 : Mai Chau-Ha Noi
 
Leave Mai Chau for Hanoi. Free time.
Include : Private car, Hotel in Hanoi, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Entrance fee

Day 17 : Ha Noi-Halong Bay
 
08h30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi and drive to Halong
12h00: Arrival dock, get on the junk, check in, welcome wine
13h00: Lunch
13h30: Visiting Ha Long bay, Thien Cung cave (Palace of Heaven), Dau Go (grotto of wood), round over Tuan Chau island, Dog island, Dinh Huong, Ga Choi (fighting cock mountain), Turtle island, Titov beach. Enjoying sunset, having dinner, fishing-drinking and overnight on the junk.
Include : Private car, Boat trip in Halong Bay (A/C private cabin for 02 persons on boat), Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fee

Day 18 : Halong Bay – Hanoi
 
7h00: Breakfast
7h30: Visiting man’s head island, Tortoise island, Luon cave, Bai Tu Long bay, Bai Tho mountain and Ha Long market
11h00: Lunch
12h00: Return to wharf.
12:15: Pick up and transfer back to Hanoi. Arrives in Hanoi at 16:00.
Include: Private car, Hotel in Hanoi, Tour guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Entrance fee

Day 19: Hanoi Departure
 
Free time until transfer you to the airport to catch your flight back home.
Include: Private car, Breakfast.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Hanoi
 

Arrival in Hanoi. Welcome from the Lotussia Travel guide and transfer to your hotel. Free time to rest and get acquainted with the town. Welcome diner. Hanoi by night with a cyclo-pousse tour. Night at the hotel. Diner included.

Day 02: Hanoi – Vu Linh
 

Morning departure for the province of Yen Bai. After around 60 km, superb road snaking between majestic lime peaks and the rice fields. Arrival in Vu Linh for lunch with our Dao friends in their magnificent stilted house with an exclusive view of the lake. Swimming, strolling around… One savors that magnificent site. Diner and night in our friends’ lake house, a diner during which you will discover what Lotussia Travel means.Breakfast, lunch, and diner included.

Day 03: Vu Linh
 

Breakfast alongside the lake, then boat ride on the lake covered with hundreds of small islands shaped like upside-down bowls. Small tour of the local market before lunch. In the afternoon, walking, bicycling, cooking class, fishing, swimming, or, why not, learning how to row with your feet. Diner and night in our friends’ lake house.  Breakfast, lunch, and diner included.

Day 04: Vu Linh – Pan Hou
 

En route for Hoang Su Phi on a very beautiful countryside road. Arrival at the Tay ethnic tribe’s village of Pan Hou and check in our eco-lodge. Trekking, massage, herbal bath, etc. up to you to decide! Night in the eco-lodge bungalows. Breakfast, lunch and diner included.

Day 05: Pan Hou
 

Trekking day in the surrounding mountains, from terraced rice fields to Tay villages. Night in eco-lodge  bungalows. Breakfast, lunch, and diner included.

Day 06: Pan Hou – Ha Giang
 

After breakfast, visit of the local market, meeting place of all the region’s mountain tribes. Road to Ha Giang Province, at the border with China, famous for its wild preserved scenery. Night at the hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 07: Ha Giang – Meo Vac
 

Today, we drive on one of the most beautiful roads in Vietnam. Breathtaking scenery, end-of-the world atmosphere. Mountain slope road overlooking magnificent terraced rice fields, followed by a forest of lime peaks where Nature seems to have become insane and petrified for eternity in its delirium. Night at the hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 08: Meo Vac – Bao Lac
 

Discovery of Dong Van extraordinary weekly market Dong Van (Sunday). Mountain trekking to some villages. Night and diner in a Lolo home. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 09: Bao Lac – Ba Be
 

We cross the Lolo territory on a winding, wild, gorgeous to reach the one of the San Chi, H’Mong, and Dao, and arrive in the afternoon among the Black Tay, on Ba Be Lake, encircled by an extraordinary jungle. Night along side the lake in a stilted local home. Breakfast, lunch and diner included.

Day 10: Ba Be
 

We start our day of discovery of that magnificent national park with a boat ride to the Dau Dang Waterfalls. Lunch at Mr. Hien, a highly colorful man and a cook reputed in the entire region. Then trekking in the surrounding mountains covered with jungle and inhabited by Tay, H’mong, and Dzao. Diner and night in our friends’ lake house. Breakfast, lunch, and diner included.

Day 11: Ba Be – Hanoi
 

Small tour of the local market, then, road to Hanoi. Lunch on the way and visit of the Thai Nguyen Ethnographic Museum. Early evening arrival. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 12 : Hanoi – Halong Bay Cruise
 

Morning departure to Halong Bay. Infinite rice fields and the daily life of the Red River hamlets enlighten our trip before our arrival at the bay around twelve noon. Checking on our junk boat for a fairy tale cruise on the jade checkerboard. Sumptuous seafood on board. Night in a boat private cabin. Breakfast, lunch and diner included.

Day 13: Halong Bay – Trang An
 

Breakfast in the middle of the City of Lime Palaces enrobed in a morning mist. We continue our cruise of the mirrored waters. Return to the pier around 11AM, road to the fabulous site of Trang An via Thai Binh and Nam Dinh. In the province of Thai Binh, we visit a Keo pagoda, the imposing wooden architecture of which emerges in the middle of a magnificent village. End-of-the-afternoon arrival. Night at the hotel. Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 14: Trang An – Hanoi
 

We board a small sampan to explore the recently discovered site of Trang An, an “Halong Bay on the Ground”. Instead of the emerald green waters of the bay, it is the green of the rice fields which dominates. One of those sites where Nature seems to have become insane and petrified for eternity in its delirium. Boat ride amidst the lime rocks. Visit of Bai Dinh Pagoda in the village of Van Long. Stroll on an ox cart. Return to Hanoi to discover the pagodas disseminated in the countryside. Then boat discovery of the Kenh Ga floating village. Night at the hotel. Breakfast included.

Day 15: Visit of Hanoi
 

Thorough discovery of the capital of Vietnam. We start with the Small Lake or “Lake of the Reconstituted Sword of the Giant Turtle”; then, visit of the Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Quan Thanh Temple. In the afternoon, visit of the extraordinary Museum of Ethnography. Hanoi by night in a cyclo-pousse. Night at the hotel. Breakfast included.

Day 16: Hanoi Departure

Free time until your transfer to the airport. Take advantage for the last time of Hanoi’s atmosphere, its small street shops, a good little soup, and goodbye Hanoi!

Breakfast included.