Discover Vietnam’s elegant capital Hanoi with its tree-lined boulevards and French colonial architecture. Journey to the remote North West of the country – a mountainous area of outstanding natural beauty, inhabited by a myriad of colourfully dressed ‘hill-tribe’ peoples – where we’ll trek through the spectacular scenery, visit traditional villages and stay in the delightful old French hill-station of Sapa. A 3 day trip to the coast for an exploration of World Heritage Sites, Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, and a stay on an unspoilt island complete this varied and fascinating tour of Northern Vietnam.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Departure from London
Day 2:
Arrival in Hanoi and check-in to a downtown hotel. Afternoon free to relax or explore the city before a welcome dinner in one of the city’s leading restaurants.
(D)
Day 3:
Day tour of the city: including Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum, the 11th century university, Hoan Kiem Lake and a walking tour of the narrow streets of Hanoi’s bustling old commercial quarter. In the evening catch a performance of the highly original water-puppets.
(B)
Day 4:
Head North West through spectacular scenery to Son La district, with a stop-off to visit a traditional ‘Black Tai’ village – just one of the many ethnic groups inhabiting this mountainous region.
(B)
Day 5:
Continue through some even more dramatic scenery to the remote town of Dien Bien Phu on the Lao border. Now a quiet, provincial backwater and colourful market centre for the surrounding ‘montagnard’ peoples, in 1956 this isolated valley was the site of the catastrophic French defeat that lead to the end of their rule in Indochina.
(B)
Day 6:
Morning tour of the museum and key sites of the important battlefield with the afternoon to relax by the pool or explore the lively local market.
(B)
Day 7:
On to Lai Chau – a tiny, isolated and rarely visited town, lying in a beautiful valley close to the borders of Laos and China.
(B)
Day 8:
Explore the area by boat and on foot – discover the stunning landscapes of emerald green paddy fields ringed by jagged mountain scenery, the lush flora and the traditional way of life of the local hill-tribe people.
(B)
Day 9:
Jeep or 4WD for our last leg over the high mountain ranges along the Chinese border, culminating in Tram Ton Pass at nearly 6,000 ft. before descending into Sapa town. Stay in an old French style hotel overlooking a spectacular valley in the shadow of the mist shrouded Fansipan Mountain – at over 9,500ft the highest summit in South East Asia.
(B)
Day 10:
Explore the town, wander through the bustling market or simply sit back on your balcony and admire the view.
(B)
Day 11:
Trek through the area’s incredible scenery – known to the French as the Tonkinese Alps – terraced rice paddies, lush forest, towering peaks and crystal clear waterfalls. Overnight in a Hmong tribal village.
(B)
Day 12:
Return to Sapa and transfer to nearby Lao Cai town for the night sleeper train to Hanoi.
(B)
Day 13:
Morning arrival in Hanoi and on to Haiphong and Cat Ba Island in Halong Bay. Afternoon to explore the small port town, swim, or visit the nearby Cat Ba National Park.
(B)
Day 14:
Day boat trip through the incredible scenery of World Natural Heritage Site, Halong Bay, with stop-offs for swimming and cave visits before reaching our destination at Halong town.
(B)
Day 15:
Return to Hanoi and a chance for some last minute shopping before an evening departure for London.
(B)
Day 16:
Morning arrival in London.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes dinner on first night, all breakfasts, all transport, local guides, activities and the services of a one of our tour leaders for the duration of the tour. Price does not include visas.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Cultural Journey
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