Explore North – East Loop(from Sa Pa)( 9 days – 8 nights)

Itinerary:

DAY 1: SAPA - LAO CAI - BAC HA(Sun day)

The weekend market of Bac Ha also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups such as Hmong, Dao Tuyen, Pa Di, Tu Di and Phu La.

Arrive after 2,5 hours by car. We will explore one of the most colourfull market in the North of Vietnam. At the market you will see the local people they selling their products such as clothes, fabrics, animals. etc. There is a wonderful experience to wander around this colorful congregation. In the afternoon, we will walk to visit the Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where villagers make the potent local maize alcohol. O/N in Bac Ha. (B)

DAY 2 : BAC HA - SIN MAN - HOANG SU PHI - HA GIANG

Upon leaving Bac Ha we set off on a full day journey through Sin Man and Hoang Su Phi to Ha Giang Town.

The rough but scenic route traverses a dense jungle before crossing over a pass and dropping down to Sin Man. This day is a real challenge for our driver as we travel by winding roads with many uphill and down hill drives. 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. O/N in Ha Giang. (B)

DAY 3: HA GIANG - SA PHIN - DONG VAN

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. O/N in Dong Van. (B)

DAY 4: DONG VAN - MEO VAC - BAO LAC - NGUYEN BINH - BA BE LAKES

An early morning start to drive through the rolling hills and the picturesque scenery to Ba Be National Park.

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.

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. Depending on road and traffic conditions we arrive in Ba Be by late afternoon or early evening, but it is till an interesting day. O/N in Village home stay. (B,D)

DAY 5: BA BE LAKES

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. O/N in Village home stay. (B.L.D)

DAY 6: BA BE - CAO BANG - PAC PO CAVES

The following destination of our trip is Cao Bang Town.

After breakfast we set off on our half day journey past the spectacular mountainous landscapes, with a mixture of steep terraced rice field and hill villages. Along the way, we can made stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and shoot some wonderful photographs. Afternoon we heading out of town , we make our way north to the historical cave of Pac Po where Ho Chi Minh set up the headquarter for the August Vietnamese Revolution in 1945. Then drive back Cao Bang . The remainder of the day will be free to explore the town or simply to relax. O/N in Cao Bang. (B)

DAY 7: CAO BANG - BAN GIOC WATERFALL - CAO BANG

We must be to make travel permission to the border of China for Visit Ban Gioc waterfall(the most beautiful waterfall in Viet Nam), on the way to Ban Gioc you have many stop for see as weaving cloth and dyeing with indigo of minorities by Tay and Nung people. O/N in Cao Bang (B)

DAY 8: CAO BANG - LANG SON - HALONG

Continue trip to Lang Son you through the tranquil town of Dong Khe and That Khe. The drive will deliver us into Lang Son by late afternoon. This border town had been all destroyed during the recent Sino - Vietnamese war, but was rebuilt to become an important trade center in north eastern region The lively central market of Lang Son and the legendary Tam Thanh Cave are visited this morning before we depart for Ha Long, truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. The drive is difficult at times as we travel through many mountain areas. Their breathtaking scenery is some of the best in Asia. We have some opportunities en route to visit the Tay, Nung and San Diu hill tribe people. On arrival in Halong we spend the remainder of the day for a well- earned rest on a Beach. O/N in Ha Long. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: HA LONG – HA NOI

Today we embark on a sailing boat for an exploration of Ha Long Bay.

This exciting five hour cruise provides a fantastic view of the 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 return to Hanoi. O/N in Hotel Ha Noi. (B,L)