Northeast Adventure 6 days ~ 'Explore the hidden treasures of Vietnam's Northern Mountains'
Routes: Hanoi – Ba Be – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc – Lang Son – Hanoi
Duration: 6 days
Features: An incredible journey by jeep or motorbike exploring the most splendid areas. Awesome limestone features and seemingly impossible mountain range obstacles with wonderful terraced rice fields. Suitable for those who appreciate geographical and cultural based eco-tours and prefer to adventure the untouched areas and explore the customs of the hill tribe people. Extremely attractive to picture-hunting travelers.
Difficulty: (3/5)
Itinerary at a Glance:
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Day 1: Hanoi – Ba Be
Day 2: Ba Be, boating and canoeing
Day 3: Babe – Cao Bang
Day 4: Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall
Day 5: That Khe – Lang Son
Day 6: Lang Son – Hanoi
Your Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi–Ba Be (220 km). This exotic journey of the Northeast begins as we depart from your Hanoi hotel. We drive up and pass through the undulating terrain of tea plantations in Thai Nguyen city. We will make a short stop for a visit and break at the Museum of Ethnology in Thai Nguyen town. Keep moving through many other timeless villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the Northeast region and the Hanoi Capital. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on traffic conditions, we will arrive at Ba Be Lake at about midday. After arriving at our home stay in Pac Ngoi village, we will have free time to walk around and meet the Tay people. Dinner and overnight in Ba Be. Includes: (L), (D).
Day 2: Ba Be Lakes, boating and canoing. Today we will spend the whole day visiting the beauty of Ba Be Lakes in a local hand-crafted wooden canoe. We will transfer to a boat dock, then glide along the river and to a nearby cave. Lunch is served near a beautiful waterfall. After lunch, we canoe our hearts out navigating into the tranquility of Ba Be Lakes. The afternoon's activities could include swimming and trekking, or sometimes a short visit to the ethnic minority villages. Rest at dinner then you are free to learn about the local people. Overnight at the home stay. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Ba Be–Cao Bang (90 km). As we say goodbye with Pac Ngoi village and Ba Be Lakes, we will take about a 2 hour walk on a flat road through the National Park. Our driver meets us at the center of the park, then we hit the road, and take a scenic 2,5 hour drive towards Cao Bang. Here the ethnic people of Hmong, Dao, Tho and Nung live together in harmony. We will arrive in Cao Bang town about 1:30 pm for our lunch, check in, and have a free afternoon for walking around the town. Overnight in Cao Bang. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 4: Cao Bang–Ban Gioc Waterfall–Dong Khe (130 km). Heading out of town, we start venturing into the most remote northern regions of Cao Bang Province. The scenic roads traverse Trung Khanh before arriving at Ban Gioc Waterfall, which boasts the biggest waterfall in Vietnam (although not full of water in the dry season). There is an enormous cave with two main entrances, one branch reaching almost all the way to the waterfalls where there is a second "secret" entrance. On the way back, we may break en route, as you wish, to visit hill tribe villages and take pictures. Overnight in Dong Khe. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 5: Dong Khe–Lang Son (150 km). An early morning departure to the historical cave of Pac Po, where Ho Chi Minh set up headquarters for the August Vietnamese Revolution in 1945. After seeing this special site we set off on a half day drive past the verdant and rugged mountain landscape, with a mixture of terraced rice fields and hill villages. We also traverse Dong Khe and That Khe on our way to Lang Son. This border town had been completely destroyed during the recent Sino - Vietnamese war, but was rebuilt to become an important trade center in the Northeastern region. Overnight in Lang Son. Includes: (B), (L).
Day 6: Lang Son–Hanoi (160 km). The central market of Lang Son and the legendary Tam Thanh Cave are visited the morning before we travel by road back to Hanoi. This is truly one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. The journey is long and challenging at times as we drive through many mountainous areas. The breathtaking scenery is some of the best in Asia. En route we encounter many ethnic minorities doing their daily work such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the fields. We arrive in Hanoi at around 5:00 pm. Our adventure ends at your hotel. Includes: (L).
Trip Reminder
* Mekong Delta Extension
Why not add a visit to the beautiful Mekong Delta to the start of your Vietnam holiday? Experience the lively markets and delightful scenery of the delta on this two-night tour extension
* Kayaking on Halong Bay
At Halong Bay, we stay overnight on board our comfortable boat. Weather permitting, you may be able to try kayaking on the bay before watching the sun set over the spectacular limestone islands.
* M 19288 Community Trust
The M 19288 Community Trust, a division of M 19288 Adventures, provides funds for local community projects and initiatives that promote responsible and sustainable tourism development in the destinations in which we operate. First and foremost, but not exclusively, the Trust supports projects and initiatives that advance education and employment within the tourism and hospitality industry. The Trust operates on a not-for-profit basis, with funds donated by M 19288, our staff and our travellers, with every cent going to the nominated projects.
By donating to one on the projects supported by The Heritages Travel Community Trust you will help promote responsible and sustainable tourism and make a positive difference for communities and travellers right now, and for the future
* Infrastructure and Tet Holiday Period
Please note that Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland.).The official Tet holiday period for 2009 will be from Saturday 24th January till Friday 30th January
This is an 'adventure' trip and we hope to expose you to all aspects of Vietnamese culture. Please be open-minded.
* Local Tour Leaders
By employing and training local guides to lead our group holidays, there is a two-fold benefit. Firstly, we provide employment opportunities for the local community.Your tour leader’s friendship,humour,passion and intimate knowledge of the region will be key factors in making your holiday a success.
* Tipping
Tipping has become an accepted part of tourism in South East Asia. Your tour leader will be able to advise you in this area; however, as a guideline we would recommend tipping 10% of the total bill in restaurants and a small tip to hotel bellboys for carrying your bags.
* At you pre-tour briefing your tour leader will discuss with you the idea of running a tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and then the tour leader pays the tips and keeps a record of all monies spent (except restaurant tips).
* It is customary to tip your tour leader,at the end of the trip, if you are happy with the service. A minimum tip of US$2 per day, from each member of the group, is the usual amount expected.
* Please be aware that flight times,trains,hotels and other services are subject to availability.Where flights/trains are cancelled or delayed Heritages Vietnam will endeavor to secure alternative arrangements of similar value,
* Hotels,flights,train’s details will be updated at time of booking confirmed (your fax of confirmation)
* This itinerary and supplementary information has been complied in good faith and was accurate at time of writing.
* Please help travel responsibly in Vietnam so that you will have wonderful memories.
* Check–in: 14:00; out: 12:00 noon.Early check in if it is subject to availability.
* Booking Terms & Conditions: Tour itinerary and tour prices are subject to change without notice.Please contact us for farther
* What to Bring: Passport, Change of clothes, Sun-glasses & hat, Towels, lot of Film,Toiletries, Sun-block, Insect repellent, Flashlight, Proper footwear, Sleeping bag, Camera, Raincoat or Umbrella, Cable locks for luggage, Personal first aid kit & medicines, small VND notes for buying drinks.
* Car/Van Quality: Using new AC car or van depending on your group size.
* Where: Trip starts & end in Hanoi
* When the trip could do: All year round;
*** Accommodation offering in this trip( O/N-Overnight)
Hanoi: Galaxy/Hoa Binh/Thien Thai
Ba be Lake : Home stay
Cao Bang :
Dong Khe
Lang son: ( contact for farther )
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Includes:
-Land around trip transport AC van
-Hotels in Home stay
-Meals as As indicated;(B=Breakfast,L=Lunch,D=Dinner)
-Local English/French speaking guides/leader
-All entrance and sightseeing fees in the program
-Permit
-Boat trip
-Purified water.
Tour Excludes:
-International airfares & airport taxes in/out of Vietnam
-Hotel early check-ins and late check-outs
-All drinks & other meals not mentioned
-Travel insurance
-Visa to Vietnam (We can arrange both visa approval letter and visa on arrival upon request)
-Personal expenses (laundry,telephone, shopping, etc.)
-Others not mentioned in details,Tipping and Gratuities are welcome!
Rate in USD Per person
-If 2-4 persons:Cost in USD760.00/Pax (Home stay hotel)
-If 5-7 persons:Cost in USD660.00/Pax
-Single Sup + N/A
* Upgrade tour to 4 stars Hotels is N/A
* Contact us for your arrivals dates
* Trip price valid unstil Dec.2009
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Vietnam
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Farm Stay & Ranching
National Parks
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