This exciting trip is designed for anyone seeking the combination of adventure and relaxation. Starting from Hanoi, you spend a day exploring the charm of this delightful town before heading to the mountainous region to see many different hill tribe groups. They have interesting local culture and colorful history. You drive through the breathtaking landscape and the historical Dien Bien Phu Site to the former French hill station of Sapa, and soak up the sea and sun on a half day cruise in Halong bay

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy on a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Ha Noi
Today we spend a full day exploring the charming Hanoi City. The first stop is Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation's founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh's house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The sightseeing also includes the outlaying Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive back to the town center, stopping at the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. They are some major highlights set by the beautiful West Lake. We see these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 3: Hanoi - Son La
The journey northwest begins as we depart Hanoi and pass through the undulating terrains of tea plantations, terraced rice fields and sleepy villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. En route we have several stops to stretch our legs and visit some roadside villages. The thrilling drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon depending on road and traffic conditions. We check in hotel and enjoy a short walk around this mountain town. There is a little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in traditional costume scurry in all directions. O/N in Son La. (B)

Day 4: Son La - Dien Bien Phu
The provincial museum and the top hill old prison are some of major sights in Son La Town. We include these in a short morning tour before we wind our way past the stunning mountain scenery. The road conditions are very poor therefore we need to bring along our spirit of adventure until Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam's struggle for independence in 1954. Once reaching Dien Dien we drive around to see this fast growing town and make stop at Dien Bien Phu museum which details the event in place. We follow it with a visit to the strategic hill A1 and the old battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and artillery pieces. O/N in Dien Bien Phu .(B)

Day 5: Dien Bien Phu - Tam Duong
Heading out of Dien Phu Phu Town, we spend a full day travelling into Vietnam's most mountainous region. The roads are difficult at times, but the spectacular landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and colourful local population makes the hardship all worthwhile. Along the way we encounter the mountaineers going about their daily business. These local villagers are almost the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people who still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. We arrive in Tam Duong by late afternoon and may have time strolling around. This small hill town is surrounded by the breathtaking mountain backdrop and frequently visited by the ethnic minority people. O/N in Tam Duong. (B)

Day 6: Tam Duong - Sapa
The breathtaking north scenery is unequalled although the conditions are very basic. Today we continue driving along a zigzag route to Sapa. The road conditions is very poor in some places but it is still a wonderful trip for photograph hunters as we pass though the various scenic water falls, charming villages and rolling mountains. The hill station of Sa Pa was founded in early last century and rapidly became an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape from the unbearable heat in plains. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, it has some warm days and cool evenings. Today we can soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending the time to wander around and catch the first look of Sa Pa. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 7: Sa Pa Hiking
The mountain range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam's highest peak and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. Heading out of town we embark on a walk, using the local tracks to Lao Chai village, home of the Black H'Mong people. The footpath traverses some terraced rice fields, giving us a chance to see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for some fantastic views. We arrive at Ta Van hamlet and visit the Zay ethnic minorities who are very friendly and welcoming. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 8: Sapa - Muong Khuong - Bac Ha ( Sunday)
Today we embark on a rough but scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to Muong Khuong. This remote hill town is famous for the colourful Sunday market. There are various ethnic minority groups including Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay but the dominants are the Flower Hmong people. These ethnic minorities are recognisably distinct by their dress and come in town for trade on every Sunday. On arrival we stroll around this colourful congregation to see the different hill tribe groups and their amazing trading way. Upon leaving Muong Khuong, we make our way to Bac Ha and spend the rest of day for some trekking options. We walk past Hmong King's former residence and Ban Pho Village where they make the potent local maize alcohol . O/N in Bac Ha. (B)

Day 9: Bac Ha - Yen Bai - Hanoi
The colourful market will be left behind as we leave Bac Ha for Hanoi and drive through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery. Once reaching Yen Bai Town we again cross the Red River and travel following the river bank towards Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. Along the way we can make stop as we please, to simply stretch our legs and catch some wonderful shootings of peaceful villages, lush vegetation as well as farmers at work. O/N in Ha Noi. (B)

Day 10: Hanoi - Ha Long
The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam's most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of town we make our way to Halong Bay passing by the scenic countryside. On arrival we board a traditional boat for a five hour trip around this natural wonder. The exciting cruise provides us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. We have a huge seafood lunch served on board and continue sailing out. 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. O/N in Ha Long. (B,L)

Day 11: Halong - Bat Trang - Hanoi
The wonderful time in beach ends as we embark our vehicle and drive past the scenic rural landscape. En route we make stop to visit the riverside craft village of Bat Trang, where distinctive ceramics are made and used throughout the delta region for over 500 years. The vitality of this village is still blown up by the hundreds of pottery kilns on fire day and night. We stroll around various cottage industries and watch craftsmen forming, painting and glazing their products in traditional ways. The reminder of day will be free for your own exploration of Hanoi's older quarters or simply relaxation. O/N in Hanoi. (B)

Day 12: Hanoi - Departure
There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. (B)

INCLUSIONS: + Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver in delta and 4 WD in mountain region as specified: - New model 4 WD car on deluxe class tour - Medium model 4 WD car in superior and first class tour - Old model 4WD in standard class tour + Accommodation : twin sharing room at mentioned hotel and mini hotels or similar one + Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner + English or French speaking guide + Entrance fee to indicated sights + Water puppet show + Cyclo trip + Boat trip in Halong Bay

EXCLUSIONS: Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room supplement, personal expenses, travel insurance, visa, flight in / out of Vietnam, any optional additional tours or activities during free time, surcharge for peak season, local holiday days and gala dinner

TRIP NOTES

-VIETNAM IS A DEVELOPPING COUNTRY WHOSE INFRASTRUCTURE MAY DIFFER FROM WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM YOUR HOME LAND. THE ROAD CONDITIONS ARE POOR AND THE ACCOMMODATION MAY BE BASIC IN REMOTE AREAS

-THE DRESS STANDARDS ARE CONSERVATIVE THROUGHOUT ASIA. LOOSE , LIGHTWEIGHT, LONG CLOTHING ARE ALL RESPECTFUL AND COOL IN ASIAN HOT CLIMATE. IN ADDITION TO YOUR ITEMS OF PERSONAL CLOTHING, WE SUGGEST YOU TO BRING TRAINER OR SNEAKER SHOES, JACKET FOR COLD WEATHER, TORCH/FLASH LIGHT, HAT, RAIN COAT FOR WET SEASON, SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES, DAYPACK, TOILETRIES AND SMALL TOWER, INSECT REPELLENT.

-THE ITINERARY IS CORRECTED AT THE TIME OF VIEWING. OCCASIONALLY, THE PROGRAMME CHANGES AS WE MAKE IMPROVEMENT STEMING FROM OUR PAST TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS AND OUR OWN RESEARCH OR DUE TO LOCAL CONDITIONS OR CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL. THIS INCLUDES FESTIVAL, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WEATHER AND FLIGHT DELAY,.. THAT MAY EFFECT THE ITINERARY.

-THE TRIP INCLUDES SOME MEALS AS MENTIONED AT THE ITINERARY HOWEVER OUR GUIDE WILL BE ON HAND TO ADVISE YOU AS FAR THE AVAILABLE RESTAURANTS WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY LOCAL FOOD AT YOUR OWN BUDGET. THE MEAL COST IS ALL DEPENDING ON YOUR CHOICE OF EATING PLACE. THE PACKAGE TOUR WITH FULL BOARD MEAL IS ARRANGED UPON REQUEST .

-THE MARKET OF SA PA AND MUONG KHUONG IS HELD ON WEEKEND ONLY SO YOU NEED TO PLAN THE STARTING DATE OF YOUR TRIP , WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO VISIT ALL IN A GOOD ORDER.

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