Walking in Northern Vietnam

Walking in Northern Vietnam

28 October - 10 November 2024

MODERATE

In October I will be hosting a 14-day trekking trip to northern Vietnam, home to some very unique and magnificent hillside scenery. It will culminate in a visit to Cat Ba island. Each day will consist of a 4-5 hour walk of around 10 miles. The evenings will largely be spent in homestays with local Vietnamese families and occasional hotels. 

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Itinerary

• Day 1 - Arrival at Hanoi International Airport

  On our arrival we will be collected and driven to our hotel, the Hanoi Pearl (4 star). We will dine together locally that evening.

• Day 2 - Drive to Hoang Su Phi

  After breakfast we will meet our guide and drive to Ha Giang in the Hoang Su Phi district. We will have a few stops in some villages on the way. Lunch in Pan Hou village. In the afternoon we will trek for 2 hours to higher village and see the terraced rice fields. Dinner and night at a homestay.

• Day 3 - Hoang Su Phi Trek

  Today we walk for 3 hours through terraced rice fields to an ethnic village where we will take lunch. In the afternoon we will trek for 2 ½ hours. Dinner and night at a homestay in the village.

• Day 4 - Hoang Su Phi Trek

  After breakfast walk for 3 hours through terraced rice fields to another village for lunch. In the afternoon we will trek for 2 ½ hours to Thong Nguyen village. Dinner and night at Hoang Su Phi Lodge.

• Day 5 - Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang – Thon Tha’ s Village

  In the morning, after breakfast, we will take a 3-hour local morning walk followed by lunch in Ha Giang city. In the afternoon we will walk for 2 hours around the villages of Thon Tha and Van Do. Dinner and night at Ha Giang Homestay.

• Day 6 - Ha Giang – Quang Ba – Yen Minh - Dong Van

  Today we will drive 60km (4 hours) to Dong Van, stopping on route at Pho Bang village where the Han live (Chinese origin) and Pho Cao village. Simple lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will continue to Dong Van and visit the H'mong king's house, then continue the trip to the highest point of Lung Cu where the national flag is flown from the peak, with great views into China and a beautiful panorama. Back to Dong Van town for the evening. Dinner and overnight at Hoa Cuong (3 star) hotel.

• Day 7 - Dong Van

  After breakfast we take a 3-hour morning walk towards Thien Huong’s ethnic village. Lunch picnic at the border of Nho Que river. In the afternoon walk 2 hours local walk. Dinner and night at Hoa Cuong (3 star) hotel.

• Day 8 - Dong Van – Happiness Road - Meo Vac

  This morning we visit the weekly market in the morning. Lunch in town. In the afternoon we will drive to Meo Vac, including a walk of 2 hours to the summit of the mountain situated along the Happiness Road. Night in the homestay of Meo Vac Ethnic community.

• Day 9 - Meo Vac – Tu San’s Canyon - Quang Ba

  Today we take a cruise on the Nho Que river to see all the beauty of the mountainous area and especially the Tu San’s canyon, unique in Vietnam. Lunch in Meo Vac town. In the afternoon we drive to Quang Ba via beautiful mountain roads. Visiting, a geographical park and the village of Pao, often used in films about Vietnam. Dinner and night at a homestay in Nam Dam village.

• Day 10 - Quang Ba – Ha Giang - Hanoi New Item

  In the morning, after breakfast, we make our way back to Hanoi with photo stops and visits along the road. Lunch at the local restaurant on the way. We will check back into the Pearl hotel. Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.

• Day 11 - Hanoi – National Park Cat Ba – Trekking – Cat Ba

  Today we depart for Cat Ba Island by ferry and have lunch on arrival. In the afternoon we will walk through Cat Ba National Park for 4 hours. We will then check into the 4* Paradise hotel in the Centre of Cat Ba City.

• Day 12 - Cat Ba – Hai Phong - Hanoi

  Today we move to the Ben Beo pier where we take the junk for a cruise to explore Lan Ha bay and floating villages for 5 hours. Visits and swimming stops are planned. Lunch on board the Junk. Return to the hotel and then return to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi, direct transfer to the Pearl hotel.

• Day 13 - Hanoi - City tour

  In the morning, after breakfast, we have a guided tour of Hanoi including the Ethnographic Museum, Temple of Literature, the Tran Quoc Pagoda founded in the 5th century and the Ngoc Son Pagoda in Hoan Kiem Lake. Return to the Pearl hotel for dinner.

• Day 14 - Hanoi – return flight

  After breakfast we return to the airport for our return flight.

Costs

£2,150 per person

(Assuming 7 clients)

Included

• Accommodation:

• All accommodation (one private room)

• All meals, except in hotels (although breakfast is included)

• Cruise Junk in Cat Ha and Lan Ha bay

• Private Car during the trip

• Private Tour Guide speaking English

• All tickets & the boat trip mentioned in the program

• Authorization permits for the treking

• All transport including collection and return to the airport and in National Park Cat Ba

Not included

• International flights and taxes

• Visa Fees

• Meals in hotels (other than breakfast)

• Personal Travel Insurance

• Drinks and tips for the guides

Costs are based on a twin or double room sharing basis.  Please ask for the single supplement rate.

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If you have any questions or would like to discuss any details regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us.