8 days North East Expedition

Hanoi, Bac Ha, Viet Quang, Ha Giang, Quan Ba, Bao Lac, Cao Bang, Ba Be, Hanoi.

This expedition takes us through some of the remote regions in the northeast of Vietnam. Colourful markets, cultural diversity and the unique sceneries make this an unforgettable adventure.

Day 1 Lao Cai / Bac Ha
Bac Ha is situated in a region of breathtaking beauty, known for its colourful Sunday market. Upon our arrival in Lao Cai railway station in the early morning, we drive to Bac Ha town (70 km by car).

We head out for some exploration of the township. In the early afternoon we follow the trail winding through the tiny tribal settlement of Tay and plum orchards and then proceed due north over hillocks and verdant farmland.

When we have finished our hike we are the guests of a Flower H’mong family in Lung Phing village. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 2 Bac Ha / Viet Quang
From the Lung Phing we take a 2-hour trek to Can Cau Market. It is an open-air traditional market on Saturdays. We discover some of the area’s finest scenery marked by dramatic rice terraces and hilltribal villages scattered along the way.

It is the best time for appreciating the market. This is followed by a drive to the downtown of Viet Quang for an overnight stay in a hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 3 Viet Quang / Ha Giang / Quan Ba
Ha Giang is one of the most remote provinces in North East Vietnam. The area is home to some of Vietnam’s most colourful hill tribe minorities. We arrive in Ha Giang for lunch. In the early afternoon, we head north of Ha Giang to Quan Ba District.

The area is populated by Dao ethnic people and encircled by truly awesome remote forested mountains. We combine a long, but gentle hike (about 3 hours) with an opportunity to stay with a Dao family. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 4 Quan Ba / Bao Lac
The beauty of the surroundings tempts us to follow the rugged trail setting off through verdant hills and tangled jungle growth. Eventually, the trail arrives at a tiny village perched nearby the township of Quan Ba.

From there we board our vehicle and make our way to Bao Lac for an overnight stay in a guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 5 Bao Lac / Cao Bang
We take to the road again for a 90 km drive, arriving in Cao Bang around lunch time. In the afternoon we go to Tra Linh, an area far removed from everything industrial and loud. We hike up to some Tay traditional villages on the steep slopes.

We find one of the few places in Vietnam that are blessed with unique landscapes featuring vast mountain complexes and spectacular valleys. The night will be spent in a hotel in Cao Bang town. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 6 Cao Bang / Ba Be
About 150 km east of Cao Bang, we depart Cao Bang at 8 a.m and embark on a route up into mountain areas onwards to Ba Be Lake National Park.

This is one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam, home to many kinds of birds, scenic valleys, towering rocky outcrops, underground river tributaries, and a gigantic cave.

All of the villages in the park are not necessarily ethnic Tay. Those located high up on the slopes are inhabited by Green H’mong and Red Dao hilltribal people.

Following a relaxing boat trip and a hike along the riverfront, we stay overnight with a Tay family in a traditional house. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 7 Ba Be Lake
The day begins with a morning hike in the park. Later, we descend into the scenic valley, home to the Tay minority people and encircled by rock formations. We cross the rolling hills and pass H’mong and Red Dao villages.

The scenery is extraordinary, with rural farmland and rugged mountains jutting out of the tangled jungle growth.

After a short boat trip along the lake, we end our day in the park’s headquarters, where we spend the night at a comfortable guesthouse. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 8 Ba Be Lake / Hanoi
We visit the thriving, local market of Chu and the Museum of the Cultures of Vietnam’s Ethnic Groups in Thai Nguyen province on our way back to Hanoi.

Following lunch in a local restaurant, it is our drive back to Hanoi, arriving there at around 5pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included).

The facts…

Physical activities:

Your itinerary includes walks and hikes, which are mainly on gentle terrains with:

- a 9-11 km hike on Day 1.

- a 6-9 km hike on Day 2.

- a 9-12 km on Day 3.

- a 6-8 km hike on Day 4.

- a 5-7 km hike on Day 5.

- a 2-3 km hike on Day 6.

- a 9-12 km hike on Day 7.

- a 2-3 km hike on Day 8.

You need to be reasonably fit as the hikes and the treks can be challenging sometimes, depending on the weather conditions.

From June to September, the climate is usually humid and hot. From October to July brings cooler and more pleasant weather.

Transport:

- vehicle.

- boat.

Tour Guides:

Our experienced and friendly Tour Guides speak excellent English or French.

They are extremely knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.

Meals:

- 7 breakfasts.

- 8 lunches.

- 7 dinners.

We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, homes or markets.

We cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking..

Accommodation:

- overnight train (1 night).

- hotels (2 nights).

- guest houses (2 nights).

- homestays (3 nights).

Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided.

Trip cost:

- US$ 558 per person for a group of 2 to 3 people.
- US$ 497 per person for a group of 4 to 7 people.

The cost of the trip includes:

- transportation.

- accommodation.

- meals.

- Tour Guides.

- entrance fees.

- permits where applicable.

The cost of the trip does not include:

- travel insurance.

- drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water).

- personal expenses.

What to take:

Pack essentials for 8 days, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for walking and hiking.

It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...