Trekking routes across the karst plateau of Dong Van Town, situated in northeast Ha Giang Province, have become increasingly popular since being recognised as part of the Global Network of National Geoparks (GGN) in 2010.

There are lot of trekking routes in Ha Giang province. Some amazing trekking routes can be available around Dong Van, Quan Ha.

The 18km route from Ma Le to Thien Huong, in Dong Van has become known as the valley of rocks due to its spectacular natural appearance.

As per schedule, tourists are taken to Ma Le Village, 5km from central Dong Van, via van before embarking on a full-day tour.

“The trip is amazing. The landscape and natural conditions across the 1,600m above sea level area has lured many travellers,” said Tuan.

“The wild routes offer the perfect conditions for memorable experiences such as barbecues,” he said.

Tuan added that tour groups are always accompanied by local Mong guides to avoid people getting lost.

Tourists are additionally provided with sticks and jungle-knives to help them make their way through dense undergrowth.

Ta Lang Village, home to the hospitable Giay and Tay ethnic groups, is the first stop.

“Because tourists often can’t speak their language, the hosts may refuse to welcome them into their homes. That’s where we as guides come in handy,” said local guide Li Thanh Hong.

“We always prepare lunch near the Nho Que river-bank while often buying either goat or chicken meat for barbeque parties in the jungle,” Hong added.

Tourists are also allowed to catch fish and cook for themselves.

“It’s like a wild life lunch. Local guides often teach tourists how to catch fish by hand,” said tour guide Luc Thi Thuy.

She added that fish is mostly grilled alongside moss while chicken is coated with clay before being placed on the fire.

The last and final trek of the day, running 7km uphill from the river-bank to the top of the Ma Pi Leng mountain pass, takes a challenging two hours.

The tour reaches its end on top of the Ma Pi Leng mountain pass from where tourists are taken back to Dong Van Town to while away the afternoon in exploration.

Tourists always benefit from exploring the UNESCO recognised town as a member of the Global Network of National Geoparks.

The town’s main market day falls on Sundays while it lights up with lanterns on Saturday nights.

Dong Van Town is a definite must on the tourist radar due to its spectacular natural surroundings and its well preserved cultural and ethnic heritage. (Vietnam News)

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Day 1: Hanoi – Laocai by train.

You will be met up with Lotussia Travel guide, driver at your hotel in Hanoi and transferred to Hanoi Railway station for the night train to Laocai. Train SP? Departure at 20:30 (to be advised). Overnight on board train.

Day 2: Arrive Laocai early this morning. Travel to Bac Ha (B,L,D).

Arrive at Lao Cai Railway station early this morning. You will be greeted by Lotussia Travel local team and transferred to a local restaurant for early breakfast.

After a short rest, travel to Bac Ha. Visit Bac Ha market, the biggest market in the area.

Every Sunday, different ethnic groups come to the market  to sell their homemade products or buy something for the family. They are Hmong, Phu La, Back Dzao, Tay or Nung minorities. Some of these ethnic minorities can’t be met in any other areas.

Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in town.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short easy walk to a H’mong village near Bac Ha town.

Dinner and overnight in Bac Ha.

Day 3: Transfer Bac Ha – Ha Giang. Start trekking (B,L,D).

Breakfast at hotel. You will be transferred to the trekking point where we will begin our trek along a narrow trail on steep hillsides.

Lunch will be provided in a local village (picnic).

After lunch, continue trekking through the forest to the top of mountain range (hard trek) and then downhill to a Red Dzao village.

Dinner and homestay in a stilt house.

Day 4: Continue trekking Ha Giang hill tribe villages (B,L,D).

Spend the whole morning trekking along a large path with great view over a Nung village.

Lunch will be provided in a local hill tribe village (picnic).

After lunch, we will follow a narrow footpath trekking for about 3 hours (hard trek) up and downhill through the thick forest. Visit the rock-field with scripts carved by ancient peoples. Arrive the village around late afternoon.

Dinner and homestay in a local house.

Day 5: Continue hiking Ha Giang province (B,L,D).

Transfer along a paved road to the southern side of the mountain. Enjoy 3 hours easy trekking through Tay and Dzao villages along the narrow valley.

Lunch will be provided in a local house (picnic).

After lunch, continue our trek crossing the river to the southern bank, then uphill, downhill to a Dzao village.

Dinner and overnight in a house on stilt.

Day 6: Trekking. Transfer to the main road. Travel back to Hanoi (B,L).

Travel the dirt road to Quang Binh, Ha Giang. Then have quite a full day drive to Hanoi. Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant en route.

Arrive Hanoi around late afternoon. You will be dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi (own arrangements). The end of Lotussia Travel service.

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Day 1: Ha Noi – Ha Giang province (L,D).

8:30: You will be met up at your hotel in Hanoi by Lotussia Travel team and transferred to Thong Nguyen (Ha Giang Province).

Enjoy several stops along the way for stunning scenery of the northern countryside and the Vietnam far north mountainous region.

You will arrive in Ha Giang at about 5 pm. Check-in the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Trekking Ha Giang hill tribe villages  (B,L,D).

After breakfast, we will leave follow a small trail for about 2 km.

We will trek uphill along a dirt trail for about 2 hours and then downhill for 1,5 hour passing by some small villages of the Nung ethnic.

Lunch will be provided en route.

After lunch, we continue trekking uphill along a magnificent valley, sneaking on mountain sides which offers great scenery of the villages of the Nung and Zao scattering around the valley.

We will arrive at the village around late afternoon.

Dinner and overnight in a local house (Homestay).

Day 3: Continue trekking Ha Giang (B,L,D).

After breakfast, we will say good bye to the Nung local host and continue trekking along a single dirt trail for 3 hours uphill passing two villages of the Dao peoples. This portion offers marvelous landscapes for its beauty of nature.

Lunch will be provided on the foot of a mountain.

The trail gets narrower in the afternoon, winding its way up and down hill for 4 hours through local hill tribe villages (Dao & Nung), and then bamboo and thick rain forest as well as tea plan tation.

We will arrive in Nam Li around late afternoon. Check-in homestay for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Continue hiking through Ha Giang hill tribe villages and terraced paddy fields  (B,L,D).

The trek today is a real challenge! The narrow dirt trail sneaks its way mostly uphill (from 370 m to 622 m high) through an untouched region, via several small villages of the Nung and Red Zao who will be very excited at meeting the first tourists to come to their villages.

Then the trek goes through thick forest for nearly 2 hours to the top of the mountain range.

After lunch break, the trail gets wider as we descend to another village is also an authentic one, inhabited by the H’mong people who used to grow poppy for opium production until recently. Spend an hour to explore this village before continue trekking downhill to the center of the commune.

We will arrive in the homestay around 5pm. Check-in local house for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Trek Ha Giang (B,L,D).

It is an easy day today! The dirt path is large and gradually goes downhill for 4 hours, passing through tea plantation, terraced rice paddies and villages of the Nung, H’mong and Zao.

Lunch will be provided en route.

Once reaching the bottom of the valley, the group will injoy an hour by the clear water of a stream before trekking uphill for 2 km to  the homestay where we will spend the night.

Dinner and overnight in local village.

Day 6 – Hike Ha Giang villages. Travel to Bac Ha (B,L,D).

The first hour is an easy walk along a large path. Here the group will spend ½ hour to admire a wonder: The rock field including some dozen rocks of different sizes and shapes bearing messages of the ancient men.

Lunch en route.

Then, we will follow a narrow trail for 2 hours uphill through the thick rain forest and then 3 hours downhill until we reach a H’mong in mid afternoon.

You will be picked up by Lotussia vehicle and transferred to Bac Ha.

Check-in hotel.

Dinner in a local restaurant in Bac Ha.

Day 7: Visit a regional tribal market – Overnight train to Ha Noi (B,L).

Today is a relaxing day! The group will attend one of the regional markets of the local tribal ethnics includes the Flower H’mong, Phu La, Tay…

Lunch will be provided in a local restaurant in Bac Ha.

In the afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai where you will take the overnight train back to Hanoi. Train ??? Departure at ??? (To be advised).

Overnight on board train. End trip.

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Travel Highlights: Magnificent, beautiful landscapes, wild nature of the Chay River Massif in the far north; Discovery and experiencing of local tribal ethnics’ unique cultures and ways of life; Joining tribal ethnic peoples at one of the traditional market: Bac Ha, Can Cau, Cao Son, Lung Khau Nhin, Muong Khuong.

Day-by-day tour itinerary:

Day 1: Overnight train to Lao Cai.

You will take the night train from Hanoi station towards Lao Cai.

Day 2: Full day visit to a Market + easy trek to a M’mong village (B,L,D).

The train arrives at Lao Cai Station approx at 5h30 where your Lotussia Travel local guide and driver are waiting. You will enjoy your breakfast in a local restaurant in Lao Cai.

You will then go from Lao Cai to one of the markets, depending on which day today is. There are the markets of Coc Ly (or Ban Cam on Tuesdays), Lung Khau Nhin (Thursdays), Can Cau (Saturdays) and Bac Ha (or Muong Khuong or Muong Hum on Sundays), all located in the surrounding mountainous area, 70 – 90 km from Lao Cai. All of the markets are colorful with many different hill tribes living around the market, gathers in a morning of the week. They come to the market not only for purchasing their local products, but also for their special social event.

Transfer to Bac Ha town. Check into a local hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short trek to a H’mong village.

Day 3: Bac Ha – Ha Giang. Start trekking (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the trekking departure point. Some stops may be made en route for you to enjoy the nice scenery.

Start trekking along a narrow trail on steep hillsides through Flower H’mong villages.

You then trek uphill through the forest. After about one hour and a half, you will reach the top of a Mountain range (hard trek). You will then trek downhill for 2 hours to a village where both the DZao and the Tay live together. Here you will be picked up by Lotussia vehicle and transferred to the homestay. This portion of the road offers spectacular landscapes. You may want to make many stops for taking picture before arriving to the homestay where you will spend the night.

Day 4: Continue trekking Ha Giang hill tribe villages  (B,L,D)

Breakfast and departure at 08.30 a.m.

You will spend the whole morning trekking along a large path which offers great view. After about three hour trek, you will arrive in a Nung ethnic peoples.

Lunch will be provided en route.

The two and a half hour trek you will do after the lunch is challenging. You will trek over the Mountain, through the thick bamboo and rain forest.

Then easy walk 1 hour to home stay.

Continue trekking for 3 hours along the same trail via Flower H’mong’s village. Here you will be picked up by your Lotussia vehicle and transferred to the homestay. A stop will be made en route for you to visit the famous rock field with carving of ancient scripts.

You will arrive in the home-stay at about 05.30 pm. Check into a local house for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Continue trekking in Ha Giang (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you will leave the homestay at about 9:00 a.m. You will be transferred to the mountain pass where you will begin your trek through thick rain forest to the southern side.

Enjoy a 3-hour leisure walk as you trek through Tay and Zao villages. You trek along the narrow valley until a stop will be made for lunch.

After lunch, you continue your trek . You then trek uphill to a Dzao village. This village is beautifully set on the southern bank of the river and endowed by nature with a mineral hot spring.

You will be picked up again by your Lotussia vehicle and transferred to Thong Nguyen. Dinner and overnight in Pan Hou ecolodge.

Day 6: Thong Nguyen – Hanoi (B,L)

Full day transfer from Ha Giang to Hanoi.

—> Contact us for more information about tour departure and cost.

—> More Vietnam trekking tours.

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They also have the authorization to stay overnight in 4 border districts: Dong Van, Meo Vac, Lung Cu and Bac Me.

Normally travellers coming to Ha Giang from Hanoi, spend the first night in Ha Giang town, apply for permit at police station and continue the trip the next day. For those who come to Ha Giang province from Cao Bang or Ba Be National park, they can also apply for the travel permit in Meo Vac or this document can be arranged through Hanoi tour operator.

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Trip Highlights: Magnificent, beautiful landscapes, wild nature of the Chay River Massif in the far north; Discovery and experiencing of local tribal ethnics’ unique cultures and ways of life; Joining tribal ethnic peoples at one of the traditional market: Bac Ha, Can Cau, Cao Son, Lung Khau Nhin, Muong Khuong.

Day-by-day tour itinerary:

Day 1: Overnight train to Lao Cai.

You will take the night train from Hanoi station towards Lao Cai.

Day 2: Full day visit to a Market + easy trek to a M’mong village (B,L,D).

The train arrives at Lao Cai Station approx at 5h30 where your Lotussia Travel local guide and driver are waiting. You will enjoy your breakfast in a local restaurant in Lao Cai.

You will then go from Lao Cai to one of the markets, depending on which day today is. There are the markets of Coc Ly (or Ban Cam on Tuesdays), Lung Khau Nhin (Thursdays), Can Cau (Saturdays) and Bac Ha (or Muong Khuong or Muong Hum on Sundays), all located in the surrounding mountainous area, 70 – 90 km from Lao Cai. All of the markets are colorful with many different hill tribes living around the market, gathers in a morning of the week. They come to the market not only for purchasing their local products, but also for their special social event.

Transfer to Bac Ha town. Check into a local hotel.

In the afternoon, enjoy a short trek to a H’mong village.

Day 3: Drive Bac Ha – Ha Giang. Start trekking (B; L; D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the trekking departure point. Some stops may be made en route for you to enjoy the nice scenery.

You will begin you day adventure in a Phu La village. You trek on  a narrow valley for 3 hours. Continue trekking for 2 more hours and arrive to a H’mong village. Have a short walk around this village; visiting local school and some local houses will help you understand more the local way of living.

After visiting this village, you will be picked up again by your Lotussia vehicle and transferred to the homestay. This portion of the road offers spectacular landscapes and you may have many photo stops on the way.

Day 4: Continue trekking Ha Giang area (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you will continue your trek following a large path. Enjoy great view en route. After three-hour trek, you will arrive in a Nung village.

Lunch will be provided near the village-school.

After lunch, you will continue trekking on the same trail. You will trek through a H’mong village to a Zao village. You will be picked up again by your vehicle and transferred to Ha Giang ancient rock field.

Arrive in the home-stay . Dinner and overnight in a local house.

Day 5: Continue trekking Ha Giang hill tribe villages (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you will leave the village at about 9:00 a.m. You will be transferred to a mountain pass where you will begin your trek through thick rain forest to the southern side.

Enjoy a 3-hour leisure walk as you trek through Tay and Dzao villages.  You trek along the narrow valley until a stop will be made for lunch.

After lunch, you continue your trek crossing a River to the southern bank. You then trek uphill and then downhill to a Dzao village.  This village is beautifully set on the southern bank of the river.

You will be picked up again by your Lotussia vehicle and transferred to Thong Nguyen. Dinner and overnight in Pan Hou ecolodge.

Day 6: Pan Hou Ecolodge, Ha Giang – Hanoi (B,L)

Full day transfer from Ha Giang to Hanoi.

—> Contact us for tour availability and cost.

—> More Vietnam trek tours.

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Dong Van, a land of harsh life  in Ha Giang province, Northeast Vietnam but bears the magic beauty has long been a famous spot for photo hunters because of miraculous beauty as sunset falls on stone rocks of cat-ears.

Dong Van district is a high-border region of Ha Giang. 1,000 m above the sea surface, terrain is composed of mostly mountain rocks. The district is only 146 km from Ha Giang town but transportation is very difficult. In winter temperatures sometime drop to 1oC and in summer hottest time is just around 24oC, it is foggy throughout the year

Dong Van has the extreme point of North Vietnam in Lung Cu. It is said that if not on Lung Cu, it has not yet considered to be in Dong Van, Lung Cu is reckon as the “rooftops of Viet Nam” where one turn their face down to touch earth and turn up to touch heaven”.

Dong Van famous for its delicious fruit: peach, plum, pear, apples.. Dong Van is also famous for its scenery such as mountains, caves, the forests colorful flowers, ulticoloured orchid forests, plum and peach trees, persimmon orchards, and more… The plateau provides famous products such as Hau plums, peaches, and persimmons without seeds. Dong Van apples are as big as pears. In Dong Van, numerous valuable plants used for their medicinal value are found, including ginseng, anise, and cinnamon. This place is created for artists a source of inspiration to make works of art, photographers do not have a two in the world of nature: forests, mountains, fields stairs … unique photos which cannot be found anywhere in the world about nature, mountains, forests, rice terraces…

Visiting Dong Van, tourists in Vietnam travel can see Pho Bang, also called Pho Bang Street, which was built a long time ago and features multi-storey houses made of clay bricks and tile roofs. Visiting Dong Van on Sundays, one can shop in a very original mountain market where all kinds of goods and multicoloured clothes can be purchased.

For tourists in Vietnam travel, reaching Dong Van is an opportunity to test your courage with heavenly high passes and deep abyss, sometime one has to walk. But in exchange, you are immersed with the majestic nature, living alongside people still poor but full of joy and happiness in life.

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You will be picked up at Lao Cai Train station by Lotussia Travel team and then transferred to Bacha. Your trek start from Lung Phinh market to Ta Chai village, home of Fula minority. Arrive later afternoon at the H’mong ethnic minority village of Pa Chu Ty II, our destination for overnight. The villages are unused to the presence of foreigners so we are encouraged to tread gently. The accommodation here is basic. Overnight in homestay.

Day 2: Pa Chu Ty II – Then Van – Lung Cai (B,L,D)

After  breakfast  at  local  home  stay,  the  trek  today  leads  through  beautiful  sightseing  on  narrow footpath  to  the H’mong  village  of  Then  Van.  Discover  the  daily  life  of  the  local  people.  Continue trekking to Lung Cai – a delightful village located at the moutain side of H’mong area.  Welcome for dinner and overnight in homestay.

Day 3: Lung Cai – Hoang Nhi Pho – Ban Gia (B,L,D)

Once leaving Lung Cai, following the trekking route to Hoang Nhi Pho through rice paddy and maize plantations . Lunch will be prepared by Lotussia logistic team on the spot. After lunch, you will continue the trek toward Ban  Gia  village.  Enjoy  your  dinner  in  a  private  local  house  and  spend  the  night  at  Mr  The’s homestay.

Day 4: Ban Gia – Nan Ma (B,L,D)

Breakfast  at  local  home  stay. A  great  days  trek,  undulating  sometimes  steeply  up  and  down  and through natural  landscapes  to arrive  finally at  the  isolated H’mong village of Nan Ma. The villagers are friendly and curious and the countryside and village very impressionable. Spend one more night in the H’mong village of Nan Ma at Mr Sinh’s house.

Day 5: Lan Ma – Lan Lung – Coc pu II (B,L,D)

The trekking is easier today and is punctuated by the exciting crossing of Nung ethnic minority area. Reaching relative civilization of terraces of paddy fields, house tools as brick, smith  and more. Have a break at Nan Lung village where the group will have lunch in a local house before continuing the last destination of Coc Pu II village. Overnight in a comfortable house in Coc Pu, a village inhabited by the Nung minority.

Day 6: Coc Pu II – Sin Man – Hoang Su Phi (B,L,D)

After breakfast, there are three kilometers of warking to Coc Pai town in Xin Man district of Ha Giang province.  Your Lotussia car will  be waiting  to  drive  you  to  Sin Man,  one  of  the  pourest  district which  has border with Lao Cai province and China. Lunch will be in a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight in local guest house in Hoang Su Phi.

Day 7: Hoang Su Phi – Tung San (B,L,D)

Breakfast  at  hotel. Transfer  by  car  to  the  start  point  of  your  treeking  today.  You will  trek  15  km through the beautiful scenery and local villages. Lunch will be served at a nice spot. Continue to the Black  Dao  ethnic  of  Tung  San  for  dinner  and  overnight.  Mr  Tan  Van  Sai  will  have  pleisure  to welcome you at his house.

Day 8: Tung san – Dan Khao – Cao Banh (B,L,D)

After having breakfast, your  trek will begin  from Tung San  to Dan Khao  then Cao Banh. Lunch on route. Dinner and overnight at Mr Phan Van Dau’s homestay (Black Dzao ethnic minority).

Day 9: Cao Banh – Ban Trang – Khuoi Hop – Ha Giang (B, L)

Leaving Cao Banh, you will take the trekking route to Trang village then continue toward Khuoi Hop. Once  reaching village Len  in Viet Lam you will be  transferred by car  to Ha Giang. Dinner  in  town. Overnight in hotel in Ha Giang. End of service.

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You will be met up with Lotussia Travel guide at your hotel in Hanoi and transferred to Hanoi station for overnight train to Lao Cai.

Day 2: Lao Cai –  Bac Ha

You will be greeted by Lotussia Travel local team at Laocai station and transferred to a local restaurant for breakfast. Enjoy a full day cycle from Laocai to Bac ha with stops en route for visiting local tribal villages.

Day 3: Bac Ha – Xin Man

We will bike across one of the most remote parts of northern Vietnam. At first we tackle a steady climb of 6km on good paved road but then turn into short section of jeep track. After around 3-hr riding we will have a picnic lunch wherever we find  good for that. After lunch we continue riding to Xin Man, a small and busy town near Chinese border. Xin Man is around 75 km from Bac Ha and the biking in the afternoon is not less challenging than the one in the morning. We will climb for the first hour or so up to a plateau at 2500m, where we have fantastic view before hitting rough paved road for a steady descent into Xin Man. During the biking we will have regular stop for break, snack and taking photo. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

Day 4: Xin Man – Hoang Shu Phi – Ha Giang

Today we take a gentle ride covering 90km from Xin Man to Viet Quang Town. The ride takes us down to a bridge over the main river and for the next 40km we ride along a quiet road that gently climbs and follows the river upstream to Hoang Shu Phi, a quiet town at 1000m. Have a break in town for snack and refreshment then continue with downhill quiet road 60km to Viet Quang. We will have a late light lunch in Viet Quang Town then take a bus transfer to Ha Giang Town, the capital of Ha Giang Province which is the final frontier in northern Vietnam, a lunar landscape of limestone pinnacles and granite outcrops. Dinner and overnight in Ha Giang Town.

Day 5: Ha Giang – Bac Me – Bao Lac

Today the ride is mostly road based. At first we tackle 12 km climbs and then it is an undulating, idyllic route through friendly villages and paddy fields, surrounded by jagged limestone hills. Around noon time we will reach Bac Me Town where we will have lunch in local restaurant. After lunch we will continue riding to Bao Lac. The long and gentle section in the afternoon can be done partly by biking and partly by driving. We may ride around 35km on quiet road then take a drive to Bao Lac Town where we stay overnight in a simple guest house. Dinner in town.

Day 6: Bao Lac – Tinh Tuc – Ba Be Lake

Having a relaxing breakfast and then we leave the town around 9am. Today we will enjoy the last ride of our trip. We start with a climb 6km, followed by an undulating quiet road though scenic villages. We will have snack break on the way and have late light lunch in the small town of Nguyen Binh. After the lunch we will take a relaxing drive to Ba Be National Park. We will stay  overnight in the beautiful village of Pac Ngoi, which is home to Tay people who live on Ba Be Lake in stilt house. Our hosts will cook us a great dinner and we will have a great time talking with the friendly hosts.

Day 7: Ba Be Lake – Cho Ra – Hanoi

After the breakfast we say goodbye to the hosts and take a short walk through the village. We will board a long boat for a fantastic boat trip on the stunning Ba Be Lake. This lake is one of the country’s largest natural lake, surrounded by limestone cliffs, waterfall, caves and an abundance of wildlife. The interesting boat trip lasts around 1.5hr and we will ride along the Nang River to reach Cho Ra Town. Drive 5hr back to Hanoi with a lunch stop on the way. We arrive in Hanoi about late afternoon.

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This morning we enjoy a half day city tour starting with the Ho Chi Minh Complex. This famous site contains the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace , the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts  and the One Pillar Pagoda. The following sights are the Temple of Literature and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. We also make stop at  the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. Heading out of the town, we travel by road to Mai Chau, an idyllic valley populated by the many White Thai people. There are some opportunities en route to visit the Dao Son Dau and the Muong hill tribe groups. O/N in Mai Chau.

Day 2: Mai Chau – Son La.

Upon leaving Mai Chau the roads begins to deteriorate; however many villages dot the hillsides and undulating terrain make for an interesting journey. Along the way we stop in Xa Linh for a two hour trek past many timeless hill villages which are home of the Hmong hill tribe people. Travelling across the Moc Chau Plateau  we catch a glimpse of the many tea plantations and see the Black Thai hill tribe people. They belong to the same Thai ethnic group, but are  different from the White Thai in Mai Chau by their tradition and habits. O/N in Son La.

Day 3: Son La – Dien Bien Phu.

The provincial museum and the nearby old prison are some of this hill town’s major sights. We have a chance to visit these before we leave for our next destination. The winding roads cross over the Pha Din Pass before reaching Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam’s struggle for independence in 1954. After checking into our central located hotel we  enjoy a walk around to see this fast growing town. Our  main stop  is Dien Bien Phu’s Museum which details the event in place. We also pay a visit to 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 .

Day 4: Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau.

The journey north continues on to Lai Chau Town, our base for exploring the surrounding areas 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. After checking into hotel, we embark on a boat for a two hour trip along the Da River, passing through the stunning mountain landscapes. The pace is very relaxed, a perfect way to observe the local lifestyle close up. O/N in Lai Chau.

Day 5: Lai Chau – Sin Ho – Tam Duong.

Today we continue venturing into northern Vietnam with the next stop being Sin Ho which is home land of  the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang and Dao ethnic minorities. They are settled there longtime ago and still retain their traditional culture and habits. The trip to Sin Ho is occasionally suspended due to the restriction of the local authority. Departing Sin Ho we make our way past the hilly region to Tam Duong. This timeless town is surrounded by  stunning mountain backdrops and lush tea plantations. O/N in Tam Duong.

Day 6: Tam Duong – Sapa.

The scenery of the north is unequalled although the conditions are very simple. After breakfast we drive following the main artery of trade in northwestern region. This bumpy road links to many hill towns and villages. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa was founded in the early years of the last century as a hill resort for French administrators when the heat on the plain became unbearable. After checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much as we want by spending our time wandering around this charming town and some legacies of the French period. O/N in Sa Pa.

Day 7: Sapa.

The huge range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to 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. We get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to discover this beautiful mountain region. Along the way we traverse several rustic villages and see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. O/N in Sa Pa.

Day 8: Sapa – Bat Xat – Laocai.

Heading out of town, we make our way through the breathtaking mountain landscape to Bat Xat. The weather  in this region is cool due to the high altitude. On arrival, we embark on a short walk, passing through several villages which is populated by the Phu La, Dao and Giay ethnic minorities. They are very poor, but have an interesting local culture and a colorful history. A part of the pleasure of travelling in this region is the simple joy of seeing hill tribe people. We continue our  trip to Lao Cai border town, our final destination. O/N in Lao Cai.

Day 9: Lao Cai – Bac Ha.

The weekend market of Muong Khuong also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups such as Hmong, Dao, Thu Lao, Pa Di, Tu Di and  Phu La. After breakfast, we embark on a  two hour drive delivering  to Muong Khuong Town. There is a wonderful experience to wander around this colorful  congregation. In the early afternoon, we travel by roads  to Bac Ha. This is basically an overnight stop to break our long journey. After checking into hotel we can enjoy 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.

Day 10: Bac Ha – 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 traverse 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.

Day 11: 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.

Day 12: Dong Van – Meo Vac.

The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. 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 recognisably 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. We return to Ha Giang via Yen Minh, using a shortcut way.  O/N in Ha Giang.

Day 13: Meo Vac – Bao Lac – Ba Be Lakes.

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

Day 14: 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 Cha Ra.

Day 15: Ba Be lakes – Hanoi.

Enjoy a full day drive from Ba Be lakes to Hanoi.

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1. Northern Vietnam Challenging Adventure Trek travel through Hanoi Tuyen Quang Ha Giang Bac Ha Sapa Lai Chau Dien Bien Phu (8 days)
2. Vietnam Ha Giang 4WD tour – Hanoi Ba Be National Park Meo Vac Dong Van Quan Ba Yen Minh (7 days)

Leaving Hanoi and breaking out of the delta plains, we pass through endless limestone karst scenery as we travel south through “Thay Pagoda”, country and extensive farming lands comprising a sea of paddy fields split by tree-lined roads. Arrive in Vulinh in late afternoon, here we stay overnight with friends of the Dao’s minority in a traditional stilt house.

Day 2: Yen Bai – Ha Giang, 180 km, 5 hr ride.

Beautiful ride today along Thac Ba lake, during your way, you will have chances to visit many roadside ethnic villages and markets. Lunch in Tuyen Quang. Continue to Ha Giang for overnight in a Hotel

Day 3: Ha Giang – Dong Van,

Today ride must be highlights of the trip as we will visit one of the most remote land in Vietnam where are special with many ethnic groups with their unique cultures and imposing mountains – the “Heaven Gate” in Quan Ba, Rock Plateau and the Vuong palace in Dong Van. Tonight, we stay in a hotel.

Day 4: Dong van – Bao Lac, 100km, 4hr ride.

After the breakfast, let spend your time to visit Dong Van old street and if it falls on Sunday, you will have great opportunity to visit the weekly maket of Dong Van where gathers many ethnic groups and their local products. The market is like a festival for the local to enjoy the time with friends, talking, drinking…Continue to Bao Lac via Meo Vac and the highlight will be the conquering the Ma Pi Leng pass. Upon arrival, check in and stay in a guesthouse in Bao Lac.

Day 5: Bao Lac – Ba Be Lake, 100km, 4 hr ride.

Today we continue to Babe lake & national park where the landscape is amazing and the homestay is another unique experience. Upon your arrival, you are free at leisure to do the boat trip (own expense) or walk to explore the village of the Tay people. Overnight in homestay of a Tay family.

Day 6: Ba Be Lake – Hanoi, 240km 7 hr ride.

Staying off the main road for as long as possible we head back towards the Red River Delta, passing through areas inhabited by Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung minority peoples. A mixture of both challenging track and glorious sealed road all the way back to Hanoi.. Tour ends.

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