Ha Giang and the North East of Vietnam

Day 1 Depart the UK

Today depart the UK on the direct Vietnam Airlines flight to Hanoi. To ensure that the markets of Meo Vac and Dong Van are visited on a Sunday, we recommend that this itinerary is started on a Tuesday. Alternatively, should you prefer to visit the Sunday market in Hoang Su Phi, this itinerary should commence on a Friday or Saturday. (N)

Day 2 Hanoi

Arrive into Hanoi for a two night stay. A handsome city of tree-lined boulevards, temples, lakes, parks and a frenetic, vibrant old colonial centre, Hanoi’s charm lies in the preservation of a distinct North Vietnamese culture and way of life distinct to that of the south of the country. (B)

Accommodation in Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel

Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

Day 3 Hanoi

Today explore the bustling city of Hanoi with your guide. Start at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and house and then explore the compound of the former Presidential Palace and the nearby One Pillar Pagoda which was originally built during the 11th century AD. Here you can also explore the parks and ponds and take time to reflect on Vietnam’s compelling history. In the afternoon, explore the atmospheric old quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake where craftsmen and artisans have sold their goods made from silver, silk and bamboo for over 2,000 years. (B)
Accommodation in Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel

Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

Day 4 Hanoi to Ba Be National Park – 220kms

Following breakfast, this morning leave Hanoi and drive to Thai Nguyen to visit the local ethnology museum which has an interesting exhibition on the local ethnic groups of northern Vietnam. Continuing north, travel through beautiful scenery to Ba Be National Park which where the afternoon will be spent exploring the reserve by boat. Stay for two nights in a local village homestay. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ba Be National Park: Pac Ngoi Village Homestay

Day 5 Ba Be National Park

Today further explore Ba Be National Park and the many caves that dot this beautiful reserve. Ba Be’s diversity of flora and fauna is staggering with the park home to over 400 species of plant, 100 species of butterfly and 110 species of bird. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ba Be National Park: Pac Ngoi Village Homestay

Day 6 Ba Be National Park to Meo Vac – 235kms

After breakfast continue by road north to Meo Vac where you will stay overnight. Crossing the spectacular Colia Pass, visit the small village of Bao Lac, home to the San Chay, and after lunch enter the remote province of Ha Giang arriving into Meo Vac during the afternoon. Later explore the Niem Son Valley and discover the cultural life of the different minority groups that live in the surrounding area. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Meo Vac: Hoa Cuong Meo Vac

Day 7 Meo Vac to Yen Minh via Dong Van – 100kms

Follow Vietnam’s northern border to Yen Minh visiting the wonderful Sunday markets at Meo Vac and Dong Van. Rising early, spend the morning at Meo Vac’s market – a colourful affair frequented by Hmong, Tay and Lo Lo people – before driving to the market at Dong Van. The scenery today is spectacular with the Ma Phi Leng Pass a particular highlight. Leaving Dong Van continue to Yen Minh, stopping en-route to visit Hmong, Ma Le and Lung Tao villages, and stay overnight. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Yen Minh: Thao Nguyen Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Yen Minh to Ha Giang – 100kms

Crossing the Yen Minh Pass, arrive in the commune of Lung Tam and visit a local workshop where Hmong and Zao women produce works of traditional weaving and embroidery. Travel on, arriving in Ha Giang during the afternoon, and later visit the nearby village of Me. Occupying a picturesque position on the banks of the Lo River, the provincial capital sits at the heart of a region rich in minority culture and life. Stay overnight in Ha Giang. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Ha Giang: Hoa Cuong Dong Van Hotel

Day 9 Ha Giang to Hoang Su Phi – 95kms

Leaving the mountainous limestone scenery behind, today continue on to the district of Hoang Su Phi where you will stay for the next two nights. Covered in lush and green forest and sprawling tea plantations, this region is home to the most impressive rice terraces in the country. Winding roads give way to precarious mountain roads while picturesque wooden villages cling spectacularly to precipitous lime-green hillsides. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Hoang Su Phi: Pan Hou Lodge (or similar)

Day 10 Hoang Su Phi

Today explore Hoang Su Phi, the surrounding countryside and nearby villages. If today is a Sunday, spend the morning at the local market where Hmong, Red Zao, Nung and Tay arrive for a day’s trading. The cattle market in Hoang Su Phi is a particular highlight. Later spend time visiting local villages and hiking the terraced fields which have been cultivated for centuries and provide valuable crop-growing space. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Hoang Su Phi: Pan Hou Lodge (or similar)

Day 11 Hoang Su Phi to Bac Ha – 90kms

After breakfast follow the Chinese border west towards Bac Ha where you will stay overnight. Stop en-route and visit the village of Lung Cai which occupies a dramatic setting high on a ridge looking down a narrow valley where the glinting Chay River winds its way between Vietnam and China. In the afternoon visit Hoang A Tuong Castle, built at the start of the 20th century, and the Ban Pho valley. (B/L/D)

Accommodation in Bac Ha: Sao Mai Bac Ha Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Bac Ha to Lao Cai – 75kms/ Depart Lao Cai – by train

Today you are at leisure before continuing by road to Lao Cai where a day room will be available for use at a local hotel. In the early evening transfer to the railway station and board the Victoria Express Train for the overnight journey back to Hanoi. Offering elegant accommodation, the Victoria Express transports passengers in two luxurious sleeping carriages between the Vietnamese capital and the country’s far north-west. (B/L)

Day 13 Arrive Hanoi

Arrive into Hanoi in the morning where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)

Accommodation in Hanoi: Silk Path Hotel

Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hotel

Day 14 Hanoi to the UK

Today transfer to Hanoi Airport for the onward flight home back to the UK. (B)

Day 15 Arrive in the UK

Arrive in the UK in the morning. (N)

Ha Giang and the North East of Vietnam

15 days from £3100 per person

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Itinerary: Ha Giang and the North East of Vietnam

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