Sa Pa Trek & Halong Bay Cruise (Vietnam)
Guided Trekking
Vietnam is a country of vast hillsides, crystal water shorelines, and numerous agricultural communities with unique local culture. We invite you on a tour revealing the full beauty of Vietnam’s landscapes - 11-days of active exploration of Vietnam’s nature ranging from hiking in the Sapa National Park to cruising through the spectacular Halong Bay. Do not miss this opportunity if you are the type of traveler who likes outdoor adventures and firsthand experiences with the local communities.
Highlights:
♦ Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam and the country's second largest city
♦ Sapa National Park – a natural park full of spectacular landscapers and native inhabitants with unique culture
♦ Boat ride along the Hạ Long Bay – exploring by boat the beautiful bay, listed in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list
Itinerary:
Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Arrive at Noi Bai Airport. Pick up and transfer to hotel
Overnight in Hanoi: Moonview hotel (or similar).
Day 2: Hanoi – Lao Cai
Pickup at the hotel 19:30 - 20:00 and transfer to the train station. From here, you take a night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train (soft sleeper with A/C).
Day 3: Lao Cai - Sapa
The train arrives at Lao Cai train station early in the morning. Pickup and transport by shared bus to Sapa (35km – about an hour drive). In the morning there will be some spare time to enjoy the fantastic view of the Sapa valley and explore the local market. In the afternoon the guide will provide you with more information about the tour. After this you visit the Cat Cat village, where the Black H’mong people live. Overnight stay at Cat Cat Hotel, Sapa (or similar).
Day 4: Sapa – Mong Sen – Ta Phin
In the morning leaving Sapa and driving to the Tac Ko pass. From the Tac Ko pass we'll make our way to the Mong Sen village, where the H’Mong people live. After lunch at the village, more trekking to the Ta Phin village, the place of Red Dao people. Overnight stay in Ta Phin village. (B, L, D)
Trekking distance: 13km
Day 5: Ta phin – Ma tra - Sin Chai
In the morning leaving Ta Phin at around 09.00 and trekking through the rice fields to visit the Ta Phin church, which was built in 1911. Then walking to the Ma Tra village and stopping for lunch at the river. After lunch we continue to Suoi Ho, Bang hill and the Sin Chai village. Dining and spending the night in Sin Chai village. (B, L, D)
Trekking distance: 15km
Day 6: Sin chai Cat – Cat Cat - Lao chai - Ta van
After breakfast, we leave Sin Chai at 09.00. Visit Cat Cat water fall. Trekking to Y linh ho, Lao chai Village and the Lao Chai church. Lunch by the river. Keep trekking to the Ta Van village of the Zay people at about 16.00. Dinner and overninght in the village. (B, L, D)
Trekking distance: 15 km
Day 7: Ta van – Giang Ta Chai - Ban Ho
After breakfast, we'll start trekking through bamboo jungle to go visit the Red Zao people in Giang Ta Chai village. From Giang Ta Chai village we trek to Ban Ho village, where spending the night. (B, L, D)
Trekking distance: 15km
Day 8: Ban Ho – Sapa - Hanoi
After breakfast there will be some time to visit the local people in Ban Ho. We'll then trek up hill for a short
distance. At the top of the hill a Jeep is waiting to drive us back to Sapa. In Sapa town there will be some spare time, before the night train leaves for Hanoi. (B)
Trekking distance: 7 km
Day 9: Hanoi – Halong
Arrival early in the morning at Hanoi train station. From here, you take a taxi by yourself to Moonview hotel, from where you will picked up on 3.5 drive to Halong Bay. After check-in and a welcome drink you embark on Fantasea Cruise, during which you will also be served lunch while cruising among the wonderful limestone islands. In the afternoon there will be time and possibilities for kayaking and swimming, as well as going on a short hike on Titop island if the timing permits. Return to the Cruise for dinner. Evening entertainment options: Squid fishing, karaoke, board games, movies or star gazing on the upper
deck. Over night on boat. (L, D)
Day 10: Halong - Hanoi
Rise early for another chance to swim or rise later and have breakfast at your leisure.
Enjoy more of Halong Bay on the way back and see some Islets shaped like the
Fighting Cock, Incense Burn, Lonely Dog, Finger and Duck. Lunch will be served on the boat on the way back to Halong harbor. Return to Halong harbor for Hanoi with a short break on the way. (B, L)
Day 11: Hanoi - departure
Breakfast at Hotel. Free time until transfer to the airport.