Secrets of North Vietnam (8days)
Hanoi, Sapa, Tam Coc, Halong, Hanoi

Day 1 Arrival
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 Hanoi / Overnight train
Let's get a feel for this lovely country we are in, starting the day with a little sightseeing around Hanoi. The complex dedicated to Vietnam's hero Ho Chi Minh, honoured for his role in liberating Vietnam from colonial rule is where we will start. This will give us some insight into Vietnam's recent history. The Museum of Ethnology will then whet your appetite for some of the costume and textile traditions we will see on our journey. Lunch will be at one of local restaurants then onto the Temple of Literature. Founded in 1070, this beautiful temple was Vietnam's first University. Let us share dinner together tonight overlooking the city and celebrate our fist day on tour. In the evening we board our sleeper train to Lao Cai. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 3 Sapa
Upon our arrival in Lao Cai railway station in the early morning, we drive to Sapa town, which is 35 km away by car. We relax in the township and set off to explore its neighbourhood, the villages of Giang Ta Chai and Sin Chai await. Here, villagers are the Black H’mong and Giay who speak their own languages, terraced fields fill the hilly cultivated land. The Giang Ta Chai and Sin Chai trails are narrow trails winding through small villages and open rice paddy fields. We return to Sapa for an overnight in a hotel. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 4 Sapa / Overnight train
Ban Ho is situated in a region of breathtaking beauty. We drive to Ban Ho and spend whole day hiking around and through our local family and hike further. We head around the rolling farmlands and through several villages of Black Hmong and Giay people. Here, we learn about the intrigue of tribal life. In the late afternoon we board our vehicle and drive to Lao Cai railway station for a night train back to Hanoi. We arrive in Hanoi at approximately 5 am the following day. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 5 Hanoi / Tam Coc
Leaving Hanoi we will head out into the countryside to the very picturesque area around Tam Coc. Tam Coc is famed for its fine embroidery traditions and we can meet some of the local ladies, to marvel over their work. We will have time for some peaceful boating on the river and then a visit the family home and farm of local people. We stay overnight in a hotel in Tam Coc. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 6 Tam Coc / Halong Bay
Departing Tam Coc we journey to Ha Long City. We follow its fertile road through flatlands of the Delta flanked by green carpets of rice paddies. We then head north to Ha Long City. Here, we embark on a boat trip which navigates through some of the spectacular limestone peaks of Ha Long Bay –  time to relax and appreciate the sublime beauty of the bay, while enjoying lunch on the boat. After we visit one of the most magnificent caves of Sung Sot, the boat will anchor at Hang Trong Bay for an overnight stay. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 7 Halong / Hanoi
We continue exploring some of the Bay’s truly awesome scenery vertical and unusual rocks and islets emerge from the sea. Weather permitting; there will be an opportunity to swim in the clear waters and visit some floating fishing villages. Shortly after lunch in a local restaurant we board our vehicle and drive back Hanoi, arriving at approximately 6pm. (Breakfast and Lunch are included).
Day 8 Hanoi
You can depart at any time today. (Breakfast is included).

The facts…. 

Physical activities: Your itinerary includes easy walks and hikes which are mainly on gentle terrain with a 9-12 km walk on Day 3, a 12-15 km walk on Day 4.
Transport: Car, overnight boat, comfortable overnight train.
Tour guide(s): Local and friendly tour guide(s), all of whom speak excellent English and French. They are knowledgeable about local culture, history and environment.
Accommodation: Hotels (4 nights), boat (1 night), overnight trains (2 nights). Comfortable and clean trains with soft berths.
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners. We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, at local restaurants, homes or markets. (We cater for Vegetarians).
Trip cost: US$525 per person for a group of 2 to 4 people.
                US$486 per person for a group of 5 to 7 people.
The cost of the trip includes accommodation, transportation, tour guide, meals listed on the itinerary, admission fees and permits where applicable.
The cost of the trip does not include travel insurance, drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water) and personal expenses.
What to take: Pack essentials for a few days away from Hanoi, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, jacket for evenings. Take a small day pack for walking and hiking.