A Taste of North Vietnam(7 days)
Hanoi, Black River, Red River Delta, Bai Tu Long Bay, Hanoi

This adventure is centred on the village life of the Black River, the Red River Delta and the islands of Bai Tu Long Bay. We will enjoy a range of activities including hiking through hill tribe villages, learning the secrets of hand-made rice noodles and spring rolls in the cosy atmosphere of Vietnamese families. This, combined with the adventure of boating amongst the fascinating limestone peaks and cycling through peaceful countryside, offers a unique way to appreciate the warmth of local people and the picturesque areas of North Vietnam. Join us for the best this region has to offer.

Day 1 Hanoi / Mai Chau
We will drive west on the first day to the remote region of Mai Chau – a picturesque valley. Here the White Thai, Dao, H’mong and Tay people all live in harmony. We will walk for two hours along footpath through corn fields, rice paddies, hills and tiny villages in spectacular and easy terrain. Later, we descend to Tong Dau Village, nestled beneath the valley and home to the White Thai people. We settle in with a local family in a traditional stilt-house to experience their way of life. (Lunch and Dinner are included).
Day 2 Mai Chau / Black River
We continue our adventure by walking on a footpath surrounded by rice terraces and picturesque hills for 5 km, till we reach Na Mo – a White Thai minority village. Here, we have lunch in a local home. The next 2 km are rather steep but rewarding as we hike along the trail used by local people. The view down either side becomes more and more impressive. When we have finished our hiking we will see another White Thai village of Na Meo and pause for a while. We then transfer to the Black river for a leisurely two-hour boat ride along this beautiful river. We then land at a Muong village, situated by the river. Tonight our hosts, the Muong people offer us a traditional dinner and a toast before an overnight stay with them in a large wooden house. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 3 Black River / Ninh Binh
After leaving the Muong people, we appreciate the magnificent view as we walk approximately 8 km along the bank of the river. We board our vehicle and drive to Ninh Binh Province. From here, we discover the floating village of Kenh Ga. We also walk and look around at the amazing folds of the cliff face caused by earth movement some hundred million years ago. Arriving in Hoa Lu – one of the ancient capitals of Vietnam we will spend the night in a hotel. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 4-5 Ninh Binh / Ninh Xuan
A short transfer brings us to Ninh Xuan with its dramatic limestone mountains, our base for a two-day trip out into the Red River delta. We take a bamboo boat on the peaceful cannal which winds its way through amazing limestone outcrops. We cycle past the Inland Ha Long Bay. Beautiful landscapes meet us on arrival in the Bich Dong area – a firm favourite with walkers. Here, we stroll around open rice fields with stunning rock formations rising up from rice paddies. Of course, there is plenty of time for our hands-on cooking demonstration, which gets us out in the market buying fresh ingredients. We settle in with a local family making fresh rice noodles and other dishes that typify Northern Vietnamese cooking – a superb way to gain a first hand experience of rural life in the delta. The night is spent back in Hoa Lu. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 6 Ninh Binh / Bai Tu Long Bay
Departing Ninh Binh province we drive to Ha Long City, arriving for lunch in a local restaurant. In the early afternoon, we embark on a four-hour boat trip in the heart of Bai Tu Long Bay and discover its towering cliffs and fascinating limestone islets. We then land on Van Don Island where we stay overnight in a hotel. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner are included).
Day 7 Bai Tu Long Bay / Hanoi
We spend the morning cycling in the area, visiting other friendly families in their homes. There is also time to relax on beautiful secluded beaches. A two-hour boat ride takes us through the majestic rocks of Bai Tu Long Bay then to Hon Gai Town. Following lunch in a local restaurant, we board our vehicle for the drive back to Hanoi, arriving at around 6 pm. (Breakfast and Lunch are included).

The facts….

Physical activities: Easy walking, hiking and cycling with a 7-8 km walk on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3, a 9-12 km bicycle ride on Day 4, Day 5 and Day 7. You carry only your daypack and we transport any heavy luggage for you.

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

Transport: Bicycle, boat, comfortable air-conditioned car.

Tour guide(s): 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), homestays (2 nights). Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided.

Meals: 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 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$586 per person for a group of 2 to 3 people.
                 US$425 per person for a group of 4 to 7 people.

The cost of the trip includes accommodation, transportation, tour guide, all meals, entrance fees and permits during guided excursions.

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 7 days away from Hanoi, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for cycling, walking and hiking. It is imperative to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing:swimming suit, first-aid kit, personal articles, camera, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...