The essentials of the North

The essentials of the North

The trip through the essentials of northern Vietnam will allow you to discover breathtaking landscapes and meet unusual people. North Vietnam is a land of history and culture, which preserves many living legends and ancestral customs. You savor the still authentic villages, the rice terraces, the vestiges of the time, and of course the hospitality of the Vietnamese.

Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi

Stop At: Hanoi, Hanoi
Orientation tour of the charming town: the old quarter, restored Sword Lake, Jade Mountain temple, St Joseph cathedral, an old house restored to its original identity, the old Dong Xuan market, temple of the Literature, Defense pagoda, Guardian of the North temple.

Show at the puppet theater on the water and we join the hotel for one night.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Night at the hotel.

Day 2: Hanoi, Bai Tu Long Bay

Stop At: Bai Tu Long Bay, Halong Bay 008433 Vietnam
Departure towards the city of Halong (and its magnificent bay) for a cruise on a junk. We sail in Bai Tu Long Bay (extension of Halong Bay which is less crowded) through the hundreds of karst formations towards the floating village of Vung Vien which we visit in small rowing boats.

Back on board, swim in the bay with the possibility of kayaking or a massage session (at an additional cost). Cooking demonstration and overnight on board.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight on board.

Day 3: Bai Tu Long, Hanoi, Lao Cai

Stop At: Bai Tu Long Bay, Halong Bay 008433 Vietnam
Your journey in the North of Vietnam continues with a day which begins with a small session of Tai Chi. The boat weighs anchor to sneak between the rock formations of the bay. Visit the famous Surprises cave. Disembark at the port where a car drives us to Hanoi.
Duration: 4 hours

Stop At: Lao Cai, Lao Cai, Lao Cai Province
We stop at the famous pagoda of the Brush Tower renowned for its architecture and its Buddha statues. Arrival in Hanoi in the evening, then night train towards the mountains of the North.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight on the train.

Day 4: Lao Cai, Bac Ha, Sapa

Stop At: Bac Ha, Bac Ha, Lao Cai Province
Arriving at Lao Cai station, we start by eating at the hotel before reaching Bac Ha by car. The Bac Ha Sunday Market is the largest ethnic market in the region. In their traditional costume coloring the market, several ethnic Hmong flower, black Dzao, Phu La and Tay come to sell or buy various goods for the week: utensils, spices, vegetables, meat, crafts, live animals (buffaloes, horses). It's also an opportunity to party and have a drink of alcohol.

Visit the Lung Phin market before continuing on Sapa (former health resort founded by the French).
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Night at the hotel.

Day 5: Sapa, Hanoi

Stop At: Sapa, Sapa, Lao Cai Province
Three hours to stroll towards Y Linh Ho and its small hamlets of the black Hmong ethnic group. This is an opportunity to see the beautiful rice terraces of Sapa and meet the local people in their daily tasks.

After lunch with the Giay in the Ta Van village, we notice about 2 or 3 hours in the middle of the rice fields between the Hmong village of Matra and the Red Dao ethnic village of Ta Phin. Women of this ethnic group are easily distinguished by their red cap and shaved eyebrows.

At the end of the day, descend to Lao Cai, visit the Den Mau temple dedicated to the mother goddess. Return to Hanoi by night train.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Night at the hotel.

Day 6: Hanoi

Stop At: Hanoi, Hanoi
Arriving in Hanoi, we go to the flower market or the Long Bien night market, still busy at this early hour.

We join the hotel to eat and prepare your return, which marks the end of your trip in North Vietnam.
Duration: 8 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
No accommodation included on this day.