Vietnam: Off The Beaten Track (8D7N)

Contact Xieheng at 97473882 or trips.mir@gmail.com
Dates of travel: 16 June - 23 June 2009
Price: $800


* Price quoted is subject to change due to airfare or unforseen circumstances

There are only 2 types of people in the world: those who have been to vietnam, and those who are going to.

Vietnam, a country which defies description. Full of delicious contradictions and oozing charm, vietnam's stunning geography, varied cuisine, and down-to-earth people are all reasons to travel to this fast paced developing nation.

For those who have been to Vietnam before, perhaps you might have come away feeling jaded by the blatant tourist traps (aka Hoi An) and the breakneck speed of urban development (aka Ho Chi Minh City). This trip will be different. We aim to go off the beaten track (less tourists). You will witness a Vietnam steeped in tradition and culture, with just a hint of modernity creeping in to spice things up!

For those who have never visited Vietnam, prepare to be astounded.

In Brief:

Hanoi - twisting sidestreets, traditional cafes, careening motorbikes

Ha Giang - fantastic weather, terraced rice paddies, colourful ethnic minority tribes

Bai Tu Long Bay - soaring limestone karsts, clear blue water


In Detail:

Day 1 Hanoi
Upon arrival at Noi Bai airport, we meet our guides for the next 7 days and transfer to our hotel.

Day 2 Hanoi / Quan Ba
We depart Hanoi and drive to Quan Ba District just 45 km away. The area is populated by Dao ethnic people and encircled by truly awesome remote forested mountains. We combine a long, but gentle hike (about 3 hours) with an opportunity to stay with a Dao family.

Day 3 Quan Ba / Dong Van
Ha Giang is one of the most remote provinces in North East Vietnam. The area is home to some of Vietnam’s most colourful hill tribe minorities. We have breakfast and depart our host. The beauty of the surroundings tempts us to follow the rugged trail setting off through verdant hills and tangled jungle growth. Eventually, the trail arrives at our vehicle. This is followed by a drive to the township of Dong Van, where we stay overnight in a hotel.

Day 4 Dong Van
Today we will have an easy day to discover the ancient street of Dong Van and some surroundings of the area. Dong Van or Rock High Land is the most remote area of the northen V ietnam with stunning landscapes will make your unforgettable memory.

Day 5 Dong Van / Meo Vac / Ha Giang
We take to the road for about 20 km drive, arriving in Meo Vac, an area far removed from everything industrial and loud. We find one of the few places in Vietnam that are blessed with unique landscapes featuring vast mountain complexes and spectacular valleys. In the afternoon we go to Ha Giang. The night is spent in a hotel in Ha Giang.

Day 6 Ha Giang / Hanoi
We depart Ha Giang at 8 a.m and embark on a route back to Hanoi. The scenery is extraordinary, with rural farmland and rugged mountains, we arrive in Hanoi at around 7pm. The night is spent in a hotel in Hanoi.

Day 7 Hanoi / Bai Tu Long Bay
Departing Hanoi we journey to Ha Long City. We follow its fertile road through flatlands of the delta flanked by endless green carpets of rice paddies. We then head north to Ha Long City. Shortly after lunch, we embark on a boat trip amongst some of the spectacular limestone peaks, we stop along the way to paddle our kayak around fishing communities – time to relax and appreciate the sublime beauty of the bay. On Van Don Island we enjoy a short transfer ride and stay overnight in a friendly and hospitable local family.

Day 8 Bai Tu Long Bay / Hanoi
Cai Rong is located in Bai Tu Long Bay. The island’s main assets comprise gorgeous beaches and lush jungle vegetation interspersed with patches of cultivated land. Local farmers plant seasonal crops on their own plots and make a living from fishing offshore and gathering ocean creatures! We cycle across the island and board our boat to explore some of the bay’s truly awesome scenery – vertical and unusual rocks and islets emerge from the sea. Weather permits, there will be an opportunity to climb aboard our kayak and swim in the clear waters. In the early afternoon we drive back to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 6pm. Have dinner before travelling to Noi Bai airport for our plane home.

Cost includes:
Accomodation
Transportation
All meals (except for 1 lunch and 3 dinners in Hanoi free and easy)
Entrance fees and permits during guided excursions

Cost excludes:
Travel insurance
Drinks
Personal expenses
Admission fees during free time
Tips and gratuities