This trip to the north of Vietnam provides an introduction to the area and a stay with a hill tribe family home for 3 nights. If you want longer in the homestay mentioned or if you want to stay with other tribes that can be arranged.

Staying with the local people is the right way for exploring other cultures, it provides a cultural exchange, rather than just something to gorp at. The usual tourist trail with short visits into various villages between nights in hotels can do harm to local culture and life styles.

Halong Bay and Hoa Lu are not to be missed natural wonders that will remain in your memory forever.

Suggested itinerary

Day 1 Arrival at Noi Bai airport Hanoi. Welcome and transfer to your hotel. D

Day 2 Full day city tour: The Mausoleum of Hochiminh, the House on stilts of Hochiminh, The One Pillar Pagoda (Symbol of Hanoi, unique architecture 1,000 years ago), The Temple of Literature, The Historical Museum, The Fine-Arts Museum, Kim Lien Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, Villages around Western lake, The former residential areas of the old quarter. B.

Day 3 Transfer to Halong Bay. On the way visit villages (Marble, Wooden, Ceramic handicrafts are available) B.

Day 4 An 8 hour cruise on Halong Bay, World Natural Heritage site. An awe inspiring area of limestone spires and small islands jutting out of the sea over the large area of the bay. B,L,D

Day 5 Drive back to Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel and rest. Free time. B.

Day 6 Excursion to Hoa Lu, a beautiful place known as "Earthen Halong" due to the spires of rock jutting up from the green valley. Hoa Lu was the capitol of Vietnam in the 10th century. Cruise by rowing boat along enchanted waterways and visit to Tam Coc (three caves) grotto. Visit the two temples erected to the memory of King Dinh Tien Hoang, the first king of the Dinh dynasty and his successor Le Hoan. B.

Day 7 Excursion to the Perfume Pagoda. Cruise and visits. B.

Day 8 Drive to Hoa Binh, a stunningly beautiful area of low mountains and valleys 60 or so kms west of Hanoi. Cruise on the lake formed by a dam. Visit to Muong and Dao ethnic minorities who farm the fertile valleys of Moc Chau district. Return to Hoa Binh for the night. B,L.

Days 9 - 11 Drive to Mai Chau 40 kms SW from Hoa Binh and stay in a village of Thai ethnic minority people. Home stay. B,L,D

Day 12 Drive back to Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel and rest. Free time. B.

Day 13 Train to Lao Cai and transfer to Sa Pa. The long train journey is an ordeal, but the views from the road to Sa Pa are spectacular and make it worthwhile. Transfer to your hotel and rest. Free time. B.

Days 14 & 15 Sa Pa is a cross between Switzerland and Nepal. Using this as your base we take you on a number of excursions to see the mountains and the local ethnic minority people. B.

Day 16 Drive back to Lao Cai. Train back to Hanoi. Transfer to your hotel and rest. Free time. B.

Day 17 Transfer to the airport for your flight home. B.

Price Indication Per Person to April 2007:

GBP850 / USD1400 for 2 or 3 people in the group.

GBP820 / USD1375  for 4 or 5 people in the group.

GBP730 / USD1100  for 6 or 7 people in the group.             Email for current price

GBP695 / USD1060 for 8 - 10 people in the group.

A single supplement of USD99 / GBP65 applies.

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 2. The price you pay depends upon the final number of group members. The maximum size of the group on this tour is 10.

The base currency is the US Dollar and payments in any other currency may need to be adjusted for exchange rates.
 

What is Included
Transfers as detailed are all private except (A) Hanoi-Lao Cai-Hanoi train: Non air con carriage with soft berth, (B) Transfers Lao Cai-Sapa-Lao Cai: Public transportation. Site fees. English speaking guide. Private cruises in Halong, Hoa Lu, Hoa Binh and Perfume Pagoda, 2 star accommodation throughout with breakfast only (B), unless specified by the code B,L,D. Homestay at Mai Chau in a family home - thin mattresses and little privacy, except in the local standard washroom.

What is Excluded
The price allows for joining in Hanoi and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Government fees for camera / video camera during certain site visits, Porterage fees. Most lunches and evening meals. Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all alcoholic drinks.

Airfare (from the UK)
As a guide, the international airfare should be in the range £450 to £700 for economy class. 

Visas
UK and US passport holders should have no problems in being granted a visa.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. We recommend the BMC policies www.thebmc.co.uk