Hilltribe Encountered (#304)

Hilltribe encountered Ha Giang tour
Trip: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Hanoi, 2 days 1 night & 2 nights on bus (#304.1)

Group Tour: 8-15 people
Round trip bus: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Hanoi

Itinerary

Night 1: Limousine bus driving from Hanoi to Ha Giang, 2 stops en route

Sleeper bus 41 people, or sleeper Vip 21 cabin bus or Limousine Vip seats 11 people sharing

Bus departs from Hanoi/My Dinh station around 20.30; 21.30, you will arrival Ha Giang after 6.5 hours

Day 1: Ha Giang – Meo Vac – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Dong Van (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

4.30am: Early morning arrival Ha Giang
Get a standard room for shower, light breakfast will be served
7.30am: rings the beginning of your greatest adventure in one of the most remote areas of Northern Vietnam. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Ha Giang City to start the drive to Dong Van. On the way you will pass by Quan Ba and its legendary Fairy Bosom Hills, visit a French bunker dated from the colonization and stop in Mau Due for lunch.
You will then reach Meo Vac to start the first trek of the trip, a 10-kilometer hike through Ma Pi Leng pass, a must-see destination in Ha Giang. You will stroll around the valley, cling to the side of the undulating mountains, overlooking the Nho Que river, giving unrivalled views of the valleys and terraced hemp fields, which decorate the mountainsides. Walking this path will give you feelings you have never experienced before.
Though it is not advised, if you do not want to trek you will have the possibility to stay with the driver in the car and zigzag down the pass to the end of the trail. You can stop for photos on the way. Arriving in Dong Van, you will settle for the night in a hotel and have dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight at Tung Lam hotel or Dong Van resort, standard room

Highlights and activities: Dong Van, Quan Ba, Ma Pi Leng

Day 2: Dong Van – Yen Minh – Ha Giang (Breakfast, Lunch)

If you are lucky to be travelling in Dong Van on a Sunday morning, do not miss out on the weekly market which gathers all the local ethnic minorities in the area and gives you the unique opportunity to walk through the crowd, witness the trade market of buffalos, cows or chickens, or be dazzled by the colourful booths of traditional ethnic clothes.
Back in the car, we will continue our loop to the final frontier and travel through Ma Le, the ‘one-eyed ghost’ area. This road remains a secret, it can take you to the northernmost point of Vietnam, Lung Cu, home of the Lo Lo ethnic minority, or to Vuong palace which is our next destination. It is a unique place, home of the H’mong King, whose architecture is influenced by three cultures: Chinese, French and Hmong. It was also used during the French colonization as a secret storage room for opium.
The tour then continues to Yen Minh, known for its countless terraced fields, posed on the mountainsides. Lunch will be served at your next stop in Quan Ba, before returning to Ha Giang City.

Highlights and activities: Ma Le, Lung Cu, Vuong place

Night 2: Limousine bus ticket for the transfer back to Hanoi, 2 stops en route

Sleeper bus 41 people, or Limousine Vip seats 11 people sharing

Please note: schedule, itinerary subject to change without notice, depending on the accurate weather, situation, Authorities permission.

Starting time each day will be appointed by your guide.

Price valids: 2022 – 2023
Tour in festival/public holidays subject to an added fee

*Bus ticket added fee per person/one-way bus ticket
USD18–/Limousine seat ticket (9-15 seat Vip bus)
USD21–/sleeper single cabin/cabin for 1 person (21 cabin sleeper Vip bus)
USD32–/sleeper double cabin/cabin for 2 people (21 cabin sleeper Vip bus)

**Bus schedule:
Hanoi – Ha Giang: departs at 20.30 – 21.00, arrival at 04:30
Bus pick up at My Dinh, near Hanoi center or near Noi Bai airport
Ha Giang – Hanoi: departs at 20.00 – 20.30, arrival at 04.30
Bus pick up at bus station in Ha Giang center, or at your hotel in Ha Giang

Included:

Car transfer with A/C during tour
One night accommodation, basic room at Tung Lam hotel/or Dong Van resort, 2 people share a room with A/C
(please note, the service in the remote area is a bit lower standard)
English-speaking local guide
Meals as stated in the itinerary at local restaurant/or homestay: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Standard room for shower with breakfast on the first day of arrival Ha Giang by bus
All sightseeing tickets (travel permit)

Excluded:

Hotel accommodation in Hanoi
Transportation from/to the bus station in Hanoi
Ticket of bus/Limousine bus transfer Hanoi – Ha Giang – Hanoi, added price
Travel insurance, VAT
Beverages, other meals that not indicated in the program
Personal expense, spa massage service
Tip, gratuities for driver, guide

What to take
– Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking.
– It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat.

When to visit Ha Giang: you can travel in any season of the year
Jan, Feb, Mar: Spring, time of apricot flour, plum blossoms
Apr, May: beginning of Summer: pouring water season in all the fields
Jun, Jul, Aug: Summer time, mountains become green because of the rain, time of the flowers of white, purple…
Sep, Oct: Autumn is the time of ripe rice
October starting cool
Nov, Dec: Winter time
Most beautiful time: October, November & December (buckwheat flowers, cabbage fields in bloom time)

Hilltribe encountered Ha Giang tour
Trip: Hanoi – Ha Giang – Hanoi, 3 days 2 nights & 2 nights on bus (#304.2)

Group Tour: 8-15 people
Round trip bus: Hanoi – Ha Giang & trekking – Hanoi

Itinerary

Night 1: Limousine bus driving from Hanoi to Ha Giang, 2 stops en route

Sleeper bus 41 people, or sleeper Vip 21 cabin bus or Limousine Vip seats 11 people sharing

Bus departs from Hanoi/My Dinh station around 20.30; 21.30, you will arrival Ha Giang after 6.5 hours

Day 1: Ha Giang – Meo Vac – Ma Pi Leng Pass – Dong Van (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

4.30am: Early morning arrival Ha Giang
Get a standard room for shower, light breakfast will be served
7.30am: rings the beginning of your greatest adventure in one of the most remote areas of Northern Vietnam. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel in Ha Giang City to start the drive to Dong Van. On the way you will pass by Quan Ba and its legendary Fairy Bosom Hills, visit a French bunker dated from the colonization and stop in Mau Due for lunch.
You will then reach Meo Vac to start the first trek of the trip, a 10-kilometer hike through Ma Pi Leng pass, a must-see destination in Ha Giang. You will stroll around the valley, cling to the side of the undulating mountains, overlooking the Nho Que river, giving unrivalled views of the valleys and terraced hemp fields, which decorate the mountainsides. Walking this path will give you feelings you have never experienced before.
Though it is not advised, if you do not want to trek you will have the possibility to stay with the driver in the car and zigzag down the pass to the end of the trail. You can stop for photos on the way. Arriving in Dong Van, you will settle for the night in a hotel and have dinner in a local restaurant.

Overnight at Tung Lam hotel or Dong Van resort, standard room

Highlights and activities: Dong Van, Quan Ba, Ma Pi Leng

Day 2: Dong Van – Yen Minh – Ha Giang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

If you are lucky to be travelling in Dong Van on a Sunday morning, do not miss out on the weekly market which gathers all the local ethnic minorities in the area and gives you the unique opportunity to walk through the crowd, witness the trade market of buffalos, cows or chickens, or be dazzled by the colourful booths of traditional ethnic clothes.
Back in the car, we will continue our loop to the final frontier and travel through Ma Le, the ‘one-eyed ghost’ area. This road remains a secret, it can take you to the northernmost point of Vietnam, Lung Cu, home of the Lo Lo ethnic minority, or to Vuong palace which is our next destination. It is a unique place, home of the H’mong King, whose architecture is influenced by three cultures: Chinese, French and Hmong. It was also used during the French colonization as a secret storage room for opium.
The tour then continues to Yen Minh, known for its countless terraced fields, posed on the mountainsides. Lunch will be served at your next stop in Quan Ba, before returning to Ha Giang City.

Highlights and activities: Ma Le, Lung Cu, Vuong place

One night accommodation at homestay in Ha Giang: Garden villa, superior room or similar

Day 3: Ha Giang trekking (Breakfast, Lunch)

Today is all about trekking so after breakfast, you will set out towards Lung Vai village which will take between 6 to 8 hours depending on your walking speed. Along the way you can enjoy the stunning views and friendly locals passing by, before stopping for a picnic lunch in the remote village of Khuoi My. You will then continue, passing the farmers working their fields, until you reach Ban Tha village, where our driver will be waiting to take you back to Ha Giang City.

Highlights and activities: Lung Vai village, Khuoi My

Night 3: Limousine bus ticket for the transfer back to Hanoi, 2 stops en route

Sleeper bus 41 people, or Limousine Vip seats 11 people sharing

Please note: schedule, itinerary subject to change without notice, depending on the accurate weather, situation, Authorities permission.

Starting time each day will be appointed by your guide.

Included:

Car transfer with A/C during tour
One night accommodation, basic room at Tung Lam hotel/or Dong Van resort, 2 people share a room with A/C
One night accommodation at homestay in Ha Giang: Garden villa, superior room or similar
(please note, the service in the remote area is a bit lower standard)
English-speaking local guide
Meals as stated in the itinerary at local restaurant/or homestay: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Standard room for shower with breakfast on the first day of arrival Ha Giang by bus
All sightseeing tickets (travel permit)

Hilltribe Encountered (#304)

Day 1: Hanoi – Arrival (D)

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport , you are met and transferred to city center. Hanoi – Vietnam’s capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains a unique old world charm and some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. (If time permits), we enjoy one  hour cyclo ride around the old quarter streets to see the different local ways of life.
Overnight at hotel in Hanoi

Day 2: Hanoi – Mai Chau (B/L/D)

The sightseeing tour of Hanoi includes Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, (closed on Monday and Friday and the whole months of October and November for renovation), One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature well known as Vietnam’s first university and Hoan Kiem Lake. The afternoon we take a drive to Mai Chau, stopping at the villages of Dao Son Dau and Muong ethnic minority in Hoa Binh. The day ends with an evening traditional dance of the Thai hill tribe people.
Overnight at Mai Chau Villager’s house (homestay – house on stilt)

Day 3: Mai Chau – Son La (B/L/D)

Upon leaving Mai Chau, the road begins to deteriorate; however many villages dot the hillsides and undulating terrain of tea plantation make for an interesting home to the Hmong hill tribe people.
Overnight at Son La.

Day 4: Son La – Dien Bien Phu (B/L/D)

The old prison of Son La and the hill tribe museum are also visited this morning before we depart for Dien Bien Phu: the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam’s struggle for independence in 1954. The scenic roads climb over Pha Din Pass before dropping down to Dien Bien Phu where we have a chance seeing the former battle field and the display of war materials.
Overnight athotel in Dien Bien Phu

Day 5: Dien Bien Phu –  Lai Chau (B/L/D)

The journey continues to Lai Chau Town. The road conditions are very poor, but views of the mountainous scenery are fantastic. There are some stop opportunities en route to visit the Hmong, Kho Mu, Khang hill-tribe villages.
Overnight at hotel in Lai Chau

Day 6: Lai Chau – Muong Te – Lai Chau (B/L/D)

An early morning start to drive to Muong Te. This upstream area of Da River is pupulated by many ethnic minority groups such as the Thai, Ha Nhi, Cong , Si la, La Hu whom we may encounter on our adventure. They are all colorful and friendly.
Overnight at same hotel in Lai Chau

Day 7: Lai Chau – Sin Ho – Tam Duong (B/L/D)

Upon leaving Lai Chau we spend a full travelling through Vietnam’s most beautiful mountainous region. There is an opportunity to break the journey in Sin Ho to experience the simple lifestyle of the Hmong, Black Dao, Mang hill tribe people.
Overnight at guesthouse in Tam Duong

Day 8: Tam Duong – Binh Lu – Sapa (B/L/D)

After a two or three hour walk to visit the Lao, Lu hill tribe people we depart for Sapa. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa is a former French hill resort and home to some of Vietnam’s most colorful ethnic minority groups. The afternoon is free to explore the town.
Overnight ai hotel in Sapa.

Day 9: Sapa (B/L/D)

Fansipan range boasts Vietnam’s highest mountain and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we have enough time to visit Sapa center market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay, Xa Pho ethnic minority people come to trade their goods and enjoy a short trek to some nearby hill villages.
Overnight at hotel in Sapa.

Day 10: Sapa – Bat Xat – Lao Cai (B/L/D)

The morning we travel by road through the breathtaking mountainous region to Bat Xat before we set off on a half day venturing into the Phu La, Dao and Giay ethnic minority people’s homeland. Then, we travel by road following Vietnamese border to Lao Cai Town.
Overnight at hotel in Lao cai.

Day 11: Lao Cai – Muong Khuong – Bac Ha (B/L/D)

SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ARRIVALS ONLY
The Saturday market of Muong Khuong also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Hmong, Dao, Thu Lao, Pa Di, Tu Di , Phu La. They converge from the nearby valleys and mountainsides to sell their goods and buy provision. After an interesting drive to Muong Khuong, we participe in this fair. The experience is colorful and unique.
Overnight at hotel in Bac ha.

Day 12: Bac Ha – Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang (B/L/D)

This is a very long day travelling to Ha Giang. The roads with many steep uphill and down hill are a real challenge for our driver. En route we may see the Nung, Tay, Red Dao, Dao Ao Dai, La Chi and Co Lao, just some of Vietnam’s most colorful ethnic minority groups.
Overnight at hotel in Ha  Giang.

Day 13: Ha Giang – Dong Van (B/L/D)

The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of hill tribe people are a highlight of this area including Quan Ba and Yen Minh although conditions are very basic. Upon leaving Ha Giang, we start our journey north with the first stop being the border town of Dong Van and some nearby hill villages especially the Sung La village where the Golden Kite (Oscar Vietnam) prize winner film “Chuyen cua Pao – Pao’s Story’ was shot.
Overnight at Rocky Plateau hotel

Day 14: Dong Van – Meo Vac – Ha Giang (B/L/D)

The scenery of the north is unequalled. The morning we spend a few hour walk following the beaten track to find the Lo Lo, Pu Peo ethnic minority people. Stop also at the spectacular pass of Ma Pi Leng to view the Nho Que river from the top (please prepare your cameras – this is wonderful to shoot). Then, we return to Ha Giang Town with stopover at the former residence of Hmong King.
Overnight at hotel

Day 15: Ha Giang – Ba Be (B/L/D)

An early morning start to drive through Tuyen Quang to Ba Be National Park. There is a long journey but you can stop as you please, to stretch your legs and take photographs.
Overnight at Ba Be National Park guesthouse

Day 16: Ba Be (B/L/D)

The peaceful lakes of Ba Be are surrounded by limestone and thick tropical forests that are home to many species of rare birds and animals. Today, we enjoy a long boat trip on the Ba Be Lakes, which will give us a great opportunity to relax for a while and explore Dau Dang Waterfalls as well as some nearby hill tribe villages.
Overnight in Ba Be at the same hotel

Day 17: Ba Be – Nguyen Binh – Cao Bang (B/L/D)

Our journey continues to Cao Bang Town. The roads are very bumpy and zigzagging but the spectacular mountainous landscapes with undulating terrace and hill villages make our hardship all worthwhile.
Overnight hotel in Cao Bang.

Day 18: Cao Bang – Lang  Son (B/L/D)

The scenic pass of Ma Phuc is visited before we depart for Lang Son. This border town was once destroyed by war. On arrival in Lang Son we spend a couple of hour drive around the town, stopping at the bustling market of Ky Lua and the legendery rock formation named ” wife waiting for husband” and the beautiful Ki Kung River, which is Vietnam’s unique river flowing to China.
Overnight at hotel in Lang Son.

Day 19: Lang  Son – Halong Bay (B/L/D)

We travel by road following the beautiful coast to Ha Long Bay. On our journey, there are some stop opportunities to visit the Tay, Nung, San Diu and Hoa hill-tribe people.
Overnight at hotel in Ha Long.

Day 20: Halong Bay day trip – Hanoi (B/L)

Ha Long Bay boasts one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. This morning, we embark on a cruise out to explore the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove. After a seafood lunch on board, we return to Ha Noi, arriving in time to see an evening performance of Hanoi’s famous water puppets.
Overnight at hotel in Ha Noi.

Day 21: Hanoi – Departure (B)

There is a free time to relax and further explore Hanoi. The tour ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. Late check out exclusive.

Prices until 31.10.2023

(Except for period of X-mas, New Year or Festival Days)

Price is nett per person in US$, twin shared basis, tax, service charge included in the party of

Price inclusive

• Breakfast and accommodation sharing a double room.
• Pick-ups and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicle as specified in the itinerary above (Please note: pick-ups will be by a guide and driver or, where a guide is not necessary, a driver only. All unaccompanied drivers will be briefed in advance, and will carry a mobile phone to ensure smooth transfer arrangements)
• Fullboard on Halong Bay Cruise
• English speaking local guide (please note: guides will be on hand from pick-up until guests’ return to their hotel or reaching their destination). Free days or part days will not include the services of a guide unless requested and included in the final itinerary.
• Where necessary, entry fees for all visits as mentioned in the programme.
• Lunches and dinners (as specified in the itinerary) in local restaurants, or picnics where no suitable restaurant is available.
• VAT and other taxes

Price exclusive

• International flight tickets and airport tax.
• Visas
• Dinners, except as specified above.
• Drinks, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Camera fees (if any)
• Diving fees
• Insurance.