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Arrival at the airport, welcome and transfer to your hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight.
Departure for the local market of Ngoc Ha followed by a fresh fruit juice around Lake B52. Explanation on this place steeped in history due to the carcass of the American fighter plane emerging from the water. Passing through small alleys teeming with life, we reach the Mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, a sacred place in Vietnam. After a local lunch in the Old Quarter, depart by bike to visit Banana Island, which begins under Long Bien Bridge. We go from the urban frenzy to the countryside, a mixture that perfectly describes Hanoi. The walk runs along the Red River to reach the Tay Ho district in the north of the city to then go to the Tran Quoc pagoda, the oldest in the capital. Slowly return to the Old Quarter to rest at the hotel. For dinner, taste a delicious local specialty, Cha Ca, fried fish served with Bun and aromatic herbs. Night at the hotel.
Thac Ba Lake . Arrived at the pontoon, you will be transferred by boat to Vie Vu Linh. The ecolodge is at the heart of a community project in support of education, the environment and the preservation of local culture. You will discover the beauty of the lake and its multiple islets covered with forests like giant mushrooms. The lake, with its 1300 islets, is called the ” Halong in the mountains”. Once at the ecolodge, you will have lunch with the hosts, the Dao. In the afternoon, a hike will take you through the neighboring Dao villages, visit traditional houses and discover the mysteries of the jungle. It will be time to set up camp for the night. After having dinner around the fire, it will be time to fall asleep, lulled by the sounds of the jungle.
In the morning, back to the ecolodge for a shower, you will resume the hike to the waterfall for a picnic. On the way, you can harvest the fruits of the jungle which can be added to the daily menu. Depending on the season, you can try your hand at crab hunting. You will also make your own bamboo cups which will make a perfect souvenir of this experience. In the afternoon, you will leave by boat to discover the secrets of Thac Ba Lake . You can indulge in fishing and relax on one of the islets for a moment of relaxation and enjoy the exceptional view and tranquility of the place. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, transfer by car to Lam Thuong district in Yen Bai province. Once there, check in and enjoy a local lunch with Tay minority specialty. In the afternoon, you will take a hike along the river, take a break to swim in the waterfall and finally explore the jungle. Then return to the hotel to relax dinner and overnight.
Departure by car in the morning towards Cham Chu mountain to admire the landscapes and then transfer to the magnificent Ma Hec waterfall where a picnic will be organized. Possibility to swim there depending on the season or to walk around. The road will then continue to the province of Ha Giang , one of the most beautiful in Vietnam. Stop on the way to enjoy the splendid landscapes and the resplendent nature. You will arrive at the homestay and enjoying a breathtaking panorama.
After breakfast, you will leave for the Karst Plateau Geopark of Đồng Văn. After crossing the Bac Sum Pass, a small path will take you to Tùng Vài. If this day is a Friday, you will have the opportunity to visit the weekly ethnic market. Otherwise, you will take time to visit the Tùng Vài valley where the Bố Y and Tày ethnic groups live by growing vegetables. You will then visit a Bố Y family, one of the 16 ethnic groups with very few people in the community of 54 ethnic groups in Vietnam. You will have lunch with the family.
In the afternoon, you will continue the small path to the village of Nậm Đăm where you will spend the night. This village consists of traditional mud houses of the Dzao Áo Dài who still maintain their traditional culture and lifestyle by doing solidarity tourism.
The day will be entirely devoted to hiking and meeting minorities. Through breathtaking landscapes, you will immerse yourself in local life and learn about the daily life of locals. Lunch and dinner will be shared with the locals where you can share and learn about their history and way of life. Night in a traditional homestay
You will continue the exploration of the geological park, the first park in Vietnam classified by UNESCO, in the direction of Meo Vac passing by the pass of Ma Pi Leng . Contemplating the different views will leave you speechless at so much beauty. You will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Nho Que River which meanders through the high mountains. The evening and the night will be with the locals to continue to exchange and learn about the habits and customs of local minorities.
It will be time to head to another sublime province, Cao bang. You will arrive at Bao Lac commune for lunch. Lost in the mountains, the afternoon will be devoted to meeting local minorities such as the Lolo or the San Chi. You will discover their way of life, their traditions and learn their use of the different plants offered by Mother Nature. Dinner and quiet night in a traditional homestay .
Depart in the morning for the charming Trung Khanh district . Arrived on site, you can relax before lunch. In the afternoon, visit the village and learn about the local customs. The evening is devoted to relaxation where you will dine with the hosts.
After breakfast, head for a bamboo rafting trip for a peaceful cruise. Swimming is possible here depending on the season. You can try your hand at local fishing. You will have lunch at a local restaurant. You will then head to the impressive Ban Gioc waterfalls , the largest in the country. After strolling in front of this magnificent spectacle offered by the waterfalls, you will visit the cave of Nguom Ngao , underground route amid limestone formations and sculptures. Then return to the guest house for a peaceful evening with the hosts.
The road resumes in the direction of Huu Lung, known for its climbing area and its ideal location in the middle of the mountains. On the way, you will take the time to visit a village of the Nung minority, known and recognized for their know-how in sewing and cutlery. Visit a traditional house and workshops, you will have tea and lunch with a family. You will then drive back to Huu Lung for dinner and overnight.
The morning will be devoted to climbing. All levels are possible, from initiation to seasoned climbers. This is the way to see the valley from another point of view and to experience some thrills in complete safety. Possibility to take a bike or hike to visit the surroundings if climbing does not tempt you. After lunch, you will be accompanied for a bike tour to visit more in depth the charms of the valley. Return to the guesthouse for dinner and overnight.
After breakfast, a short walk will be offered to enjoy the last moments in the countryside of North Vietnam. You will then be transferred back to Hanoi