Northern Vietnam Trekking Expedition

Journey Through Rural Vietnam

Following a delightful breakfast at the hotel, we will depart the city and embark on a scenic drive northward, traversing picturesque farmlands and verdant tea plantations. Although the journey is lengthy, it provides a splendid introduction to the rural charm of Vietnam, setting the stage for the adventures to come.

Our first stop is in Thai Nguyen, a region renowned for its tea production. Here, we will take the opportunity to visit the Ethnological Museum, which offers valuable insights into the diverse cultures of Vietnam's 54 ethnic minority groups. This visit will enrich our understanding, as some of these groups will be our hosts during the forthcoming trek.

Continuing our journey, we will arrive at Ba Be National Park, often referred to as 'Halong Bay in the mountains.' The park is home to Vietnam's largest lake, surrounded by lush jungle and majestic limestone peaks. The views here are truly breathtaking and unforgettable.

We will conclude our travel segment with a boat excursion, including a visit to the impressive Puong Cave. This atmospheric journey by boat provides a unique perspective of the dramatic natural landscape.

For the evening, we will stay in a traditional stilt house within a small Tay hamlet. There will be time to explore the village and observe local customs before enjoying a traditional dinner. Tonight’s accommodation will be a village homestay.

Travel Duration:

• Drive: Approximately 5-6 hours
• Boat: Approximately 1.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at homestay

Immersive Trekking Experience

Today offers an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery that surrounds us. Our first day of trekking will be a delightful exploration of varied landscapes, beginning with a passage through fields of corn, cassava, and sweet potatoes. As our route progresses, we will enter a dense jungle where the undergrowth is adorned with giant ferns and twisting lianas.

Our ascent will lead us to the elevated massif, providing a panoramic view of the expansive Ba Be Lake. Along the way, we will encounter small villages inhabited by the Hmong and Dao communities. After a scenic lunch, we will return by boat along the lake, with a notable stop to admire the Dau Dang Waterfall cascading into a dramatic rocky gorge.

The remainder of the day will be spent engaging with our Tay hosts, providing an enriching opportunity to gain deeper insights into their customs and way of life. Dinner will be served, and we will spend the night in a traditional village homestay.

Trekking Duration:

• Approximately 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at homestay

Scenic Transfer and Cultural Immersion

Following breakfast, we will commence an early transfer towards Bao Lao. Our journey will take us along a picturesque route, passing through the charming Ban Na and Na Phax villages and traversing the Pia Oac mountain range. This area, renowned for its pristine rainforest, is home to an array of rare and exotic flora and fauna.

As we proceed, the road will offer spectacular views of the karst peaks emerging from the verdant jungle. Upon reaching our destination, we will disembark and embark on an invigorating uphill trek to the village.

In the village, we will have the opportunity to meet the Black Lolo people, who migrated south from China in the 18th century following displacement. After settling into our accommodations, we will hike to a scenic pass that provides panoramic views of the village and the surrounding landscape.

The remainder of the day will be dedicated to exploring the local lifestyles and customs at your leisure. Dinner will be served, and we will spend the night in a traditional village homestay.

Travel and Trekking Duration:

• Drive: Approximately 5 hours
• Trek: Approximately 1-2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at homestay

Immersive Village Trek and Cultural Experience

Today's trek will be adapted to the group's pace, allowing for a personalised and enriching exploration of this remote village. This day offers a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of local life, which extends beyond mere observation.

We begin our day with some traditional village activities, including gathering wood, collecting water, and lighting fires, followed by a hearty breakfast. Our trek will then lead us further into the mountains, accompanied by a local villager. While our route remains flexible, we anticipate encountering Lolo shepherds and discovering Hmong villages that are even more secluded than our current location.

As we traverse paddy fields and cornfields, we will be treated to magnificent views of the expansive wild massifs that characterise the region. During our journey, we will have the chance to learn about the local flora and fauna and their significance in traditional medicine and bushcraft.

Upon our return to the village, additional opportunities will be available to contribute to daily activities and engage in traditional handicrafts, such as weaving and spinning. Dinner will be served, and we will spend the night enjoying the village homestay experience.

Trekking Duration:

• Approximately 4-5 hours (flexible)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at homestay

Scenic Trek through the Thong Nong Mountain Range

A brief transfer will bring us to the beginning of our trekking trail, situated on the edge of the Thong Nong mountain range. Our journey will follow the western extension of these mountains, featuring a gradual ascent into the heart of the range. The path offers a captivating and otherworldly landscape characterised by limestone pinnacles and granite outcrops.

As we trek, we will pass by remote hamlets inhabited by the Dao people, further enhancing the beauty and distinctiveness of our surroundings. After a leisurely lunch in a village, we will proceed through a Hmong settlement and continue along an undulating trail that meanders through a narrow valley, dominated by rugged rock formations.

Our route will take us across a limestone cirque, encircled by narrow cols, ultimately leading us to the Red Dao village of Va Tai. This village, nestled amidst forest-covered limestone peaks, will be our destination for the evening. We will be warmly welcomed into a local homestay, providing a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the traditions and customs of the villagers.

Travel and Trekking Duration:

• Drive: Approximately 1.5 hours
• Trek: Approximately 6-7 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at homestay

Dawn Trek through Jungle and Valleys

We will commence our day at dawn, embarking on a trek through lush jungle terrain and ascending a modest pass. Our route will then lead us to a narrow valley inhabited by the Hmong people. We will follow a trail ascending through the valley towards the hamlet of Lo Lung Xitun before descending through another remarkable limestone cirque.

Our journey continues along narrow paths through pristine primary forest. Following a lunch break, we will proceed to Co Phat, a Hmong hamlet that was notable for hosting a French military post in the 1950s.

The final leg of our trek will bring us to Nam Ngua, a small ethnic Nung hamlet consisting of only a few families. Nestled amidst limestone peaks and rice fields, Nam Ngu offers a breathtaking setting, particularly during the rainy season when it is adorned with a series of cascading waterfalls.

We will spend the night in a village homestay, providing a unique opportunity to experience the local way of life.

Trekking Duration:

• Approximately 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at homestay

Trek and Scenic Drive to Cao Bang

After a nourishing breakfast, we will continue our trek from the village into the mountains, surrounded by a series of breathtaking landscapes. Following the Na River, we will cross a bamboo bridge and traverse through additional Dao hamlets as we ascend to the upper valley. Our journey will take us over a small pass to the charming village of Sac Xay.

The subsequent pass offers a magnificent view extending towards the Chinese border and the surrounding mountain ranges. From this vantage point, we will descend through Tay hamlets until we reach the main road. Our vehicles will then transport us to Cao Bang, with a scenic lunch stop at a local restaurant along the way.

Upon arrival in Cao Bang, you will have free time to settle into your hotel and enjoy a refreshing shower. We will convene for dinner later in the evening.

Driving and Trekking Duration:

• Drive: Approximately 1 hour
• Trek: Approximately 4-5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at homestay

We will begin our day with a transfer back to Hanoi from Bac Kan Province, one of Vietnam's least-populated regions. Our journey will be marked by stunning scenery as we travel through lush, forested mountains and pass by remote villages.

Upon our arrival in Hanoi in the late afternoon, we will check into our hotel. In the evening, we will gather for a celebratory dinner to commemorate the achievements and experiences of the past week.

Driving Duration:

• Approximately 7-8 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Stay overnight at homestay

On your final day, you will have the morning at your leisure to relax and enjoy any last-minute activities or shopping in Hanoi.

Later, you will be transferred by our guide and driver to Noi Bai International Airport in preparation for your flight departure.

Meals: Breakfast