You will be picked up at 07.30am and follow national road 3 for 2 hours to Thai Nguyen. Spend half an hour paying visit to the famous Museum of ethnology for basic understanding about the ethnic peoples living in the northern mountainous region.

Then continue the road trip 105 km along national road 3 via Bac Can to Na Phac and then turn to provincial road for 37km to Cho Ra. Enjoy several stops for beautiful landscapes and having late lunch break in Cho Ra Town let.

Transfer shortly after lunch to the boat pier and spend the rest of the afternoon cruising to explore Ba Be National Park and Lake. Boat trip ends up in late afternoon, and there are 2 options for staying overnight: Home stay in Pac Ngoi village of the Tay or in standard hotel at the head quarter of the park.

Day summary: Travel 217 km, approx.5 hours/ Stop and sightseeing 1hour/ Boat trip 3 hours

Overnight in Ba Be

Breakfast and leave Ba Be at 08.00am. Drive 79km along road 279 to Ha Hieu junction and turn left for Tinh Tuc. Enjoy stunning scenery of the Colia Pass, take a short walk to visit a village of the Zao Tien before having a coffee break in Tinh Tuc.

Then follow national road 34A 88km to Bao Lac. Enjoy an hour walk along the way to see a village of the San Chay ethnic peoples. Lunch break in Bao Lac.

Continue the road trip along the Gam River after lunch for 21km to Ly Bon before getting up steep mountains of the remotest land of Cao Bang to Meo Vac town let of Ha Giang province. This portion of the road trip offers chances to see the poorest region of the country with traces of slash and burn agriculture. Take an hour walking through the fascinating valley of Niem Son and discover way of life of the Nung ethnic.

Day summary: Travel 233 km. approx.6 hours/ Walking and sightseeing 3 - 4 hours

Overnight in Meo Vac

If on Sunday; explore the weekend market where local tribal people sell their goods in town.

After breakfast, Drive to visit The Vuong Dynasty memorial house - a national relic featuring typical H’mong architecture on the way. Keep the camera turned on to capture many pictures of the magnificent scenery of Dong Van Karst Plateau - consisting of narrow valleys alternating with rocky mountain ranges in the north of Vietnam.

Then continue to drive through a series of magnificent valleys surrounded by wall-up mountain, enjoy another walk to visit the Lung Cam Tren village where the Hmong changed their way of life from shifting into sedentary one from about 100 years ago which help them to have a better life than many others. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before leaving Lung Cam and transfer mostly downhill the Pho Cao pass for Yen Minh lush valley, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of Yen Minh Pass. Arrive at Lung Tam commune which is set amongst perfect surrounding nature before visiting the workshop of Ms. Mai who gathered over 100 Hmong and Zao women in difficulties and helped them to learn traditional weaving and embroidery for better living.

Day summary: Travel 85 km or 119km if visit Lung Phin Market/ Walking and sightseeing 3 to 4 hours

Overnight in Quan Ba

After breakfast depart over stunning Quan Ba Pass which offers the fascinating scenery en route visit another village of the Hmong people.

On the way passing lush and green forest, tea farms and possess the most impressive terraced rice fields in Vietnam. The road winds its way on high mountain sides and offers beautiful landscapes. Arrive Hoang Su Phi in noon for checking in. Be ready for lunch with ethnic food at the lodge

Afternoon starts with leisurely exploring area nearby with stunning view of terrace rice field and little home of ethnic people

Day summary: Travel 207km, approx.5 hours/ Walking and sightseeing 4 hours

Hotel in Hoang Su Phi

* If on Sunday: Spend 2 hours in the morning joining local ethnic groups like the Hoa Hmong, Red Zao, Nung and Tay at the market. The Sunday market here is also famous for the cattle exchange that takes place on a large field on the banks of the Chay River.

Leave Hoang Su Phi for a 100km cruise along the Chinese border, cross the Chay River Massif and discover the local life of the Hmong, Tay and Nung Chinese along the way. Spend almost 2 hours walking through the beautiful Lung Cai commune perched on a high mountain range, overlooking the narrow and steep valley where the Chay river winds its way between Vietnam and China. Arrive in Bac Ha town at noon, visit Thanh Hoang A Tuong before taking a lunch break.

Take another walk to explore the mighty Ban Pho valley after lunch, then transfer for 2 hours downhill along the smooth road to Lao Cai, having day used room in a hotel near the rail way station.

Boarding the overnight train at 09.45pm for Hanoi.

Day summary: Travel 175 km, approx.5 hours/ Walk, sightseeing 4 hours.

Important notes:

• This trip is suitable for every people, and can be organized the whole year around.
• The scenery is much more lively and beautiful from April to early November. December and March are ok, Jan and Feb is often cold and foggy.
• Local services such as hotels, restaurants…are basic
• Rain gear, warm clothes especially from December - February.
• The itinerary can be changed when needed for the safety or client’s request.

Our services include:

• Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room
• Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• English or French speaking guide (for other languages and a national guide supplements apply)
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
• Entrance fees for mentioned visits
• Boat trip as mentioned in the itinerary
• Train ticket (shared cabin)

Our services do not include:

• Other meals than mentioned
• Other services than mentioned
• International and domestic Flights
• Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
• Tips, Travel insurance