The Remote Places in The North of Viet Nam 6 Days - 5 Nights Tour

Ha Noi -Ha Giang - Dong Van - Dong Van - Ma phi Leng - Meo Vac - Bao Lac  - Ba Be Lake - Ha Noi 

Day 1: Ha Noi - Ha Giang (L, D)

8:00 departure to Road No. 2 Hanoi-Viet Tri-Tuyen Quang-Ha Giang. Excellent lunch among gardens in Tan Quang; arrival in Ha Giang around 18:00.  
We go to a nearby Thai village, where we have diner and spend the night in a family stilted house.

Day 2: Ha Giang - Dong Van (B, L, D)

After purchasing the mandatory permit at the Immigration Office, we take the first spectacular road, which leads to Dong Van, a series of long passes and deep valleys. Lunch in the small mountain town of Tam Son.
We then cross a landscape of pine forest and arrive at the astonishing King of the H’mong’s Palace, a fortress built by a local chief allied with the French against the Vietminh, Vuong Chin Duc, and evacuated in 1950 (his descendants now live in France and Canada). Arrival in Dong Van around 18:00. Diner in a local restaurant and hotel night.        

Day 3: Dong Van - Ma Phi Leng - Meo Vac - Bao Lac (B, L, D)

An absolutely unforgettable day! It starts with the visit of the market of Dong Van, where the locals shop before returning to their eagle nest. We then climb a pass up to the French Fortress of Pu Lo, built in 1890 and evacuated in 1945, from which we enjoy a spectacular view of the entire region. 

We then drive to the most astonishing road in Vietnam, which climbs on 15 km up to the top of the Ma Pi Leng Pass, through a gigantic maze of lime peaks, "stone forests", and canyons unique in the world. We then go down into the valley of Meo Vac, visit Meo Vac market. We then continue snaking through the mountains, cross the river, and arrive in the village of Bao Lac, where we have diner and spend the night.        

Day 4: Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake (B, L, D)

We start early to take the mountain road Bao Lac - Cao Bang. Before Cao Bang, another one of our little secrets : a gorgeous small road snaking through the mountains to the Thai village of Cho Ra and then down to the Tay village of Bo Lu village, where you are welcomed by Mr. Tuan Linh amazingly friendly Tay family in their traditional stilted house. If it’s hot, do like the local kids, just jump in the lake! Superb diner (Mrs Duyen is a true Cordon bleu) and if you would like something crazy ask Mr Linh for tobacco cigarette one meter long. 

Day 5: Ba Be Lake - Puong Cave (B, L, D)

A treat! Breakfast on the river terrace, then short drive to the house owner’s boat, who takes you through the entire length of the 3 connected lakes (Ba Be - “3 bays”) and up the Nang River, to an astonishing site: Dong Phuong, an enormous tunnel 300-long that the river has dug through a lime mountain. 
The boat then goes up river to the small village of Hua Tang. As simple and authentic as you have been dreaming of! Lunch in a local house alongside the river.     
After lunch, a short walk through the jungle takes you to the very scenic Thac Dau Dang Waterfalls, a series of spectacular cascades between sheer rock walls. Return by boat for another delightful evening at your Tay house.

Day 6: Ba Be Lake - Hanoi (B, L)

We stroll along the riverfront, visit some lovely villages and hike the upper reaches of the lake, in an area marked by massive limestone cliffs and mountains. Today you will have a patience by car driver, he will bring you through a pass which we call “Dog Flower Pass” then stop to take amazing photos by terraced fields.  After lunch in a local restaurant we also pay a visit to the Thai Nguyen Minority and Culture Museum where we can learn something about the culture and traditions of the different minority groups in Vietnam, it is our journey back to Hanoi, arriving there at around 6pm 

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...