Day 1 : Hanoi – Babe Lakes
You will be met up with Asia Pacific Travel team at your hotel in Hanoi. The journey begins as we depart the town and pass through the undulating terrain of tea plantation and the many timeless villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northeastern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on road and traffic conditions our drive will leave us with a mid to late afternoon arrival in Ba Be lakes. After checking into hotel we will have free time to walk around or simply to relax on the lake. O/N in Ba Be.
Day 2: Babe Lakes – Na Hang – Bac Me – Ha Giang
The national park of Ba Be is centred on large Ba Be Lake. This is just one continuous water body although its name means ”three lakes”. Today we embark on our boat navigating around the lake, which gives us a taste of relaxation and an enjoyable visit to the park . Along the way, we make stopover at some hill tribe villages before getting off the beaten track to the Dau Dang Waterfalls. After a short walk down to the waterfall, we start our trek to Na Hang Lake. Lunch will be served by the waterfall or somewhere else advised by our guide on spot. After lunch we will take the boat again to cruise along the river till we reach Bac Me where our vehicle is ready to pick us up and transfer to Ha Giang. Dinner and overnight in Ha Giang.
Day 3: Ha Giang full day Trek
Breakfast at local guesthouse then we get on the car departing for Cao Banh village where we begin our full day trek through many hill tribe villages. Picnic lunch will be provided on spot. Around late afternoon, we will arrive at Me Village where we stop for overnight. Dinner and overnight at village.
Day 4: Ha Giang – Quang Binh
After breakfast, the Lotussia Travel guide will take you either trekking or motorbike riding through the magnificent mountain ranges. On the way up to the mountain top, you will pass through several little villages. This is an excellent chance to get some great photo’s and take in the absolute beauty of the place. After arriving back to the stilt house you will have traditional food with the family and spend the night with them, having fun chatting and may be a few drinks. Dinner and overnight at village.
Day 5 : Quang Binh – Bac Ha
After saying goodbye to the local family we depart for Bac Ha. After arriving in Bac Ha (approx 3 hours) you can visit the Bac Ha local market, is open on Sunday only where there are many traditional foods, drinks, clothing and handicrafts as well as all the local produce such as pigs, dogs, cats, horses and buffalo for sale. This is interesting as you also get to meet all the different Minority people also doing their shopping. After arriving there you check into the hotel and have the rest of the evening at your own leisure.
Day 6: Bac Ha – Cao Son – Lung Khau Nhin
Drive to Muong Khuong; local villages, verdant and rugged mountains along the Nam Thi River. After a couple hours, arrive Muong Khuong; presentation about the region and the expedition. Head southeast for Lung Khau Nhin via Na Phin, Na Nam va Chung Chai Village, friendly H’Mong and Nung people. Lunch in the shade, continue to Lung Khau Nhin, stilt-house overnight.
Day 7: Lung Khau Nhin – Me Village (H’Mong)
Gentle descent on single track and dirt roads through forest and remote villages; guide will point out rare points of interest, traditional customs. After three hours hiking, stop for lunch; rest of the day on the rugged terrain to Me Village (H’Mong). Sleep in the tents or at the local school.
Day 8 : Me Village (H’Mong) – Quan Than San Village
Following breakfast, trekking through the rugged terrain past rice paddies, local villages. Be prepared to get wet – some streams; picnic lunch; quiet trails to our final point. After three hours on the trail, the tiny village of Quan Than San, H’Mong people. Stay the night here.
Day 9: Quan Than San – Bac Ha
Mixture of ups and downs throughout the day, challenging climbs, exceptional views of the Thang Sin Mountains, distant H’Mong villages; trek to Can Cau Village (Cau Cau Market open on Saturday); climbing up from Can Cau for about 8km through remote villages; spectacular terrain to Thai Giang Pho Village, lunch in the shade; downhill to Bac Ha hotel stay.
Day 10: Bac Ha – Nam Mon Village
Bac Ha bustles on a Sunday – market day. Flower H’Mong, Blue H’Mong, Tu Zi, Tay, Nung and Lo Lo people all converge here bringing life to this sleepy mountain town. one hour free after breakfast to explore the market; photographs and shopping; descend from mountain to village on the banks of the Chay River; footpath hike through plum and peach plantations; lunch break on quiet roadside, photograph the scenery – good stretch. Finish at Nam Mon Village (Tay, Nung and H’Mong people). Sleep in a traditional Tay house.
Day 11: Nam Mon – Hanoi
Leave Nam Mon; final trekking day; two hours’ hike on footpaths to the Chay River; board a small covered boat and enjoy an hour cruise past Hang Tien (Fairy Cave); wander to Ban Du and Cac Cop. Conclude trekking at Cac Cop Village and board the boat to Bao Nhai Bridge; transfer to Lao Cai for standard hotel day room. Dine in a local restaurant before overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 12: Arrival Hanoi.
Arrive in Hanoi early morning, transfer to the hotel. End of Asia Pacific Travel service.