North Vietnam Explorer

8 days
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5/5 Excellent
52 reviews  
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Group Tour
Uncover the natural beauty of North Vietnam - from bustling capital of Hanoi, to the limestone outcrops and peaks and local mountain villages to the magical beauty of Halong Bay
From$1,705
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Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

What's this trip about?

    Uncover the natural beauty of North Vietnam - from bustling capital of Hanoi, to the limestone outcrops and peaks and local mountain villages to the magical beauty of Halong Bay

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 1 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLao Cai
End CityHalong Bay

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • Trekking & Expeditions

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Vietnam

Attractions

  • Hanoi

Activities

  • Historic sightseeing
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Short Cruise
  • Swimming
  • Trekking

Trip includes

    • All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
    • All transport and transfers
    • 24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
    • Services of a local tour guide during sightseeing and activities
    • Admission fees, with instruction where necessary
    • Meals as indicated in the itinerary

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi and transfer to hotel
We meet and greet you at the airport and provide a private transfer to your hotel where you can settle in and explore your new surroundings. In the evening your guide will take you on a tour of Hanoi's street food. We start our adventure into the world of street food wit...
| OVERNIGHT:
Hanoi - 3-star hotel

EXTRAS:
Single room supplement (VETMNV)

Day 2: Hanoi city tour & overnight train to Lao Cai
This city tour takes in Hanoi's essential sites. In the morning you'll visit Ho Chi Minh Complex including the Mausoleum, his former stilt-house residence, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. You then have time to expore the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long...
Note
: The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is closed all day on Monday and Fridays, as well as from 1st October to 30th November (approx.) for annual conservation. Later in th evening you board an overnight train from Hanoi to the border town of Lao Cai. Catch some sleep along the way ...
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train

| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Lao Cai, drive to Sapa, start trekking
Our trekking adventure starts with the drive from Lao Cai Station to the mountain town of Sapa. This drive takes about an hour, but it's worthwhile as the scenery on our northward journey into the highlands is both dramatic and breathtaking. We arrive in Sapa around 8.00...
Approx
: 1 hour driving/ 5 hours trekking/ 1 hour lunch.

| OVERNIGHT:
Sin Chai village - Bamboo huts

| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Sapa, trekking then train to Hanoi
You start the trek today downhill toward the My Son village, which belongs to the Xafo ethnic minority, one of the smallest group's ethnic in Northern Vietnam. After an hour and a half walking you'll reach the Red Dao village of Nam Toong, where we will take lunch. After...
| OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train

| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Arrive Hanoi, drive to Ninh Binh
Hoa Lu, 100 km south of Hanoi, was the Vietnamese capital city under the Dinh and Le Dynasties between 968 and 1009 AD. Some of the structures and tombs have survived the years and can still be seen today. The area is also one of an outstanding natural beauty with limest...
| OVERNIGHT:
Ninh Binh - 4-star hotel

| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Ninh Binh to Halong bay
After early breakfast, you'll be transferred to Halong Bay. You'll enjoy an overnight boat cruise on Halong bay, which is listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. The trip of Halong Bay is unforgettable. Visit ancient limestone caves and enjoy sea k...
| OVERNIGHT:
Halong Bay - Junk boat

| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Lan Ha Bay
This morning we board a smaller boat to explore Lan Ha, a remote corner of the bay. Here we visit the Leaning Tower, a popular rock climbing cliff, then off at some small floating fishing villages to see the farm pens that hold a variety of fish, shrimps and crabs that t...
| OVERNIGHT:
Halong Bay - Junk boat

| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Halong Bay, return to Hanoi for flight home
Enjoy an early morning swim followed by breakfast. The tour then visits the "Cave of Surprises" before cruising back to the main harbour for the return drive to Hanoi. In the evening you are transferred to the airport for you flight home.

Note
: Day use room in Hanoi is not included.

| OVERNIGHT:
N/A

| MEALS:
Breakfast, Lunch

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,705
Price per day$213
Last Updated: 4/18/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Encounters Travel.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Encounters Travel Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Encounters Travel

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Encounters Travel is an adventure tour operator, based in the UK but with representatives in Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We run a wide selection of cultural and adventurous tours around the world, each carefully designed to help you get the most out of the country you're visiting.

Our tours range from historical sightseeing and Nile cruises in Egypt, through to long strenuous treks and white water rafting in Nepal or swimming with whales in Tonga. You can join other travellers on a small group departure, or personalise and tailor-make an itinerary for you to enjoy privately.

Whatever your preference, we have a team of experienced travel consultants ready to advise you and help arrange your next great adventure tour!

Why choose us?

  • Financial security for your peace of mind througn ATOL & financial failure insurance
  • Members of ABTA (Y4447)
  • Airport transfers included
  • Encounters with local cultures and like-minded travellers
  • No local payment as part of tour price
  • Tours designed by experts
  • Itineraries that don’t cut corners or costs at your expense
  • Clear info provided on entrance fees & local costs
  • The best industry renowned guides
  • Every booking contributes to local projects
  • Great value for money!

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International flights (available on request)
    • Visas fees (currently waived for GB nationals. We can arrange a pre-registration VISA letter for other nationalities - you will still need to pay for visa stamp fee upon arrival into the country,at customs check in counter, at a cost of $45 per person together with 2 passport photos. Please contact us for more information about the cost of this letter as prices vary depending on nationality.)
    • Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
    • Meals not indicated in the itinerary
    • Drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
    • Tips for tour guides and drivers
    • Any other items not mentioned above
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
Encounterstraveltourcms-VETMNV

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