Northern Vietnam Escape

9 days - from $600

This concise tour of northern Vietnam allows you to discover and explore some of the most remarkably scenic regions in South East Asia. Beginning in the national capital, Hanoi, we uncover the charms and curiosities of this graceful old city and its fascinating Old Quarter on foot before setting out to cruise amongst the towering limestone karsts of awe-inspiring Halong Bay. Last, but definitely not least, we take the China-bound train to the northern border town of Lao Cai. From here we’ll trek through the breathtakingly beautiful mountain scenery around the northern hill tribe minority town of Sapa, and spend the night in a village longhouse, before returning to Hanoi where our trip ends.

Highlights

• 'Junk' boat cruise among the limestone karsts of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay
• Sapa hill tribes and the Bac Ha Sunday market
• Vietnam's northern capital Hanoi

Itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi2: Hanoi3: Halong Bay4: Hanoi - overnight train5-7: Sapa - village trek - overnight train8-9: Hanoi

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko’s expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, and professional local site guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Hanoi - One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature and Hoa Lo Prison (Hanoi Hilton); and minority hill tribe town of Sapa.

• Overnight boat cruise in Halong Bay. Accommodation in twin-share cabins with en suite facilities. A seafood lunch and dinner on board, swimming and a limestone cave excursion. Option of sleeping on the top deck under the stars (weather permitting).

• Two-day trek up the Muong Hoa River Valley to visit minority hill tribe villages.

• A night in Ban Ho in a longhouse belonging to a local family, including a hill tribe breakfast.

• Free time to explore Hanoi.

• Return overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Lao Cai (bed with pillow and sheets provided).

International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.