Itinerary
Days 1-2 Hanoi Day 3 Dien Bien Phu Day 4 Tam Duong Day 5 Sapa Day 6 Lao Cai Day 7 Hanoi Day 8 Depart

Vietnam's Northern Secrets
8 Days

Discover Hanoi with a full day's sightseeing in this fantastic city, Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum is an imposing marble and granite construction - regarded with enormous reverence by all Vietnamese. Nearby is One Pillar Pagoda, fashioned in the form of a lotus flower on its stalk; it emerges from the water resting on a single stone pillar. Inside is a statue of the Goddess of Mercy with its legendary “thousand arms and thousand eyes”. The Temple of Literature offers an overview of Hanoi's culture and history. Opposite is KOTO, an excellent restaurant and a training center for street children - great for lunch, or just a coffee & cake break. In preparation for your journey north a visit to the excellent Museum of Ethnology will enhance your understanding of Vietnam's diverse culture through its unique presentation of objects & dress from a variety of Vietnam ’s 54 ethnic groups.

In Dien Bien Phu explore the bunkers and battle sites scattered throughout the valley - memorialised in Vietnamese history as the place where the country secured its independence from French colonial rule in 1954.

Tam Duong, stopping on the way at Muong Lon and Muong Lay to visit Red H’Mong & Thai villages. Dinner at local restaurant.

Depart from Tam Duong to Sapa, stopping to have leisure walks and enjoy the fantastic sceneries of mountains and hills. You may be lucky to meet the Red H’Mong groups

Sapa is located on the slopes of the Fan Si Pan Mountain, the highest peak of Vietnam. This mountain village is well known for its weekly market which is at its busiest on weekends. Vietnam is home to millions of people who belong to minority groups of non-Vietnamese origin and are known for their colorful dress and interesting culture. Around Sapa there are many minority villages. Explore the beautiful surroundings of Sapa by foot visiting several villages of the Hmong, Dzay and Red Zao minorities. Your guide will prepare you for these visits to cultural sensitive villages and will introduce you to these remarkable minority people.

Returning to Hanoi by overnight train you then have a day to indulge in Hanoi's many wonderful handicraft stores and excellent cafes.


 

Hanoi
The most charming of Indochina's cities. Become immersed in a whirlwind of activity and color. The shops and markets of the old quarter offer endless temptations; coffee shops surround the city's lakes; fascinating museums and unbeatable food.
Dien Bien Phu
Est

Ta
Bhutan's most iconic image and one of the most venerated pilgrim sites in the Himalaya, the monastery clings to the cliff face 800meters above the valley.
Sapa
Charming Black Hmong settlement also frequented by other Hill Tribe peoples colorfully clad, rich in culture and tradition - a very different Vietnam.
 

Tour Costs
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
1 person - USD1470
2 people - USD940 p/p
3 people - USD850p/p
4 people - USD790p/p
single supplement:
USD123
Physical Grading
Easy
Culture Shock Grading
Low-Moderate

For more information request dossier VNS

Included in the Tour Cost:
• Land transport by private vehicle.
• Domestic flight Hanoi-Dien Bien Phu
• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
• English speaking local guides
• sightseeing as indicated including entry fees

Not included in the Tour Cost:
• Flights & taxes
• Drinks
• Meals other than specified
• Visa & passport fees
• Personal expenses such as laundry, souvenirs etc.
• Tips & gratuities
• Personal travel insurance
• Costs arising from events outside the control of Asian Footsteps or its agents - including the delay or extension of a trip due to weather, equipment failure, illness, or other causes beyond our control. No refunds can be made for any unused services or accommodation on the trip.