11 DAYS JEWELS OF NORTHERN VIETNAM

11 DAYS JEWELS OF NORTHERN VIETNAM – THE NORTH-WEST AND NORTH-EAST GRAND TOUR
Private tour (HANJNV11): Departure on Wednesdays from Hanoi with local English or French-speaking guide (other language speaking guides at surcharge). The best time to visit is during harvest in late September and early October or in May when people prepare the land for the new crop.
Follow the footsteps of local tribes around Nghia Lo, Mu Cang Chai and Than Uyen, areas also know as the “rice bowls” of Northern Vietnam • Admire the terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam’s national heritage • Relax at the Topa Ecolodge near Sapa, Vietnam’s prime hillside resort town • Witness the colourful Bac Ha Sunday Market • Be stunned by the rock formations and bizarre landscape at Dong Van rock plateau, a UNESCO World Geopark.

Day 1: HANOI – ARRIVAL (-/-/-)

Wednesday Meet on arrival at Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport and transfer to the hotel.
For morning arrivals, interesting optional afternoon excursions in and around Hanoi are available at surcharge.

Accommodation at La Dolce Vita Hotel, Deluxe room

Meals included: None

Day 2: HANOI – NGHIA LO (B/L/D)

Thursday Depart from Hanoi to Nghia Lo, situated in Yen Bai province. Muong Lo (Nghia Lo) is considered one of the four famous “rice bowls” of North-Western Vietnam, next to Muong Thanh (Dien Bien), Muong Than (Than Uyen), Muong Tac (Phu Yen). Enjoy the scenic drive with spectacular views of roadside hills dotted with ethnic minority villages and palm shaded tea plantations.

Accommodation at Nghia Lo Hotel, VIP room (simple accommodation)

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at hotel

Day 3: NGHIA LO – MU CANG CHAI – THAN UYEN – SAPA (B/L/D)

Friday Continue your journey further north. The road takes you through Mu Cang Chai, famous for the terraced fields which have been listed as Vietnam’s national heritage. Admire the masterpiece of local H’mong people and take the chance to record as many frames as possible at this photogenic stretch. Continue to Than Uyen, home of the White Thai minority and known another “rice bowl” of the area.

After lunch at a local restaurant in Than Uyen, proceed to Sapa, passing through an area inhabited by Blue Hmong, Thai, Dzao and Lu people and driving over the Lai Chau pass, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam.
Arrival to Sapa – a resort town founded by the French in 1922. Located 360 km from Hanoi, Sapa used to be the summer retreat for the French and is now a popular tourist destination for foreigners and locals alike. The area around Sapa has stunning vistas onto terraced rice fields and the region is home to a number of ethnic minorities, such as the Black H’mong, Red Dzao, Giay and Xa Pho hill tribe people.

Continue your journey to the Topas Ecolodge, located 18 km from Sapa amidst rice terraces and surrounding ethnic minority villages.

Accommodation at Topas Ecolodge

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at Topas Ecolodge

Day 4: SAPA – TOPAS ECOLODGE (B/L/D)

Saturday Enjoy the day at leisure. Do some trekking on your own (organized trekking tours are available at surcharge) in the surrounding area, get in touch with the locals or just enjoy the breath-taking views onto the Sapa valley from your room.

Accommodation at Topas Ecolodge

Meals included: Breakfast at Topas Ecolodge
Lunch at Topas Ecolodge
Dinner at Topas Ecolodge

Day 5: SAPA – BAC HA SUNDAY MARKET (B/L/D)

Sunday After breakfast, depart for the highland town of Bac Ha where you can wander through the district market, considered one of the most colourful ethnic markets in the Northwest. Flower H'mong, Phu La and Dao Tuyen minorities gather every Sunday at Bac Ha to buy and sell their handicraft products and fresh produce. A weekly rendezvous for the locals and men folks can often be seen wending their merry way home at the end of a day at the market.
After lunch, visit Hoang A Tuong Palace which used to be residence of the local H’mong Lord. Enjoy a light trek to visit Ban Pho. The region’s famous corn wine is brewed here and named after the village.

Accommodation at Sao Mai Hotel in Bac Ha

Meals included: Breakfast at Topas Ecolodge
Lunch at Sao Mai Hotel
Dinner at Sao Mai Hotel

Day 6 : BAC HA – HOANG SU PHI (B/L/D)
We set off on a full day journey through Sin Man district to Hoang Su Phi. The rough but scenic route traverses a dense jungle before crossing over a pass and dropping down to Sin Man. You can see beautiful terraced fields in Sin Man and Hoang Su Phi districts. Along the way we may also encounter the Nung Ing, Tay, Red Dao, Dao Ao Dai, La Chi and Co Lao, just some of the many hill tribe groups who have settled in the area.

Accommodation at Pan Hou Ecolodge

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at Pan Hou Ecolodge

Day 7 : HOANG SU PHI – HA GIANG  (B/L/D)

Continue your journey to Ha Giang. Enjoy the scenic drive with endless photo opportunities. Along the way, you will see many ethnic minority groups. Upon arrival to Ha Giang, have lunch and check into the hotel.
In the afternoon, visit Tien Thang village on the outskirts of the city. This is an old and beautiful Tay ethnic minority village that well preserves the identity, cultural traditions and architecture.

Accommodation at Huy Hoan Hotel in Ha Giang

Meals included: Breakfast at Pan Hou Ecolodge
Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at at local restaurant

Day 8 : HA GIANG – SA PHIN – DONG VAN   (B/L/D)
The remote region of Dong Van and Meo Vac is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful hill tribe villages which have remained unchanged for centuries. The Dong Van rock plateau has been enlisted by UNESCO as a World Geopark.
Today we head northwest out of Ha Giang Town towards this northernmost tip of Vietnam. The former H’mong royal house at Sa Phin is a primary attraction of the region, but the blend of the hill tribe people's colourful costumes and the majestic mountainous scenery make this long and sometimes bumpy trip an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation at Cao Nguyen Da Hotel in Dong Van

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at local restaurant

Day 9 : DONG VAN – MEO VAC – BAO LAC – NGUYEN BINH – BA BE LAKE (B/L/D)
Today, the journey takes you through the rolling hills and the picturesque scenery to Ba Be National Park.
We have time to visit Dong Van Town before continuing to Meo Vac which is inhabited mostly by the Lo Lo and Pu Peo ethnic minority people. They still retain their centuries old cultural traditions and are recognizably distinct from each other by their dress.
The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of the area’s local people are highlights of Meo Vac. Living conditions are very basic here. Roads are bumpy and zigzagging through the mountains. But the journey is more than rewarding. Meet the locals and learn more about the life and culture of the Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung ethnic minorities who make for the main population in this region. Surely, your presence will attract the locals’ attention as this part of the country still receives very few visitors.
Depending on road and traffic conditions, we arrive in Ba Be by late afternoon or early evening.

Simple accommodation at a village home stay

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at home stay

Day 10 : BA BE LAKE – HA NOI (B/L/D)
The legendary lake of Ba Be is just one continuous water body although the name means “three lakes”.
Today we embark on a boat cruising down the Nang River which is the main water source of the lake. This exciting boat trip will give you a taste of the tranquil countryside at Ba Be National Park. Afterwards, depart for Hanoi.

Accommodation at La Dolce Vita Hotel, Deluxe room

Meals included: Breakfast at home stay
Lunch at local restaurant
Dinner at local restaurant

Day 11 : HANOI – DEPARTURE  (B/-/-)
Time at leisure until transfer to Hanoi / Noi Bai International Airport for your departure flight.
If departure is in the afternoon or evening, you are welcome to join our interesting optional excursions in and around Hanoi at surcharge.

Meals included: Breakfast at hotel
“WE WISH YOU AN ENJOYABLE JOURNEY”
SPECIAL NOTE
Bring along - Light cotton dress / trousers
- Warm jacket (rain and wind)
- Silk sleeping bag
- Mosquito repellent
- Good walking / hiking shoes
- A walking stick
- Swim wear
- Travel towel
- Sun hat / sun lotion
- Hand lotion
- Lip balm
- Camera
- Charged batteries for your camera
Roads - Driving can be a challenge as roads can be bumpy or under construction
- Driving time depends on weather and road conditions – only rough estimates can be given

Reward - Stunning scenery
- Most colourful people and dresses
- Countless photo opportunities off the beaten track
TOUR PRICE IS BASED ON THE FOLLOWING HOTELS
Superior La Dolce Vita Hotel – Deluxe room (Hanoi), Nghia Lo Hotel – VIP room (Nghia Lo), Topas Ecolodge (Sapa), Sao Mai Hotel (Bac Ha), Pan Hou Ecolodge (Hoang Su Phi), Huy Hoan Hotel (Ha Giang), Cao Nguyen Da Hotel (Dong Van), Homestay at Pac Ngoi Village in Ba Be National Park (Bac Kan)
Please contact us for rates based on different hotels.
TOUR PRICE

 (*)  Child policy:
Discounted rates are applicable for 1 child (from 2 – 11 years of age) accompanied by 2 full-paying passengers (in other words, for every 2 full-paying participants 1 child is entitled to the special child rate).
OUR TOUR PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF
Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom
Meals as stated in the programme B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner
Transfers and tours with local English or French-speaking guides in private air-conditioned vehicles
All entrance and boat fees as mentioned in the programme
Drinking water and cold towels available on the vehicles
NOT INCLUDED ARE
• Domestic airfare (quoted separately, if requested)
• International airfare to / from Vietnam (quoted separately, if requested)
• Optional tours
• Surcharges for other language guides
• Surcharges for Lunar New Year (TET) holiday
• Personal travel insurance
• Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.
• Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme
• Drinks with meals
• Compulsory gala dinners during festive seasons and peak season surcharges which will be advised at the time of booking
• Visa application and visa stamp fees at Vietnamese embassies overseas and/ or upon arrival (Please note that a visa is compulsory for most nationalities.)
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme

CANCELLATIONS
• Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after the tour arrangements have commenced.

• FIT (Individuals): Cancellation charges are calculated from the day the written notification is received by the company or agent as a percentage of the net total tour price as shown plus any surcharges (e.g. ticketed air sectors, other penalties imposed by suppliers such as hotels):
• Between 29- 21 days before departure:  According to the costs incurred will be charged
• Between 20 days and 15 days prior to departure: 25% of package price
• Between 14 days and 8 days prior to departure: 50% of package price
• Between 07 days and 2 days prior to departure: 75% of package price
• 1 day prior to departure or no show:   100% of package price

• GIT (Groups): Cancellation of tours due to minimum number of participants will be advised 6 weeks before departure of the tour; in which case Happy Go Travel will offer an alternative tour of a similar standard or a full refund. Cancellation policy for GIT bookings will be advised separately case by case.

• HOTEL ONLY
• Between 29- 21 days before departure:  no charge
• Between 20 days and 15 days prior to departure: 60% of accommodation price
• Between 14 days and 0 days prior to departure: 100% of accommodation price

• Certain Hotels impose stricter cancellation policies which will be advised separately.
PLEASE NOTE
• For air ticket reservations, we require the guests’ full names AS THEY APPEAR IN THEIR PASSPORTS. Airfares and reservations are always subject to change until paid in full and ticketed.
• Airfares are subject to increase without prior notice.
• Please be advised that prices will be adjusted periodically in case of fuel price increase by our suppliers.
• This is a quotation only and neither reservations for services nor hotel bookings have been made.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
CONTACT INFORMATION OF HOTELS DURING YOUR STAY 
Day 1 & 10 Hanoi LA DOLCE VITA HOTEL 53 Hang Bo Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
Telephone: (+84-4) 3923 3763/64
Fax: (+84-4) 3923 3758
Day 2 Nghia Lo NGHIA LO HOTEL To 11, P.Trung Tam, Nghia Lo, Yen Bai
Telephone: (+84-293) 3870 106
Fax: (+84-293) 3870 100
Day 3 & 4 Sapa HOTEL TOPAS ECOLODGE SAPA 16 Pham Xuan Huan Street, Sapa
Telephone: (+84-20) 3872 404
Fax: (+84-20) 3872 405
Day 5 Bac Ha SAO MAI HOTEL  Bac Ha Town, Lao Cai
Telephone: (+84-20) 3880 288
Fax: (+84-20) 3780 352
Day 6 Hoang Su Phi PAN HOU VILLAGE Thong Nguyen, Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang
Telephone: (+84-219) 3833 535
Fax: (+84-219) 3833 555
Day 7 Ha Giang HUY HOANG HOTEL 359 Nguyen Trai, Ha Giang Town, Ha Giang
Telephone: (+84-219) 386 1288
Fax: (+84-219) 386 1288
Day 8 Dong Van CAO NGUYEN DA HOTEL  Dong Van, Ha Giang
Telephone: (+84-219) 3856 868
Fax: (+84-219) 3860 368

CONTACT INFORMATION OF HAPPY GO TRAVEL
HAPPY GO TRAVEL - HANOI HEAD OFFICE:
Address:  5th floor,  130F Thai Thinh str, Trung Liet, Dong Da,  Hanoi, Vietnam
Telephone during office hours:  +84 24 32 686 686; +84 24 32 898 898
Fax:  +84 24 32 171 783

EMERCENCY CONTACTS (ENGLISH AND GERMAN-SPEAKING)
Mobile: Mr. Thang (Managing Director) (+84) 934556056

IMPORTANT NOTICE
 Certain parts of the tours on offer are provided by independent third parties, such as airlines, hotels, transport operators and local tourist offices. Happy Go Travel is therefore not responsible for any loss, injury or damage caused thereby to the tourists, including those occurring outside of the normal touring programmes. Additional expenses incurred due to delay, accident, natural disaster, political actions and unrest shall be borne by the tourists.
 Programmes, prices, services and conditions are based on those valid at the time of proposal submission and are subject to change thereafter without advance notice until all services have been paid in full.
 We strongly advise to leave valuable items (money, passport, credit cards, jewellery, sensitive documents, laptop computer, etc.) in the hotel safe. During excursions and roundtrips, personal belongings, especially money and valuables should NEVER be left on vehicles, even during short breaks, and carried around at all times. Happy Go Travel is not responsible for any loss or theft.
 Vietnam being a developing country is in full process of upgrading its infrastructure. Therefore, driving overland can be cumbersome due to ongoing road constructions.

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