North Vietnam Explorer tour
North Vietnam Explorer tour
North Vietnam Explorer tour
8 Days Starting and ending in 21.022983,105.842285
Visiting: Vietnam
Tour operator:
Tour code:
190
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
This tour of Vietnam covers much of what is a diverse and interesting about the north of the country. Starting in Hanaoi, the capital, we have included Sapa for its trekking and minority villages, Ninh Binh region for its limestone peaks which rival those of Halong Bay and of course time exploring spectacular Halong Bay itself.
Your itinerary begins with a city tour of Hanoi before taking the overnight train to Lao Cai and the trekking area of Sapa. We will spend two days exploring the valleys and peaks of this beautiful region while getting to know the local people and their customs. We then return to Lao Cai for the overnight train back to Hanoi for an early breakfast at the hotel before having the rest of the day free to explore this city. After a night back in Hanoi we travel to Hoa Lu, famous for being the country's capital from 968 and 1009 AD. This area is one of stunning natural beauty which you will see best during your boat ride along the Boi River. Next we travel to stunning Halong Bay and spend 2 days cruising on a traditional junk around the limestone outcrops as well as sea kayaking and swimming - this is bound to be one of your tour highlights. Your tour ends back in Hanoi.
This tour combines well with a further exploration of southern Vietnam, a visit to a relaxing beach destination, or an extension into Cambodia to visit Angkor Watt and Tonle Sap.
This is a sample private tour itinerary and we can customise the daily itinerary, duration and accommodation levels and styles as much or as little as you wish.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Hanoi And Transfer To Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hanoi - 3-star hotel<strong >EXTRAS: </strong> Single room supplement (VETMNV)
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 with a taste of the local brew called "bai hoi". This very fizzy draft beer originated from eastern Europe. We continue though the streets and stalls, sampling the many wonderful culinary delights on offer, including Vietnamese flame grilled barbecue of meats, tofu and vegetables on skewers and much more. We end the evening with a wander around the lake and take dessert at Hanoi’s most famous ice cream parlour.
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour & Overnight Train To Lao Cai
Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 in soft sleeper berths on the express train (4 berth shared cabins). The train departs around 21:00pm and arrives into Lao Cai the following day at around 06:00am.
Day 3: Lao Cai: Drive To Sapa: Start Trekking
Accommodation Name: Sin Chai village - Bamboo huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Approx: 1 hour driving/ 5 hours trekking/ 1 hour lunch.
Day 4: Sapa: Trekking Then Train To Hanoi
Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 lunch you'll continue descending back to Ban Ho village, where you'll be able to enjoy a swim at the nearby refreshing waterfall of La Vie.
In the afternoon, transfer to Lao Cai for the overnight train journey to Hanoi.
Catch some sleep along the way in soft sleeper berths on the express train (4 berth shared cabins). The train departs around 20:00pm and arrives into Hanoi the following day at around 05:00am.
Day 5: Arrive Hanoi: Drive To Ninh Binh
Accommodation Name: Ninh Binh - 4-star hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 limestone peaks whose splendour is said to surpass even that of Halong Bay. This morning, your tour guide will be meeting you at the train station then depart for Ninh Binh province, which will take two hours driving. Upon arrival you'll spend time visiting the Dinh and Le sanctuaries before we head to Tam Coc for lunch at a local restaurant. Next we take a traditional boat ride along the Boi River which is lined by the rice paddies and protected by the limestone cliffs, and en route you'll pass through caves and ancient temples. Following the boat trip head to Cuc Phuong national park for the evening.
Day 6: Ninh Binh To Halong Bay
Accommodation Name: Halong Bay - Junk boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 kayaking and swimming, weather permitting. Back on board the junk boat you can relax on deck with a drink to watch the sunset. In the evening you'll enjoy a freshly prepared seafood dinner under the stars.
Day 7: Lan Ha Bay
Accommodation Name: Halong Bay - Junk boat
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 the locals farm in the bay. Later in the morning there is more time for swimming or to explore the area in a kayak. After lunch the boat cruises to Three Peaches beach, a beautiful white sandy beach, where there is plenty of time top up your tan, weather permitting!
Day 8: Halong Bay: Return To Hanoi For Flight Home
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Note: Day use room in Hanoi is not included.
What's Included
What's Not Included
More Info
This tour of Vietnam covers much of what is a diverse and interesting about the north of the country. Starting in Hanaoi, the capital, we have included Sapa for its trekking and minority villages, Ninh Binh region for its limestone peaks which rival those of Halong Bay and of course time exploring spectacular Halong Bay itself. Your itinerary begins with a city tour of Hanoi before taking the overnight train to Lao Cai and the trekking area of Sapa. We will spend two days exploring the valleys and peaks of this beautiful region while getting to know the local people and their customs. We then return to Lao Cai for the overnight train back to Hanoi for an early breakfast at the hotel before having the rest of the day free to explore this city. After a night back in Hanoi we travel to Hoa Lu, famous for being the country's capital from 968 and 1009 AD. This area is one of stunning natural beauty which you will see best during your boat ride along the Boi River. Next we travel to stunning Halong Bay and spend 2 days cruising on a traditional junk around the limestone outcrops as well as sea kayaking and swimming - this is bound to be one of your tour highlights. Your tour ends back in Hanoi. This tour combines well with a further exploration of southern Vietnam, a visit to a relaxing beach destination, or an extension into Cambodia to visit Angkor Watt and Tonle Sap. This is a sample private tour itinerary and we can customise the daily itinerary, duration and accommodation levels and styles as much or as little as you wish.
Check out our Q&As
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What currencies are required for this tour?
The Vietnamese currency is the 'Dong' (VND). Most people prefer to be paid in Dong rather than US dollars. It can sometimes be difficult to change large notes at smaller villages so try to keep a stash of smaller notes with you.
You can also change all major currencies with any private moneychangers, at the local markets, shops or hotels, or at a bank. Banks usually open from 8.00am to 3.00pm, except Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Although all major currencies are usually accepted, the US$ is by far the most widely accepted and preferred currency, with large notes ($50 and $100 bills) getting a better exchange rate. Travellers' cheques in major currencies are accepted at all banks, though a commission will be charged.
At banks throughout Vietnam you can draw cash, in both dong and dollars on all major credit cards. Approx. 3% commission will be charged for this service. Many souvenir shops, restaurants and hotels will accept payment with credit cards. There is, however, a 3-4% surcharge.
There are ATMs in Major cities like Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi and Hué, which accept major credit cards. We recommend that you consider bringing both credit cards, some cash in a hard currency (e.g. GB Pounds, Euros, US Dollars), and some travellers' cheques. -
Are vaccinations required for this tour?
You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are:
Thailand: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Vietnam: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
Cambodia: Additional vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from or having transitted through an infected area.
Laos: Additional vaccinations: Diptheria, Poliomyelitis, Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid. Malaria map. Yellow Fever certificate: Required if arriving from an infected area.
The above information can change at short notice. For up to date health information & vaccination requirements we recommend that you contact your medical practitioner or a travel clinic.
Malaria: Vaccinations are not available against Malaria, which is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes that can be very serious and sometimes fatal. You should avoid mosquito bites by covering up bare skin with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers and applying insect repellents to exposed skin. When necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. Mosquitoes are most active during and after sunset. You should consult with your GP/medical practitioner/travel clinic about the most appropriate malaria prophylactic medication to take for the regions you are visiting.
Yellow Fever: This disease is spread by infected mosquitoes that bite during the day. A Yellow Fever Certificate of vacinnation may be required as a condition of entry depending on which country you are arriving from, or that you have travelled or transitted through recently (including connecting flights with stopovers of over 12 hours). You can view this US CDC information about where the virus is present and follow the links to further information detailing which countries need you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination as part of their entry requirements. Please ensure you have this certificate with you and to hand if necessary.
Please inform us of any pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or asthma and any prescription medicine you may be taking. We also need to know about any food allergies or physical disabilities that you may have. -
Do you require a visa for this holiday?
Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities.
British citizens (plus Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Russian, Sweden, Norway, Finland, , France, Germany, Italy, Spain) are currently subject to a visa exemption scheme, so no visa is required for stays in Vietnam of up to 15 days. Other nationalities and those staying longer in Vietnam will need to obtain a visa in advance. As this isn't always convenient we offer the option of obtaining a visa on arrival approval letter which means that you can then purchase you visa on arrival in Vietnam. However if you try to board the flight without this letter or a visa you'll be refused board. Visa approval letter fees are normally USD 10 p/p for single entry, or USD 15 p/p for multiple entry visas. The visa stamp fee on arrival at the immigration desk is then USD 25 p/p for single entry, or USD 50 p/p for multiple entry. These fees are given as a guide and may vary over time and subject to nationality. Please contact us if you have any queries. -
What is the tipping policy?
Tipping is not part of culture in South East Asia in the same way that it is standard practice in other parts of the world. However it has become more customary but not compulsory in the tourist and service industry. Tipping is always optional, and any amounts paid should reflect excellent service. You may therefore wish to tip your guide and driver at the end of the tour. You should not feel obliged to tip any particular amount, and should consider your personal budget. We are often asked to provide a guide however, and can suggest that approx. USD 5-10 per person per day would be appropriate for your guide(s).
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.