Vietnam Trips, Hilltribe Tour, Historical Tour, Local Life Style, Nature Tour, Vehicle Safari , Asia Tours & Hotels

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HIDDEN NORTH

HIDDEN NORTH - 12 Days Tours

Valid : 01/11/2007 - 31/10/2008

Destination

Vietnam (Bac Ha, Dien Bien Phu, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Sapa, Son La, Vinh Phu)

Activity

Hilltribe Tour, Historical Tour, Local Life Style, Nature Tour, Vehicle Safari

Difficulty

Start City

Duration

Tour Type

Trip Code

Price

- Please scroll down for price details -

Trip Overview

	- Number of Persons -
Hotel Class	1	2	3-6	7-10	Single Surcharge
Standard Class	1,689	873	690	560	175
First Class	1,943	999	804	669	251
Superior Class	2,788	1,431	1,215	1,074	580
Deluxe Class	3,131	1,618	1,384	1,239	700

*	All prices inclusive of taxes and hotel service charge, unless stated otherwise in the Exclusions below No extra charges and no minimum for credit cards

For Full Borad Supplement**
- Standard = USD 185.90 per person
- First Class = USD 205.70 per person
- Superior = USD 222.20 per person
- Deluxe = USD 236.50 per person

+ Vietnam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Road conditions are poor and accommodation may be basic.

+ Weather conditions in this region can be very cold from December to March. We recommend you to bring rain jacket, walking boots, warm clothes ( in winter), lamp torch.

+ The market of Sapa and Muong Khuong are held on weekend only so you need to plan the starting date of your trip, which allow you to reach this region on friday.

+ The intinerary is corrected at the time of viewing. Occasionally, our itineraries change as we make improvement that stem from our past travellers' comments and our own research or due to local conditions or circumstances beyond our control. This includes festival, public holidays, weather and flight delay, that may effect the itinerary.

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What do you get after you buy a tour from us?
Click here for a sample Your Tour complete with a receipts, country guide, hotel info, packing list and contact details
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Departure Date :
September to May
Private Tour - You can choose your own departure date.

Inclusion : What all is included in this trip
Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver in delta Transportation in vehicle with driver for four travelers in mountain as under specified: * New model 4 WD Japanese car in superior class tour * Medium model 4 WD Japanese car in first class tour * No air conditioned Russian jeep 4WD in standard class tour Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses (twin shared room) Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch English or French speaking guide Entrance fee to indicated sights Water puppet show Boat trip in Halong Bay Cyclo trip

Exclusion : What is not included in the trip price
Other meals Tips Drinks Airport tax Single room Personal expenses Insurance International flight

Remarks :
These trips are from easy to challenging activity and available from September to May. As an important notice , visitors are advised to bring along sun glasses, sun creme, warm clothes for winter, rain coat, walking boot, torch as you may need it for sightseeing tour. Sleeping bag is not necessary for these trips.

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Itinerary : Your Tour Program

Day 1 ARRIVAL - HANOI : On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia ?s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy on a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.
Overnight : at hotel

Day 2 HANOI : Today we spend a full day exploring the charming Hanoi City. The first stop is Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation�s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh�s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history. The sightseeing also includes the outlaying Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam's 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive back to the town center, stopping at the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. They are some major highlights set by the beautiful West Lake. We see these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 3 HANOI - SON LA : The journey northwest begins as we depart Hanoi and pass through the undulating terrains of tea plantations, terraced rice fields and sleepy villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. En route we have several stops to stretch our legs and visit some roadside villages. The thrilling drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon depending on road and traffic conditions. We check in hotel and enjoy a short walk around this mountain town. There is a little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in traditional costume scurry in all directions.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 4 SON LA - DIEN BIEN PHU : The provincial museum and the top hill old prison are some of major sights in Son La Town. We include these in a short morning tour before we wind our way past the stunning mountain scenery. The road conditions are very poor therefore we need to bring along our spirit of adventure until Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam�s struggle for independence in 1954. Once reaching Dien Dien we drive around to see this fast growing town and make stop at Dien Bien Phu museum which details the event in place. We follow it with a visit to the strategic hill A1 and the old battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and artillery pieces.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 5 DIEN BIEN PHU - TAM DUONG : Heading out of Dien Phu Phu Town, we spend a full day travelling into Vietnam�s most mountainous region. The roads are difficult at times, but the spectacular landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and colourful local population makes the hardship all worthwhile. Along the way we encounter the mountaineers going about their daily business. These local villagers are almost the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people who still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. We arrive in Tam Duong by late afternoon and may have time strolling around. This small hill town is surrounded by the breathtaking mountain backdrop and frequently visited by the ethnic minority people.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 6 TAM DUONG - SAPA : The breathtaking north scenery is unequalled although the conditions are very basic. Today we continue driving along a zigzag route to Sapa. The road conditions is very poor in some places but it is still a wonderful trip for photograph hunters as we pass though the various scenic water falls, charming villages and rolling mountains. The hill station of Sa Pa was founded in early last century and rapidly became an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape from the unbearable heat in plains. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, it has some warm days and cool evenings. Today we can soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending the time to wander around and catch the first look of Sa Pa. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 7 SAPA : The mountain range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam�s highest peak and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. Heading out of town we embark on a walk, using the local tracks to Lao Chai village, home of the Black H'Mong people. The footpath traverses some terraced rice fields, giving us a chance to see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for some fantastic views. We arrive at Ta Van hamlet and visit the Zay ethnic minorities who are very friendly and welcoming.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 8 SAPA - MUONG KHUONG - BAC HA ( Sunday) Today we embark on a rough but scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to Muong Khuong. This remote hill town is famous for the colourful Sunday market. There are various ethnic minority groups including Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay but the dominants are the Flower Hmong people. These ethnic minorities are recognisably distinct by their dress and come in town for trade on every Sunday. On arrival we stroll around this colourful congregation to see the different hill tribe groups and their amazing trading way. Upon leaving Muong Khuong, we make our way to Bac Ha and spend the rest of day for some trekking options. We walk past Hmong King�s former residence and Ban Pho Village where they make the potent local maize alcohol.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 9 BAC HA - YEN BAI - HANOI : The colourful market will be left behind as we leave Bac Ha for Hanoi and drive through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery. Once reaching Yen Bai Town we again cross the Red River and travel following the river bank towards Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. Along the way we can make stop as we please, to simply stretch our legs and catch some wonderful shootings of peaceful villages, lush vegetation as well as farmers at work.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 10 HANOI - HA LONG BAY : The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam�s most impressive scenic sights. Heading out of town we make our way to Halong Bay passing by the scenic countryside. On arrival we board a traditional boat for a five hour trip around this natural wonder. The exciting cruise provides us a fantastic view of the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. These limestone karst formations are littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. We have a huge seafood lunch served on board and continue sailing out. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden grottoes beneath towering cliffs.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast/Lunch

Day 11 HA LONG BAY - BAT TRANG - HANOI : The wonderful time in beach ends as we embark our vehicle and drive past the scenic rural landscape. En route we make stop to visit the riverside craft village of Bat Trang, where distinctive ceramics are made and used throughout the delta region for over 500 years. The vitality of this village is still blown up by the hundreds of pottery kilns on fire day and night. We stroll around various cottage industries and watch craftsmen forming, painting and glazing their products in traditional ways. The reminder of day will be free for your own exploration of Hanoi ?s older quarters or simply relaxation.
Overnight : at hotel
Meals : Breakfast

Day 12 HANOI - DEPARTURE : There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.

Meals : Breakfast

Minor program changes are sometime necessary, depending on confirmed flight, road conditions, weather and availability of room.

FAQs: Sightseeing

Q. What are the differences between PRIVATE TOUR and JOIN-IN TOUR?

A. PRIVATE TOUR:
- You can choose your own travel date.
- The pick up location is only at your hotel.
- The trip is exclusive to you and your party.

B. JOIN-IN TOUR:
- You can choose your own travel date, based on seat availability
- The pick up location is at major city hotels
- You will join other travelers for the trip.
Q. How can I booked?
- Click "Online booking" and complete the Reservation Form.
- Payment will be charged directly from your credit card.
- An e-mail will be sent to confirm your reservation.
- A Tour voucher will be sent within 1-2 working days.
Q. How do I make payment?
The payment will proceed
The payment will be preceded either by Credit Card (VISA, MASTER CARD) or Bank Transfer (we cannot accept this for urgent bookings).
Please click here for our bank account details.
Q. Can I book/pay directly on spot?
No. The rates displayed on PassionAsia.com are available only through online service. All reservations must be paid for in advance upon receiving confirmations from us. This is the only way to guarantee trip occupancy and keep our rates competitive.
Q. How many days in advance should I book?
You should book the sightseeing tour at least 2 days before the tour date (Monday - Friday). However, it will depend on the tour availability too.
Q. Do you need my credit card details at the time of making a reservation?
Yes. However, you will not be charged at the time of reservation. Your credit card will be charged only if and after your booking is confirmed.
Q. How to meet our guide or our representative?
Print your tour voucher and present it to our guide who will pick you up at the hotel lobby on your travel date.
Q. What is your Cancellation Policy?
Cancellation & No Show Charges Policy of Sightseeing Tours:
- 3 Days before the Tour:There is a 7% banking and handling fees applied.
- Less than 2 days before the Tour or No-show:
100% charge of package price (No refund).

**For authentication purposes, only written cancellation notices (e-mail or fax) will be accepted