Detailed itinerary
itinerary
disclaimer
The
itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. It may differ
slightly to the one in reality. Occasionally our itineraries
change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers,
comments and our own research. Please note that our brochure is
usually released by the end of each year. If you have booked from
the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to
improve the itinerary. It is very important that you print a final
copy of your Trip Dossier to review a couple of days prior to
travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans
Day
1 Ha Noi – Ba Be lakes
The
journey northeast begins as we depart the town and pass through
the undulating terrain of tea plantation and the many timeless
villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade
between the northeastern region and the capital city. This is our
first glimpse of rural
Vietnam
and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on road and
traffic conditions our drive will leave us with a mid to late
afternoon arrival in Ba Be lakes. After checking into hotel we
will have free time to walk around or simply to relax.
Overnight:
Thuy Dung hotel or similar
Meals
included: none
Day
2 Ba Be – Cao Bang
The
national park
of
Ba Be
is centered on large Ba Be Lake. This is just one continuous water
body although its name means "three lakes”. Today we embark
on our boat navigating around the lake, which gives us a taste of
relaxation and an enjoyable visit to the park. Along the way, we
make stopover at some hill tribe villages before getting off the
beaten track to the Dau Dang Waterfalls. The cruise continues on
the main water source of Ba Be Lake up to Cho Ra. At this small
village, we meet up with our vehicle and drive towards Cao Bang.
O/N in Cao Bang.
Overnight:
Huong Thom hotel or similar
Meals
included: Breakfast
Day
3 Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfalls
Heading
out of the town we start venturing into the most northern region
of
Cao
Bang
Province
. The scenic roads traverse Trung Khanh before arriving at Ban
Gioc Waterfall, which boasts the largest waterfall in
Vietnam
. We visit this sight and follow our trip to
Nguom
Ngao
Caves
, just off the road to Cao Bang. This enormous cave has two main
entrances and one branch reaching almost all the way to the
waterfalls where is a ˜secret” entrance. A local guide is
provided for your exploration of the cave. On the way back, you
can make stops as you please, to visit hill tribe villages and
take pictures. O/N in Cao Bang.
Overnight:
Huong Thom hotel or similar
Meals
included: breakfast
Day
4 Cao Bang – Lang Son – Cai Rong
An
early morning departure takes us through the
many hill villages and the tranquil town of
Dong Khe
and That Khe. The journey north continues along the National
Highway 4 and follows the Ky Cung river which flows around the
foot of limestone mountains to Lang Son. This border town had been all destroyed during the
recent Sino - Vietnamese war, but was rebuilt to become an
important trade center in north eastern region, after a short
visit around town we keep heading to Cai Rong, we drive past
Mau Mount, about 30 kilometres from Lang Son city on the winding
narrow mountain path, like a snake, lies tucked between 2 steep
mountains. Mau Mount is 1542 m above sea level, this area's
picturesque scenery turns it a mini Sapa characterized with the
beautiful steep mountains. In the late afternoon we arrive in Cai
Rong, O/N in Cai Rong.
Overnight:
Duy Khanh hotel or similar
Meals
included: breakfast
Day
5 Cai Rong – Quan Lan island
Today
we board a ferry for an exploration of the legendary Bai Tu Long
Bay on the way to Quan Lan island,
on board
the ferry you have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking
scenery of the bay during the 3 hour journey, views of sailing junks
navigating past over 3,000 limestone islands and outcrops jutting
out of the clear and emerald water of the bay are nothing short of
spectacular. Arriving at
Quan
Lan
Island
, a Vietnamese tuk-tuk will take you to your bungalow on the
beach. It is then free time to chill, relax, or take a walk along
the beach, a popular option is to hire a bicycle and take a
photographic trip around the Island, which will allow you to
glimpse the remoteness and untouched scenery that was
Vietnam
before wide-scale tourism made its impact.
Overnight:
Beach bungalow
Meals
included: breakfast
Day
6 Quan Lan – Ha Long – Ha Noi
Early
this morning we reboard the ferry for another cruise to Ha Long
city where you meet up with your vehicle, lunch in a local
restaurant before driving to Ha Noi, stopping
en route at Dong Trieu pottery village, back
to the hotel in Ha Noi for dinner and a toast to the completion of
one of Vietnam's most spectacular loops
Meals
included: breakfast
Your
adventure ends upon arrival in
Hanoi
. If you do not have other arrangements in
Vietnam
, Tailormade Vietnam Holidays can book additional nights for you at the
starting point hotel
General Notes:
• Tailormade Vietnam Holidays reserves the right to alter or revise
the prices and the itinerary when circumstances beyond the
company's control deem it necessary.
• Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If the
listed hotels are fully booked, alternate accommodation will be
offered at the same level.
• If there are any requests regarding special meals, dietary
requirements, early check in, late check out, adjoining room and
so on, please inform the company when booking. Such requests are
subject to confirmation and availability.
Day
1 Ba Be lakes
Days
2-3 Cao Bang - Ban Gioc Waterfalls 
Day
4 Cai Rong
Days
5-6 Quan Lan, return to Ha Noi
