| Trip Map | LeeMin Trip Dec 2019 | PDF file of this Trip |

 

15 - 25 May 2023 (11-days) Northeast Vietnam (Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang, Ba Be Lake and Hanoi)

Trip Cost per person Rm3200 (16-18pax), Rm3100 (19pax and above)** EXCLUDES FLIGHTS
Based on 1 USD = Rm 4.41 Maybank 25JUN. Final adjustments will be made to cost based on USD exchange rate in May 2023.

Flight Details as follows - tickets to be bought after group forms.
16 JAN 23 RM645 (No checked baggage)
15 MAY 23 1 KULHAN AA 0610 0825 3:15HRS
25 MAY 23 4 HANKUL AA 1530 1950 3:20HRS

 

Update 26 Jan 2023 Updated itinerary with further details.

Introduction
Ha Giang is known as “Final Frontier of Vietnam” and shares a 270km border with neighbouring China. This mountainous area is off-the-beaten track and goes unnoticed by many though it’s gaining popularity lately. It is blessed with beautiful karst mountains, stunning steep passes, long and winding roads, fields of buckwheat flowers and tranquil villages of diverse ethnic minorities. This trip will take us through the heart and soul of Ha Giang to witness its picturesque landscape and the gorgeous faces of minority ethnics.

IMPORTANT NOTICE. This is meant to be a "free and easy" budget trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similiarly assorted types! Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun! 

For the duration of the trip, we use a chartered bus. All meals and entrance fees are included in the cost, excluding your stay in Hanoi. B/L/D, stands for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. The accompanying local guide has several years of experience covering this area. Its quite important participants are able to manage their own luggage, preferably backpacks or softpacks and no "giant" luggages please. Members can opt to fly in earlier or leave later to utilise cheaper fares and/or spend some extra time in Hanoi. Airport bus leaves every 15 minutes at Rm7, taking 40 minutes (29km). Those who decide to fly in earlier can stay at one of the many Hanoi Airport hotels whilst waiting for the rest of the group.

Hoang Su Phi/ Ha Thanh/ Ma Pi Leng Skywalk/ Highland Girl

Day 1 Hanoi-Hoang Su Phi (270km): Fly from KL to Hanoi. Bus pIck up from Noi Bai airport to Hoang Su Phi, and travel through Tuyen Quang Province with scenic views of the green tea fields on the way to Hoang Su Phi. Lunch break and continue to Nam Hong village with stops to see the rice terraces and arrive at our accomodation in the early evening. Overnight (O/N) Hoang Su Phi Bungalow. L/D

Day 2 Hoang Su Phi: Full day leisure walk to several villages to see the livelyhood of the local Dao ethnic minority group and try a traditional homecooked meal. We will pass by Nam Khoa where we can see beautiful rice terraces in Hoang Su Phi, and back to bungalow in the early evening. O/N Hoang Su Phi Bungalow. B/L/D

Day 3 Ha Thanh (75km): Bus to Ha Giang to visit local markets and have lunch. Afterwards, on to Ha Thanh Village and few hours (2-3 hours) easy walk through some beautiful paddy fields to experience the culture of the Tay ethnic minorities there. O/N Ha Giang Homestay. B/L/D

Day 4 Dong Van (65km): Early morning and travel to Dong Van, stopping by highlands markets on the way to visit Heaven's Gate, Twin Mountains at Tam Son town, with lunch break at Yen Minh. After lunch, we will visit Tham Ma pass, Pao story house, Old H'Mong Palace followed by an optional short but steep trek to the French fortress in Dong Van town. O/N Dong Van B/L/D

Day 5 Cao Bang (208km): Continue our bus highland journey to Ma Pi Leng Pass, one of the most sought after scenic passes of Vietnam. We will do a three hours trek on the spectacular Skywalk. Then, we will enjoy a highland lunch at Meo Vac, and then relax on the drive to Cao Bang. O/N Cao Bang. B/L/D

Day 6 Quang Uyen (88km): Today, we visit the famous Ban Gioc Waterfall that falls on the Vietnam-China border, and take a short barge ride to the falls. On the way, we will visit the Phuc Sen Blacksmith Village to witness the local craftsmanship as well as a short stop at the nearby Nguom Ngao Cave before proceeding to the incense village at Quang Uyen where we will spend the night. O/N Kim Homestay. B/L/D

 
Ban Gioc Waterfall/ Local Boy/ Nguom Ngao Cave/ Boat Ride

Day 7 Ba Be (158km): After breakfast, a leisure walk through the village to see the local incense making process. Afterwards, a 5 hour bus ride to Ba Be Lake. On arrival, a relaxing boat ride through Puong Grotto to our homestay. O/N Ba Be Homestay. B/L/D

Day 8 Ba Be: Lake cruise in the morning, stopping at attractions such as Widow Island along the way and strolling through several lakeside villages and small parks. We will be back at the lodge by early afternoon to rest and relax. In the evening, a good dinner, cultural show, and song and dance. O/N Ba Be Homestay. B/L/D

Day 9 Hanoi (233km): Early start to Hanoi to arrive around lunchtime. Half-day city tour to Hanoi's most iconic sights. Dinner is on your own after exploring the area around our Hanoi Old Quarter hotel. O/N Hanoi. B

Day 10 Hanoi: Free and easy day to enjoy Hanoi on your own. O/N Hanoi.

Day 11 Home: Last minute morning shoping and explorations before 12 noon, then bus transfer to Noi Bai airport to fly back home. 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Cost cover accommodation, traveling and meals to sites mentioned above.
2. Accommodations will be in budget to mid-range hotels, local homestays and guesthouses.
3. Not covered are flight costs estimated at Rm700, meals Rm50 x 2 days(Rm100 estimate), tips (Rm100 estimate) and optional activities.
4. Cost is subject to change depending on fluctuations in exchange rates.
5. Non-refundable deposit of Rm800 is payable to confirm your place.
6. Members are required to have travel insurance and be adequately insured prior to departure.
   

Contact Chung Zhen 016 484 2220 ychungzhen@gmail.com
Contact Yeow Lim 016 2093360 tanyeowlim@gmail.com
Contact Lee Min mobile 016 220 9033 office 03 4031 6225 yongo123@gmail.com
Address: No 19 Lorong Ayer Bersih Tiga, Ayer Panas, 53200 Kuala Lumpur