Immersion and adventure in Haut Tonkin

Unusual and alternative discovery of Hanoi by bike. You discover the city of the Hanoians outside the tourist axes. From the Long Bien Bridge to the Red River nurseries to the pleasant district and temples of West Lake… Most of the time you will be pedaling on secondary roads with little traffic. Lunch of local specialties. Free time at the end of the day to stroll through the 36 streets of corporations, where many trades come together.

Road to the southwest of Hanoi. Stay in a guest house with a bike ride in the countryside. Visit of the village with ancient architecture of Duong Lam. Strolling through its narrow alleys around century-old houses really gives the impression of stepping back in time… Traditional foot massage and initiation into ancestor worship.

Initiation to Tai Chi in the morning before taking the road to Thac Ba lake. Check-in with the resident of the “white-pants” Dao minority. Walk in the village. Dinner and overnight with the locals.

In immersion with the locals, you will discover life by the lake, artisanal activities including basketry. You will be introduced to local fishing techniques. Walk and boat trip on the lake. Depending on the season, you can participate in daily activities such as feeding animals, helping in the kitchen or doing farm work.

Road to Bac Ha towards neighboring China. Installation in the village with the locals, lunch, then walk among the Tay and the Hmong with very different habitats.

On the way to the weekly Bac Ha market where all the mountain minorities of the region gather. A moment full of observations and colorful where you will meet Hmong flowers, Tay, Fula, Nung, Dao… Free time in the afternoon for rest, preparation for the trek or continuation of the immersion by participating in daily activities.

Beginning of the 3-day trek through the landscapes of rice terraces of the Bac Ha region. 5 hours of walking, elevation gain 500m. Night among the colorful Hmong.

Continuation of the hike through rice fields, hills of plum trees, fields of corn… On the way, meet colorful Hmong dressed in their superb traditional costumes. Short climb to the village of Phu La, dinner and overnight with the locals. 5 hours of walking, elevation gain 200m, highest point at 1350m.

Last day of walking in a beautiful valley… Arrival at the end of the afternoon. Shower at the Tay’s before going to Lao Cai station for the return to Hanoi by night train. 5 hours of walking, elevation gain 250m.

Arrival early in the morning in Hanoi, then trip to Tam Coc, the “terrestrial Halong Bay”. Installation in a friendly family pension. Break. In the afternoon, bike ride in the surrounding area or cooking class taught by your host.

Boat trip on the Van Long site, then bike ride along the river to discover the villages of the Red River delta. Lunch with the locals to taste regional specialties. Free end of the day in Tam Coc.

Discovery of another astonishing natural site, still unknown to visitors. Access by boat through the wild landscapes of limestone peaks to discover a huge cave with magnificent limestone concretions. Walk to the temple of Bich Dong nestled in a rocky peak. Meeting with the embroiderers of Tam Coc in the alleys of the village at the end of the day.

Charming cruise in Halong Bay. Road to Halong, boarding around noon and lunch on board. Beginning of navigation through this mythical bay of the dragon. During lunch, the boat heads to Thien Canh Son Island, where you can swim or take a sea kayaking tour among the islets. Friendly evening on board and night in a comfortable cabin.

The cruise we have chosen takes a different route from the roughly 500 other boats that ply the bay, ensuring you have a peaceful cruise. This company is a local player in responsible tourism in the bay.

Last morning of boat trip with a visit to a floating village. The majestic junk resumes navigation to bring you back to the port. Last lunch on the boat before disembarking. Road to Hanoi and airport transfer for the international return flight.