Carbon Friendly Tour Of North Vietnam

📍 Noi Bai Airport to your chosen hotel in Hanoi (35km): 60mins

Arrive in Hanoi and be welcomed by the guide and transferred by electric taxi to the hotel in central Hanoi. 

The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Your hotel selection is a locally owned, small scale property in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. 

Overnight in Hanoi.

Inclusions:

📍 Walking distance: 3-5km Routes can change subject to interest.

Start your day’s exploration of Hanoi on a walking tour at 09:00. 

From the southern end of the Old Quarter, kick off with a quintessential Hanoi favorite; egg coffee. Once your system is full, continue along backstreets to sample such delicacies as nom du du (green papaya salad), banh da tron (an unusual dish  comprising of brown flat noodles), bun (vermicelli) with rice paddy crab which is typical from the north as well as other local favorites. Food sampled is adaptable depending on preferences and tastes, including vegetarian options throughout. 

The beauty of the Old Quarter is the connection of narrow alleys which are privately shared among the community. You’ll explore such areas usually hidden to outsiders. Continue walking these hidden alleys to sample popular tastes and treats before continuing to a historic home nested behind bustling shops. Meet the owner to learn more on life in the  Old Quarter through the eyes of a resident.  

Continue through a streetside market to another hidden lane through houses to  Dong Xuan market and its street food alley’s.  Walk around this area then continue to a state-owned shop on Lan Ong ‘medicinal street’ to sample the traditional herbal rice liquor – considered the soul of the Old Quarter. 

Finally, visit a family operated pho noodle enterprise that supplies the area with the country’s staple ingredient. See the production line of this wholesaler (note the noodles will not be eaten here).  

Finish your exploration of one of Vietnam’s most fascinating districts with a last hidden alleyway, followed by more grazing. 

Afternoon at leisure. 

Overnight in Hanoi.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Ebiking distance: 30-40km Routes can change subject to client’s interest.

This morning, transfer by electric taxi to the e-bike store, on the shores of West Lake. After picking up the bikes along the West Lake, cross one of Hanoi’s famous bridges over the Red River where quieter roads meet Hanoi’s high rises, visible in the distance. 

Continue along this rural setting to the site and legend of Cổ Loa, the first Kingdom of Viet Nam, a place famous for all Vietnamese. During the 3rd century BC it was the center of the civil and military capital of the state. We’ll take you to the main An Duong Vuong Temple, Ngự Triều Di Quy communal house and Princess Mi. Villages. You’ll also discover a unique ancient village enroute, visiting a 280 year-old communal house and the local Phan clan Ancestral House which dates back over 400 years. 

Return to our West Lake over the iconic and historic Long Bien Bridge. Completed in 1902 by, once the longest bridge in Asia made famous once again, this time in the 1970’s during the ‘American war’ as countless bombing raids attempted to disrupt the bridge as a vital supply line.  

Half way along the bridge, dismount for a quick explore of Banana Island, an amazing area of quiet farmland in Hanoi’s bustling city named for the thirty species of banana grown there. Rich due to the fertile soil, this island floods each year during the rainy season allowing rich silt to replenish the soil. 

Cycle back from the bridge through backstreets and along the city’s lake system before dismounting back at West Lake.

Enjoy a healthy, fresh vegetarian lunch before getting back to the hotel for leisure time. 

This evening transfer to Hanoi Train Station by electric taxi for overnight train to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa. 

Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Walking distance: 3-4 hours Grade: Easy

On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai, have breakfast and short rest before transfer by shared transport to the former hill station of Sapa. Then head off into the beautiful Hoang Lien National Park, along the way get a chance to see big rice terraces and hopefully the high tops of the mountain range. Soon, be introduced to the biggest group of minorities in this area, the striking Black H’mong people, famous for their indo coloured clothing and silver necklaces.

Take a light trek on a good path for a few hours, with plenty of time to learn about history and traditional customs and enjoy the views. Then continue the transfer deeper into the valley and cross the beautiful Muong Bo River before reaching Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here, see the big difference in culture as the group wears lighter colors of silk clothing. 

A vegetarian lunch will be served in a local restaurant. After lunch the tour continues to the small village of My Son and an interesting afternoon walk. This remote tribe is the smallest minority group in Sapa area and home to Xa Pho people. 

In the afternoon, arrive at spectacularly located Topas Ecolodge. This lodge has perhaps the most breathtaking location and finest views of any in Vietnam! From the bungalow’s balcony, enjoy an aerial view over the mountainous area. 

Your hotel selection is a remotely located, sustainable and community employee friendly lodge that practices eco friendly practices, from building materials, renewable energy to the food supply chain. 

Overnight at Topas Ecolodge.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Walking distance: 6-7 km in 3 hours Grade: Easy

Lech Dao village is located in the hilly mountains of Thanh Kim Commune, inhabited by Red Dao people. This half-day walk offers a chance to meet local people, visit their homes and learn about Red Dao culture. Enjoy the magnificent view of rice valley and take some great pictures of the landscape. 

The walk commences from Topas Ecolodge on a quiet road with a great view of the rice terrace below. You then take a slightly ascent to Lech village. You will visit a local house, meet the friendly Red Dao hosts and experience their daily way of life. The Red Dao women got their hair and eyes brows shaved like their ancestors and wear very colorful customs. They are famous for beautiful handmade embroidery and basket weaving. 
On the way back to Topas Ecolodge, walk on small trails passing rice terraces and cross a suspension bridge. The tour guide will explain the interesting cultivating culture of the local farmers. 

Overnight at Topas Eco lodge.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Topas Ecolodge to Lao Cai Railway Station (2 hours): 60km

The day is yours at leisure at Topas Ecolodge. Simply enjoy the lodge grounds and its incredible dual mountain infinity pools and views. The lodge spa is also available, alongside a selection of restaurants with local and international options (on own account). 
In the afternoon, transfer back to Lao Cai station for the night train to Hanoi. 

Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

📍 From central Hanoi to Cuc Phuong (130km): approx. 3hrs From Cuc Phuong to hotel in Tam Coc Town (57km): approx. 1h45’

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, have breakfast and refreshment. 
Depart the hotel at 08:00 for the 3 hours drive through urban northern Vietnam to Ninh Binh Province . 

Upon arrival, visit a Bear Sanctuary established by Four Paws, the global animal welfare organization for animals. The sanctuary is not only a new home to bears rescued from bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade in Vietnam, but an unforgettable experience for learning and exploring in a natural setting.
Follow the representative of the centre to explore the bear kitchen, vet clinic and bear houses where rehabilitation processes and bear healthcare happen. The tour guide will share bear stories and give insightful information about the bears.

After the visit, enjoy a fresh vegetarian lunch at the center. 

Continue to Cuc Phuong National Park to visit a second conservation center, the Endangered Primate Rescue Center where some of the rarest primate species in Asia including langurs and gibbons can be seen (not primates are not always active during the hotter parts of the day).  

More wildlife discovery at the Carnivore and Pangolin Education Centre. The current permanent resident animals include Pangolin, Binturong, Mask Palm Civet, Leopard Cat, Owston’s Civet, and Common Palm Civet. Listen to their rescue stories and find out why they sadly cannot return to the wild.

Continue further into Cuc Phuong National and visit the ‘Cave of Prehistoric Man’, where human skeletons and stone tools dated to some 7.500 years old have been found.

Conclude the day with a drive to Tam Coc Town.

Overnight in Ninh Binh. 
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the boat pier to board a sampan for a 1.5 hour boat trip cruising on a small canal among the paddy fields for 1km, then stroll along the winding rocky paths to reach the Galaxy Cave gate. Once inside the cave, admire the spectacular stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling. 

Rowing onward to explore the fascinating But Cave, spanning nearly 500 metres with its peculiar-shaped stalactites. Conclude the cave exploration by rowing back to the village.

Enjoy a sumptuous lunch at a local restaurant. 

In the afternoon, immerse in the rich culture and traditions of a Vietnamese village with a visit to a local house. Experience the warmth of a large family with four generations living together, and learn about their daily lives and how they keep the traditional embroidery of their ancestors alive.

Then take a scenic bike ride around the village, local market, alongside rice fields nestled amidst limestone mountains. A visit to Bich Dong Pagoda awaits, where an ascent of 200 steps leads to Ngu Nhac Mountain. This path unveils three cave pagodas dating back to 1428, revealing captivating views over the countryside.

Overnight in Ninh Binh 

Note: Bikes are suitable for children from 7 years old. Child seats are also available for children under 5 years old.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

Free day at leisure. Room for late check out is available. 
This evening transfer to Hanoi Train Station for overnight train to Da Nang/ Hue. 
Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.
 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast