Trip Information
TRAIL DISCOVERER
VNF00057
Vietnam (Hanoi)
Upon Request
14 Days
Trip Description
Explore the trails of the 1954 battlefield at Dien Bien Phu and the mountainous regions of northern Vietnam. Spend two weeks constantly moving from place to place as true trail discoverers.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Hanoi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, transfer to hotel. Hanoi is a thousand‑year‑old city with lakes, French architecture, temples, pagodas, and tree‑lined boulevards. If time permits, enjoy a bike ride through the Old Quarter.
Overnight : Hotel
Day 2 – Hanoi → Dien Bien Phu
Morning tour of Hanoi including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, One Pillar Pagoda, and Hoan Kiem Lake. Afternoon flight to Dien Bien Phu, site of the decisive 1954 battle.
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B/L/D
Day 3 – Dien Bien Phu → Lai Chau
Visit the former battlefield, war exhibits, and central market. Travel by road through mountainous terrain to Lai Chau. Rough roads but fantastic views.
Overnight : Lai Chau
Meal : B/L/D
Day 4 – Lai Chau → Ta Co Pinh
Begin trekking in the remote mountainous region. Visit Hmong and Dao hill‑tribe communities.
Overnight : Homestay
Meal : B/L/D
Day 5 – Ta Co Pinh → Nam Pe
Trek through streams and thick forest. Challenging terrain requiring physical preparation.
Overnight : Nam Pe village
Meal : B/L/D
Day 6 – Nam Pe → Pa Ha
Trek through villages and terraced rice fields before descending to Nam Trang. Relax on a boat cruise to Pa Ha.
Overnight : Nam Pe village
Meal : B/L/D
Day 7 – Pa Ha → Pu Sam Cap
Full‑day trek with steep uphill sections. Spectacular scenery and hill‑tribe villages.
Overnight : Pu Sam Cap
Meal : B/L/D
Day 8 – Pu Sam Cap → Dong Pao
Seven‑hour downhill trek to Dong Pao. Stunning views with stops for photos and village visits.
Overnight : Dong Pao village
Meal : B/L/D
Day 9 – Dong Pao → Ban Bo
Full‑day trek to Ban Bo. Encounter Lao, Lu, Tay, and Thai hill‑tribe communities.
Overnight : Ban Bo village
Meal : B/L/D
Day 10 – Ban Bo → Than Thuoc → Sapa
Trek to Than Thuoc, then drive to Sapa (1,500m). Afternoon free to explore the town.
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B/L/D
Day 11 – Sapa → Hanoi
Visit Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay, and Xa Pho ethnic markets. Evening train to Hanoi.
Overnight : Train
Meal : B/L/D
Day 12 – Hanoi → Hai Phong → Ha Long Bay
Arrive Hanoi early morning. Travel to Ha Long Bay with sightseeing in Hai Phong.
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B
Day 13 – Ha Long Bay → Hanoi
Cruise Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands. Swim in a secluded cove. Return to Hanoi for water puppets.
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B/L
Day 14 – Hanoi
Free time to relax or explore Hanoi. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
Meal : B
B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner
Departure Date
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from September to May
Trip Price
- Upon Request
Inclusion
- Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, village huts (twin shared)
- Air ticket Hanoi → Dien Bien Phu & train ticket Lai Cai → Hanoi
- Private air‑conditioned vehicle with driver
- English or French speaking guide + local trekking guide
- Meals as mentioned (B/L/D)
- Entrance fees
- Permit + porter for trekking
- Water puppet show
- Boat trip
Exclusion
- Other meals
- Tips
- Drinks
- Airport tax
- Single room
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
Remark
Vietnam’s infrastructure may differ from expectations; mountain accommodation is basic.
Weather can be very cold from December to March — bring rain jacket, inner sleeping bag, boots, warm clothes, torch, toilet paper.
Itinerary may change due to weather or road conditions.
Flights Hanoi → Dien Bien Phu do not operate on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday.
Guides available in French, English, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish.
Full‑board supplement available if all meals required.
