The North of Vietnam

The South of Vietnam

TREKKING

SAPA VILLAGE TREKKING

Tour Code : VNT01 Connection : Easy to connect with Bangkok, Yunnan

and Northern Myanmar. Check Itinerary in brief: DAY 01: HANOI – LAO CAI DAY 02: LAO CAI – SAPA (B/L/D) DAY 03: SIN CHAI (B/L/D) DAY 04: SIN CHAI - SAPA (B/L) DAY 05: SAPA – LAO CAI - HANOI (B/D) DAY 06: ARRIVE IN HANOI

Hanoi – Sapa – Trekking To Villages – Sapa – Hanoi

04 days / 05 nights

If you are from abroad or even working in Vietnam, let’s travel from Hanoi to Sapa in a different way, with more difficulties, approach the villages closer, live with the hill tribal people several days to deeply enjoy their hospitality, as well as contemplate the magnificent scenery of this hill station better.

DAY 1: HANOI – LAO CAI The tour guide of THREELAND will see you at your hotel in Hanoi for overnight train at 21.30 or 22.00 to Lao Cai, the town nearest to Sapa. Overnight on the train (No meals provided). DAY 2: LAO CAI – SAPA (B/L/D) Arrive in Lao Cai early morning. Pick up at Lao Cai station by a Station Bus and transfer uphill by a very winding road to the town of Sapa, a former French Hill Resort and home to five of Vietnam's most colourfully-dressed hill tribal groups - H’mong, Tay, Dzay, Yao and Sa Pho. Check-in hotel and have breakfast in Sapa. Head down a track to Su Pan and walk on thru splendid scenery of mountain ranges, terraced rice fields, seeing colorfully-dressed tribal farmers till reaching a family house at a Tay minority village called Thanh Phu. After lunch at Thanh Phu, trek up to the elevation of over 1,000m before arriving at the isolated and seldom-visited village Sin Chai. The trekking’s cook will prepare a delicious evening meal before settling down for the night in a local house or tent. Overnight at Sin Chai. DAY 3: SIN CHAI (B/L/D) Sinchai is a village of the “Dzao“ ethnic people, whose women wear beautifully embroidered clothes with distinctive silver jewellery and an enormous red turban. Our day will begin early here in Sin Chai, with the first cock crow. After breakfast, have a two-hour light trek to Suoi Thau, another Dzao village that presents magnificent view across the valley. After lunch at Suoi Thau, return to Sin Chai for a rest. Dinner and overnight at Sin Chai.

DAY 4: SIN CHAI - SAPA (B/L) Say goodbye to the friendly locals and leave Sin Chai for the trek back to Sapa after breakfast, and perhaps, a swim in the river at Thanh Phu. Lunch is prepared at a local house in Ban Ho village, then we will continue the trek to Su Pan, where our car is waiting to be back to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa. (dinner at your own arrangement) DAY 5: SAPA – LAO CAI - HANOI (B/D) Stroll around Sapa today will discover not less exciting charm of this mountain town – the Sapa Catholic church, Sapa bustling market especially on Sunday, the Dragon Peak with a panoramic view of the town will excite your trip. Lunch at your own arrangement. At leisure in the afternoon before transfer to Lao Cai Station by bus to take the night train back to Hanoi. Dinner in Lao Cai. Overnight on the train. DAY 6: ARRIVE IN HANOI Arrive in Hanoi early morning. Our guide will help you arrange a taxi to be back to your hotel. End of services.

THE HIDDEN CHARM OF SAPA

04 days / 05 nights

Tour Code : VNT02 Connection : Easy to combine with other trips in the Northwest and Northeast of Vietnam and Northern Laos. Itinerary in brief : DAY 01: HANOI – LAO CAI DAY 02: VISIT SAPA – LAO CHAI – TA VAN (B/L/D) DAY 03: TA VAN – HAU THAO - SAPA (B/L/D) DAY 04: SAPA - TA PHIN (B/L/D) DAY 05: TA PHIN – BAN KHOANG – SAPA – HANOI (B/L/D)

A different style of homestay at the villages, where tourists have left just a few footprints. Three nights in three villages with three independent groups of hill tribal people, enjoying the rich and diversified cultures and wonderful landscape of untouched areas of Sapa will leave you unique memories.

Hanoi – Sapa – Hill Tribal Villages – Sapa – Hanoi

DAY 1: HANOI – LAO CAI The tour guide of THREELAND will see you at your hotel in Hanoi then to the railway station for overnight train at 21.30 or 22.00 to Lao Cai, the town nearest to Sapa. Overnight on the train DAY 2: VISIT SAPA – LAO CHAI – TA VAN (B/L/D) Around 06.00am, we’ll arrive at Lao Cai Station, a borderland city that looks over China and that is closest to Sapa Hill Resort. Transfered to Sapa by shared bus. The road is 40km long and very sight-worthy with terraced paddy fields, small waterfalls and pinewoods. Have breakfast in Sapa and start your first day by trekking down to Muong Hoa valley and to famous village of H’mong people, Lao Chai. We will stop for lunch there then continue hiking along the main river runs from Fansipan, the highest peak of Indochina. Stops for photographying, meeting local people, enjoy beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, we will reach Ta Van, a village of Tay hill tribe. Stay at their house. DAY 3: TA VAN – HAU THAO - SA PẢ (B/L/D) Morning wake up by bustling sound of farming works, bird singings and even dog bark. After breakfast you will hike up from Muong Hoa valley to Hau Thao, a nice village of H’mong people.

From Hau Thao, take ascending trails to the elevation of 2,000m, where covered by clouds, fogs, wet climate all year round. Trek thru the rainforest and conquer some mountain peaks and waterfalls, you will reach Sa Pả, a nice village of Black H’mong hill tribe. Sa Pả is one of the few villages who stay off the strong influence of tourists. Homestay or overnight at a local school. DAY 4: SA PẢ - TA PHIN (B/L/D) If you are lucky, by a clear day, you would have great chance to see the whole valley under your foot, with a lot of layers of rice terrace fields. After breakfast, you will take a descending trek down to the main road link between Sapa and Lao Cai. Lunch there then cross the road and take an easy hike along the paved road thru villages to Ta Phin, a nice village of Red Dzao hill tribe, famous by it necklace made by coin valued during French colonial time. Overnight in Ta Phin. DAY 5: TA PHIN – BAN KHOANG – SAPA - HANOI (B/L/D) Morning walk around the village will surprise you by the ordinary life of locals: embroidering, weaving and prepare for a day of farm work. After breakfast you will trek a long the dry stream to the top of the mountain, where you could have a breathtaking panorama of the whole Taphin village and its wonderful terraced rice field. Continuing with the trail, you will taste a challenge with one side as a rocky wall whilst the other is a chasm. However, as the locals are using this trail for their motorcycling the trek will be hard but not dangerous. On the way, you could stop at very nice hamlets to meet and talk with the local people. At the end of the trail, you will go thru a fish farm with cold fresh water salmon. The car of THREELAND will wait here to take you back to Sapa for a late lunch and relax before heading to the Railway Station (by bus) for overnight train to Hanoi. You will arrive in Hanoi in the next morning.

End of services.

TOP OF INDOCHINA – FANSIPAN (3,143m)

06 days / 07 nights

DAY 1: HANOI – TRAIN to LAO CAI (No

meals provided)

Take the night train from Hanoi Railway

Station at 21.30 or 22.00 to Lao Cai, adjacent

to the Chinese Border in the Northwest of

Vietnam, the station nearest to Sapa. Tickets

supplied by THREELAND. Overnight on the

train.

DAY 2: LAO CAI - SAPA – VISIT SAPA

(B/L/D)

Arrive Lao Cai Staion at 06.00. Welcomed by

a representative of THREELAND from Sapa

and transferred by Car or Coach of your hotel

to Sapa. Don’t miss to stop en route for

wonderful pictures of the paddy terraced fields

on the hillside, or misty peaks looming in pine

woods. Have breakfast in Sapa before

hanging around with our tourguide to the Sapa

market and practise the first climb by reaching

the “Dragon Peak” to take a panoramic view of

Sapa. Afternoon visit the town of Sapa,

market and the church leisurely and pack our

luggage to prepare for the conquest next day.

Dinner and overnight in Sapa.

DAY 3: FANSIPAN – EVEVATION 2,900m (B/L/D) We will be transferred by private car to pass Thac Bac

(Silver Waterfall) to Tram Ton (elevation 1,900m), where

our conquest starts! Hey, before lunchtime everything

seems easy. Don’t forget your camera today at

wonderful views of primitive forests: slippery moss

carpet, “thao qua” forest (a kind of wild nuts trees for

medicine) planted by the H’Mong people, century-old

oaks, chestnut trees and rhododendron. The forests are

best to see in October, early November, and before May.

Lunch at elevation 2,600m before taking a harder road.

Pass the bamboo forest before stopping and camping at

elevation 2,900m for relax and dinner. Overnight in the

tents at elevation 2,900m.

Tour Code : VNT03 Connection : Easy to combine with other trips in the North and South of Vietnam and Northern Laos. Itinerary in brief : DAY01: HANOI – TRAIN to LAO CAI (No meals provided) DAY 02: LAO CAI - SAPA – VISIT SAPA (B/L/D) DAY 03: FANSIPAN – EVEVATION 2,900m (B/L/D) DAY 04: FANSIPAN PEAK 3,143m – ELEVATION 2,600m (B/L/D) DAY 05: ELEVATION 2,600m – H’MONG VILLAGES - SAPA (B/L/D) DAY 06: SAPA – BAC HA - LAO CAI - TRAIN to HANOI (B/D) DAY 07: HANOI ARRIVAL

Mt.Fansipan, elevation 3,143m, is the highest peak of Indochina. After 3-day conquering Fansipan peak, you are amongst just 2,000 people all around the world leaving their footprints here. The trip can be combined wonderfully with hill tribal markets near Sapa or Bac Ha.

Hanoi – Sapa – Fansipan Peak – Sapa – Hanoi

SA

PA

DAY 1+2

PEAK OF

FANSIFAN

Sapa

DAY 4

DAY 4: FANSIPAN PEAK 3,143m – ELEVATION 2,600m (B/L/D) After breakfast, go on for 2-3 hours passing a muddy road encompassed by high grass fields on elevation 2,900 – 3,100m. The road is tough but offers breathtaking view all the way. Soon we will see the pyramid symbol on the top of Fansipan peak, the Peak of Hoang Lien Son Mt. Range, the Peak of Indochina Peninsula. Congratulations! You’ve got it! In sunshine days, from this Point you can have stunning views over China to the North and Laos to the West. Have a rest and light lunch before descending back down to the camp at Elevation 2,600. Dinner and overnight in the tents at the Camp. Please note! If you still feel very healthy, you can take a shortcut with lovely landscape but dangerous cliffs stretching for 4 hours down to the night camp. Overnight at elevation 2,700m. DAY 5: ELEVATION 2,600m – H’MONG VILLAGES - SAPA (B/L/D) Enjoy a morning coffee and the sounds of nature as your porters break down the camp and back to Sapa. Trek downhill will be more quickly, but you should take another road today if you prefer to pass by two marvelous villages of the H’Mong people: San Sa Ho village and Sin Chai village. This road will be 3 hours longer then the climbing-up road but very sightworthy with pinewood-roofed houses, dozens of terraced fields, excited children and mountain landscape. Have lunch en route. Back to Sapa on foot and arrive your hotel around 16.00. A delicious dinner is waiting for you at the hotel or the restaurant. Overnight in hotel in Sapa. DAY 6: SAPA – BAC HA - LAO CAI - TRAIN to HANOI (B/D) We have two options:

Option 1:

If the climb has made us tired, or if a rain just pass by and may has led to landslip on mountain roads, we just can stroll around Sapa to visit the town and Sapa market, where you can meet the local tribal people from H’Mong, Dzao, Dzay, Xa pho, and other ethnic groups with their raw crafts made of woods, silver, dyed fabrics and so on.

Trying local foods surrounding the market will be

also a good experience. Lunch by your own to

ensure your flexible time and enjoyment. Late

afternoon our tourguide will pick-up you at the

hotel and transferred to Lao Cai station to take

the overnight train back to Hanoi. Dinner

prepared for you in Lao Cai. Say good-bye to

your tourguide in Sapa and take the overnight

train to Hanoi.

Option 2:

Is strongly recommended for dry season. Start

from Sapa early and reach a market of hill tribal

people (surrounding Bac Ha, less than 3-hour

driving from Sapa). As in Sapa, many weekly

markets are available in this area: Can Cau on

Saturday, Bac Ha on Sunday and Coc Ly on

Tuesday. Anyone of them offers us a great

chance to intermingle with hill tribes living

surrounding Bac Ha, inclusive of Flower H’Mong,

Tay, Dzay, Dzao, San Diu, Kinh gathering for

meeting, dating, hanging around, shopping and

exchanging goods, especially fabrics and

handicrafts. After enjoying the market for 2-3

hours, we can visit a village nearby the

marketplace, or take a boat on Chay River (only

for Coc Ly market) or leave for Lao Cai and have

a look at the Chinese border in Lao Cai. Take the

night Train to Hanoi at 19.00 or 21.00 and

overnight on the Train. (Lunch by your own to

ensure your flexible time and enjoyment. Dinner

in Laocai)

DAY 7: HANOI ARRIVAL

Arrive in Hanoi at 06.00.

End of services upon arrival.

Tour Code : VNT04 Connection : Easy to combine with other trips in the North and South of Vietnam and Northern Laos Itinerary in brief : DAY 01: HANOI – HALONG BAY (-/L/D) DAY 02: HALONG BOAT TRIP – TRAIN TO LAO CAI (B/L/D) DAY 03: LAO CAI - BAC HA – COC LY - CAO SON (B/L/D) DAY 04: CAO SON – LUNG KHAU NHIN – THAO CHU PHIN (B/L/D) DAY 05 +06: THAO CHU PHIN - XIN CHENG – QUAN THAN SAN– TA VAN CHU – BAN PHO – BAC HA (B/L/D) DAY 07: BAC HA – BAN LIEN (B/L/D) DAY 08: BAN LIEN – NAM DET (B/L/D) DAY 09: NAM DET - BAC HA - HANOI (B/L/D) DAY 10: HANOI

A deep discover of untouched area of

Lao Cai, a king land of trekking in

Vietnam. Bac Ha and Si Ma Cai, two

districts that share border with China,

named as White Highland of Vietnam

with diversified cultures of dozens of

groups of hill tribes, will perform breath-

taking view of high rocky mountains and

flowery hills.

Hanoi – Halong - Lao Cai – Local Village Treks – Bac Ha – Lao

WHITE HIGHLAND DISCOVER

10 days / 09 nights

DAY 1: HANOI – HALONG BAY (-/L/D)

Welcome to Threeland!

In the morning the tour guide of Threeland

Travel will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi

and transfer you to Halong, a World Heritage

as designated by UNESCO in 1994, with

thousands limestone islets with stopovers en

route to visit the rural life of the Red River

Delta’s farmers (esp. in transplanting and

harvest times), or the ceramic town at Dong

Trieu. The transfer will take about 3hours30.

Check-in your boat in Halong and have a

lunch of fresh seafoods served on board.

Afternoon is your relaxation and you can just

relax on the sundeck and enjoy the bay’s

splendid seascape of thousands odd-shaped

rocky islands, visit the inside-island grottoes

or go swimming. Dinner (seafoods) and

overnight on board.

DAY 2: HALONG BOAT TRIP – TRAIN TO LAO CAI (B/L/D) After breakfast, we will continue to tour the Bay

until reaching the Wharf of Halong again (around

11.00) and back to Hanoi. Stopover at Hong

Ngoc Charity centre in Sao Do Town for a quick

lunch. After arrive in Hanoi around 16.00, the

guide will show you around the Sword Lake,

Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy an afternoon show

at 17.00 of Water Puppetry. Dinner in Hanoi

before taking the night train (escorted by

Threeland guide) to Laocai stantion. Overnight on

the train.

DAY 3: LAO CAI - BAC HA – COC LY - CAO SON (B/L/D) We arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning. After a short break for refreshment and coffee, we take 2 hour driving along the winding mountainous road to Bac Ha, the white highland in Northwest Vietnam. Meet and make friend with the local support team then start taking 2 hours trek to Coc Ly, a nice village on the bank of Chay river. If today is Tuesday, you will have great time to enjoy the weekly market of hill tribe there. After lunch we will continue hiking to Cao Son, where we will be overnight in a nice ecolodge. DAY 4: CAO SON – LUNG KHAU NHIN – THAO CHU PHIN (B/L/D) 12km from Cao Son is Lung Khau Nhin, a nice village of H’mong people. Furthermore, every Thursday, a local bazaar held here with a lot of interesting activities of locals such as drinking, dance, chatting and talking. Jumping into the market and joining the people will be an unforgettable feeling. After the lunch, we continue with a descending trek along small and undiscovered tracks thru the terrace rice fields, houses on stilt and winding bamboo fences. Reach the river bank and enjoy the sunset view over the mountain. Get over to the other bank of river by bamboo raft ran by river waterpower – extraordinary feeling of using local transportation method. We will be homestay or overnight at local school.

DAY 5 +6: THAO CHU PHIN - XIN CHENG – QUAN THAN SAN– TA VAN CHU – BAN PHO – BAC HA (B/L/D) We will enjoy the first day in Si Ma Cai, the most remote district of Lao Cai, located in the border with China and together with famous Bac Ha, make an area named White Highland. There are few footprints of tourists there and things still remain as it was in 30 years ago. Trek thru territories of various H’mong hill tribes such as Black H’mong, Flower H’mong, White H’mong, Green H’mong will make you unforgettable memory of hidden Vietnam. Have a 2-day discovery at an untouched area of extreme Northern mountain Vietnam with the first overnight at Quan Than San, then the second night at hotel in Bac Ha for refreshment. On the way back to Bac ha town, you will stop at Ban Pho village to see the process of producing local whisky. DAY 7: BAC HA – BAN LIEN (B/L/D) One night refreshment at hotel in Bac Ha and after unhurried breakfast in the town, you will have an easy start with 2 hours trek along a flat and paved road before catch up a single dirty track to Ban Lien. You will have chance to see plum and peach forests and if the trek held in Spring with the white blossom cover the mountains, the beautiful sceneries will leave the unforgettable mark in you mind. Overnight in Ban Lien, a nice village of Tay people.

DAY 8: BAN LIEN – NAM DET (B/L/D) A trail run in parallel along Phong river will be our trekking route today. We will have a mixture of up-and-down rugged terrain, wet and dirty soil, crossing stream by unstable temporary stone spillway. The Dzao women live here are famous for their sophisticated dress, skirts with many layers, large red turban over their hair buns, coin necklace representing a woman’s health etc. At the end of a long day, we will overnight homestay in Nam Det. DAY 9: NAM DET - BAC HA - HANOI (B/L/D) After 3-hour short descending, we will return to Bac Ha town. On the way we will meet Phu La hill tribe, who impress you by their traditional costume featured by the mixture of local weaving and beads made by glass. Have lunch in Bac Ha and relax with cold beer before transfer to Lao Cai Railway Station for night train to Hanoi. DAY 10: HANOI Arrive in Hanoi at 5am. End of services.

Tour Code : VNT05 Connection : Easy to combine with other trips in the North and South of China. Itinerary in brief : DAY 01: HANOI - HALONG CITY (D) DAY 02: HANOI - HALONG BAY – TRAIN TO LAO CAI (B/L/D) DAY 03: LAO CAI - BAC HA – BAN LIEN (B/L/D) DAY 04: BAN LIEN – NA TRI – QUANG NGUYEN (B/L/D) DAY 05: QUANG NGUYEN – HO THAU – NAM SON (B/L/D) DAY 06: NAM SON – MOTORBIKE TAXI TO BAN NHUNG – TUNG SAN (B/L/D) DAY 07: TUNG SAN – THUONG SON – VI XUYEN HOT SPRING (B/L/D) DAY 08: VI XUYEN – HANOI (B)

An interesting switch from Northwest to Northeast of Vietnam with different climates and geography. By that it makes different rain forests, landscapes and cultures. Enjoy the beautiful scener]ies of from peach and plum forests to green tea field and from earth mountain to high rocky ones.

Hanoi – Halong – Lao Cai – Bac Ha – Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi – Vi Xuyen – Ha Giang – Tuyen Quang - Hanoi

UNTOUCHED ROCKY MOUNTAINS

08 days / 07 nights

DAY 1: HANOI – HALONG BAY (-/L/D) Welcome to Threeland! In the morning the tour guide of Threeland Travel will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer you to Halong, a World Heritage as designated by UNESCO in 1994, with thousands limestone islets with stopovers en route to visit the rural life of the Red River Delta’s farmers (esp. in transplanting and harvest times), or the ceramic town at Dong Trieu. The transfer will take about 3hours30. Check-in your boat in Halong and have a lunch of fresh seafoods served on board. Afternoon is your relaxation and you can just relax on the sundeck and enjoy the bay’s splendid seascape of thousands odd-shaped rocky islands, visit the inside-island grottoes or go swimming. Dinner (seafoods) and overnight on board. DAY 2: HALONG BOAT TRIP – TRAIN TO LAO CAI (B/L/D) After breakfast, we will continue to tour the Bay until reaching the Wharf of Halong again (around 11.00) and back to Hanoi. Stopover at Hong Ngoc Charity centre in Sao Do Town for a quick lunch. After arrive in Hanoi around 16.00, the guide will show you around the Sword Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and enjoy an afternoon show at 17.00 of Water Puppetry. Dinner in Hanoi before taking the night train (escorted by Threeland guide) to Laocai stantion. Overnight on the train. DAY 3: LAO CAI - BAC HA – BAN LIEN (B/L/D) Upon our arrival in Lao Cai early morning (about 06.00) we will take a short break for refreshment and breakfast at Lao cai restaurant before having the car of Threeland to drive 2 to 3 hours along the winding mountainous road to Bac Ha, the “White Highland” of the Northwest. Meet our new friends from our local support team before starting our 3-hour trek to Ban Lien, the Tay family’s hometown. You will have a chance to see plum and peach forests hereby and if the trek is in Spring with white apricos covering mountains, the beautiful scenery will leave you unforgettable memories. Overnight in Ban Lien. DAY 4: BAN LIEN – NA TRI – QUANG NGUYEN (B/L/D) This day you could see the interesting change of geographical conditions from earth mountain with peach and plum forests to rocky ones with sharp and rugged rocks. Thanks to its great geography this place had been chosen by Raid Gauloise for their big contest in 2002. After a long 7-hour trekking, we will overnight in Quang Nguyen.

DAY 5: QUANG NGUYEN – HO THAU – NAM SON (B/L/D) Another hard day with 6-7 hour trekking thru the mountain, rain forest and villages. You will have great chance to meet typical hill-tribal people such as Tay, Nung, Dzao and H’mong. The temporary waterfalls made by sudden rains, foggy mountains and forests etc. will fascinate you by their mystery. Overnight in Nam Son, a modern village with some cold drink and hot dinner. DAY 6: NAM SON – MOTORBIKE TAXI TO BAN NHUNG – TUNG SAN (B/L/D) After breakfast, we will take one-hour driving by “motor taxi” (xe om) to Ban Nhung, then start trekking from here. This day we will have great chance to discover green tea mountainous fields and the routine activities of tea farmers. Tung San is famous by its green tea and we can taste a little bit this bitter special tea. Overnight in Tung San. DAY 7: TUNG SAN – THUONG SON – VI XUYEN HOT SPRING (B/L/D) Being located between the Natural Reserve of Tay Con Linh (Ha Giang province), the wild and narrow tracks in Tung San will challenge the trekkers by its slope, extreme descending and rocky paths. Locals here have a few chances to see foreign tourists so you could find the pure life of hill tribal people hereby. Get over to the elevation of 1,971m where you will reach Vi Xuyen hot spring for relax in the pool and massaging tub by mineral hot water. Overnight at hotel in Vi xuyen. DAY 8: VI XUYEN – HANOI (B) After breakfast, we will take an easy transfer to Hanoi by motortaxi. Arrive in Hanoi late afternoon. End of services. in Hanoi.

BIKING

NATURAL PARK AND MOUNTAIN BIKING

04 days / 03 nights

Tour Code : VNB01 Connection : Easy to combine with other trekking trips or extension of 10 to 15 days day tours of Vietnam. Itinerary in brief : DAY 01: HANOI – MAI CHAU – PU LUONG (-/L/D) DAY 02: PU LUONG – CUC PHUONG (B/L/D) DAY 03: CUC PHUONG (B/L/D) DAY 04: CUC PHUONG - HOA LU - TAM COC - HANOI (B/L/-)

DAY 3: CUC PHUONG (B/L/D)

130km south of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is a typical

limestone area and rainforest with an impressive

collection of animals and plants. Seriously and

carefully reserved by the government, Cuc

Phuong maintains itself as home of some special

primates and species including langurs, gibbons,

macaques and fantastic birds including red-

collared woodpeckers, limestone wren-babblers,

fork-tailed sunbirds and many others. Full-day

cycling in the Park under the umbrella of

century–old trees to explore the forest and trails

within the Park’s karst ecosystem will give us an

overall conception of the nature protection in

Northern Vietnam. Have dinner and overnight at

the Cuc Phuong Guesthouse.

DAY 4: CUC PHUONG - HOA LU - TAM COC -

HANOI (B/L/-)

After breakfast, we will leave Cuc Phuong for a

short ride to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital with the

old temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le

reigned in 10th century. This is an outstanding

switch from three-day cycling over the mountain

and rainforest to a new discovery of the low plain

land with 2-hour thru rural village, passing rice

paddy fields and rural houses. Have lunch in

Tam Coc before taking a 2- hour boat trip around

an area where spectacular limestone karsts jut

out from the green paddy fields reminding about

Guilin (China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which

gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-in-

land”. Late afternoon back to Hanoi.

End of services. in Hanoi.

DAY 1: HANOI – MAI CHAU – PU LUONG (-

/L/D)

The tourguide of Threeland will pickup you at

your hotel in Hanoi in the early morning for a

5-hour driving to Mai Chau, the gate to the

Northwest of Vietnam. After 160km with a

winding road thru stunning view of mountain,

sugarcane farms, we will stop at Mai Chau, a

hometown of White Thai hill tribe renown by

their houses-on-stilts. Have a quick lunch here

before taking a short walk around the village to

see their daily work: embroidering and

weaving Thai traditional costumes. After lunch,

take a short ride along Ma River before off the

main road and start cycling by mountain

tracks, enjoying new and different images of

landscape, rainforest, streams that cross over

the path. After 20km cycling, we will reach Kho

Muong, a peaceful village of Thai hill tribal

people. We will overnight in home-stay

supported by FFI (Flora and Fauna

International). If time available, we can join the

ordinary life of locals in their farming works,

cultivation or herding buffalo. Overnight in Pu

Luong.

DAY 2: PU LUONG – CUC PHUONG (B/L/D)

We will have a long hard day for cycling by

leaving beautiful Kho Muong village to get up-

and-down paths with messy mixture of rocky

mountains and slippery soil, as well as winding

and extreme ascending routes. In response

you could have wonderful view of landscape

with houses-on-stilts, rice terraced fields,

farming work of local people. Stop en route for

lunch at Pho Doan local market, then continue

an easier cycling along a calm river, with stops

for pictures or refreshment at bamboo water-

wheels. The escort bus will meet you in the

afternoon to head to Cuc Phuong National

Hanoi – Mai Chau – Pu Luong – Cuc Phuong – Tam Coc – Hanoi

Tour Code : VNB02 Connection : Easy to combine with Cambodia trip or extension of 10-15 days classic tours of Vietnam. Itinerary in brief : DAY 01: SAIGON – CAI LAY – CAI BE – CAN THO (-/L/D) DAY 02: CAN THO – VI THANH – CAN THO (B/L/D) DAY 03: CAN THO – CAI RANG – SAIGON (B/L/-)

Getting off the popular one-day boat trips and discover the granary of Vietnam, Mekong delta, by cycling on the tracks across countless rivers, orchards and enjoying countryside scenery can leave you unforgettable feelings.

Saigon – Cai Be – Can tho – Mekong delta - Saigon

MEKONG CYCLING 3 DAYS

DAY 1: SAIGON – CAI LAY – CAI BE – CAN THO

(-/L/D)

In the morning the tourguide of Threeland will pick-

up you to leave Saigon for Cai Lay. We’ll start

cycling thru authentic countryside and local

residents until reaching the road along the canal,

where we can explore orchards, gardens and

normal life of farmers. After the lunch we continue

with 2-hour biking on the path over vast ricefields

and tranquil villages before taking bus to Can Tho

City. Overnight in Can Tho.

DAY 2: CAN THO – VI THANH – CAN THO

(B/L/D)

Today is a full day discovering Can Tho urban

district. We take the bus to Tam Vu old village and

start biking along paved road passing towns and

villages to Mau Nang. This area is the matrix of

tributaries and irrigation canals. After the lunch in

Mau Nang, we’ll take a short ride to Vi Thanh, then

continue with 2-hour cycling on very straight road in

parallel with a canal. Get back to Can Tho for

dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: CAN THO – CAI RANG – SAIGON

(B/L/-)

After breakfast, check-out hotel. Get a local

boat to explore the colorful Cai Rang

floating market, where number of boats

laden with fruit, vegetables and fish for

trade. Sellers advertise their goods by

crying out across the river or hanging them

to tall sticks that are visible from distance.

Disembark at Cai Rang market and go by

bus to My Khanh orchard, where we will

start cycling to Binh Thuy for 30km along

the river on narrow landway and explore

hidden water landscape of the delta. Upon

arrival in Binh Thuy, have lunch before back

to Saigon by bus.

End of services. in Saigon.

11 days / 10 nights

Tour Code : VNB03 Connection : Easy to combine with Northwest Vietnam, South China. Itinerary in brief : DAY 01: ARRIVE in HANOI (-/-/D) DAY 02: HANOI - HALONG BAY – TRAIN TO LAO CAI (B/L/D) DAY 03: COCLY - BAC HA – BAN LIEN (B/L/D) DAY 04: BAN LIEN – NA TRI – XIN MAN (B/L/D) DAY 05: XIN MAN – HOANG SU PHI (B/L/D) DAY 06: HOANG SU PHI – TUNG SAN – THUONG SON – VI XUYEN (B/L/D) DAY 07: VI XUYEN - HA GIANG – QUAN BA – YEN MINH (B/L/D) DAY 08: YEN MINH – DONG VAN – MEO VAC (B/L/D) DAY 09: MEO VAC – MAU DUE – DU GIA – BAC ME (B/L/D) DAY 10: BAC ME – HANOI ((B/L/-) DAY 11: HANOI DEPARTURE (B)

A deep discovery of untouched areas in far Northern Vietnam, with rocky mountains, winding pass and risky cliffs, enjoying the fabulous beauty of Dong Van, the newest Worldwide Geoparks, and intermingling with the mountainous people in their daily life

Hanoi – Ha Long - Bac Ha – Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang – Meo

Vac – Dong Van – Yen Minh - Hanoi

GEOLOGICAL PARK BIKING

DAY 1: ARRIVE in HANOI (-/-/D)

Welcome to Vietnam!

The tourguide of THREELAND TRAVEL will

be welcoming you at Noi Bai airport; it takes

us 35 minutes driving to the centre of Hanoi to

check-in hotel. Let’s have an overall view of

the capital by a “cyclo” visit, which will start

around the Old Quarter of Hanoi, stop at Ngoc

Son Temple located on the Hoan Kiem Lake

(the “Sword” Lake), and visit the Ethnology

Museum to learn about the ethnic groups of

Vietnam, who we may meet in our exciting

days ahead. Late afternoon we will enjoy a

unique fascinating show of Water Puppetry, a

traditional stage art of Northern Vietnam.

Dinner and overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: HANOI - HALONG BAY – TRAIN TO LAO

CAI (B/L/D)

Early depart for Halong Bay, a World Heritage as

designated by UNESCO in 1994, with thousands

limestone islets with stopovers en route to visit the

rural life of the Red River Delta’s farmers (esp. in

transplanting and harvest times), or the ceramic

town at Dong Trieu. Upon arrival, take a boat trip

for about 5 hours to cruise Halong bay (width 1,500

sq. km) to enjoy its splendid seascape of thousands

odd-shaped rocky islands, visit the inside-island

grottoes and / or swimming. Lunch of fresh seafood

served on board by the crew. Late afternoon back

to Hanoi for dinner before transfer to the Railway

Station to take a night train to Lao Cai. Overnight

on the Train.

DAY 3: COCLY - BAC HA – BAN LIEN (B/L/D)

Arrive in Lao Cai Railway station in the early

morning. After breakfast, we will take 1-hour driving

by car along the winding mountainous road to

Phong Hai, where we start cycling on paved road

along Chay river to Coc Ly, a H’mong village. Take

a stop for lunch here before we cross the river.

Continue with 3-hour cycling thru plum and peach

gardens. Especially in Springtime, we] can enjoy a

breathtaking view with white blossom covering

mountain and hillsides. Dinner and overnight in Ban

Lien, a nice village of Tay people.

DAY 4: BAN LIEN – NA TRI – XIN MAN (B/L/D)

Today we could see interesting change from earth

mountain with peach and plum gardens to sharp

rocky ones. Raid Gauloise, the leading competition

of worldwide raiders, used to chose this great track

for their contest in 2002. After 3-hour with up-and-

down hills and passing streams that cross over the

paths we will reach Na Tri with a stopover for lunch.

Head Northwest on rugged road to Xin Man district.

Overnight in Xin Man.

03 days / 02 nights

DAY 5: XIN MAN – HOANG SU PHI (B/L/D) Today we will discover the boundary area with China with some of the best rice terrace fields of Vietnam. Upon meeting Chay River again, we will get over a bridge, then follow local tracks uphill the mountain and go thru many bordering communes. The biking today will be a great combination of forest tracks, paved and unpaved road or off-the-beaten tracks. When riding to the mountain tops, we can take a panorama of one of the most picturesque sights of Vietnamese mountains and terrace rice fields. The last 30km is to ascend to Hoang Su Phi town for overnight. DAY 6: HOANG SU PHI – TUNG SAN – THUONG SON – VI XUYEN (B/L/D) This day is for discovery of greentea hills and daily activities of tea farmers. Our vehicle will take us to km No. 7 from Hoang Su Phi town, where we can start cycling to Tung San, a village renown by its green tea fields and traditions of processing tea. After lunch in Tung San, let’s go thru the Natural Reserve Tay Con Linh of Ha Giang Province along wild and narrow tracks will lots of obstacles, extreme descending and ascending rocky paths. The area is least touristy than any place in Northern Vietnam and we can easily find the purity of life and scenery hereby. Get over to the elevation of 1,971m, we could reach Vi Xuyen hot spring, where we just relax in pools and massage tub by mineral hot water. Overnight at hotel in Vi Xuyen. DAY 7: VI XUYEN - HA GIANG – QUAN BA – YEN MINH (B/L/D) Until late 20th century, Northeast of Ha Giang province is still a undiscovered area so a lot of roads are nearly untouched and the scenery remains as it was long time ago. Let’s go biking along the reservoir thru rocky and earth mountain with slopes, sometimes at 20%, and we will reach the wonderful valley of Lung Tam Commune. Isolated from others, this area is alike an oasis with very few footprints of tourists. Continue with easy cycling on paved road

for the last 10 km before catching our van to Yen Minh. Overnight in Yen Minh. DAY 8: YEN MINH – DONG VAN – MEO VAC (B/L/D) Have a day of easy activities with most of the time on well-paved Highway 4. The ascending and descending is not over 10% and the mountainview is breathtaking. We can stop at the House of Vuong Chi Sinh, who had been considered “the H’mong King” by the H’mong people, where his family is still living in. The house is typical to the housing design of the White H’mong people, who prefer to live in very clean houses with graceful handymade rock fences surrounding their gardens. We’ll also get over the “Heaven Gate” pass to reach Dong Van town, whose central market is in a nearly one-century old building with Vietnamese architecture since early 20th century. Have Lunch and walk around to visit the Old Quarter of Dong Van with one-century old streets before heading to to Meo Vac. The last 20km cycling is along Ma Pi Leng pass, the most difficult road the Vietnamese ever completed in top dangers. From here we can enjoy extremely beautiful mountain cliffs and see Nho Que River as a tiny line at the bottom of the chasm. Overnight in Meo Vac. DAY 9: MEO VAC – MAU DUE – DU GIA – BAC ME (B/L/D) Wake up early if you wish to contemplate a specific character of ethnic groups of Vietnam – their weekly markets. After breakfast at hotel and visiting the market, the van will take us down 40km to Mau Due, where we can start the longest cycling, the 90km mountainous zigzag unpaved road built by Vietnam Army during the War with China and stay untouched for more than 30 years. Life and culture here, as well as the scenery remain with their original beauty and we will meet many typical hill-tribal groups of Northeast Vietnam hereby. Arrive late in Bac Me, a tranquil town on Gam River, for dinner and overnight. DAY 10: BAC ME – HANOI (B/L/-) A relax morning with hot coffee before heading back to Hanoi. Free at leisure. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi. DAY 11: HANOI DEPARTURE Free until your time for flight back home. End of services.

DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL (D)

Welcome to Vietnam!

The tour guide of THREELAND TRAVEL will

welcome you at Noi Bai airport; it takes us 35

minutes driving to the centre of Hanoi to check-in

hotel. Let’s have an overall view of the capital by a

“rickshaw” visit, which will start around the Old

Quarter of Hanoi, stop at Ngoc Son Temple located

on the Hoan Kiem Lake (the “Sword” Lake), and at

Quan Thanh Taoist Temple. Dinner and overnight in

Hanoi.

Optional: You can try your bikes today visiting all

these sightseeing points.

DAY 2: HANOI - CUC PHUONG (B/L)

130km South of Hanoi, Cuc Phuong is a typical

limestone area and rainforest with an impressive

variety of animals and plants. Seriously and

carefully reserved by Vietnamese government, Cuc

Phuong maintains itself as home to some

spectacular primates including gibbon, langur,

macaque and some fantastic birds including red-

collared woodpecker, limestone wren-babbler, fork-

tailed sunbird and many others. Half-day cycling in

the park under the umbrella of century–old trees to

explore the forests and trails within the Park’s karst

ecosystem will give you unforgetable memories.

Overnight at the Cuc Phuong Guesthouse.

DAY 3: CUC PHUONG - HOA LU - TAM COC –

NINH BINH (B/L)

After breakfast, we will leave Cuc Phuong for a

short ride to Hoa Lu ancient capital with old

temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le

reigned in 10th century. Have an outstanding

discovery of the lowland and depression with 3-

hours cycling thru rural village, ricefields

before having lunch in Tam Coc, then take a

2-hour boat trip round an area, where

spectacular limestone karsts jut out from

green paddy fields reminding about Guilin

(China) and Halong Bay of Vietnam, which

gives this scenery the name “Halong-bay-on-

land”. Late afternoon back to Ninh Binh for

overnight.

DAY 4: NINH BINH – HALONG –

OVERNIGHT ONBOARD (B/L/D)

After breakfast we leave Ninh Binh for Halong

with stop at Haiphong seaport. Visit Du Hang

pagoda, the centre of Buddhism in Haiphong

and stroll around the centre of the city. On the

way to Halong, we will discover “the Red

River delta” which is in its best color and

scent in the new-rice planted time in January,

and in harvest crops in March, April and

November. We arrive in Halong Bay, a

Natural World Heritage as designated by

UNESCO in 1994 and 2000, at noontime and

check-in our overnight boat. Enjoy a trip on

Halong with stops to visit caves or to swim

and enjoy the sunset on the sea. Dinner with

fresh seafood. Overnight on board.

DAY 5: HALONG – HANOI - HUE (B/L)

The Vietnamese call the “South China Sea”

by a point-oriented name “Eastern Sea”, so

you may guess how miraculous it is seeing

the sunrise over the islets of the Bay. The

boat will take us to go about marvelous areas,

where almost each islet has its own name,

adopting its shape or reminiscent. We can

stop to go swimming or visiting a beach

before back to the Wharf. Have lunch on

board before heading back to Hanoi Airport to

take the late flight to Hue. Overnight in Hue.

Hanoi – Cuc Phuong – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Halong – Hue - Danang – Hoian – My Son – Nhatrang –

Dalat – Ho Chi Minh – Mekong Delta

13 days / 12 nights

Tour Code : VNB04 Connection : Easy to combine with Northwest Vietnam, South China and Cambodia Itinerary in Brief: DAY 01: HANOI ARRIVAL (D) DAY 02: HANOI - CUC PHUONG (B/L) DAY 03: CUC PHUONG - HOA LU - TAM COC – NINH BINH (B/L) DAY 04: NINH BINH – HALONG – OVERNIGHT ONBOARD (B/L/D) DAY 05: HALONG – HANOI - HUE (B/L) DAY 06: HUE (B/L) DAY 07: HUE - DANANG - HOIAN (B/L) DAY 08: HOIAN – MY SON – HOI AN VILLAGES (B/L) DAY 09: DANANG – NHA TRANG (B) DAY 10: NHA TRANG – KHANH VINH - DALAT (B/L) DAY 11: DALAT – SAIGON (B/L) DAY 12: SAIGON – MEKONG CYCLING – SAIGON (B/L) DAY 13: SAIGON DEPARTURE

Feature: A great way to visit to all the must-to-see sights of Vietnam in a very different mode, passing numerous World Heritages, major river deltas, beaches and hill resorts within a resonable duration.

Overall Vietnam Biking

DAY 6: HUE (B/L)

Being recognized by UNESCO as the 1st

Cultural World Heritage for Vietnam, Hue is

highlighted by the old royal architectural

works and low-paced lifestyle. We will have a

full-day easy cycling around with morning

discover the charm of the city, including the

Royal Citadel, Forbidden City, Hue Royal

Museum and Dong Ba bustling market. After

lunch in a Garden-housed restaurant, we will

continue riding to visit the Tombs of King

Minh Mang and Tu Duc – two best-reserved

monuments of the Nguyen Emperors since

early 19th and early 20th centuries. Overnight

in Hue.

DAY 7: HUE - DANANG - HOIAN (B/L)

After breakfast and check-out hotel, we will

depart to Thuan An beach where we start

cycling along the countryside roads stretched

in the peninsula between the sea and

lagoons. After 3-4 hours cycling thru the

fishing villages we will cross the river by local

ferry, then take our support van to Lang Co,

one of nicest beaches in Vietnam, where we

could have fresh sea foods and cold beer.

Enjoy our lunch or take a quick sunbath or

swimming before taking an ascending ride to

Hai Van- the Ocean Cloudy Mountain Pass,

where we could have stunning wonderful

panorama view of mountain and sea. Heading

to Hoian by van for dinner and overnight.

DAY 8: HOIAN – MY SON – HOI AN

VILLAGES (B/L)

After breakfast, we will depart from Hoian to

My Son, where we can discover the hidden

treasure of the Cham culture that once

brightfully developed in the area of present

Central Vietnam. Thanks to the beauty and

secrets of building the Cham Towers hereby,

My Son had been also designated by

UNESCO as one of the five World Heritages

in Vietnam. Cycle back to Hoian for lunch.

Afternoon we will take the ferry over Thu Bon

river to the isolated and remote villages on

the other river bank. Just a kilometer from

Hoian bustling town, we will discover a

tranquil area with boat-making factories,

bamboo bridges, local sampans and fishing

villages. Pedal on small tracks thru ricefields

to the rivergate where we take another ferry

back to Cua Dai beach. Stop for relaxing time

on the beach before return to Hoi An.

Overnight in Hoi An.

DAY 9: DANANG – NHA TRANG, FREE AT

LEISURE (B)

Transfer to the airport for a short flight to Nha

Trang, one of the best beaches in the world.

We will have the rest of the day at leisure with

sunbath, swimming and seafood. Many beach

activities available in Nha Trang, including

snorkeling, diving, parachuting, sailing to the

islands and remote places. Overnight in Nha

Trang.

DAY 10: NHA TRANG – KHANH VINH -

DALAT (B/L)

The landway from Nha Trang to Dalat is very

sight-worthy and photogenic with pinewoods,

waterfalls, farms of tea and coffee, and the

Picturesque Mountain Pass. Getting the

elevation of 2,000m with 40km along a

winding road, most cyclists must face the

challenging by its extreme ascending. In

response, the view is fantastic and we could

taste the change from tropical to temperate

zone. We stop in the middle of nowhere, in the

pinewood for a picnic lunch before have bus

transferred to Dalat - the jewel of Vietnam

Central Highlands, featured by a park-like

environment and lovely temperature 15°-24°C

and sunlight all year round, which make the

city a haunt of honeymoon couples. If time

available, we will have short city tour or take a

horse cart round the hilly roads of Dalat to its

graceful Xuan Huong Lake. Overnight in

Dalat.

DAY 11: DALAT – SAIGON (B/L)

Picked up to the airport for the flight from Da

Lat to Saigon (SAIGON). After lunch, we will

start the city tour at the Reunification Palace,

the witness of the fierce Vietnam War ended

in 1975. The grand building today is a

Museum and Hall of official receptions.

Nearby the Palace are the colonial-styled Post

Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral, built

between 1877 and 1883 and one of the city’s

major landmarks. Our visits will end at the

China Town, which makes SAIGON differ

from other cities of Vietnam, with Thien Hau

pagoda and Binh Tay market. Overnight in

SAIGON.

DAY 12: SAIGON – MEKONG CYCLING –

SAIGON (B/L)

After 2-hours departure from SAIGON, our

day will begin with boat trip in Cai be floating

market held on the river everyday for vendors’

daily trading, especially of tropical fruits and

local specialties. After lunch, we will take the

ferry to Long Ho peninsula and start our 3-

hour cycling with river matrix. We will pedal

thru sleepy tranquil villages, with bamboo

fences surrounding and and fruit gardens.

Take some stops for relaxing, try fresh fruits

picked from the trees, coconut candies or tea.

Return to Cai Be by boat, then take the bus

back to Saigon.

DAY 13: SAIGON DEPARTURE (B)

Free at leisure until transfer to airport for your

home flight.

End of services.

MOUNTAIN

EXPEDITION

Mai Chau - Moc Chau - Son La - Dien Bien - Lai Chau - Tam Duong -

Sapa – Hill Tribal Market - Bac Ha

Tour Code : VNM01 Connection : Easy to combine with other trips in the North and South of Vietnam and Northern Laos. Itinerary in Brief: DAY 01: HANOI - MAI CHAU (-/L/D) DAY 02: MAI CHAU - MOC CHAU - SONLA - TUAN GIAO - DIEN BIEN PHU (B/L/D) DAY 03: DIEN BIEN PHU – SAPA (B/L) DAY 04: SAPA (B/L) DAY 05: SAPA – HILL TRIBAL MARKET – BAC HA (B/L) DAY 06: BAC HA - HANOI (B/L)

Best to enjoy the magnificent and picturesque landscape whilst discovering the Hoang Lien Son Mt., nicknamed by the French “The Tonkinese Alps”, where inhabit dozens of Vietnamese hill tribes: Black H'Mong, Flower H’Mong, Black Thai, White Thai, Red Dzao, Dzay, Laos, Muong, Xa Pho etc. with their distinct traditional cultures.

THE NORTHWEST LOOP

06 days / 05 nights

DAY 1: HANOI - MAI CHAU (-/L/D)

Morning pick-up at your accommodation or

rendezvous in Hanoi and drive to Mai Chau,

a beautiful valley inhabited by the “Thai”

people in Hoa Binh province. As soon as we

get out of Hanoi, the limestone mountain

ranges rush up and give the scenery an

imposing view. Arrive in Mai Chau late

noon, have lunch in Mai Chau and hike

around the villages full of house-on-stilts,

pretty handmade textile products and vast

paddyfields to enjoy the routine life of the

Thai people. Dinner and overnight in a

house-on-stilt in Mai Chau.

DAY 2: MAI CHAU - MOC CHAU - SONLA

- TUAN GIAO - DIEN BIEN PHU (B/L/D)

It’s a long day today since the mountain

roads do not allow the car’s highest speed

exceed 45km per hour. In return, we are

crossing the most magnificent part of the

Hoang Lien Son range – the Tonkinese

Alps, the home of most colourful-dressed

montagnards, who still maintain lots of their

long-term culture and traditions. From Mai

Chau, we will drive to Son La via Moc Chau,

where located hundreds of immense farms

of dairy cows and where the best tea of

Vietnam is produced.

Surrounding Moc Chau is the inhabitation

of various tribes including the H’mong,

Thai, Muong and Dzao. Let’s stop en route

to visit villages and orchard / tea farm in

Moc chau before reach Sonla (200km from

Mai Chau) for a late lunch. Afternoon head

to Dien Bien via Tuan Giao. The most

picturesque scenery here belongs to Pha

Din Pass, which is well-known as a

historical site during the 1st Indochina War

ended in 1954, and a charming and

dangerous pass at elevation 1,300m with

breathtaking view. Arrive Dien Bien in the

evening for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3: DIEN BIEN PHU - LAI CHAU - TAM

DUONG – SAPA (B/L)

Dien Bien is only 35km from the border with

Laos and used to be the last battlefield of the

French and Vietnamese during the first

Indochinese War. Not so long after 1954, Dien

Bien Phu turned to be a green valley inhabited

by dozens of the ethnic groups. Visiting the

historical sites in Dien Bien will make our trip

more memorable, to name a few, they are

Dien Bien Museum, A1 Hill, the shelter of the

French General De Castries and the

memorials of the Vietnamese and French

soldiers died during the fierce battle in 1954.

Head Northwest to Sapa via Tam Duong with

stopover to communicate with the people from

tribal groups living surrounding Lai Chau like

Black Thai, White Thai, Muong and Dzao

people. After stopover at O Quy Ho Pass for a

magnificent view of Northwest mountains,

we’ll reach Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

DAY 4: SAPA (B/L)

Have a climb to the “Dragon Peak” of Sapa to

have a panoramic view of the town with

pinewoods and gardens looming in the mist.

Visit Sapa market and the church before

heading to Taphin valley to reach the villages of

the H’mong and Red Dzao people, who are

skillful in dying and making clothes and

embroidery by traditional, old silk thread. Go on

to Lao Chai (10km from Sapa) and walk thru

5km to Tavan with stops at the villages of the

tribal people H’mong, Tay and Dzay en route.

Back to Sapa for overnight.

DAY 5: SAPA – HILL TRIBAL MARKET –

BAC HA (B/L)

If today is Saturday, Sunday or Tuesday,

nothing will be better than driving overland to a

market of the hill tribal people, mainly from

Flower H’Mong ethnical group. Depending on

the day, you can choose either Can Cau (Sat),

Bac Ha (Sun) or Coc Ly (Tue). Out from this list

Bac Ha is the biggest in terms of scale and

area, but beside these markets, a lot of other

mountain weekly market are also held on

Wednesday and Thursday in the

neighbourhood.

Early morning we’ll drive toward Bac Ha, about

110km from Sapa. With a dozen of tribes living

in the surroundings, including Flower H’Mong,

Chinese, Nhang, Dzao, Nung, Phu La, Thai and

King (or Viet), the market is extremely

exciting esp. in the early morning. The

winding road to Bac Ha helps maintain the

colours (in both literal and figurative sense)

of the area. The distance to Can Cau and

Coc Ly from Bac Ha is 30–50km. In all these

markets we can meet hundreds of beautiful

women from Flower H’Mong tribe, who are

famous for their wonderful craft and hand-

made flowering clothes and textile fabrics, or

intermingle with people from Black H’Mong,

Dzay, Dzao and other ethnic groups coming

to the market not for purchasing stuffs, but

for meeting and chatting – just once a week -

like in a real cultural center. After lunchtime,

we will go trekking to further hamlets in Ban

Pho, Trieu Cai, or Na Hoi. Back to Bac Ha in

the afternoon for overnight.

DAY 6: BAC HA - HANOI (B/L)

Back to Hanoi (350km) via Yen Bai with

lunch en route.

Arrive at your accommodation in Hanoi late

evening.

End of services.

BABE LAKES – BANGIOC WATERFALL – HALONG BAY – CATBA ISLAND

Tour Code : VNM02 Connection : Very easy and relaxing to combine with excursions to the Central and South Vietnam. Itinerary in Brief: DAY 01: HANOI – BABE LAKES (-/L/D) DAY 02: BABE LAKES – CAO BANG (B/L) DAY 03: CAO BANG – BAN GIOC WATERFALL – CAO BANG (B/L) DAY 04: CAO BANG – LANG SON – HALONG (B/L) DAY 05: HALONG – CAT BA ISLAND – ROCK CLIMBING (B/L) DAY 06: CAT BA ISLAND – HAI PHONG – HANOI (B/L)

Many reserves stretch in the Northeast Vietnam, where the roads are fine but not pleasant enough to open for mass tourism. However, thanks to this obstacle the routine and traditions of the hill tribes are still well maintained, and marvelous sights are remained beckoning more discovery.

DAY 1: HANOI – BABE LAKES (-/L/D) Morning depart from Hanoi to Babe Lakes via Thai Nguyen. Take a stop at Hanoi Ethnology Museum, where we can hear introduction and enjoy a rich collection of the cultural features of 54 ethnical groups living in Vietnam. The visit will be very helpful to us before exploring the real life of these groups in our coming trip. Lunch en route. Arrive Babe Lakes late afternoon. Overnight in Babe town. DAY 2: BABE LAKES – CAO BANG (B/L) It’s 3km from Babe town to the Lakes, which is the most splendid part of The “Babe National Park”. Taking a motorboat from the wharf and flow on the three lakes, along Nang River for 4 – 5 hours, we can drop by Widow Islet, enjoy picturesque scenery and greenery of the Park surrounding the lake, see people fishing for shrimps in their dug-out boats; we can also climb up the large Puong Cave with odd-shaped stalactites and stalagmites, home of thousands bats hanging on limestone walls, visit Dau Dang Waterfall, walk over a cliff to see an earing-shaped pond called Fairy Pond, and finally arrive by boat to Cho Ra, 18km from Babe. Our car will pick-up us at Cho Ra and circle the Lakes by landway with stop to visit the friendly Tay ethnic people in Pac Ngoi hamlet. Late afternoon depart to Cao Bang (3-hour driving). Overnight in Cao Bang. DAY 3: CAO BANG – BAN GIOC WATERFALL – CAO BANG (B/L) The most remarkable highlight of Cao Bang province, Ban Gioc Waterfall, the largest Falls in Vietnam, takes 2-hour driving from Cao Bang. We can contemplate on this way very sight-worthy forests, mountain villages, markets of different ethnic groups, and local specialties sold along the road. Upon arrival at Ban Gioc, we can enjoy not only the great waterfall but strong waterpower of Quy Son river, and also see the natural border between Vietnam and China in short distance, or take a bamboo raft to relax on the river. From Ban Gioc, turn back to Cao Bang direction with to visit Nguom Ngao Cave, a huge impressive cave running about 3km long.

Return to Cao Bang in the afternoon. Overnight in Cao Bang. DAY 4: CAO BANG – LANG SON – HALONG (B/L) From Cao Bang, drive some 9 hours via Lang Son to reach Halong city, the station to take your trip to another National Park in Cat Ba Island. The road from Cao Bang to Lang Son passes by a lot of War memorials and traces of the 1st Indochinese War, ended with the French leave from Indochina in 1954. Lunch in Lang Son at Ha Nga restaurant near the new Dong King bridge with famous dishes of duck, a specialty of Lang Son. Stop at Lang Son to visit exciting Dong Kinh “bordergate market” before arrival at Halong city. Check-in hotel and overnight in Halong. DAY 5: HALONG – CAT BA ISLAND – ROCK CLIMBING (B/L) After an early breakfast, we will be transferred to Halong Wharf to take our private boat to visit the Bay of Halong, relaxing on the sundeck and enjoying the great scenery with thousands of rocky islands of Halong. We can choose to stop for visiting grottoes, go swimming, kayaking or just enjoy sunbath. Lunch will be prepared by the crew with fresh seafood caught from Halong: crab, shrimp, fish and squid. Afternoon our boat will reach Cat Ba Island. Check-in hotel in Cat Ba. Trek thru the Park of Cat ba and attend a wonderful Rock Climbing group at the green Butterfly Valley, instructed by licenced guides of a professional rock climbing Team in Catba. Overnight in Cat Ba. DAY 6: CAT BA ISLAND – HAI PHONG – HANOI (B) Enjoy yourselves on Cat Ba beaches and at leisure until our tourguide comes and picks up you to take an Express Boat to Hai Phong seaport. Our car is waiting for us in Hai Phong to head to Hanoi (about 2h30 driving). End of services at your accommodation in Hanoi.

THE NORTHEAST PARKS

06 days/ 05 nights

Hanoi – BaBe Lakes – Bao Lac – Cao Bang – Meo Vac – Dong Van - Yen Minh – Quan Ba - Ha Giang – Bac Ha – Sapa –

Dien Bien Phu – Son La – Mai Chau – Hanoi

Tour Code : VNM03 Connection : Easy to combine with other excursion in the Central and South of Vietnam. Itinerary in Brief: DAY 01: ARRIVE IN HANOI (D) DAY 02: HANOI - BABE LAKE (B/L/D) DAY 03: BOAT TRIP ON BA BE LAKE – BAO LAC – CAO BANG (B/L/D) DAY 04: BAO LAC - MEO VAC - DONG VAN – YEN MINH (B/L/D) DAY 05: YEN MINH - HA GIANG – BAC QUANG – PHO RANG – BAC HA (B/L/D) DAY 06: BAC HA – COC LY – SAPA (B/L) DAY 07: SAPA TREKKING (B) DAY 08: SAPA – O QUY HO PASS - DIEN BIEN PHU (B/L) DAY 09: DIEN BIEN PHU (B/L) DAY 10: DIEN BIEN PHU – SON LA – MAI CHAU (B/L/D) DAY 11: MAI CHAU – XA LINH – HOA BINH - HANOI (B/L) DAY 12: HANOI DEPARTURE (B)

This journey is only and strongly recommended to picture-hunting visitors and adventurers, who have long time in Northern Vietnam and love eco-tours, prefer to explore remote isolated areas and the customs of hill tribal people. The tour is all about contemplating the most splendid part of Vietnam, where concentrates magnificent but dangerous limestone mountain ranges, incredible terraced paddy fields, and dozens of various ethnics including H’mong, Tay, Black Thai, White Thai, Muong, Yao.

EXPLORE NORTHERN VIETNAM

12 days / 11 nights

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN HANOI (D) Arrival at Noi Bai Airport. Greeted by the tour guide of THREELAND and transferred to your hotel. At your leisure in the rest of the day. Dinner followed by a show of Water Puppetry, a unique stage art of Northern Vietnam peasants. Overnight in Hanoi. DAY 2: HANOI - BABE LAKE (B/L/D) Morning visit the Ethnology Museum, a wonderful stop that gives us more knowledge of the hill tribal people we are going to see in the upcoming days. Depart for Babe Lake, a mountain area nearly 300km North of Hanoi. Overnight in a house-on-stilts in Pac Ngoi village of “Tay” people (Lunch en route, dinner at the village) DAY 3: BOAT TRIP ON BA BE LAKE – BAO LAC – CAO BANG (B/L/D)

BaBe National Park is famous for it pure atmosphere and nature. Take a boat in the morning to cruise on emerald water of Ba Be Lake, with stop to visit the Fairy Pond, Puong Cave or to go swimming near Widow Islet. The Nang River hereby has a two-color waterflows and surrounded by wonderful greenery, paddy fields, and magnificent mountain peaks. After lunch in Ba Be, take our car thru the lowland of Northeast mountains to Bao Lac, a small mountain town, for overnight. Please note! Other roads can be used depending on the weather and seasons. DAY 4: BAO LAC - MEO VAC - DONG VAN – YEN MINH (B/L/D) Wake up early if you wish to contemplate a specific character of minority ethnic of Vietnam – their weekly markets . All Bao Lac, Meo Vac, Dong Van and Yen Minh offer wonderful Sunday markets with hundreds of people from H’mong, Yao, Thai, Tay

tribes coming for purchasing goods, or even just exchanging. After intermingle with the H’mong and Yao people at Bao Lac Sunday market, we’ll head East and get over emerald rivers to reach the newest Geology Park, as recognized by UNESSCO. This area, for many years, was considered the capital of H’mong people with their former King, Mr. Vuong Chi Sinh. Getting thru Meo Vac, the utmost pole of Northeast Vietnam, we continue riding on one of the highest passes of Northern Vietnam – Ma Pi Leng, where we can enjoy beautiful mountain ranges and Nho Que river that makes a tiny line at the chasm bottom. Heading to Dong Van, whose central market is in a nearly one-century old building with old Vietnamese architecture. After lunch in Dong Van, walk around to see Dong Van small ancient streets or have some coffee before going on to Yen Minh, with stops to visit to the house of Vuong Chi Sinh, a typical design of the White H’mong people housing. overnight at Yen Minh. Please note! Today should be Sunday to catch the weekly mountain markets. DAY 5: YEN MINH - HA GIANG – BAC QUANG – PHO RANG – BAC HA (B/L/D) Yen Minh, the centrepoint of this rocky highland, is a tranquil mountain town with very hardwork and nice ethnic people. The road from Yen Minh to Hagiang pass by many graceful villages and almost untouched areas, where we can take some stops to visit the villages or scenery. About 90km from Yen Minh, we will reach the breathtaking view or the “Fairy Bosom mountains” in Quan Ba. Dozens of steps here will lead us to the “Heaven’s gate” above Quan Ba Pass. A big wooden gate used to be here as the only gateway from the plain land to the Northwest mountains of Vietnam in early 20th century. Have lunch in Ha Giang city before heading to Bac Ha, the white highland, with stops for pictures at palm and bamboo forests or greentea farms. Overnight in Bac Ha. Please note! Another shortcut from Ha Giang to Bac Ha via Hoang Su Phi and Xin Man, two Northwest districts of the province, is renowned for picture hunters by their incomparable terraced ricefields. 4WDs are recommendable for this shortcut while normal vehicles are available in the dry season only DAY 6: BAC HA – COC LY – SAPA (B/L) With a dozen of tribes living in the surroundings, including Flower H’Mong, Chinese, Nhang, Dzao, Nung, Phu La, Thai and King (or Viet), the markets near Bac Ha, including Bac ha market itself (Sunday) and Coc Ly market (Tuesday) are extremely exciting in the morning. We can meet hundreds of beautiful women from Flower H’Mong tribe, who are famous for their original craft and hand-made flowering clothes and textile fabrics, or intermingle with people from these ethnic groups coming to the market not for purchasing stuffs, but for meeting and chatting – just once a week - like at a cultural center. After lunchtime, we can hike around for several hours, following mountain people back home to their hamlets in Ban Pho, or immediately head to Sapa, the hub of most hectic activities in the Northwest. At your leisure to stroll around the town of Sapa after many days of driving. Overnight in Sapa. (dinner not included). DAY 7: SAPA TREKKING (B) At your leisure in the morning to have a rest after long days. Around noontime our tourguide will come to take us to a light climb up the Sapa Flower Garden and reach the Dragon Peak, from where we can have a panoramic view of the town with pinewoods and gardens looming in the mist. Head to Taphin valley to reach the villages of the

H’mong and Red Dzao people, who are skillful in dying and making clothes and embroidery by traditional, old silk thread. Back to Sapa for overnight. (lunch and dinner not included for more flexibility). Optional: Afternoon going to Lao Chai (10km from Sapa) and walk for 5km to Tavan thru mountain villages. DAY 8: SAPA – O QUY HO PASS - DIEN BIEN PHU (B/L) Farewell to Sapa and head to Dien Bien Phu, the old battlefield of the fight that ended the Indochinese War I. Take an ascending road over O Quy Ho Pass, where in sunny days we can see a white and soft sea of clouds under our feet. Here we are in the heart of Northwest Vietnam. Some roads wind between high cliffs of limestone mountain ranges and make an outstanding view. Stop en route to visit the biggest Reservoir of hydropower plant in Northern Vietnam. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu. DAY 9: DIEN BIEN PHU (B/L) Morning visit the traces of the Indochinese War I, which had left a significant mark in the Vietnam history when the French officially left their old Colony in Indochina. We can stop at A1 Hill, where the most fierce and longest battles during Dien Bien Phu Campaign in 1954 took place, visit Dien Bien Museum, the Shelter of General De Castri, the French campaign’s leader, where he and all his assistants had surrendered after 56-day attack of the Vietnamese army. We can even stop at the War Memorial dedicated to the French and the Vietnamese soldiers in Dien Bien. After lunch in Dien Bien, visit the surrounding villages. Overnight in Dien Bien (Dinner not included). DAY 10: DIEN BIEN PHU – SON LA – MAI CHAU (B/L/D) Drive Southeast to Mai Chau via Son La, one of the most important Northwest chieftown since its numerous hill tribal groups and significant constructions. Stop en route to visit dairy farms and teafarms at Moc Chau, a charming highland which contributes to make Vietnam one of the 5 biggest world tea exporters. Arrive Mai Chau, a beautiful valley inhabited by the Thai people in the evening. Overnight in a house-on-stilts in Lac village or Pom Coong village. (Lunch en route, dinner in Mai Chau). DAY 11: MAI CHAU – XA LINH – HOA BINH - HANOI (B/L) From the village, hike around to enjoy the green of paddyfields surrounding, then drive on to Xa Linh market of the “Blue” H’mong people, with extremely graceful girls in strange hair style and hair switch. Walk around apricot gardens near the market and back to Hanoi around noon time. On the way, we can stop on the top of the mountain to have a panoramic view of Mai Chau, or visit the big Hydropower plant in Hoabinh, which has been built with the help of former Soviet Union experts to mainly supply power to the whole Northern Vietnam until now. Overnight in Hanoi. (Lunch in Hoabinh, dinner at your own account). Day 12: HANOI DEPARTURE (B) At your leisure today to enjoy your time in Hanoi until our tourguide come to take you to Noi Bai airport for your departure flight. End of services.

WILD LIFE

& NATURE

Tour Code: VNWN01 Short description: Being the first Ramsar site in Vietnam, Xuan Thuy National Park is situated in Nam Dinh province, covering an area of 7,100ha. The major habitats here are estuaries, mangroves, mudflats, sandy flats and shrimp ponds. Bird species: The most popular birds in Xuan Thuy National Park are Black-faced Spoonbill, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Spotted Greenshank, Saunders's Gull, Asian Dowitcher, Baer’s Pochard, Black-tailed Godwit, Asian Dowitcher, Eastern Curlew, Nordmann’s Greenshank, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Great Knot, Black-tailed Gull, Heuglin’s Gull, Black-headed Gull, Saunders’ Gull, Chinese Egret, Black-faced Spoonbill and Light-vented Bulbul. Location: Giao Thuy District, Nam Dinh Province, Vietnam. Xuan Thuy National Park is 150kms from Hanoi International Airport (more than 3 hours by car) and situated in the coastal zone of the Red River Delta, at the mouth of the main channel of the Red River, known as the Ba Lat River. Actitivites: Bird Watching, Sightseeing and Boat cruising. Best Time to Visit: As a staging and wintering site on the East Asian-Australian flyway, the best time to visit Xuan Thuy is September to April. In August and September, it is still possible to see non-breeding Painted Stork, as well as early migrants, such as Black-winged Stilt. Later, from October onwards, it relatively easy to find wintering Black-faced Spoonbills, particularly at their roost sites in the shrimp ponds.

Day 1. Hanoi – Xuan Thuy (L/D) Early morning we’ll leave Hanoi for Xuan Thuy National Park – the first Ramsar site in Vietnam, with 3-hour driving thru the heart of the Red River Delta. Lunch at the park headquarters and have meeting and discussion with the ranger about the bird species and its habitation. In the afternoon, we will be going around for bird watching by Telescopes provided by the Park. Dinner and overnight at the Park’s Guesthouse. Day 2. Xuan Thuy (B/L/D) Full day of bird watching started with a boat trip around the wetland area, including Lu and Vanh Islets and thru mangrove forest. This area is the seagate of the Red River, the second biggest one in Vietnam, originated from China mainland which makes the fertile Red River Delta. If we come here in wintertime, we could have very potential chances to see special species of birds of East Asia – Australia flyway such as Black-faced Spoonbill, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Spotted Greenshank, Saunders's Gull, Asian Dowitcher etc. Packed lunch served during the trip. Dinner and overnight at the Park’s Guesthouse. Day 3. Xuan Thuy – Hanoi (B/L) As one full day would possibly not satisfy the bird watchers, we’ll continue a morning trip today around Ngan area to watch the rests of hundreds of bird species you may have never seen. Lunch at the park headquarters, take a break before returning to Hanoi late afternoon. End of services at your accommodation in Hanoi.

XUAN THUY

BIRD-WATCHING

3 days – 2 nights

CUC PHUONG

WILDLIFE ADVENTURE

Tour Code: VNWN02 Short description: Established in 1962, Cuc Phuong, as the oldest National Park in Vietnam, is nestled between the 3 big provinces of Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa. Comprising 22,200 hectares of primary forest and represents a typical limestone forest ecosystem with the highest concentration of biodiversity in Vietnam, Cuc Phuong boasts engaging cultural and wildlife heritage and enchanting scenery. Magnificent limestone mountains rise up majestically from the green rice-terraces and traditional stilt houses of the Muong hill-tribe. Covered in a dense forest, they form a habitat for some of Asia's rarest species. Bird species: Palcaniformes; coconiiformes; anseriformes; falconiformes; podicipediformes; galliformes; gruiformes; galliformes; charadriiformes; columbiformes; psittaciformes; cuculiformes; strigiformes; apodiformes; coraciiformes; piciformes; Passeriformes. Wildlife: Macaque, Gibbon, Francois' Leaf Monkey, Slow Loris, Bat, Porcupine, Flying Squirrel, Small Striped Squirrel, Belly-banded Squirrel, Black Giant Squirrel, Asiatic Black Bear, Wild Dog, Tiger, Leopard, Clouded Leopard, Jungle Cat, Bar-backed Partridge, Scaly-breasted Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Red Junglefowl, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Laughing Thrushes, Red-vented Barbet, Green-eared Barbet, Scimitar-billed Babbler, Brown Hawk Owl, Scarlet Minivet, Racket-tailed Drongos, Racket-tailed Treepie, White-winged Blue Magpie, Thrushes, Flycatcher, Tit, Finches, Pipit and Hornbill. Location: Lying at the south-eastern extent of limestone range that runs north-west, The Cuc Phuong Natiaonal park is located in Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh, Hoa Binh and Thanh Hoa Provinces, Vietnam and 150kms from Hanoi international Airport (or more than 3 hours by car). Actitivites: Caving, River Rafting, Trekking, Night-spotting, Bird Watching and Biking. Best Time to Visit: All year round, but strongest recommendation is from early November to end of February.

DAY 1: HANOI - HA LONG (L/D) The tourguide of THREELAND will see you at your accommodation in Hanoi to drive overland to Halong Bay. Take as many stops as you like to enjoy the scenery of paddy fields, visit village markets, visit the “green bean cake” town or taste some juicy lychee in Hai Duong. Arrive in Halong at noon time, check-in our boat and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch on board. Visit Thien Cung and Dau Go Cave before cruising on the bay and take many stops as you like for swimming and kayaking. Enjoy the sunset on the sea before having dinner. Overnight on the boat. DAY 2: HA LONG BAY – KAYAKING – CAT BA ISLAND (B/L) Take the whole morning for kayaking. Arrive in Cat Ba Island, which is belong to the territory of Hai Phong Province, and check-in hotel.

KAYAKING IN HALONG BAY

Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Island or Bai Tu Long Bay – Halong Bay

Tour Code: VNM02 Itinerary in Brief: DAY 1: HANOI - HALONG (L/D) DAY 2: HALONG BAY- KAYAKING- CATBA ISLAND (B/L) DAY 3: CATBA ISLAND – KAYAKING – HALONG BAY (B/L)

Having a much shorter history compared to its Northern sister, the South of Vietnam offers less ancient sightseeing points, more modern and dynamic life. Under the sun of tropical climate almost all year round, we can enjoy both daily hardworking life of the locals and get sunburn at numerous hilly and beach resorts.

03 days / 02 nights

Afternoon visit the historical “Quan Y” cave in Cat Ba, where used to be an army medical infirmary during the wartime, then join a rock climbing group to conquest precipitous limestone cliffs at the Butterfly valley or a Beach in Catba. The climb will be instructed by professional licenced climbing team. After a fascinating lesson, back to the hotel for overnight (dinner not included). DAY 3: CAT BA ISLAND – KAYAKING – HALONG BAY (B/L) Check-in your boat again and back to Halong with stops to visit grottoes, enjoy beaches or kayaking in another part of Halong. Arrive halong at noon time. Have lunch at a restaurant in Halong city before back to Hanoi via Dong Trieu ceramic town and Sao Do town. Arrive in Hanoi late afternoon.