Summary

Adventure and Recreation in Vietnam
You cannot really know Vietnam too well unless you go off the beaten track. The real wonders of Vietnam reside in its towering mountains and dense forests, in its meandering rivers and the expansive river valleys. So you just give the cities a miss for a while and go about cycling in Vietnam to explore the countryside or indulge in kayaking in Vietnam and take in the charms of the villages lying on the waterfront. The combined package of adventure and recreation in Vietnam will not only take care of your leisure hours, but will also unfold a hitherto unknown side of Vietnam in your Vietnam holidays.

About Adventure and Recreation In Vietnam
In your tours to Vietnam, take stock of the various Vietnam adventure sports that are on offer. You can go golfing in VietnamVietnam recreation modes, amidst the verdant greenery or if the adventure bug has bitten you then you can very well go motor biking in Vietnam and experience the thrill of taking on the rugged terrains of the land. There are plenty of options for adventure and recreation in Vietnam. , one of the most popular of the

Hiking In Vietnam
Know Vietnam from close quarters. Explore the mountains up north, revel in the mesmerizing natural setting in the Central Highlands of Vietnam or saunter along the grassy paths in the Mekong Delta in your hiking expeditions in Vietnam. Along the way, you will be passing by the quaint Vietnamese towns, villages and marketplaces. Take a detour through them and get friendly with the locals.

Jungle Trekking In Vietnam
A large part of Vietnam is covered with forests. There is an abundance of indigenous flora and fauna in these parts, most of it hidden in the depths of the jungles. Besides you have the numerous facets of a forest to discover in your jungle trekking tours: the deafening silence of the interiors interspersed by the sundry sounds that are unique only to a forest.

Water Sports In Vietnam
The glistening waters of Vietnam's rivers and the alluring surf of its beaches give you ample opportunities for adventure and recreation in Vietnam. Go cruising in Ha Long Bay and prepare to be bowled over the spectacular and almost surreal scenery herein. Go scuba diving in Vietnam, at Vung Tau and Nha Trang beaches and discover the myriad colors and shapes of Vietnam's watery world.

Things to do in Vietnam's waterfronts are countless. The Pong Nha riverine caves come with ample scope for caving in Vietnam, while you can also go windsurfing in Vietnam on its numerous pristine beaches.

In Vietnam, adventure and recreation opportunities come with promises of loads of thrills and feast for the eyes. You can be sure that your Vietnam vacations will pack in lots of feel-good factors.

Vietnam is a land of pristine natural beauty. The hills and dales of Vietnam, its fields and lakes and the lush river valleys beckon you invitingly. Hiking in Vietnam would be just the ideal way to explore the country’s natural wonders for they throb at a languid beat.

About Hiking In Vietnam
The lure of Vietnam adventures lures countless tourists to the country every year. Amongst the various adventures in Vietnam, the hiking trails in Vietnam see the highest footfall. You have the wooded mountains up north and particularly in Sapa, the ravishing scenery in the Central Highlands of the country, bask in the lush greenery of the Mekong Delta and wonder at the striking seafront at Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Adventure holidays in Vietnam and particularly in the Central Highland region are gaining popularity through the years. The Yokdon National Park is one of the largest nature reserves in Vietnam and possesses some of the most eclectic and enchanting hiking trails in Vietnam. Vietnam hiking trips in these parts will acquaint you with the peculiar features of a typical south-east Asian tropical forests and bring you face-to-face with many indigenous varieties of flora and fauna.

Bring in some variety in your adventure holidays in Vietnam with hikes to the Jarai (an ethnic minority tribe of Vietnam) villages and delve into their unique customs and traditions.

Nature is resplendent in all her glory in the north western part of Vietnam. The Vietnam hiking trips herein will give you ample opportunities to soak in the virginal beauty of the terrain and peep into the lives of the San diu, Hanhi and Xa tribes living here. In fact, hiking in Vietnam is also a great way to get a glimpse of the way the ethnic communities of Vietnam lead their lives, as they did thousands of years back.

About The Various Tour Packages For Hiking In Vietnam
Given the popularity of hiking as an option for adventure and recreation in Vietnam, there’s no dearth of Vietnam hiking tour packages on offer. The recognized and established Vietnam hiking trips have facilities like an English-speaking guide, accommodation arrangements, meals and shuttle services. With all the travel and transportation concerns duly taken care of, you can go about your hiking in Vietnam with a lighter baggage.

* GTT Vietnam Hiking & Trekking Tour Package

Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary in brief
Day 01: Arrival in Hanoi
Day 02: Hanoi – Babe Lakes
Day 03: Babe Lakes – Na Hang – Bac Me – Ha Giang
Day 04: Ha Giang full day Trek
Day5: Ha Giang - Quang Binh
Day 6: Ha Giang - Quang Binh - Bac Ha 
Day 8: Bac Ha - Cao Son – Lung Khau Nhin
Day 9: Lung Khau Nhin - Me Village(H’Mong)
Day 10: Me Village(H’Mong) – Quan Than San Village
Day 11: Quan Than San – Bac Ha
Day 12: Bac Ha – Nam Mon Village
Day 13: Nam Mon - Hanoi
Day 14: Arrival Hanoi – City Tour
Day 15: Hanoi - Departure

Set Departures Trekking Through Ha Giang to Bac Ha Tour

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Hanoi - Arrival
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia's most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy a cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi. (D)

Day 2 : Hanoi – Babe Lakes
The journey northeast begins as we depart the town and pass through the undulating terrain of tea plantation and the many timeless villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northeastern region and the capital city. This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. Depending on road and traffic conditions our drive will leave us with a mid to late afternoon arrival in Ba Be lakes. After checking into hotel we will have free time to walk around or simply to relax on the lake. O/N in Ba Be. (B, L,D)

Day 3: Babe Lakes – Na Hang – Bac Me – Ha Giang
The national park of Ba Be is centred on large Ba Be Lake. This is just one continuous water body although its name means ''three lakes''. Today we embark on our boat navigating around the lake, which gives us a taste of relaxation and an enjoyable visit to the park . Along the way, we make stopover at some hill tribe villages before getting off the beaten track to the Dau Dang Waterfalls. After a short walk down to the waterfall, we start our trek to Na Hang Lake. Lunch will be served by the waterfall or somewhere else advised by our guide on spot
After lunch we will take the boat again to cruise along the river till we reach Bac Me where our vehicle is ready to pick us up and transfer to Ha Giang. Dinner and overnight in Ha Giang.
Trekking hours: 6-7 Hours. Grade: 3 of 5 . (B, L,D)

Day 4: Ha Giang full day Trek
Breakfast at local guesthouse then we get on the car departing for Cao Banh village where we begin our full day trek through many hill tribe villages. Picnic lunch will be provided on spot. Around late afternoon, we will arrive at Me Village where we stop for overnight. Dinner and overnight at village.
Trekking hours: 6-7 Hours. Grade: 4 of 5. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Ha Giang - Quang Binh
After breakfast, the Tour guide will take you either trekking or motorbike riding through the magnificent mountain ranges. On the way up to the mountain top, you will pass through several little villages. This is an excellent chance to get some great photo's and take in the absolute beauty of the place. After arriving back to the stilt house you will have traditional food with the family and spend the night with them, having fun chatting and may be a few drinks. Dinner and overnight at village. 
Trekking hours: 6-7 Hours. Grade: 3 of 5. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Quang Binh - Bac Ha
After breakfast, and saying goodbye to the Local Family we depart for Bac Ha. After arriving in Bac Ha (approx 3 hours) you can visit the Bac Ha local markets where there are many traditional foods, drinks, clothing and handicrafts as well as all the local produce such as pigs, dogs, cats, horses and buffalo for sale. This is interesting as you also get to meet all the different Minority people also doing their shopping. After arriving there you check into the hotel and have the rest of the evening at your own leisure.  
Trekking hours: 6-7 Hours. Grade: 3 of 5. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Bac Ha - Cao Son – Lung Khau Nhin
morning; guide and team welcome you at restaurant for breakfast; drive to Muong Khuong; local villages, verdant and rugged mountains along the Nam Thi River. After a couple hours, arrive Muong Khuong; presentation about the region and the expedition. Head southeast for Lung Khau Nhin via Na Phin, Na Nam va Chung Chai Village, friendly H’Mong and Nung people. Lunch in the shade, continue to Lung Khau Nhin, stilt-house overnight.
Trekking hours: 5 hours. Grade: 2 of 5. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Lung Khau Nhin - Me Village(H’Mong)
Gentle descent o­n single track and dirt roads through forest and remote villages; guide will point out rare points of interest, traditional customs. After three hours hiking, stop for lunch; rest of the day o­n the rugged terrain to Me Village (H’Mong). Sleep in the tents or at the local school. Trekking hours: 6-7. Grade: 3 of 5 . (B,L,D)

Day 9 : Me Village(H’Mong) – Quan Than San Village
Following breakfast, trekking through the rugged terrain past rice paddies, local villages. Be prepared to get wet - some streams; picnic lunch; quiet trails to our final point. After three hours o­n the trail, the tiny village of Quan Than San, H’Mong people. Stay the night here. Trekking hours: 6-7. Grade: 3 of 5 (B,L,D)

Day 10: Quan Than San – Bac Ha
Mixture of ups and downs throughout the day, challenging climbs, exceptional views of the Thang Sin Mountains, distant H’Mong villages; trek to Can Cau Village (Cau Cau Market open o­n Saturday); climbing up from Can Cau for about 8km through remote villages; spectacular terrain to Thai Giang Pho Village, lunch in the shade; downhill to Bac Ha hotel stay.
Trekking hours: 6-7. Grade: 3 of 5. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Bac Ha – Nam Mon Village
Bac Ha bustles o­n a Sunday - market day. Flower H’Mong, Blue H’Mong, Tu Zi, Tay, Nung and Lo Lo people all converge here bringing life to this sleepy mountain town. o­ne hour free after breakfast to explore the market; photographs and shopping; descend from mountain to village o­n the banks of the Chay River; footpath hike through plum and peach plantations; lunch break o­n quiet roadside, photograph the scenery - good stretch. Finish at Nam Mon Village (Tay, Nung and H’Mong people). Sleep in a traditional Tay house.
Trekking hours: 6-7 Hours. Grade: 3 of 5. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Nam Mon - Hanoi
Leave Nam Mon; final trekking day; two hours’ hike o­n footpaths to the Chay River; board a small covered boat and enjoy an hour cruise past Hang Tien (Fairy Cave); wander to Ban Du and Cac Cop. Conclude trekking at Cac Cop Village and board the boat to Bao Nhai Bridge; transfer to Lao Cai for standard hotel day room. Dine in a local restaurant before overnight train back to Hanoi.
Trekking hours: 4-5 hours. Grade: 2 of 5 (B,L,D)

Day 13: Arrival Hanoi – City Tour
Arrive in Hanoi early morning, transfer to the hotel, drop off baggage; leisurely breakfast, tour the Old Quarter. (Hotel check in after 12pm today). The rest of the day is yours to do whatever you choose (wander around Hoan Kiem Lake, shop in the Old Quarter, visiting the city’s many fine arts galleries). In the evening, meet again at hotel lobby for a trip to the Emperor Restaurant for our final dinner. Last night in Hanoi.(B,L,D)

Day 14: Hanoi - Departure
There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure. End of services. (B)

Departure & Price

INCLUDING
+ Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver in delta and local transport in mountain
+ Accommodation: twin sharing room at mentioned hotels, guesthouses or similar one and home stay during the trek or tent
+ English or French speaking guide and local guide for trekking
+ Meals as mentioned:B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
+ Train ticket ( soft sleeper cabin for 4 passengers)
+ Entrance fee to indicated sights
+ Permit and porter for trekking
+ Sleeping bag and mattresses
+ Waterproof bluebag for luggage
+ Tents if needed
+ Mosquito net
+ Water puppet show
+ Cyclo trip
+ Boat trip
+ Motorbike
+ Water, Fruit and Snack (3L/ pax/ day)
+ Equipment

NOT INCLUDING
+ Other meals
+ tip
+ drinks
+ airport tax
+ single room supplement
+ personal expenses
+ travel insurance
+ visa
+ flight in/ out of Vietnam
+ any optional additional tours or activities during free time
+ surcharge for peak season
+ local holiday days and gala dinner

Creating Unique Touring Experiences

Travel facts

Green Trail Tours - Traveller Tips for Vietnam

GEOGRAPHY: Vietnam stretches over 1600 km.along the eastern coast of the Indochina Peninsula. The S-shaped country is broad in the north and south and very narrow in the centre. Almost 80% of Vietnam consists of mountains and hills. The TruongSonMountains extend almost the length of Vietnam along the borders with Laos and Cambodia.

VISAS: All visitors are required to have a valid visa to enter Vietnam. A one-month tourist visa is usually sufficient for most visitors though it is possible to arrange 3-month and 6-month multiple entry visas for regular visitors. All visitors must obtain visa approval from the Vietnamese Immigration Department before a visa is issued.

MONEY: The currency issued by the Vietnam State Bank is the dong (abbreviated "d" or VND) which is used informally throughout the country. Bank notes in denominations of 200d to 100,000d are presently in circulation. The exchange rate is approximately 18,000d = US$1. Australia Dollars are accepted in many hotels, restaurants. Banks are open Monday to Friday and some are open Saturday morning. Traveller's cheques can be exchanged at banks, some international hotel and some exchange bureaux but can be difficult to change outside of the major cities. Visa Card and MasterCard are now accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops.

ELECTRICITY: Electric current in Vietnam is 220 volts and will operate all Australian appliances. Always carry a torch with fresh batteries. Recharge photographic batteries regularly.

CLOTHING: Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in Vietnam. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Vietnam. Visitors to Buddhist countries should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings and shoes should be removed before entering a private home

CLIMATE / WEATHER: Vietnam’s weather conditions are pleasant for visitors throughout the year. The WINTER monsoon comes from the northeast between October and March with wet chilly conditions in the north, but dry warm temperatures to the south. From April to October the southwest monsoons bring warm, humid weather to the whole country.

LANGUAGE: Because Vietnamese has six different tones, it is a difficult language for most foreigners to speak despite the fact that the Roman alphabet is used in modern Vietnamese. The same word can have six different meanings depending on the tone used to pronounce it. In the cities and larger towns English is becoming popular and is now spoken by many younger people while some of the older generation still speak fluent French. Russian and Chinese are also spoken by some people

ACCOMMODATION: All group tour hotels have been especially selected. All have private western bathroom facilities. Laundry service can launder clothing within 24 hours. It is not customary for all hotels to have refrigerator and tea/coffee facilities.

FOOD / DRINK: The cuisine of Vietnam comes as a pleasant surprise to many visitors and is definitely a part of the Vietnam experience not to be missed. One of the characteristics of Vietnamese food is that it is always fresh being bought the same morning straight from the market. Food is usually prepared with a minimum of oil and served with the ubiquitous fish sauce called nuoc mam. Typical Vietnamese dishes you can expect to try include pho, a type of rice noodle soup eaten for breakfast, cha gio, deep-fried spring rolls and goi ngo sen, a delicious salad made with lotus stems, shrimps and peanuts. Due to the strong Buddhist influence in Vietnam, vegetarian food is widely available.

SHOPPING: Souvenirs to look out for in Vietnam include lacquerware, silk, conical hats, woodcarvings, hill tribe fabrics and handicrafts, embroidery, marble, ceramics, silver jewellery, antique watches and paintings. Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have the best choice when it comes to shopping but Hoi An in the centre of Vietnam is also a very good place to hunt for bargains.

TOILETS: Public toilets can sometimes be difficult to find. Take every opportunity you can to use clean toilets in hotels and restaurants. Make this a habit on your stay.

HEALTH: Consult your medico or visit the Traveller Medical and Vaccination Centre for professional medical advice well in advance of your departure, Wash hands before and after eating. Carry ‘wet-ones’,anti bacterial handwash, insect repellant, band aids and emergency medicines eg. Diarrhoea. Drink plenty of water and have adequate rest. Seek medical care, if needed. Don’t take risks with health and personal hygiene.

SAFETY / SECURITY: Always maintain a high level of personal security. Cash or wallets in pockets, obvious jewellery and open bags attract unwanted attention. Beware of pickpockets in crowded places. Lock your case, Carry a hotel card so that taxis know where to take you.

LUGGAGE: All passengers are limited to TWO items of luggage each. One case with maximum weight weight of 20 kg. and maximum size of 70 litres. It is essential to lock this case. One piece of hand luggage with maximum weight of 5 kg. It is advisable that hand luggage consist of a ‘daypack’ to carry camera, water, toilet paper, umbrella, hat etc.

TIPPING: Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in these developing nations. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped.

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