05 Days - The Way to Heaven's Gate: Hanoi to Ha Giang

Highlights:
    •    Discover the charms of colonial Hanoi
    •    Stroll through local market towns in Ha Giang province and see the traders in action
    •    Trek through the unparalleled mountain scenery of Dong Van
    •    Discover beautiful and unique architecture, from grand mansions to humble homes

Itinerary:

Day 01: Hanoi - Ha Giang (Lunch)
After a refreshing sleep and a delicious early breakfast, embark upon the first leg of your journey. Hop in your awaiting car and set out on the scenic eight-hour road trip north. Along the way, stop off in the charming town of Tuyen Quang for a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. Pay a visit to the Tan Trao Historical Relic which includes Tan Trao Communal House, Hong Thai Communal House and the Tan Trao banyan tree, before arriving in Ha Giang, where you’ll check in at the clean and modern Cao Nguyen Hotel.

Day 02: Dong Van (Breakfast/Lunch)
Get your first look at the stunning scenery of Ha Giang province with a view of Heaven’s Gate and Fairy Mountain at Dong Van. Next, explore the Vuong Family Mansion, a dynastical house exhibiting traditional architectural features. In the afternoon, take in the bustling Quyet Tien Market, the center of trade for local minority groups, and visit an authentic house of the Lolo people - whose numbers are fast dwindling - in Sung La. Finally, after a busy day, rest for the night at the Hoa Cuong Hotel in Dong Van.

Day 03: Dong Van - Meo Vac (Breakfast/Lunch)
Continue your discovery of northern Vietnamese culture and scenery after a hearty breakfast at your hotel. Spend the day trekking through the mountainous villages of Ma U, Ma Tia and Po Lo - homes to the ethnic groups of the white Hmongs and the Hans, and take in the stunning vistas of the Dong Van plateau. Later, transfer to Meo Vac and check in Xuan Hac Hotel.

Day 04:  Ha Giang (Breakfast/Lunch)
Take the day to explore the foothills and the beautiful mountain town of Meo Vac, home to one of the prettiest weekend markets in the area. It is the meeting place for ethnic groups from miles around to gather and trade their goods and livestock, and as such, a unique window into local life. In the afternoon, head back to Ha Giang and check back into Cao Nguyen Hotel for a comfortable night’s rest.

Day 05: Hagiang - Hanoi Departure (Breakfast/Lunch)
After a traditional local breakfast in Ha Giang, jump in your car and relax as the gorgeous scenery glides past, all the way back to Hanoi - about a six-hour drive. From here, you can continue to enjoy Vietnam or connect to your departure flight at Hanoi airport.

TESTIMONIALS
Our party preferred a French-speaking local guide and you found someone who was both knowledgeable and helpful. We would recommend her to anyone with the same needs.