Lao Cai Cao Son Trek and Halong bay Sea Kayak Tour 5 days

The 5-day tour is a combination of a off-the-beaten track destination Cao Son and a hot, popular tourist place Halong bay. Visit the Cao Son market which is open on Wednesday only. Trek through local hill tribe village around Cao Son, Lao Cai province. These help to understand the local culture, customs and traditions. The final part of the 5-day tour is spent in Halong bay where you enjoy both boat, junk cruise and sea canoeing. Spending two night on board train make the cost of the tour down. The option is recommended by Lotussia Travel.

Day 1: Overnight train to Lao Cai.

Transfer to Hanoi Railwasy station for the night train trip to Laocai. Train??? (To be advised). Overnight on the train.
 

 Day 2: Arrive Lao Cai early this morning. Travel to Cao Son. Trekking.

Arrive Lao Cai Railways Station early this morning. Train??? (To be advised). You will be greeted by Lotussia Travel local team and transferred to a local restaurant for early breakfast.

After few minutes resting, travel to Muong Khuong district, via tea plantation and forest of pine. You might encounter Giay people in their traditional dress in Ban Lau or Thanh Binh.

Reaching Cao Son about 10.am. Check in Cao Son lodge for lunch and a short rest.

In the afternoon you will commence your walk to the most secluded yet peaceful village - Tin Thang. In this village, people still distill the wine from corn, making bacon in the most basic way and offering special corn cake to anyone who drop by their house.

Back to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Activities: Driving (3 hours); Trekking (2.5 hours)

Day 3: Visit Cao Son Wednsday market. Boat trip on Chay river. Laocai – Hanoi.

After breakfast, you will walk on a good paved road with local ethnic minority people to go to Cao Son market. Pine trees forests and villages surround the tinny market. Flower H’mong, Tu Di, Tay, Giay ethnic minorities come to buy and sell local products such as food and material for agriculture and fabric. People coming to the market not only for selling or buying something but also importantly to meet friends, relative and to sip some cups of wine until the dawn comes. No where else but here, Flower H’mong people greet you with a temptation of corn wine and endless hospitality.

After exploring the market, trek to Sicala village. This is one of the oldest village in Cao Son area where you can experience the unique customs and tradition. Once you are in the village, you can behold the panoramic view of lush valley located on the banks of Chay river.

Picnic lunch will be provided in Ta Thang school.

After lunch, join our hehicle again and travel to Coc Ly where we will enjoy an amazing boat trip downstream Chay river. From Coc Ly, you will take a bamboo raft to Tien (Fairy) cave. The last destination is Trung Do village - the habitat of Tay people, who live in stilt houses.

Transfer to Lao Cai. Day use will be provided in a standard hotel for quick shower before taking the night train back to Hanoi. Train ???

Overnight on the train.

Activities: Trekking (2 hours); Boat trip (1.5 hours)

Day 4: Arrive Hanoi early this morning. Travel to Halong Bay. Boat cruise. Kayaking.

Arrive in Hanoi in the early morning, you will be greeted again by our team and transferred to a local restaurant in town for breakfast.

After a short rest, depart to Halong Bay. Enjoy the journey through the rich farmlands of the Red River Delta and the scenery of rice fields, water buffalo and everyday Vietnamese village life.

Arrive in Halong and board the Bai Tho traditional sailing junk (or similar junk). Whilst cruising the exquisite waters sample the regions fresh seafood. Visit the recently discovered Surprise Grotto with its great views, and on the next island see the yawning mouth of Bo Nau Cave. Alternatively journey to Dau Go Cave and nearby see the famous stalagmites and stalactites of Thien Cung Cave.

Enjoy one hour kayak paddling through strange-shaped rock formations. Watch the sun set over the bay whilst enjoying a delicious dinner.

Overnight on board junk.

Activities: Kayaking (1 hour); Boat trip (half day)

Day 5: Halong bay - Hanoi.

Wake up to fresh coffee and a wholesome breakfast before cruising back to Halong City. Disembark at the dock at Halong City at 11:00. Transfer back to Hanoi.

Free at leisure until transfer to Noibai airport for your onward flight home. Flight ???. End trip.

Contact Lotussia Travel for more details.