Exotic Northeast Vietnam 10 Days

Some of the best hiking spots in Vietnam, especially in the North and Northwest, include Ky Quan San in Lao Cai, Pha Luong in Son La, Lao Than in Lao Cai, Ta Xua Peak in Son La, and Lung Cung in Yen Bai. These places offer stunning landscapes and challenging trails. It is highly recommended to hire a private guide (porter) from companies like Kampá Tour, which provides experienced English-speaking guides. The terrain in these areas is very wild and unknown, and navigating without a guide can be difficult and dangerous due to the risk of getting lost in the jungle.

Hiking Ta Xua Peak in Son La without a guide is not recommended due to its challenging and wild terrain. It is easy to get lost in the jungle.

Yes, 10 days is enough to see many of the highlights of Vietnam. With our well-planned itinerary, you can experience the vibrant cities, historic sites, stunning landscapes, and rich culture. Focusing on key regions such as the north, central, and south can provide a comprehensive overview of the country's diverse attractions.

A family-friendly Vietnam 10-day itinerary can include activities such as:

• Exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Enjoy a cyclo ride and visit kid-friendly museums like the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology.
• Cruising Halong Bay: A boat tour with kayaking, cave exploration, and beach visits.
• Visiting Hoi An: Participate in lantern-making workshops and explore the ancient town.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These activities ensure fun and educational experiences for all ages.

Currently, the Covid-19 pandemic situation has been significantly brought under control in Asian countries from 2022 until now.

In particular, in the countries of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia... the Covid-19 epidemic is no longer considered a particularly dangerous infectious disease. Travelers are no longer required to take a Covid test before and after entering the country. The opening of tourism to receive international visitors is completely normal in Asia.

However, visitors are still advised to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to ensure health safety for themselves and the community, for example when coming to Thailand. In some countries such as Laos, Cambodia and Indonesia, inspection requirements may still apply in some places with specific activities; As long as the full dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has been administered; must have travel medical insurance;...

▶️In general, you can travel to Asia without worrying too much about the epidemic situation.

The latest regulations still need to be updated. Asking our consulting team is a suggestion for you. Since then, our agency has successfully organized hundreds of trips in Asia. Photos and testimonials from travelers are published on our website in the Testimonials from our travelers section!

We don't impose a deadline, but it's best that you book your trips, as well as the circuit itself, as soon as possible. In fact, the earlier we make reservations, the better the services will be, knowing that the most appreciated providers often lack availability. Therefore, our clients often book their trip 4 to 6 months in advance.

Accommodations on those adventures range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses, providing options to suit various preferences and budgets. In major cities like Hanoi, you can find high-end hotels with modern amenities, as well as charming boutique hotels that offer a more personalized experience. In places like Halong Bay, you might stay on a traditional junk boat, enjoying a unique overnight cruise. In Sapa and other rural areas, homestays with local families are the best-seller choice, offering an authentic cultural experience and a chance to connect with the local community. No matter where you stay, our accommodations are selected to provide comfort and convenience throughout your tour.

Northern Vietnam itineraries offer opportunities to see a variety of wildlife in different natural settings. In the national parks such as Cuc Phuong and Ba Be, you can encounter diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like the Delacour's langur and numerous bird species. Halong Bay is home to marine life, and while cruising, you might spot dolphins, fish, and various seabirds. In the rural and mountainous regions, you can see water buffalo, traditional livestock, and sometimes even wild pigs. These wildlife experiences add a unique dimension to your tour, allowing you to connect with Vietnam's natural heritage.

North Vietnam trips offer a rich array of highlights, including the vibrant capital city of Hanoi, with its bustling Old Quarter and historical sites such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Temple of Literature. Another must-see is Halong Bay, renowned for its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters, perfect for a scenic cruise. Sapa, with its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages, provides a glimpse into rural life and breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, the ancient city of Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," offers stunning scenery and the historic Trang An complex.

Yes, you can set a period with the weeks that suits you best or allows you to buy the cheapest flight tickets. Then we will tailor our program for you. Keep in mind that being an agency specialized in tailor-made trips, we know how to design a tour according to your availability.

From August 15, 2023: Vietnam implements visa waiver for up to 45 days for 13 countries, including Spain, France, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, etc. In addition, the Government has established the electronic visa (E-visa) for citizens of 257 countries and territories, with a duration of up to 90 days.

A visa is mandatory in other cases. There are three options to obtain it: the classic visa provided by the Vietnamese Embassy (or Consulate) in your country; electronic issued online through the Vietnamese Immigration Service website; or visa on arrival. We advise you to opt for e-or on-arrival visas as they are easier to obtain and cheaper.

If you are a citizen of Latin American countries such as Mexico, Cuba, Panama, Chile, among others, you must apply for a visa for your stay in Vietnam as usual. The time allowed is 30 to 90 days, depending on the specific regulations of each country, as long as your income is not aimed at earning income.

In general, the best time to visit Northern Vietnam is from September to November and from March to May. During this range of months, temperatures remain very pleasant, and there is less rainfall.

We do not impose a deadline for booking, but it is advisable that you book both the flight tickets and the tour as early as possible. In fact, the earlier we make the reservations, the better the services, considering that the best providers may have limited availability. Therefore, our clients often book their trips 4-6 months in advance.

To make the deposit payment, you have two options:

• Bank transfer: Our account details are provided in the travel invoice.
• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) through our bank's secure website. This payment method includes insurance as part of the card services (cancellation insurance, medical coverage, repatriation, etc.). However, please note that you will incur additional fees for our bank with this option: 3% extra on the deposit if you pay with Visa or Mastercard, and 4% extra on the deposit if you pay with American Express. Payment is made in the local currency."

International cards such as Visa or Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants. However, please note that Vietnamese banks may apply an additional commission of 3% to 4% for this type of payment.

You can also pay in euros or USD at some businesses in major cities (hotels, restaurants, etc.). However, for small expenses, it is more advantageous to have Vietnamese Dong (VND). You can easily exchange currency at banks, jewelry shops, or even at your hotel. You can also withdraw VND from ATMs.

Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse and delicious. With a gastronomic variety from North to South, you can find many tasty specialties. Each region has its own unique flavors and local dishes. Here is a list of dishes not to miss according to the region:

- In the North: During your stay in Hanoi, be sure to try Pho (beef rice noodle soup), Banh Mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Vietnamese spring rolls (Nem), and the legendary Egg Coffee, a Hanoi specialty.

- In the Central region: You must taste Bun Bo Hue, considered "one of the best soups in the world," and Cao Lau in Hoi An.

- In the South, the Mekong Delta region is renowned for its Vietnamese pancake, Banh Xeo.

Terraced rice fields can be found in the Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Mu Cang Chai, and Sapa regions.

In Mai Chau and Pu Luong, there are two rice seasons each year: the first season is from February to May, and the second lasts from June to October.

As for Mu Cang Chai and Sapa, there is only one rice season per year, from May to September.

During the rest of the year, even though the fields may be empty, visits are still possible because these destinations not only feature rice fields but also pristine forests and, most importantly, ethnic villages with their traditional houses.