ITA Travel - Vietnam 10D/9N : MILD ADVENTURE - EXPLORING CUC PHUONG OR BA BE NATIONAL PARK

MILD ADVENTURE : NORTH VIETNAM EXPLORING CUC PHƯƠNG or BA BE NATIONAL PARK 

10 days / 9 nights

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Day 1, Arrival - Ha Noi (D)

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Ha Noi, Vietnam’s capital, is one thousand year old city with peaceful lakes, French styled buildings, old quarter streets, three lined boulevards, brightly painted temples and pagodas. Enjoy a short cyclos ride around the old quarter streets. O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2, Ha Noi - Ha Long, (B, L, D)

A morning sightseeing tour of Ha Noi includes Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature well known as Vietnam’s first university, the Fine Art Museum and the beautiful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. Then, we travel by road to Ha Long Bay. Overnight in Ha Long

Day 3, Ha Long - Ha Noi (B, L, D)

Ha Long Bay boasts one of Vietnam’s most impressive scenic sights. This morning, we enjoy a four hour boat trip which provides a great opportunity to explore the picturesque scenery blending with the sky and some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the clear and emerald water. Along the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded cove. After a seafoodlunch on board we return to Ha Noi, arriving in time to see an evening performance of Ha Noi’s famous water puppets. Overnight in HN.

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Day 4, Hanoi – MILD ADVENTURE  AT CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK or BA BE LAKE (B, L, D)

NORTH  VIETNAM : TREKKING ADVENTURE AT CUC PHUONG NATIONAL PARK

Cuc Phuong National Forest is the largest and most important conservation area in Northern Vietnam. Every year, many scientists from all over the world come here to research. An expedition in the jungle, where we have to find a way to go, find a suitable place to camp, observe signs of wild animals and... fully immerse ourselves in wild nature, will be a great experience. One-of-a-kind experience.

This expedition will be led by national park rangers, local guides. Jungle Fever - Explore the jungle. A level 6/10 activity. However, it is not a matter of physical strength or skill, we will compensate you for that, the most important thing is your Adventure spirit and love of nature.

HIGHLIGHT : 

Trekking through the old forest

Camping in the core of primary forest

Learn about the rich flora and fauna of Cuc Phuong National Parisefore breaking camp to continue exploring deep in the forest. Our guide can identify many things that we do not know such as animal tracks, medicinal plants or edible fruits. In addition, local guides can also identify poachers or animal traps in that area to warn or avoid that area. Today we will travel about 8km - 10km of forest road to reach the edge of the forest at a different point from the starting point. After leaving the forest, we walked about 2km to Bong to have lunch before getting on the bus back to Hanoi. End the program when you return to Hanoi.

Note: trek distance: 8km - 10km, meals include: breakfast, lunch

Day 4: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong – Trekking & Camping (L, D)

Depart Hanoi for Cuc Phuong National Park (82km). Upon arrival, meet with local rangers and guides for a briefing session regarding safety instructions. Begin the journey with a visit to the Primate Rescue Center to learn about conservation and rescue efforts at the park. Continue by Vehicle to Bong area for lunch at a local restaurant inside the park.

Afterward, the forest expedition begins, led by experienced local guides. The route will be determined based on real-time conditions such as weather and wildlife activity. The trekking path may not follow existing trails, offering an authentic and immersive experience heading into the heart of the forest.

After several hours of trekking for around 6-7km, arrive at the designated campsite. Before dinner, join the rangers to observe wildlife tracks and learn about forest survival skills, native flora, and fauna. Conclude the day with a hearty dinner around the campfire and an overnight stay in the forest.

Note: Meals include lunch & dinner. Trekking distance: 6-7km.

Day 5: Deeper forest expedition – Return to Hanoi (B, L)

Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy some hot coffee or tea along with a full breakfast. Afterwards, continue trekking deeper into the forest for about 8-10km. Local rangers can share many insights such as animal tracks, medical plants or edible fruits, and signs of poaching surrounding the area.

Exit the forest at a different point and proceed to walk an additional 2km back to Bong area for lunch. Return to Hanoi by bus, marking the end of the program.

Note: Meals include breakfast & lunch. Trekking distance: 8-10km.

NORTH  VIETNAM : CONQUER NANG RIVER & BA BE LAKE

This tour is not an ordinary SUP tour, not an ordinary outdoor experience, but an extremely attractive trip to conquer nature in one of the most beautiful lands in Northern Vietnam.

In just 2 days, the itinerary is very reasonable so you can explore all the attractions of Nang River and Ba Be including Nang River, Puong Cave, Ba Be Lake, Dau Dang Waterfall and a beautiful camping night at Ba Lake. Bellows.

“Full inclusion” – The tour includes everything from car, boat, camping, SUP, tour guide, drinks and travel insurance.

HIGHLIGHT

Majestic natural landscape of Nang River and Ba Be Lake in all 4 seasons

SUP, equipment and life jackets are included

Suitable for people new to SUP

Get detailed instructions on basic SUP paddling before starting

There is a support boat following the entire rowing route

Tour guides are experienced SUP Instructors

Camping with super chill view

Tent, mattress, blanket and camping equipment are included

Schedule

  Day 4 : Hanoi - Bac Can - Cho Ra - Nang River - Ba Be Lake - Camping site

06:30 Board the bus to Bac Can. Along the way we will stop to rest before going to Cho Ra for lunch. After lunch at a local restaurant we will drive a short distance to Boc Luom wharf. This is where we will start SUP paddling down the Nang River to Dau Dang Waterfall and Ba Be Lake.

Nang River is quite narrow and has a strong current. The landscape along the Nang River is very diverse and majestic. Many sections of the river run along steep cliffs, while other sections of the river expand the view with narrow valleys or corn fields. The most exciting highlight is when we paddle through Puong Cave, a giant cave that the river runs through. Due to the strong current and us going downstream, we actually don't lose much effort even though the rowing distance is quite large. About 1/3 of the last row before reaching Dau Dang Waterfall, the river is more challenging than the previous 2/3 with stronger water flow and wilder scenery. Stopping at Dau Dang wharf, we will walk about 1km to Dau Dang waterfall, one of the attractions of this conquest journey. Dau Dang Waterfall is quite beautiful, especially in the high water season.

 After visiting Dau Dang Waterfall, we will board a motorboat and go towards Ba Be Lake. In the summer, the boat will stop so we can enjoy cooling off in the clear blue water of Ba Be all year round. Our stop today is Adventure's camping area right next to the lake and not far from Pac Ngoi village.

As soon as we arrive at the camping area, we will enjoy a welcome drink and receive a tent. Take a shower and rest before dinner. After a delicious dinner at the camping site, we will enjoy a fun moment by the campfire with friends before going to bed.

Note: if it rains, the homestay at Pac Ngoi village will be used as an alternative.

Day 5 : Camping area - An Ma Island - Pac Ngoi - Hanoi

08:00 Have breakfast at the camping area, after breakfast we will walk through Pac Ngoi village and trek through the forest for about 2.5 hours to reach An Ma island.

This trek route is quite gentle because the altitude is not high and most of the time we follow a trail that is not too dangerous. At the end of the trek we will reach An Ma Island, the largest island on Ba Be Lake. On the island there is a very sacred An Ma temple. Visit An Ma Temple, then we will SUP to the lunch spot on the opposite bank of Ba Be Lake.

Shower, change clothes and have lunch at the restaurant before moving to the pick up point to board the bus back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi around 19:00. Ending the amazing conquest.

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Day 6, Ha Noi - Da Nang - Hoi An, (B, L)

A short morning flight to Da Nang. Sightseeing of Hoi An which was originally a Cham seaport but has been influenced down centuries by a myriad of traders from various cultures. The tranquillity and charm of this town with its low tiled houses of Chinese appearance, Japanese covered bridge, brightly painted temples and pagodas make it one of Vietnam’s most delightful places. Overnight in Hoi An.

Day 7, Hoi An - Hué, (B, L)

Heading north of Hoi An is Hué, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The scenic route passes through Da Nang before climbing over the spectacular pass of Hai Van and dropping down to the picturesque fishing village of Lang Co. On our journey we make stops at the sensational Marble Mountains and the display of Cham’s sculpture. Upon arrival we take a boat trip on the Perfume River, stopping at the beautiful pagoda of Thien Mu and the mausoleum of Emperor Minh Mang, in the tranquil setting garden and lakes. Overnight in Hué.

Day 8, Hué - Ho Chi Minh, (B, L)

The Imperial Citadel and the elaborate mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc are also visited this morning before we board a flight south. An afternoon city tour of dynamic Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by many locals, includes the Nôtre Dame Cathedral, Old Saigon Post Office, a lacquerware factory, the bustling Chinatown and Giac Lam Pagoda. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 9, Ho Chi Minh - My Tho - Ho Chi Minh, (B, L)

After two hours by road from Ho Chi Minh’s bustling streets, we start venturing into the watery world of the Mekong Delta. As a highlight of the trip, we take a cruise along narrow waterways through the lush vegetation to an orchard garden where we have the opportunity to visit local homes as well as enjoy a lunch followed with seasonal fruits. Overnight in Ho Chi Minh.

Day 10, Ho Chi Minh - departure, (B)

Transfer to Tan San Nhat Airport for departure flight back. Home sweet home.