Vietnam -The Mysteries of the Northwest (7 days)Welcome to a world where the colors are vivid, the landscapes are bold, the coastline is dramatic, the history is compelling, and the aromasareexotic. This is Vietnam, the latest Asian dragon to awake from its slumber.

During this trip, you will explore the northern part of Vietnam: an area that is less touristic and much more authentic. You will interact with various ethnic groups, walking, for a few days, in their shoes, while you will be surrounded by endless rice fields and forest-covered mountains. The stories of the people, the taste of the food, and the serenity of the landscape will turn this week into an unforgettable experience.

Trips Highlights:

Get ready to:

• Explore the old neighborhoods of Hanoi.• Cruise into the mystic Ha Long Bay and kayak through its fascinating formations.• Travel by a night train from Hanoi to Sapa.• Trek along the Hoang Lien mountain range passing through villages forgotten by time.• Spend time in the picturesque town of Sapa.• Interact with several ethnic tribes while gaining more knowledge on the differences in their

culture and ways of living.

• Visit Fansipan Peak (3,134 m of altitude) whichis regarded as ‘The Roof of Indochina’ and offers magnificent panoramic views.

Facts:

• Level:Easy-Moderate• Activities: Trekking,Caving,Kayaking, Boating, Cultural sightseeing.• Duration: 7 days.

Our operation:

• All Rahhalah’s ground handlers and guides are locally employed ensuring an authentic experience for the travelers, as well as sensitivity and understanding of the local culture and environment.

• Our staff is highly experienced and is always committed to providing exceptional service.

Sustainability:

• We run a low impact operation, and we leave no traces behind, contributing to the protection of the local land, its people, and culture.

• All our local guides and staff are appropriately employed and adequately equipped. Also, we make extensive use of local products and, thus, maximize the economic benefits for the local communities.

• As you possibly know, 1% of our revenue is directed towards the support of a local cause. This is our pay-back promise.

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1: 29th March 2019Arrival in Hanoi (D)

Upon your arrival in Hanoi, you will be welcomed and transferred toyour hotel. The rest of the day will be free. In the evening, you will head to a fine local restaurant (Ly Club) for a hearty welcome dinner.

Overnight in Hanoi.Hotel in Hanoi: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel or similar (Check-in at 14.00).

Day 2:30th March 2019Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Overnight Cruise (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will leave Hanoi heading towards Ha Long Bay – The Bay of the Descending Dragon – located in the Northeast of Vietnam (180 km away from Hanoi). Ha Long Bay has been recognized twice (in 1994 and 2000) by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage thanks to its stunning landscape, geology and geomorphology.

Upon arrival, you will refresh at the Oasis Bay Lounge for about 20 minutes before boarding the boat.When on board, you will be welcomed with a drink, and then you will go through a presentation of the safety instructions before checking in your cabins.

Lunch will be served on board while you will be cruising by Dog islet, Fighting Cock islet (symbol of Ha Long Bay), the HoaCuong fishing village, and Swan islet.After lunch, you will continue your exploration by passing by the Soi Sim Beach, and the Coconut Three Island. The vessel will be anchored at the Frog Pond area.

In mid-afternoon, you will embark on one of the highlights of this trip: paddling through the mysterious formations of Ha Long Bay and swimming in the emerald waters.

You will later enjoythe sunset on the romantic sundeck with relaxing music, delicious tropical fruits and exquisite local wine. Then, you will attend a unique cooking demonstration with the boat’s Chef during which you will discover some of the secrets of the Vietnamese cuisine, especially the traditional spring rolls and flower décor art. If cooking is not your passion, you can refresh yourself in the big hot Jacuzzi.

In the evening, you will enjoy a specially prepared evening meal in a romantic atmosphere. Free evening activities include squid fishing or hot Jacuzzi.

Overnight on board.Cruise in Halong Bay: Oasis Bay Cruise or similar.

Day 3: 31st March 2019Ha Long Bay – Hanoi – Overnight Train to Sapa (B, L)

After an early wake-up call, you can enjoy a Tai Chi session on the sundeck, before a healthy breakfast on coffee and tea with assorted homemade pastries and fresh juices.

You will then head to the Sung Sot Cave, hiking up and down the 600 steps to the magnificent limestone formations of the biggest and most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay.

Upon your return to the boat, you will prepare for check out, and you will enjoy brunch while the Oasis Bay Cruise heads back to the pier. At the Oasis Bay Lounge, you will find your bus to return to Hanoi.

The rest of the day will be free to relax or explore the city at your own pace until you all gather again at 8:30 pm to head to the Railway Station and board the overnight train to Sapa.

You may refresh at the hotel “La Rosa” in Hanoi (a few meters away from the Railway Station)(from 17.00 – 20.00).Train: Hanoi – Lao Cai (2 people per cabin).

Day 4:1st April 2019Arrival in Sapa – Trekking tour to Sin Chai – Cat Cat – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Sapa (B, L)

Upon arrival at the Lao Cai Station, you will be welcomed by your new guide and be driven to Sapa. After breakfast in a local restaurant, you will be transferred to the Sin Chai village (of the Black Hmong minority), perched at the foot of the Hoang Lien mountain range. From the top of the mountain, you will trek on a small trail with spectacular views and, then, you will gradually descend to the Cat Cat village.

The trail snakes through the mountain, andyou will have the opportunity to marvel at stunning landscapes before arrivingat the Y Linh Ho village of the Black Hmong minority, where you will rest in a nice spot nearby the river. You will then continue trekking towards Lao Chai Village where you have lunch with a local family.

In the late afternoon, you will be back to Sapa town for the overnight stay at the hotel.Note: Trekking Distance 14 KM – 6 (to 7) Hours.

Hotel in Sapa:Hotel de la Coupe by M’Gallery or similar.

Day 5: 2nd April 2019Sapa – Fansipan Peak by Mountain Train and Cable Car – Express Bus back to Hanoi (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, you will take the Mountain Train that passes through valleys, viaducts and tunnels offering beautiful views on the surrounding villages and nature. At the Cable Car station, you will get off the train and enjoy another 20 minutes of cable-car ride to the top. Typically, it takes at least two or three days to reach the Peak of Fansipan Mountain on foot. However, with the newly-constructed three-rope cable-car system, you can reach the peak and enjoy the surrounding views within half a day.

After the 20-minute ride, you can challenge yourself by climbing the 636, high steps to the Fansipan Summit – ‘The Roof of Indochina’ 3,143metersof altitude.Alternatively,you can take the cable car, though it will not be the same! Enjoy the spectacular scenery of Hoang Lien Mountain and the lush forests, before taking the cable carand, then, the Mountain Train back to town.

You will have some free time to stroll around Sapa until 4 PM when you will board the Express Bus and return to Hanoi. You will be arriving at Hanoi at 9.30 PM, and you will check in the hotel for the night.

Hotel in Hanoi: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel or similarExpress Bus Sapa – Hanoi: Sapa Express Bus (Joined bus)

Day 6:3rd April 2019Hanoi – City tour & sightseeing (B, D)

After breakfast, you will embark on a Hanoi city tour to visit the Ho Chi Minh complex where you will spend time at the Ho Chi Minh's mausoleum, his former stilt-house, the Presidential Palace, the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the One-Pillar Pagoda. Afterwards, you will visit the Temple of Literature which wasinitially built as a temple to Confucius.

After lunchat the Alfresco Restaurant, you will visit the Museum of Ethnology (widely acknowledged as the best in the country with an extensive display dedicated to Vietnam's 54 Ethnic minorities), and the infamous Hoa Lo Prison Museum (also known as the ‘’Hanoi Hilton’’, where former US-presidential candidate John McCain was incarcerated for over 5 years).

You will then take a one-hour cyclotour around the Old Quarters, known as the 36 streets. This bustling area of narrow streets is home to thousands of small businesses and shopkeepers. Originally, each of the 36 streets’ names related to the products being sold there and the respective guild.

A Water Puppet show, with traditional Vietnamese instruments and singing from live musicians, will conclude the Hanoi tour.

In the afternoon, you will have plenty of free time for shopping, before meeting in the evening for the farewell dinner at Ngon Villa.

Overnight in Hanoi. Hotel in Hanoi: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel or similar.

Day 7:4th AprilDeparture Hanoi (B)After breakfast, you will be pickedup from the hotel to be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Cost:1295 USD / 395 KWD/ 4780 AED per person in a group of min. 6 pax(double occupancy).

Note:• The above rate is based on Double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Single supplement

cost is 590 USD for hotels only ( not train) • All services stipulated above are subject to availability at the time of booking/reservation. All

prices are subject to change.• All accommodation is subject to change to a similar one depending on availability.

This includes:

• English-speaking guides (different guides in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, and Sapa). • All transfer/transportation as described in the itinerary (by private vehicle).• Entrance fees to all sites as per the itinerary.• Meals indicated in the program (B, L, D).• All Accommodation with daily breakfast as below(subject to change to a similar one depending

on the availability):• Hanoi: Golden Silk Boutique Hotel.• Halong Bay: Oasis Bay Cruise.• Sapa: Hotel de la Coupe.

• Unlimited drinking water on the bus and the tour.

• One-way Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai (2 people per cabin).• One-way Bus ticket: Sapa – Hanoi in Sapa Express Bus or similar.• Kayakingin Ha Long Bay and cruise trip.

This excludes:• International flight ticket.• Single hotel supplement.• Surcharge for Private cabin for the train Hanoi- Lao Cai (subject to availability).• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.• Visa and visa fee.• Medical and travel insurance.• Optional activities.• Tips and gratuities.• Personal expenses.

Important: The itinerary and schedule are subject to change due to weather and operating conditions. At any moment, the guide has the RIGHT to change the program for the safety and convenience of the travelers.