| These tours are designed for nature lovers and birdwatchers. There are many kinds of birds that you can watch in Vietnam. We give some examples:
Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, covers an area of 1500 square km. with more than a thousand limestone peaks soaring from its crystalline emerald water. The calm sea provides an ideal location for sea kayaking as we paddle through a maze of islets amid dramatic natural scenery. With our modern kayaking equipment, we are able to maximize on speed and maneuverability as we paddle through the open sea and explore the many hidden lagoons and stalagmite caves that are difficult to access by any other means. After a day of paddling, we unwind on a deserted beach on one of Halong's many islands and enjoy dinner before retiring to sleep under a blanket of stars. This tour is ideal for those people who have very limited time in their schedule. Combining the best of sea kayaking and camping it allows the novice and the experienced kayakers to sample the delights of this sport in some of Vietnam's most stunning scenery. Our equipment includes modern Zebec Kayaks, which are lightweight, stable and safe with lightweight aluminium paddles. All passengers and guides are supplied with modern, international standard buoyancy vests. We also use lightweight tents, all of which are fitted with mosquito screens. In keeping with our philosophies on safety, our guides have been trained in basic first aid and CPR by an international medical clinic.
The Fansipan Mt & surrounding in Sapa (300km Northwest of Hanoi) with the birds of Scaly Laughingthrush, Black-faced Laughingthrush, Red-winged Laughingthrush, Long-tailed Wren Babbler, Long-billed Wren Babbler, Scaly-breasted Wren Babbler and Slender-billed Scimitar Babbler. Some birds are not easy to see in other places in Vietnam such as Broad-billed Warbler, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, Rusty-capped Fulvetta, Red-billed Leiothrix, Golden Parrotbill, Ashy-throated Parrotbill, White-collared Yuhina and Green-tailed Sunbird.
Tam Dao highland (80km North of Hanoi) has the birds of Blue-naped Pitta, Indochinese Green Magpie, Green Cochoa, Purple Cochoa, Fujian Niltava, Chestnut Bulbul, Grey Laughingthrush, Red-tailed Laughingthrush, Coral-billed Scimitar-babbler, Red-billed Scimitar Babbler, Black-chinned Yuhina, Greater Rufous-headed Parrotbill, and Short-tailed Parrotbill.
Cuc Phuong national park, 25,000sqkm (120km South of Hanoi) with Chestnut-necklaced Partridge, Silver Pheasant, Grey Peacock Pheasant, Red-collared Woodpecker, Red-vented Barbet, Brown Hornbill, Spot-bellied Eagle Owl, Pied Falconet,Malayan Night Heron, Bar-bellied Pitta, Eared Pitta, Blue-rumped Pitta, Rachet-tailed Treepie, White-winged Magpie, White-tailed Flycatcher, Spotted Forktail, Limestone Wren Babbler, Rufous-throated Fulvetta and Black-browed Fulvetta.
We suggest the following itinerary. According to your time permission and health state, you can add or reduce more days ; you can re-arrange the itinerary or cut off any areas that you are not interested in. |
Day 1: Arrival - Ha Noi - Tam Dao
Arrive in Ha Noi. Greet at the Airport and transfer directly to Tam Dao hill station. Overnight in Tam Dao.
Day 2: Tam Dao [B, L, D]
Full day birdwatching. There are several good trails in the hills above the town, the Water Tank Trail and the Radio Transmitter Trail in particular are normally quite productive. Species to look out for here include the Grey Laughingthrush, Chestnut Bulbul, Black-chinned Yuhina and Fork-tailed Sunbird. Overnight in Tam Dao.
Day 3 : Tam Dao [B, L, D]
Another full day to explore the forest above Tam Dao. Winter visitors that are possible here include Black-breasted Thrush, Japanese Thrush and Fujian Niltava. Overnight in Tam Dao.
Day 4: Tam Dao - Ha Noi - Cuc Phuong [B, L, D]
Time for some early morning birding before meeting up with the driver and transferring by road to Ha Noi and continuing on to Cuc Phuong National Park , three hours south of the capital. Birding on the trails of Cuc Phuong. The birding is good at Cuc Phuong with over 300 species recorded in the park. Endangered mammals such as Indochinese Tiger, Clouded Leopard and the rare Delacour Langur also inhabit the forests of Cuc Phuong though they are seldom seen. Other possible bird species include Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, Ruddy Kingfisher, Silver-breasted Broadbill and White-tailed Flycatcher. Overnight at Bong Sub-Station Cuc Phuong
Day 5 : Cuc Phuong [B, L, D]
The first national park to be established in Vietnam , Cuc Phuong is an area of limestone hills covered with large tracts of primeval rainforest. Key bird species here include Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Bar-bellied, Blue-rumped and Eared Pitta, White-winged Magpie, Limestone Wren-Babbler, Fujian Niltava and Pied Falconet. Overnight at Bong Sub-Station Cuc Phuong.
Day 6 : Cuc Phuong [B, L, D]
Full day birdwatching in Cuc Phuong National Park . Overnight in Bong Sub-Station 20 km inside Cuc Phuong.
Day 7 : Cuc Phuong [B, L, D]
Full day birdwatching and overnight in Cuc Phuong National Park .
Day 8: Cuc Phuong - Ha Noi [B, L, D]
A final morning of birding before meeting up with the driver and heading back to Ha Noi. Relax or city tour in the afternoon. Overnight in Ha Noi.
Day 9: Hanoi - Sa Pa [B, L, D]
This morning we enjoy a half day city tour, seeing the the Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh house on stilts. The complex also comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of Hanoi. The next stop of our trip is the impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam 54 ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our forthcoming days. We also visit the Temple of Literature and the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. The reminder of the day is free for your own exploration of Ha Noi until transferring to the rail way station for a night train to Lao Cai. The train conditions are very basic however we will travel in soft sleeper class which is compartment for 4 passengers. O/N on board .
Day10: Sapa [B, L, D]
Arrive in Lao Cai (if you go by a night train). Transfer to hotel then birdwatching at O Quy Ho & Tram Ton pass (2000m sea level). O/N in Sapa.
Day11: Sa Pa - Fansipan [B, L, D]
After shower at the hotel, briefing with Sapa local guide while having breakfast. We start head out and the Hmong porter picks up our baggage and start ahead, along with the cook. From our altitude of 1500m, we pass through the market place and leave Sapa, heading for the bottom of the valley. After a short while we pass the Hmong village of Cat Cat, where pigs are scuffling around freely among the wooden houses, and the children look curiously at these strange people. In the bottom of the valley (1200m) we pass the river of Linh Ho, carefully keep our balance on the fragile bamboo bridge. We start a long upward, and later of the day reach the rainforest, which soften your steps and block our view for a while. Before nightfall, we pick up the spot in the jungle and put up our camp in 2200m altitude. Enjoying the nocturnal sounds of the forest is a perfect back ground for the smell of good evening meal, being prepare by the cook.
Day12: Fansipan [B, L, D]
We start out very slowly with a minor descend, before we again move upwards. If we are lucky, we might see some of the giant butterflies living around here, reaching a size of 25cm. At around 2400m the rainforest gradually gives way to huge, succulent bamboo, passing we reach a ridge at 2900m, and now have magnificent view down through the long Spa valley, over the area we just have passed, to the mountain range on the other side. At an altitude of 2400m, the porters put up our camp for the next 02 nights. There is a fine view from here, and this wills our base camp, from this we start the final ascend the next morning.
Day13: Fansipan [B, L, D]
After an early breakfast, we set out on the final ascend. A few steep stretches must be passed, but nothing insurmountable, and at the lunchtime, we reach the summit at 3143m. We now stand at the highest point of Vet Am, and the view is stunning, to the North in to China as well as to South and Laos, and the mountainous area with Dien Bien Phu in between. Time for a good long break, before we return to our base camp at 2400m.
Day14: Fansipan - Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi [B, L, D]
We enjoy our morning-coffee and the sounds of nature, while the porter take down the camp and move ahead down the mountain. Trekking back down across well-known country goes quickly, and we will reach the Sapa again in the time for a hot shower, a cold drink, and transfer to Lao Cai and board the night train back to Hanoi.
Day15: Hanoi - Halong Bay [B, L, D]
Arrive Hanoi early in the morning. Pick up and transfer to restaurant for breakfast. Leave Hanoi for Halong Bay and arrive around noon. Board a traditional wooden junk and begin your exploration of magical Halong Bay, one of Southeast Asia's premier tourist destinations. An excellent, fresh seafood lunch will be served on the boat while cruise to the most beautiful areas in Halong for an afternoon paddling. You ll receive instructions and safety procedures by Easia's guide. 2,5 hours paddling to Lady Men Temple through giant cave, beaches. Arrive in late afternoon just in time to relax and swim on the beach. Dinner and overnight on comfortable and charming junk.
Day16: Ha Long Bay Kayaking [B, L, D]
Wake up early in the morning to enjoy the aquamarine water of the bay at its best. After breakfast and early swim, we continue for 2,5 hours paddling visit to the isolated beach, floating village. Meet the junk again for lunch while cruising to Cam Pha. Explore 2 km long cave by kayaks upon arrival. Dinner and over night on board
Day17: Ha Long Bay Kayaking [B, L, D]
After breakfast, we get on our kayak again for 3 hours paddling through the most beautiful limestone formation through Brandon groups. Meet the boat for lunch. 2 hours easy paddling in the afternoon through Bai Tu Long and meet our Junk again in front of Crossing cave. Dinner and overnight on board.
Day18: Ha Long Bay Kayaking - Hanoi [B, L, D]
Today, we take the final paddle to the floating fishing village. Explore the village and lagoons by kayaks. Lunch with the crew while the boat cruise back to the harbor. Transfer back to Hanoi by vehicle. Farewell dinner at a restaurant in town and overnight at the hotel in Hanoi.
Day19: Hanoi - Departure [B]
There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha Noi . The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
INCLUDING
* Experienced English speaking guide
* Accommodation on twin share basis with daily breakfast
* Transfers, transportation
* Meals as indicated within the itinerary
* Entrance fees and permits to sites
* National Park Guide
* Train Ticket Hanoi - Lao Cai
* Boat Trip
* Kayaking Boat
NOT INCLUDING
International air-tickets and airport departure tax, Meals not mentioned in the program (between 8 - 15 USD/meal/person) ,Drinks, phone calls and all personal expenses ,Travel insurance .
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Detail Itinerary
