Day 1: Hanoi Arrival
Greetings from Vietnam. When you arrive at Noi Bai International Airport, a driver and guide from Golden Trail Travel will meet you and take you to the hotel located in the center of Hanoi. Hanoi, the historic and vibrant capital of Vietnam, is home to some of Asia's most remarkable colonial buildings as well as a distinct old world charm. Following check-in, unwind on your own while discussing the schedule for the next few days with our guide. Take a cyclo ride through the Old Quarter's busy streets to explore Hanoi's blend of modern and historical charm. You will be greeted with a special welcome meal at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant following the trip. Spend the night in Hanoi
Summary:
Activity: Transferring
Accommodation:
Meals: D
Cycling distance: No

Day 2: Hanoi fullday city tours
We will be taking a tour of the city's top attractions today, which includes the Temple of Literature, the location of Vietnam's first university founded in the eleventh century. The temple honors Confucius, one of the most well-known academics in the world. Huge stone stele inside the temple grounds rest on even larger stone turtles, which are symbolic of longevity in Vietnamese culture. The names of the victorious applicants, who went on to become mandarins in the Emperor's court, were inscribed on the stele. We also head to the lively Old Quarter and the Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake. Numerous tiny and prosperous enterprises, named after their respective streets like Tin Street or Fish Street, may be found operating in the busy streets of the Old Quarter. We visit the Museum of Ethnology, which honors the 54 ethnic minorities in the nation, after lunch. We have to do this since we are going to be trekking into the homelands of various minority peoples tomorrow. You have the rest of the day to yourself.
Summary:
Activity: Visiting Fullday
Accommodations: 
Meals: B/L/D
Trekking Distance: No

Day 3: Hanoi – Thai Nguyen – Ba Be
After a filling breakfast at the hotel and a quick escape from the busy city, our shuttle bus travels 270 miles on a recently constructed route to Ba Be Lake.
We pass across the Red River Delta's flatlands and ascend into the mountainous regions to the north of the capital. The scenery gets more and more lovely as we move further north. We will be stopping at Bac Can Town for lunch. Our destination is just around two and a half hours away from here. We will arrive in Ba Be town by mid- to late-afternoon, settle into our hotel, and then go exploring for a little while before dusk.
Summary:
Activity: Transferring
Accommodations: Homestay
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 3 Hours/ 12 km

Day 4: Ba Be National Park / Lake
We take a lake trip in our own boat after breakfast. If the weather permits, you will be able to swim in the pristine seas before enjoying lunch on board. We will work off our feast with a three-hour hike to a Dzao village after lunch. Here, we shall observe directly how these isolated places have managed to maintain their way of life. We return to the jetty and make our way back to our hotel. We stay in Ba Be for the second night this evening.
Summary:
Activity: Boat Trip and Trekking
Accommodations: Homestay
Meals: B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 4 Hours/ 15 Km

Day 5: Ba Be – Cao Bang
We hit the road once more this morning, traveling 90 kilometers (2.5 hours) to reach Cao Bang. The ethnic minorities of the H'mong, Zao, Tho, and Nung coexist peacefully in this area. A bit before lunch, we will get to Cao Bang and spend a little time getting to know the locals and their way of life. This afternoon, before heading back to Cao Bang, we take a quick one-hour drive to see a typical smith village.
Summary:
Activity: Transferring
Accommodations: 
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 2Hours./ 10 Km 
 
Day 6: Cao Bang – Pac Po – Trekking to Nam Nhung
After having breakfast this morning, we leave Cao Bang and travel for a half-an-hour to Pac Po, which is where Ho Chi Minh hid out during his 30-year self-imposed exile. He raised his army of resistance against the French here. We set out on an eight-day hike in a steep rain forest, traveling almost 140 kilometers. In general, we will be living like locals, sleeping and eating in the communities of numerous ethnic minorities. There is a strenuous portion of the hike when we hike along poorly marked buffalo pathways and trails. There will be some challenging ascents across the mountain ranges as well. We will be rewarded with some breathtaking scenery—something that most visitors to Vietnam never get to see. Despite their great poverty, the people we meet are some of the warmest and most welcoming in Vietnam. During our walk, we will experience the joys and sorrows of people whose way of life has been mostly unaffected by modern times. Please be aware that, even in cases where you are married, you are not permitted to share a bed with another person while at the home stays due to the customs of the local hill tribe people. From Pac Po we trek 12 km to Nam Nhung village inhabited by the Nung minority people.
Summary:
Activity: Trekking
Accommodations: Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 12 km

Day 7: Nam Nhung Trek to Tong Cot
We will cover 20 km on this first day of complete trekking. The majority of the walking is done on unpaved paths, going through numerous Tay and Nung communities. We get to Tong Cot village, where we are staying for the evening, after about three hours. Few cars drive around here; most people get around on foot, just like us!.
Summary:
Activity:Trekking
Accommodations: Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 20 Km

Day 8: Tong Cot Trek to Na Ma
The scenery is much the same as it was yesterday, with dirt roads leading through numerous towns of various minority groups. This is an excellent chance to learn about and experience the various cultures that call this region home. Our nighttime residence, Na Ma village, is one of the tiniest in the North of Vietnam, with just two families living there.
Summary:
Activity: Trekking
Accommodations: Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 22 Km

Day 9: Na Ma Trek to Quang Uyen
After a filling breakfast at a hospitable local farm, we set out for Quang Uyen. Take in the breathtaking surroundings and rough, karst mountain views. strolling through breathtaking rice terraces and hillside scenery.The trek's longest day is 26 kilometers long, although the terrain is manageable and the scenery is varied.
Summary:
Activity: Trekking
Accommodations: Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 26 Km

Day 10: Quang Uyen Transfer and Trek to Tha Meng
We will drive our support vehicle for thirty minutes this morning before continuing our trip to Tha Meng Village. We can swim in the neighboring river to cool off and revitalize our bodies after we get to Tha Meng Village.
Summary:
Activity: Trekking
Accommodations: Ecohomstay
Meals:B/l/D
Trekking Distance: 17 Km

Day 11:  Tha Meng – Trek to Ta Lung
After a filling breakfast at the ecohomestay, we depart for Ta Lung. We proceed on our journey today, following a river to the small border town of Ta Lung. We will be here by the early afternoon.
Summary:
Activity: Trekking
Accommodations: Ecohomestay
Meals: B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 20 km

Day 12: Ta Lung trek to Ban La
The terrain is more undulating and has some steep spots today, making it more difficult than the previous trekking days. Our journey passes through stunning primary forest in the northern region of Vietnam. This is where the training you did before the trip helps. We're having a well-earned nap at La Village this afternoon.
Summary:
Activity: Trekking
Accommodations: Ecohomestay
Meals: B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 17 Km

Day 13: Ban La – That Khe - Hanoi
Today is the last day of the hike, and we say goodbye to our porters and camp staff. We then take a car to Lang Son, a border commerce city. Before making our way back to Hanoi in the afternoon, we have lunch and explore the local markets in Lang Son. We can shower and change at our accommodation upon arrival before heading to a Hanoi restaurant for a celebratory dinner. In a hotel in Hanoi for the night.
Summary:
Activity:  Trekking and Transferring
Accommodations: 
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking Distance: 10 Km

Day 14: Hanoi - Halong
After eating breakfast at the hotel, we head over to Halong Bay. Take a three and a half hour bus ride to see the breathtaking Red River Delta beauty. Make a stop for refreshments en route. We keep going toward Halong Bay. After arriving by boat, we explore the bay's over two thousand various islands and check in. Additionally, you can explore an amazing cave to discover more about the tectonic age and the formation of the Earth. have dinner and lunch on a boat.
Summary:
Activity:Transferring
Accommodations: On Cruise
Meals: B/L/D
Trekking Distance: No

Day 15: Halong – Hanoi See off
After breakfast, group preparations come to an end. You will be given a ride to the airport if you are leaving Vietnam today.
Summary:
Activity: Transferring
Accommodations: No
Meals: B/L
Trekking Distance; No

HOTELS
Homestay
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Tour included in:

• English speaking  guide ( other languages upon requests)
• Accommodations are based on double/ twin occupancy
• Meals details in itineraries (13 breakfast, 14 lunches,  14 dinners)
• A/C transfer/ and transportation
• Sightseeing permission
• Sightseeing  excursions as outlined itineraries
• 2 Days/ 1 Nights in Halong Bay
• First aid kit
• Cold water box, small fresh towel.
• Mineral water for drinking in Trekking Days
• Porter who will be escorted and support us on trekking days

Trip exclude in

• International airfare
• Travel insurance
• Items of personal nature
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks in meals
• Mineral water beyond that supplied
• Optional excursions
• Additional transport required due to any emergency situation
• Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry bills.
• Visa fee
• Departure  tax
• Tip for team and guide

The following brings are essential suggested for trekking days only:

Backpack specialized for trekking.
Trekking shoes (extra light sandal suggested).
Light and comfortable trousers (02 pcs)
Cotton long sleeve: (01pc for each day)
Long socks (01 pair for each day)
Water proof jacket: 01    
Pullover: 01
Coat to keep warm at night and waypoint: 01
Durable flash light.
Hat, Sun glasses and other manddatory
Camera (compact camera is suggested)

Itinerary disclaimer
Occasionally our tour itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers’ comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the service proposal. It’s very important that you print and review a final copy of your itinerary a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. If you have any queries, please contact us. We are here to help you!
Please note that while we operate successful trips in Vietnam throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary from time to time.

Difficulty levels
Our trekking tours can be classified into three levels

Easy
There are about 8 – 10K to walk on flat roads. No previous experience is necessary. Anyone in good health and fit enough to perform an occasional hike can take an easy level trek. Vietnam easy walks are provided in Hanoi, Bac Giang, Mai Chau, Ngoc Son Ngo Luong…

Moderate
There are about 10 – 15K to hike on flat and hilly roads. At this point too, no special background is required. Hikers accustomed to trekking in hilly areas of Mai Chau, Pu Luong or Lai Chau, Yen Bai successfully accomplish our treks “moderate”, provided they are in good health and to have a correct fit. These treks are moderate or easy hikes with an average duration or shorter but more difficult steps.

Difficult
There are about 16 – 23K to trek on uphill/downhill dirty, rocky trails. Physical fitness is very important for these treks and you may have to lead you home before the trek. Most treks in this level are comparable with long rides in the Fansipan mountain or the the mountainous region of Ha Giang, Cao Bang, sometimes higher altitudes. The climate and isolation can also participate in difficulty. Prior trek experience is preferable but not vital if you have confidence in your fitness.

Tour Guide
Our tour guides speak English or French. They hold a university degree in tourism and national license as a guide. If you wish to send a tour leader along with any group, he or she can fully rely on the knowledge and experience of our local guides.
Remote treks are always accompanied by a local representative to deal with permits and authorities and manage the porter team. They speak the local dialects, know the cultural traditions and give tips on suggested behavior in fragile ecological areas and tribal communities. For some itineraries, the role of tour leader and representative is combined.

When to hike
The north Vietnam experiences two distinct seasons; winter and summer. Winter is cool, dry and lasts from November to April. Temperatures range between 15 to 25°C during the day and 0 to 10°C during the night. With little rain, the winter season offers the most pleasant weather conditions for trekking in Vietnam. Read more about Vietnam weather.

Porter
During all trekking tours we may use local porters to carry your luggage as well as our trekking equipment, where required. To generate local income we employ local villagers for this task. Participants will have their own porter, carrying trekking equipment and luggage to a maximum of 15 kg per client. Travelers only have to carry their day packs. Read more how to pack

Vehicle
Depending on the nature of the tour, journeys will be accompanied by an air-conditioned car/minibus cover the larger overland sections.

Accommodation
Campsites and lodges are not common in Vietnam, instead we make use of homestays; staying the night in tribal villages along the way. Facilities are clean, but very basic. Travelers share a bamboo-slat floor, separated by curtains. Animals usually sleep under the house and restrooms and showers are often absent. Water sources are available outside. Mattresses, blankets and mosquito nets are taken care of.
Over the years Golden Trail Travel has established a number of projects to upgrade home stay accommodation into a bit more comfort. Basic facilities aside, spending the night in a tribal village and enjoying a meal with the locals brings travellers unforgettable cross-cultural experiences. In the past 15 years of organizing trekking by this way, we never received a complaint.

Food
During all treks meals will be arranged on the spot, in local restaurants and at home in local villages along the way. The meals are prepared by our cooks, the local guide or by the local host. Our cooks are well trained to prepare and serve food hygienically and they cook a variety of local delicacies. Sometimes this may include the slaughter of a chicken, duck or pig. We sometimes have the chance to bring western food, and snacks from Hanoi for breakfast and picnics along the way, and coffee and tea are available in abundance. Our cooks make a special effort to provide as much variety as possible. The porters give necessary assistance on the spot.

Drinking water
There are many shops and villages that have bottled water for sale. On remote trekking tours, we buy a sufficient supply of water for the next couple of days. We recommend bringing some water purifying tablets.

Packing
Comfortable lightweight clothing in natural fabrics such as cotton is most suitable for travelling in Vietnam. The dress code is fairly casual as in most parts of the tropics but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings against biting insects. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea in the rainy season. During the winter months warm clothing is needed for visiting the north of Vietnam. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts or other skimpy clothing when visiting religious buildings such as pagoda, temple, communal house and shoes should be removed before entering a private home.
What you take will naturally depend upon where you are travelling and the style of journey you are undertaking, and it can often be difficult to decide what to pack. Nevertheless, the following should act as a useful checklist of essential items worth thinking about taking.

1 medium-sized backpack.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
1 long (easy to dry) pants and 1 long sleeved shirt to wear during the trek (easy to dry).
1 pair of flip flop (sandals).
1 pair of shorts and T-shirt to wear at camp site (2 if you do 4-day trek).
1 medium-sized towel.
1 medium-sized dry bag.
Hiking poles/walking sticks
GPS
Responsible Tourism
We strongly believe that Responsible Tourism can support to local communities: proving incomes,positive cultural exchanges and an incentive to protect natural environment. We recognize that there is always space for improvement. We continually strive to narrow the gap between principle and practice.

Environment
We have been turning environmentally responsible tourism into practices to minimize tourist impact upon the local habitat. From biodegradable soaps to re – usable water containers, we provide clients with the best information and mean to help them identify and implement effective ways to positive protect local nature and communities. It is a vital criteria that can be passed on and abided by all, long after the trip ended.

Community
Prior to our tours, we contact and work with local community leaders to make sure we are welcome and in a manner that minimizes negative social and cultural impacts. We visit local development and community projects specific to the region, encouraging customers to donate and assist such a projects in appropriate and sustainable manner.
Where make sure that where and whenever possible our tours positively benefit the local community. We stayed at locally owned accommodation and visit cottage industries for local handicraft souvenir, generating income for local business. We often employ, hire support team such as local guide, motor-taxi drivers, cook assistants on all trips to ensure that the local community benefit not only short term but with increased employment opportunities for the future.