Hoa Binh
2 days, 1 night
AH-HB02
4/10
$121 USD
DESCRIBE

Da Bac is a region that has become quite familiar to backpackers, located near Hoa Binh Hydropower Plant, about 90 km from Ha Noi. When you arrive here, you will be immersed in the fresh and peaceful atmosphere of a village free from city dust and the noise of vehicles. You can freely bathe in streams, kayak, explore the hydropower reservoir, and enjoy many distinctive local cultural and artistic activities. If you need a quiet place to relax and experience life in a serene countryside, Da Bac is truly a very reasonable choice.

SUMMARY
  • Departure Point: Ha Noi

  • Duration: 2 days, 1 night

  • Destination: Hoa Binh

  • Activities: Kayaking

  • Min : 2 people

  • Best time: Year-round

  • Max : 20 people

  • Difficulty level: 4/10

ITINERARY
1st day: Ha Noi - Da Bac

07:00 - Picking up you at 53 Nguyen Dinh Thi. Departing for Da Bac. Along the way, stopping for a break at a café near Hoa Binh. Upon arriving in Hien Luong, Da Bac, checking in Pacific House and then having lunch. After resting, you will be briefed on how to kayak as well as safety instructions, and then we will start kayaking to explore Hien Luong Bay. Those who do not wish to travel by kayak can board a tourist boat to visit the lake. We can freely paddle and swim in the lake before returning to Pacific House for dinner. After having dinner, there will be a cultural exchange program featuring traditional bamboo dance by the local people to entertain the group. Staying overnight at homestay.

* Meals included: Lunch, Dinner  

* The cultural exchange program is only organized for groups of 10 people or more. 

 

2nd day: Da Bac - Ha Noi

08:00 - Having breakfast at Pacific House. This morning, we will take a trek deeper into the village to a stream located in the forest. We can swim and enjoy ourselves in this stream. Afterward, coming back to Pacific House for lunch. After lunch, the group will board the bus to return to Hanoi. The tour ends in Hanoi.

* Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

 

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

Inclusion:

  • Supporting boat 
  • Round-trip bus: Ha Noi - Da Bac - Ha Noi
  • Kayak & gear
  • Homestay (shared room in stilt house)
  • Meals as the schedule on the itinerary 
  • Tour guides 
  • Drinking water
  • Fee for entrance tickets
  • Travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Other kinds of beverage unlist in the tour program
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Beverages during meals

 

 

THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

Equipment provided by us:

  • Kayak & gear
  • Life jackets
  • First aid bag 

Essential stuff you need to bring: 

  • Sandals
  • Long sleeve swimsuit (rashguard), hat, sunglasses, gloves, sunscreen...
  • Water bottle (1L) 
  • ID card or Passport 
  • Phone, camera, spare battery, suitable waterproof case...

Other items you may consider to bring:

  • Personal medicine
  • Spare clothes
  • Towels, hand sanitizers
  • Waterproof phone pouch 
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Notes on Kayaking Activities

  • We will be kayaking in the narrow bay in front of the homestay. The distance and duration of the kayaking will be determined by the tour guide based on the weather and the health of the customers.  
  • Before starting, the guide will explain how to paddle and safety precautions. Customers must wear life jackets throughout the kayaking activity.  
  • While kayaking on the lake, customers should be mindful of avoiding obstacles such as branches, rocks, etc. Do not separate from the group or paddle outside the designated area.  
  • We will have a motorboat escorting us throughout the kayaking. If you wish to stop kayaking to take the boat, please inform the guide.

2. Food & Beverages

  • All meals on the tour will be at the homestay with a diverse menu that includes many "local specialties of the Muong ethnic group," such as grilled fish, grilled pork, sautéed vegetables, boiled vegetables, etc. If you have dietary restrictions or are vegetarian, please inform our management in advance to prepare suitable meals for you.  
  • If you have special dietary requirements that we cannot accommodate (due to health, medical, or religious reasons), we suggest you prepare your own food to bring along.  
  • Drinks will be adequately provided on the vehicle and during kayaking. We encourages customers to limit the use of single-use plastic and nylon products; therefore, we recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to refill from the large bottles we provide.  
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted while kayaking on SUP or kayak or while trekking. Alcoholic drinks and soft drinks are not included in the meals.

3. Protecting the environment together

  • We supports and practices Leave No Trace principles in each program and outdoor activities itself. We also encourage our customers and partners to apply to Leave No Trace principles when traveling in the outdoor environment. See details about the Leave No Trace tại đây
  • In order to limit the use of single-use plastic, we encourages each of us to prepare for ourselves a bottle of water with a 1L capacity for daily water refilling.
  • On the tour, tourists comply with the instructions and regulations on environmental protection at the destination. 

4. Medical assistance

  • If you have cardiovascular disease or bone and joint diseases (knees, ankles, shoulder joints, etc.), you should consult your doctor before deciding to join the trip. 
  • In any case, if you go into the water to swim, you must wear a life jacket.