Spectacular Northwest Vietnam Tour
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Trip length: 6 days | Trip code: VHAP-04
Trip Style: Explore | Physical Rating: 3/5 | Trip Price: Upon request
Places visited: Mai Chau - Moc Chau - Son La - Dien Bien - Lai Chau - Sapa - Bac Ha
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day 01: Hanoi - Mai Chau (Hotel/lodge in Mai Chau)
Day 02: Mai Chau - Moc Chau - Son La (Hotel in Son La)
Day 03: Son La - Dien Bien Phu (Hotel in Dien Bien)
Day 04: Dien Bien Phu - Sapa (Hotel in Sapa)
Day 05: Sapa hill tribe trek (Homestay/lodge in Sapa)
Day 06: Bac Ha hill tribe market - Hanoi - Trip ends
Highlights
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Journey through enchanting landscapes of rolling hills, winding rivers, and verdant forests.
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Unravel the stories of the past as you wander through historical sites within spectacular nature.
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Trek amongst the cascading rice terraces of Sapa.
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Encounters with colorful ethnic minorities, meet local tribespeople and experience authentic culture firsthand.
TRIP MAP
Day 01: Hanoi - Mai Chau valley
Depart from the bustling cityscape, journeying through awe-inspiring vistas of rural countryside and verdant mountains en route to Mai Chau. Nestled within a picturesque valley, Mai Chau beckons with its charm, housing the ethnic Thai minority villages of Lac and Pom Coong. Renowned for its rustic allure and cultural authenticity, Mai Chau boasts traditional wooden stilt houses nestled amid lush foliage, bordered by sprawling rice paddies.
After lunch break, take a leisurely stroll through the village and engage with the friendly locals. For the adventurous souls, there's the option to conquer the 1200 steps up the mountain to explore the stunning Chieu Cave, located nearby. Alternatively, discover the countryside ambiance by taking a light walk or bicycle ride along country paths that wind through villages nestled at the base of the mountains. Return to the village to unwind, where you'll be treated to a delightful home-cooked dinner and entertained by captivating dance and song performances.
Enjoy a restful overnight stay in a cozy local stilt house.
Note: You can choose either to stay overnight in a local house or opt for a resort/eco lodge facility for tonight. Please let us know your choice, and we will arrange accordingly.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Lunch & Dinner, Accommodation, Entrance fees
Day 02: Mai Chau - Moc Chau - Son La
Venture further up to discover the breathtaking beauty of pristine nature. Stop to visit the enchanting Moc Chau Plateau, where lush green plantations stretch as far as the eye can see. Indulge in the flavors of the region by sampling its renowned green tea and delectable milk candy.
Continue along the winding roads, making stops to visit minority villages along the way. Engage with the friendly locals, gaining insight into their unique way of life and traditions.
Upon reaching Son La town in the mid-afternoon, delve into the rich history of the region with a visit to the infamous Son La prison, once notorious for its harsh conditions where Vietnamese revolutionaries were detained by the French. Dive deeper into the cultural heritage of Son La at the hill tribe museum, where artifacts and exhibits offer a glimpse into the area's rich culture.
Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through the vibrant Son La central market, soaking in the sights and sounds of local life.
Check into your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 03: Son La - Dien Bien Phu
Today's journey takes you further northwest, where every bend in the road ignites a sense of adventure. Along the way, you'll encounter vast mountain passes and a lively mix of colorful minority communities dotting the area, perfect for exploring and capturing the stunning scenery with your camera.
The highlight of today's excursion awaits at the awe-inspiring Pha Din Pass, steeped in local legend as the boundary between heaven and earth. It was here, in 1954, that Viet Minh soldiers hauled their cannons uphill by hand to unleash thunderous attacks on the French troops at their stronghold in the valley of Dien Bien.
You'll arrive in Dien Bien Phu by mid-afternoon. Take some time to explore the remnants of the old battlefield, including Hill A1 (also known as Elaine 2), the commanding bunker of De Castries, and the Dien Bien Phu Victory Museum. Learn about how Vietnamese troops achieved a historic victory over the French colonial army.
Check into your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 04: Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Sapa
Say goodbye to Dien Bien and continue with a spectacular drive to Lai Chau, passing by picturesque terrace fields drifting past the car windows. Along the way, you'll make several stops to meet various hill tribe minorities like the Red H'mong, Dao, Mang, Black Thai, and Lu ethnic groups. Enjoy interacting with the locals and learning about their traditions.
In the mid-afternoon, you'll reach the foot of Hoang Lien Mountain. Drive up and enjoy the breathtaking view from Heaven Gate, the highest pass in Vietnam at an elevation of 2000m, marking the border between Lai Chau and Lao Cai province. Take some time to visit the Silver Waterfall (or the Love Waterfalls) before heading to Sapa to check into your hotel.
Sapa, situated on the middle slope of the Hoang Lien mountain range at an elevation of around 1500m, lies beneath the shadow of Fansipan peak, the tallest point in Vietnam and Indochina. Known for its beautiful weather, stunning mountain scenery, green valleys, picturesque terraced fields, and diverse hill tribe communities.
Remainder of the day is free for a leisurely stroll around this beautiful town.
Overnight in hotel in Sapa.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 05: Sapa hilltribe trek
After breakfast, get ready for an adventure trek through the stunning landscapes of the Muong Hoa River valley. You'll pass towering mountains, terraced fields, bamboo forests, and traditional villages inhabited by the Black Hmong, Dzao, and Dzay people.
During the trek, you'll have the opportunity to watch locals working on their land and may even join them in their farming activities. You'll also visit local houses to learn about their way of life and traditions, capturing some great photos of the landscapes and daily life scenes along the way.
Depending on your fitness level, you can choose between an easy trek along the main stream or a more challenging one through rolling hills and hidden villages.
In the mid-afternoon, you'll check into a homestay, where you'll have the rest of the day to explore the area, interact with locals, and enjoy the sights.
Dinner will be served with delicious local flavors, and you'll spend the night in a traditional stilted homestay
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Entrance fees, Accommodation
Day 06: Bac Ha hilltribe market - Hanoi
After breakfast, bid farewell to your host and hop into a private vehicle for a scenic drive downhill and then uphill towards Bac Ha district. There, you'll have the opportunity to visit one of the vibrant and colorful hill tribe markets that are characteristic of the region.
These markets are where locals from various mountain communities gather to trade their goods, showcase their traditional attire, and socialize. These events, held weekly in certain parts of the highlands, offer a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
In addition to stalls offering an array of beautiful local handicrafts, herbs, and exotic foods, you'll also find a bustling livestock market where locals barter for horses, cattle, pigs, dogs, and so on. Take your time to wander through the market, soak in the lively atmosphere, sample some local specialties from Sapa, and capture memorable moments with your camera.
After exploring the market, head back down to Lao Cai and then proceed along the highway back to Hanoi. Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon, trip ends.
Notes: There are several markets in the region, each held on a specific day of the week. Bac Ha Market takes place on Sunday, Coc Ly Market on Tuesday, Cao Son Market on Wednesday, Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday, and Can Cau Market on Saturday. Depending on your trip's schedule, we may arrange a visit to one of these markets, which could result in slight changes to the itinerary. During the booking process, our travel consultant will provide information and suggest the best possible itinerary.
Inclusions: Private vehicle, Tour guide, Breakfast, Entrance fees, Accommodation
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Hanoi Travel FAQs
Is it safe to walk around Hanoi at night?
Hanoi is generally safe to walk around at night, but it's always wise to take common precautions like avoiding poorly lit areas and being aware of your surroundings.
Hanoi which part of vietnam?
Hanoi is located in the northern part of Vietnam.
How much is it from Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter?
The distance from Hanoi airport to the Old Quarter is approximately 21 kilometers (about 13 miles), and the cost can vary depending on the mode of transportation, but a taxi ride or a private 4-seat car transfer usually costs around 300,000 to 400,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong).
How many days in Hanoi and Halong Bay should I spend?
A typical itinerary would include 2-3 days in Hanoi to explore the city and its surroundings, and 2-3 days in Halong Bay for a cruise experience.
Which is better, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
It depends on your preferences. Hanoi is known for its rich history, culture, and charm, while Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is more modern and bustling with activity.
Which is better, Hanoi or Danang?
Again, it depends on what you're looking for. Hanoi offers a cultural and historical experience, while Da Nang is known for its beautiful beaches and modern amenities.
What is Hanoi famous for?
Hanoi is famous for its centuries-old architecture, vibrant street life, delicious street food, rich history, and cultural heritage.
