Witness the beauties of North West Vietnam - Private tour

Witness the beauties of North West Vietnam - Private tour

Travel through Northwest Vietnam amongst its breath taking mountainous landscapes and colourful hillside tribes. This itinerary takes you on a tour through enchanting valleys and towering mountains to remote villages, cascading waterfalls and traditional mountain markets...

Meet mountain tribal groups: Muong, Thai, H'mong, Dzao, Zay, Laotian, Lu
Stunning mountain landscapes, amazing rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai and Sapa
Traditional mountain market in Bac Ha
Homestay experience

Itinerary

Day 1: Visit tea plantation, Muong & Thai culture

Stop At: QL37, P.Đồng Tâm, Thành phố Yên Bái, Yên Bái, Vietnam
8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Muong Lo via Thanh Son. Muong Lo is known as one of the four most important fertile valleys of the north west (Muong Thanh in Dien Bien Phu, Muong Tac in Phu Yen and Muong Than in Than Uyen) in which the Thai ethnic group predominates. The village consists of hundreds of houses on wooden stilts and Thai people cultivate the water rice. Drive to the national road number 32 along the black river (Da River) one of the most important rivers in the northwest.

In Thanh Son, we will make a stop to visit the green tea plantation hill then walk through the stilt-house villages. It belongs to the Muong ethnic group, considered as Authentic Viet. The Muong ethnic group is one of few communities in the north that is immune to Chinese influence.

Arrive in Nghia Lo, walk or bike around the Thai village to discover the beautiful rice field valley and hamlets that still preserve the authentic houses on stilts and meet the friendly locals.

Note: For more interacting with local people and authentic experience, we invite you stay at homestay with basic equipment: clean mattress, pillow, mosquito net, blankets, outside WC and hot water shower but hotel service is also available, please contact us to get good advises.
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Nghia Lo Homestay

Day 2: The best of terrace in Mu Cang Chai, La Pan Tan, Tu Le, immersing into Thai, Dao, Dzay culture

Stop At: Mu Cang Chai, National Road 32, Yen Bai 320000 Vietnam
Enjoy breakfast then visit a local market in Nghia Lo then transfer to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is well known for its marvelous rice terrace widely considered as the most beautiful in the world. In 2007, Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh and La Pan Tan were recognized as outdoor masterpieces on the list of national heritage.

At the exit of Nghia Lo, you will cross the hilly region populated by the Zao ethnic group on the hills and the Zay in the valley. Stop for a chance to take photos and meet the local people on the way.

Arrive in Tu Le. It is possible to trek to the valley where Thai people live in houses on stilts and have some unusual encounters that allow you to immerse yourself into the authentic local life. In the afternoon, continue to Khau Pha pass which offers you a splendid panoramic view of the valley of rice terraces.

Then the car will take you to La Pan Tan which is a legendary route for photographers. You will admire the gorgeous rice terrace masterpieces created by the Hmong peasant artists from generation to generation. Enjoy the majestic landscape and follow the route from La Pan Tan to Mam Xoi. End of the day check in your accommodation.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Mu Cang Chai homestay

Day 3: Easy trek in Na Tam, visit Laotain & Lu people

Stop At: Lai Châu Stations, Đường 30/4, Tam Đường, Thị xã Lai Châu, Lai Châu, Vietnam
After breakfast, transfer to Than Uyen, one of the Thai rice valleys. The splendid landscape of rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai will follow you along the way to Than Uyen. Before turning right to Sapa, we will make a stop to visit Na Tam Village where the Laotian and Lu people live. This is a beautiful, tranquil landscape. Traditionally, the local women are distinguished by black teeth and indigo colored clothing encrusted with silver pieces. Take a 2 hour hike through the river, villages, rice fields, and hills and meet the locals.

Meet our driver for a transfer to Sapa, crossing Hoang Lien Son pass (O Quy Ho pass). This is the longest and highest pass in Vietnam, 54km in length and 2047m in height. Stop to relax at the top of the pass and soak up the grandiose landscape. This is also a great place for photos. Arrive in Sapa, a town discovered by the French in 1903, in the afternoon. With a temperate climate, Sapa became an attraction for holidaymakers because of its beautiful rice valley, splendid mountain range and the diversity of minority tribes such as Black Hmong, Red Zao and the Zay ethnics.

Note: Stop at the heaven gate for panoramic landscapes pictures when the weather is good
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sapa Elegance Hotel

Day 4: Trek through rice terrace in Muong Hoa valley, visit H'mong, Dzay people, transfer to Bac Ha

Stop At: Sapa Town Square, 019 Thạch Sơn, TT. Sa Pa, Sa Pa, Lào Cai 333320, Vietnam
8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and enjoy 5km scenic transfer to the west of town. We will start a full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village. Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly H’mong ladies and children who live in houses nestled in the valley. Enjoy a bit of relaxation at the cable-bridge with the harmony and beauty of the surrounding nature. If you are sportive and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo path with breathtaking views and less tourists. For those looking for an easy trek, embark on a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River.

Direct to Lao Chai village. Turn on a small path crossing the rice field to a small hamlet. Have a specialvisit to grandma who is the only craftsman left in the community, traditionally using beeswax for decoration to make the unique Hmong’s indigo clothing. It is also great chance to learn about their daily life and culture.

Continue to Ta Van village, the charming land of the Dzay people, well located on the hill with amazing views of river, rice terraces and Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. As you leisurely walk, meet villagers who kindly to invite you visit their homes.

Have lunch at local restaurant then transfer back to Bac Ha via Thanh Kim, Thanh Phu, enjoy stunning views of mountain, river and hydropower lakes along the way. Located at an altitude of 1000m, Bac Ha is home to several ethnic groups such as the colorful Hmong, Phu La and Tay. Bac Ha region is well known for its weekly, colorful markets surrounded by wild and beautiful scenery. The markets are not only for the exchange of goods but it has also been for the cultural exchange of the ethnic groups for centuries.

Note: Good trekking shoes, if arrival to Bac Ha early, you may have a short walking tour in town.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Bac Ha homestay

Day 5: Typical mountain market, explore Bac Ha & drive back Hanoi

Stop At: Bac Ha Market, Bac Ha 330000 Vietnam
7:00 AM: Start to explore Bac Ha, it is possible to visit a colorful, ethnic market (Coc Ly market on Tuseday, Bac Ha market on Sunday, Can Can market on Saturday). Enjoy the striking atmosphere with so many goods such as vegetables, poultry, horses and buffalos while capturing many minority groups in their best colorful clothing of the week. After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, which is a typical Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with corn fields, cassava hills and clay houses, plum gardens adorned by H'Mong women and their colorful dresses will accompany you throughout the trip.

Come back to town for lunch before transfer to Hanoi. Check in hotel around 6:00 PM
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.