Visit the beautiful landscapes of North West Vietnam 5 days

Day 1, Hanoi - Nghia Lo (L,D) 200km - 5h

Visiting a green tea plantation, meeting Thai & Muong ethnic group

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 Northwest (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 northern communities that is immune to Chinese influence.

Arrive in Nghia Lo, walk or bike around the Thai village to discover the beautiful rice field valleys 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 to 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.

Nghia Lo Homestay (Sharing homestay)

Day 2, Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai (B,L,D) 100km - 2.5h

Immersing into nature in La Pan Tan, rice terraces, Thai, Dao, Dzay culture

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 Dao ethnic group on the hills and the Dzay 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.

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.

Mu Cang Chai Homestay (Sharing homestay)

Day 3, Mu Cang Chai - Lai Chau – Sapa (B,L) 160km - 5h

Easy trek in Na Tam, visiting Laotian & Lu people

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 Dao and the Dzay ethnics. 

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

Day 4, Sapa - Bac Ha (B,L,D) 100km - 2.5h

Famous hiking route, visiting Lao Chai, Ta Van villages, transfer to Bac Ha

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 special visit 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 will kindly invite you to 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 also for the cultural exchange of the ethnic groups for centuries.

Bac Ha Homestay (Sharing homestay)

Note: Good trekking shoes, if arriving in Bac Ha early, you may have a short walking tour in town.

Day 5, Bac Ha – Hanoi (B,L) 320km - 6h

Exploring Bac Ha region, typical mountain market, transfer to Hanoi

7:00 AM: Start to explore Bac Ha, it is possible to visit a colorful, ethnic market ( Bac Ha market is on Sunday. Otherwise we can visit Coc Ly market on Tuesday, Can Cau market on Saturday instead). 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

Services Included

• Four nights of accommodation based on double or twin sharing.
• Premium 4-star accommodation in Sapa and the best available boutique hotels, mountain lodges, resorts or premium local accommodation in Nghia Lo, Mu Cang Chai and Bac Ha for the 4-star option.
• Five-star accommodation where available and the best available luxury boutique resorts, eco-lodges or premium mountain retreats in remote destinations for the prestige option.
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with a professional driver throughout the five-day journey.
• A comfortable seven-seat private vehicle for a group of four travellers or a private minibus for a group of five to six travellers.
• Private road transfers from Hanoi to Nghia Lo, Tu Le, Mu Cang Chai, Lai Chau, Sapa and Bac Ha, with return transfer to Hanoi according to the itinerary.
• English-speaking licensed local guide throughout the tour as mentioned in the program.
• Daily breakfast at the selected accommodation.
• Five lunches and three dinners as indicated in the original itinerary.
• Entrance fees for all scheduled sightseeing places, villages and attractions mentioned in the program.
• Visit to a green tea plantation and Muong ethnic villages in the Thanh Son area.
• Walking or cycling experience through Thai villages and rice fields in the Muong Lo Valley.
• Visit to Nghia Lo local market according to the itinerary and opening conditions.
• Scenic visits to Tu Le Valley, Khau Pha Pass, the Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, La Pan Tan and Mam Xoi viewpoint.
• Visits to ethnic minority villages belonging to the Thai, Muong, Hmong, Dao, Dzay, Lao, Lu, Phu La and Tay communities according to the confirmed itinerary.
• Guided walk through Na Tam Village, rice fields, riverside paths and traditional Lao and Lu communities.
• Scheduled scenic stops at O Quy Ho Pass and Heaven’s Gate, subject to weather and road conditions.
• Guided trekking through Y Linh Ho, Lao Chai and Ta Van villages in the Muong Hoa Valley.
• Visit to Bac Ha Market, Coc Ly Market or Can Cau Market depending on the departure date and local market schedule.
• Walking experience through villages, cornfields, cassava hills and traditional landscapes around Bac Ha.
• Local transportation to selected rice-terrace viewpoints when clearly specified in the confirmed program.
• Bottled drinking water and tissues during private road transfers.
• Fuel, road tolls, parking fees and driver expenses for all included private transportation.
• Local taxes and service charges for included ground arrangements.
• 24/7 local assistance during the journey.

Services Not Included

• International flights to and from Vietnam.
• Domestic flights, if requested as part of a customised extension or modified itinerary.
• Accommodation in Hanoi before the tour begins or after the tour ends.
• Airport transfers in Hanoi unless specifically included in the confirmed program.
• Vietnam visa stamping fee or e-visa fee, if applicable.
• Personal travel insurance, including medical, cancellation, emergency evacuation and baggage coverage.
• Drinks, minibar, laundry, spa treatments, telephone calls and personal expenses.
• Meals not clearly mentioned in the confirmed itinerary.
• Single room supplement.
• Early check-in and late check-out at hotels unless specifically included.
• Hotel room upgrades, suites, villas or premium room categories unless specifically requested and confirmed.
• Fansipan cable-car tickets, Muong Hoa mountain-train tickets and other optional attractions in Sapa.
• Optional motorbike tours, private photography tours, cultural performances, spa treatments or activities not described in the confirmed program.
• Private four-wheel-drive vehicles, local motorbike transfers or special access transportation to remote viewpoints unless clearly included in the confirmed quotation.
• Personal porter services during trekking activities.
• Tips for guides, drivers, porters, hotel staff and local service providers.
• High-season, weekend, rice-harvest season, Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year or public holiday supplements, if applicable.
• Additional costs caused by adverse weather, landslides, road closures, traffic delays, local market changes or force majeure events.
• Additional transportation, accommodation or meals required because of unexpected road or weather conditions.
• Any service not clearly listed under “Services Included”.