5-Day Private Tour: Witness the beauties of North West Vietnam

Day 1 · Hanoi - Nghia Lo (visit a green tea plantation, meet Thai & Muong ethnic minority)

1. 1

   Thanh Son

   5 hours

   8:00 AM: Meet your 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, including Muong Thanh in Dien Bien Phu, Muong Tac in Phu Yen, and Muong Than in Than Uyen, predominantly inhabited by the Thai ethnic group. The village consists of hundreds of houses on wooden stilts, and the Thai people cultivate water rice. Drive along National Road number 32 by the Black River (Da River), one of the most significant rivers in the Northwest.

   In Thanh Son, we will make a stop to visit the green tea plantation hill and then walk through the stilt-house villages. These villages belong to the Muong ethnic group, considered authentically Viet. The Muong ethnic group is one of the few northern communities immune to Chinese influence.

2. 2

   Nghia Lo

   3 hours

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

   Note: For more interaction with local people and an authentic experience, we invite you to stay at a homestay equipped with basic amenities: clean mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, blankets, an outside WC, and a hot water shower. Hotel services are also available; please contact us for good advice.

Overnight at Nghia Lo Homestay (private bed, shared common room)

Day 2 · Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai (immerse into the nature, rice terraces, Thai, Dao, Dzay culture)

1. 1

   Mu Cang Chai

   2 hours

   Enjoy breakfast, then visit a local market in Nghia Lo before transferring to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is well-known for its marvelous rice terraces, widely considered among 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 a hilly region populated by the Dao ethnic group on the hills. Stop for a chance to take photos and meet the local people along the way.

2. 2

   Tu Le Valley

   one hour

   Arrive in Tu Le, where you will walk through the valley where Thai people live in houses on stilts. Enjoy some unusual encounters that allow you to immerse yourself in the authentic local life and the mesmerizing rice fields.

3. 3

   Khau Pha Pass

   one hour

   In the afternoon, continue to Khau Pha Pass, which offers a splendid panoramic view of the valley of rice terraces.

4. 4

   La Pan Tan

   3 hours

   Then, the car will take you to La Pan Tan, a legendary route for photographers. You will admire the gorgeous rice terrace masterpieces created by Hmong peasant artists from generation to generation. Enjoy the majestic landscape and follow the route from La Pan Tan to Mam Xoi. At the end of the day, check into your accommodation.

   Note: For more interaction with local people and an authentic experience, we invite you to stay at a homestay equipped with basic amenities: clean mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, blankets, an outside WC, and a hot water shower. Hotel services are also available; please contact us for good advice.

Overnight at Mu Cang Chai homestay (private bed, shared common room)

Day 3 · Mu Cang Chai - Lai Chau - Sapa

1. 1

   Stop 1

   5 hours

   After breakfast, transfer to Than Uyen, one of the Thai rice valleys. The splendid landscape of rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai will accompany you along the way to Than Uyen. Before turning right toward Sapa, we will make a stop to visit Na Tam Village, where the Laotian and Lu people live. This area offers a beautiful, tranquil landscape. Traditionally, the local women are distinguished by their black teeth and indigo-colored clothing, encrusted with silver pieces. Take a leisurely walk to explore the village and meet the locals.

2. 2

   O Quy Ho Mountain Pass

   2 hours

   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, stretching 54 km in length and reaching 2,047 m 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 if it is not the foggy day.

3. 3

   Sapa

   one hour

   Arrive in Sapa, a town discovered by the French in 1903, in the afternoon. With its temperate climate, Sapa became a popular destination for holidaymakers due to its beautiful rice valley, splendid mountain range, and the diversity of minority tribes, including the Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Dzay ethnic groups.

Overnight at Sapa Elegance Hotel, 3 star, Deluxe Double Room

Day 4 · Sapa - Bac Ha (stunning hiking route in Muong Hoa valley, visit H'mong village)

1. 1

   Y Linh Ho

   3 hours

   8:00 AM: Meet your tour guide and enjoy a 5 km 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 amid 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 fewer tourists. For those looking for an easier trek, embark on a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River.

2. 2

   Lao Chai

   one hour

   Head directly to Lao Chai village and follow a small path winding through the rice fields to reach a charming hamlet. Here, you'll have the chance to meet a grandmother who is the last craftsman in the community, using beeswax in the traditional way to decorate the unique indigo clothing of the Hmong people. It's also a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in their daily life and vibrant culture.

3. 3

   Ta Van Village

   one hour

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

4. 4

   Bac Ha

   3 hours

   Have lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer back to Bac Ha via Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu, enjoying stunning views of the mountains, river, and hydropower lakes along the way. Located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Bac Ha is home to several ethnic groups, including the colorful Hmong, Phu La, and Tay. The Bac Ha region is well known for its vibrant weekly markets, set against a backdrop of wild and beautiful scenery. These markets have served as a hub not only for trade but also for cultural exchange among ethnic groups for centuries.

   Note: Good trekking shoes are recommended. If you arrive in Bac Ha early, you may take a short walking tour around town.

Overnight at Huy Trung's homestay (Private Double Room)

Day 5 · Bac Ha - Hanoi (visit a typical ethnic market, explore Bac Ha)

1. 1

   Bac Ha Market

   4 hours

   7:00 AM: Begin your exploration of Bac Ha by visiting a vibrant ethnic market. Depending on the day, you can visit Bac Ha Market (Sundays), Coc Ly Market (Tuesdays), Sin Cheng Market (Wednesdays), Lung Phinh Market (Fridays), or Can Cau Market (Saturdays). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, browsing a variety of goods, including vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups.

   Please note: The market is liveliest early in the morning and begins to wind down by 10:00 AM. To fully experience it, it’s best to arrive early.

2. 2

   Bac Ha

   4 hours

   After visiting the market, take a walk through idyllic ethnic villages, characteristic of the Bac Ha landscape. These villages are interspersed with cornfields, cassava-covered hills, and traditional clay houses. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque plum gardens, where H’mong women in their colorful dresses add to the charm of the scenery.

   Return to town for lunch before transferring to Hanoi. Check in to your hotel around 6:00 PM.