Northwest Vietnam Adventure Expedition – Highlight Hill Tribe Villages & Ethnic Markets – 15 Days/ 14 Nights

Itinerary

Embark on the Northwest Vietnam Adventure Expedition, a captivating journey through the remote landscapes of Northeast and Northwest Vietnam. This 15-day exploration unfolds in the provinces of Hoa Binh, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, and Bac Kan. Traverse the hidden corners of the region, venturing into the heart of hill tribe villages inhabited by an array of ethnic groups, including the H’mong (Blue Hmong, Black Hmong, Red Hmong, White Hmong, and Flower Hmong), the Dzao (Red Dzao, Black Dzao, and Dzao Tien), the Tay, Dzay, the Nung, Pho Xa, Lolo, Bo Y, and Lolo (Red Lolo, Black Lolo), Xa Pho ethnic minorities.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of authentic ethnic markets such as Sin Ho Market, Sin Cheng Market, Dong Van Market, and Meo Vac Market. The itinerary is meticulously crafted to align with the market days, ensuring a colorful and genuine experience. Note that most ethnic markets in Northern Vietnam operate only one day a week, typically in the early morning.

This comprehensive tour caters to photography enthusiasts, covering a spectrum of subjects, including landscape and portrait photography. Capture the essence of these remote regions and their diverse ethnic cultures on this unforgettable adventure.

BRIEF ITINERARY:

Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau

Day 2:Mai Chau – Son La.

Day 3: Son La –  Dien Bien Phu.

Day 4: Dien Bien Phu – Muong Lay – Sin Ho

Day 5: Sin Ho Market – Sapa Town

Day 6: Sapa – Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van

Day 7: Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Su Pan – Sapa – Bac Ha

Day 8: Bac Ha – Sin Cheng Wednesday Market – Bac Ha

Day 9: Bac Ha – Xin Man – Hoang Su Phi

Day 10: Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang – Yen Minh – Quan Ba – Lung Tam – Can Ty – Yen Minh

Day 11: Yen Minh – Pho Cao – Pho Bang – Sung La – Ma Le – Dong Van.

Day 12:Dong van Market – Meo Vac Market – Bao Lac

Day 13: Bao Lac – Cao Bang – Ban Gioc Waterfall – Cao Bang

Day 14: Cao Bang – Ba Be Lake

Day 15: Ba Be Lake – Hanoi

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Hanoi to Mai Chau (Lunch/Dinner)

Embark on your journey to Hoa Binh in the morning. Along the way, make stops to appreciate the breathtaking scenery, first atop the pass and then descending into the magnificent Mai Chau valley. Arrive at the White Thai village of Ban Lac, where your accommodation for the night is a charming traditional stilted house belonging to a local family.

After a delicious lunch in your family home, spend the afternoon exploring the villages and rice fields either on foot or by bike. Return to Pom Coong for dinner and an overnight stay in your welcoming Thai homestay.

Accommodation: Thai Ethnic Homestay

 

 

 

 

Day 2 : Mai Chau to Moc Chau to Son La (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Head towards Son La, traversing several passes separated by the vast Moc Chau Plateau, renowned for its dairy production. Enjoy lunch en route and upon arrival in Son La, visit the French Prison, home to an excellent museum showcasing the Colonial period, archaeology, and local minorities. Dine and spend the night in a Son La hotel.

Accommodation: Son La Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

 

 

 

 

 

Day 3: Son La to Dien Bien Phu (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Embark on the awe-inspiring road journey to Dien Bien Phu. Before reaching Dien Bien, take a lesser-known mountain road leading to the charming Thai village of Muong Phong, General Giap’s headquarters during the historic battle. Continue along the scenic route to Dien Bien, where you’ll dine and spend the night at the A1 Hotel.

Accommodation: A1 Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 4 : Dien Bien Phu to Muong Lay – Sin Ho (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Begin your morning with a visit to the historic battle sites, including the museum, the last stronghold hill, Eliane 2 trenches, the French stele, and General de Castries’ bunker. Following this insightful tour, enjoy lunch in Dien Bien before embarking on the spectacular road journey through the Lai Chau valley.

Drive to Muong Lay and ascend to Sin Ho, a remote town in Vietnam. Revel in the breathtaking landscapes and explore uncharted territories, especially the distinctive minority market held every Sunday.

Dinner and an overnight stay in the remote town of Sin Ho at Thanh Binh Hotel.

Accommodation: Thanh Binh Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

 

Day 5 : Sin Ho Market to Sapa Town (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Dedicate the entire morning to the captivating Sin Ho market. Engage with the local people, immerse yourself in their friendly culture, and observe their traditional costumes. This market remains unexplored by tourists, preserving its authenticity.

The Sin Ho market, known as the most remote ethnic market in Northwest Vietnam, is a melting pot of various hill tribes inhabiting the Sin Ho district. Witness the unique traditional costumes and experience the age-old bartering trade prevalent in the daily lives of the Tay, Dzay, Red Dzao, and Black H’mong.

After the market, continue the journey along the hidden loop to Tam Duong for lunch. Drive along the scenic route to the Heaven Gate, offering a panoramic view of Lai Chau, Sapa, and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, crowned by Fansipan summit at 1343m. Arrive in Sapa in the afternoon, check in at the hotel, and enjoy free time to relax and explore Sapa. Dinner and overnight stay in Sapa.

Accommodation: Sapa Hmong Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

Day 6 : Sapa to Y Linh Ho – Lao Chai – Ta Van (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Commence your morning trip from the hotel, heading to the scenic Muong Hoa valley. Admire the panoramic views of the town and valley from the main road before descending into the valley through small trails amidst terrace rice fields. Reach Y Linh Ho hamlet, a small village of the Black Hmong people.

From Y Linh Ho, follow the river to Lao Chai village, which translates to “old village” in the local dialect. Explore local families, gaining insights into their culture, traditional house construction, clothing-making techniques, and healthcare practices.

At noon, pause for lunch at a local riverside restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, home to the Giay people. Your guide will introduce you to local families, offering opportunities to learn about their lives, enjoy green tea, and understand the cultural distinctions among neighboring hill tribes. Spend the night in a homestay in Ta Van Village.

Accommodation: Homestay in Ta Van

Day 7 – Ta Van to Giang Ta Chai to Su Pan to Sapa to Bac Ha (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Embark on a 4 to 5-hour trek today, unveiling surprises that will captivate your senses with unprecedented sights.

In the early morning, let the sounds of the households stir you awake as you witness the commencement of their daily routines in the embrace of a new day.

Indulge in some expertly crafted pancakes prepared by your skillful tour guide.

Embark on a fresh trek through the enchanting landscapes of Hoang Lien Son National Park, where the vistas unfold, revealing ethnic minority villages that dot the horizon. Explore Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dao minority and continue along the trail to Su Pan Village for a delightful lunch.

Marvel at the magnificent views of Ba Ho valley or visit the local houses of the Tay ethnic group.

After lunch in Sapa town, set out for Bac Ha town. Arrive in Bac Ha in the afternoon and enjoy free time at your leisure. Overnight in Bac Ha.

Accommodation: Sao Mai Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

Day 8 : Bac Ha to Sin Cheng Market to Bac Ha (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Commence the day at 8:30 am from Bac Ha to Sin Cheng market, a journey taking approximately 1.5 hours. This weekly market, open from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, is a hidden gem located 40 km from Bac Ha town in Si Ma Cai district. It remains untouched by modern life, offering a glimpse into a way of living that is rare in today’s world. After exploring the market, return to Bac Ha for lunch and embark on a trek to Ban Pho village, inhabited by the Mong and Tay ethnic minorities. Overnight in Bac Ha.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 9 : Bac Ha to Xin Man to Hoang Su Phi (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

In the morning, journey to Xin Man, a district bordering Lao Cai province and China, known for its status as one of the poorest districts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and on the way to Hoang Su Phi, discover the remarkable terraced landscapes of the area. Visit Ho Thau commune inhabited by the Dao ethnic minority. Continue to explore Ban May, Ban Phung, and Ban Diu to witness locals adorned in traditional costumes working on terrace fields. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Hoang Su Phi.

Accommodation: Hotel Hoang Su Phi
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

 

 

 

 

 

Day 10 : Hoang Su Phi to Ha Giang to Yen Minh to Quan Ba to Lung Tam to Can Ty to Yen Minh (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Embark on a morning journey from Hoang Su Phi to Ha Giang, making a stopover in Yen Minh for lunch and exploration. Continue the ascent to Quan Ba Double Mountain, visiting the charming communes of Lung Tam and Can Ty.

In the late afternoon, return to Yen Minh for dinner and an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Ha An Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 11 : Yen Minh to Pho Cao to Pho Bang to Sung La to Me Le to Dong Van (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

In the morning, journey from Yen Minh to Pho Cao, trekking to the villages of Dao, Man, and Ta Pan Dao. Along this route, explore Lo Lo ethnic minority villages in Sung La commune and the Hmong Hoa’s town of Pho Bang. After these enriching visits, drive on to Pho Cao, Sung La, and Me Le. This area is inhabited by the Dao ethnic people and surrounded by breathtakingly remote forested mountains. Arrive in Dong Van in the late afternoon, enjoying a stroll around the Old Quarter of Dong Van.

Accommodation: Hoang Ngoc Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

 

 

 

 

 

Day 12 : Dong Van Market to Meo Vac to Bao Lac (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Rise early for the captivating Sunday market in Dong Van. Capture amazing shots in Dong Van Sunday market, then drive towards Meo Vac Sunday Market and Khau Vai commune.

The market is not just a place for locals in the karst plateau to trade cattle but also a gathering spot for the Mong ethnic minority. Market-goers, particularly those selling cattle, commence their day early, waking around midnight to guide their cows to market. Despite walking long distances, climbing mountains, and crossing streams, they remain tireless, always sporting smiles and cheerfulness. The market features not only cattle but also dogs, goats, and pigs for sale. Experience the vibrant atmosphere, adorned with the echoes of cattle hooves and the lively hues of traditional Mong costumes. Food shops offer traditional Thang co (stewed meat soup) and fragrant maize wine. In the midafternoon, drive to Bao Lac, visiting Hmong villages along the way. Overnight in Bao Lac.

Accommodation: Thao Nguyen Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

Day 13 : Bao Lac to Cao Bang to Ban Gioc Waterfall (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Commence your morning with breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive through three enchanting mountain passes. Revel in the spectacular landscapes as the road winds along the mountainsides. A local restaurant will be the setting for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, venture to Ban Gioc Waterfall, situated on the China-Vietnam border, approximately 85km from Cao Bang. This majestic cascade stands as one of Asia’s largest waterfalls. Continue your exploration of Cao Bang with a visit to Nguom Ngao cave, showcasing captivating stalactite formations.

After exploring Nguom Ngao cave, arrive in Cao Bang town, check into your hotel, and spend the night in Cao Bang.

Accommodation: Hoang Anh Hotel
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

 

 

 

Day 14 : Cao Bang to Ba Be Lake (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Embark on a morning journey through Ma Phuc Pass, leading to Ba Be National Park. Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Nang River, offering opportunities to explore the expansive Ba Be Lake, Puong Grotto caves, Dau Dang waterfall rapids, and Widow Island. Visit the stilt houses of the Tay community in Bo Lu Village, where you’ll spend the night in a homestay.

Accommodation: Duy Tho Homestay
Room Type: Superior Room – Double/Twin Sharing

 

 

 

 

 

Day 15 : Ba Be Lake to Hanoi (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Stroll along the riverfront, visit villages, and hike the upper reaches of the lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and mountains. Traverse the captivating “Dog Flower Pass” and capture amazing photos of terraced fields. After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the Thai Nguyen Minority and Culture Museum to gain insights into the diverse cultures and traditions of Vietnam’s minority groups. Journey back to Hanoi, arriving around 5 pm, marking the end of the expedition.

The above itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to your preferences. Contact us for personalized ideas and the best quotation.

 

INCLUDED:

• Entrance Fees: Admission to scenic spots listed in the itinerary.
• Meals: All specified meals featuring authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
• Private Transfers: Comfortable A/C vehicles (7 ~ 16 seats) with skilled drivers throughout the trip as per the itinerary.
• Excellent English-speaking Guide: Knowledgeable guide accompanying you in each region throughout the journey.
• Hotels: Accommodations based on double/twin sharing with air-conditioned rooms and private facilities, unless otherwise specified.
• Market Admissions: Fees covered for Sin Ho Ethnic Market, Dong Van Ethnic Market, Meo Vac Ethnic Market, and Sin Cheng Ethnic Market.
• Ban Gioc Waterfalls Admission Fees:
• Border Crossing Fees: Admission fees for crossing the borders between Lao Cai, Cao Bang – China borders.
• Ethnic Minorities and Hill Tribes Villages Admission Fees:
• Boat Trip in Ba Be Lake:
• Daily Mineral Water Bottle:
• Service Charge & Government Taxes:

EXCLUDED:

• Excess Baggage Charges:
  • Passengers holding an adult or half fare ticket are entitled to a free baggage allowance of 20kg for economy class. The total weight of carry-on baggage for each passenger may not exceed 5kg, and the size may not exceed 20x40x55cm.
• Personal Expenses:
  • Expenses of a purely personal nature, such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing, or meals not included in the tour itinerary.
• Tip:
• Visa:
• Single Room Supplement:

SPECIAL OFFERED PRICE OF TOUR PACKAGE:

The price is quoted in American USD dollars at the newest exchange rate.

Note:

• This is a cash price. Credit cards incur a 2.5% bank fee.
• This tour is a private tour designed for your group only.

NOTES:

• Flight times, hotels, and other logistics are subject to availability.
• The provided itinerary information is accurate at the time of writing but does not form part of the contract between the client and Green Discovery Indochina.
• Vietnam visa service: Visitors must obtain visa approval before entry. Procedures and fees apply.

Please note that the provided information is accurate as of the knowledge cutoff date in January 2022. For the most up-to-date and specific details regarding visa requirements and procedures for Vietnam, including the current visa application process, fees, and any changes in regulations, it is strongly recommended to check with the official website of the Embassy or Consulate of Vietnam or contact the relevant authorities directly.

For specific and personalized information, it is advisable to consult with the nearest Vietnamese diplomatic mission or consulate or seek guidance from official government sources.

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Happy travels!