Active Expedition to Northwestern mountains

Highlights

- Beautiful hikes through the northern part of Vietnam
- Meetings with the different minorities of North Vietnam
- The off-the-beaten-path route of this beautiful adventure circuit

Description:

This soft active tour takes you through the highlights and must-see of the Northwest loop. However, it is enriched with more explore, and trekking, suitable for active travelers.

You will also wander off the beaten trails to immerse in the land of Thai people and green tea in Moc Chau. Moreover, you will not only stay at hotels but use special accommodation, homestay and ecolodge to gain a truly adventurous experience.

Day 1: Hanoi – Lao cai

In the evening, transfer to the train station for an overnight train to Lao Cai. Overnight on train.

Day 2: Lao Cai – Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van

Arrival in Lao Cai, breakfast in town, and transfer to Sapa. Visit local market and the town.
Lunch at local restaurant.

Then travel by car to the Muong Hoa valley. From here you will start hiking in the valley, the largest rice terraced formations around Sapa. The guide will provide you with some fascinating facts about rice.

If you visit the valley between May and October you will be able to observe and experience how locals plant and harvest it. This hiking trail takes you from Lao Chai village (Black Hmong) to Ta Van village (Giay minority) where you will pay a visit to the local church.

Dinner and accommodation in Ta Van village.

Day 3: Sapa – Tam Duong – Lai Chau

Early transfer to Tam Duong driving through the highest road in Vietnam, the Heaven’s Gate and O Quy Ho pass, a magnificent point from where you will enjoy enchanting landscape. Visit Ta Giang Phin village, inhabited by Hmong ethnic minority, nestled in a peaceful valley less visited by tourists.

Upon arrival in Tam Duong, head up to the mountain to visit another charming Dao village, namely Sin Thau Chai.

Lunch en route. Dinner and accommodation in Lai Chau.

Day 4: Lai Chau - Paso – Muong Lay – Dien Bien Phu

After breakfast, you will explore the hidden valleys inhabited by Lu and Nhang ethnic minorities. People from these minorities are famous for their skills of embroidery.

Departure to Pa So, Muong Lay then Dien Bien Phu. From here to Dien Bien Phu the scenery is very picturesque and mountainous along the beautiful valley inhabited by some ethnic minorities.

Arrive in Dien Bien Phu in the afternoon. Visit the Dien Bien Phu Museum, the notorious hill A-1 battlefield, the former French command post and the trophy tank.

Dinner and accommodation.

Day 5: Dien Bien Phu – Son La – Moc Chau

Make a visit to Muong Phang valley, which used to be the commanding post from where General Giap leaded his army to Dien Bien Phu victory.

Drive to Son La. Lunch at local restaurant.

Continue to Moc Chau Plateau, arrive at a White Thai ethnic minority village where you will be staying in a traditional charming wooden house on stilts.

Dinner and overnight at homestay in Moc Chau.

Day 6: Moc Chau – Mai Chau

Take a soft trek from the passing the corn, rice field, tea hills or gardens of plum, peach. Slow down to really feel the local life of Thai, Hmong people or lend a helping hand for their rudimentary tasks.

Lunch at local house and check-out. Continue to Mai Chau.

Check-in at a beautiful ecolodge, time at leisure.
Dinner and accommodation at the ecolodge.

Day 7: Mai Chau – Hanoi

After breakfast, bid farewell to local host.

Explore Mai Chau by bicycle or by foot, another scenic valley inhabited by the Thai and Muong ethnic minorities. Have lunch at a local house.

Take some time wandering around the villages of Lac and Poom Coong buying souvenirs made by skillful local artisans.

Drive back to Hanoi (135 km, 3.5 hours).
Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon.

All our tours are customizable.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to discover Vietnam

Included:

- Transportation in air-conditioned car / minibus / coach
- Transportation from/to your accommodation
- All entrance fees to visits
- Guide
- Double room with air conditioning in selected or similar rooms
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Not included:

- Personal expenses
- Gratuity

Useful information:

- Please contact us by email via the contact form if you wish to get more information about this tour