Trip Highlights:
Discover diverse culture, sumptuous landscape and greet warm-hearted ethnic locals in this guided weeklong tour to northwest of Vietnam and you will quickly find Vietnam a pleasure-seeker’s paradise.
- Meet many friendly local ethnic people in Mai Chau
- Visit the beautiful Pha Din Pass in Dien Bien
- Join a wonderful Sapa trekking tour around villages of ethnic tribes
Trip Itineraries:
Day 1
Hanoi arrival. Pick up and transfer to your hotel. Free at the rest of the day. Meals on your own and overnight Hanoi.
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Guide: N/A
- Meals: N/A
- Accommodation: Hotel in Hanoi
Day 2
In the morning, take a 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi to Mai Chau in Hoa Binh province (150km northwest of Hanoi) through many soaring mountains, fertile valleys and traditional villages. After lunch, enjoy free time until dinner to explore the idyllic natural surroundings. Overnight in a traditional stilt-house of Thai people which consists of comfortable curtained-off sleeping areas in one long room with all bedding and mosquito nets.
Optional: This evening enjoys a traditional Thai performance of music and dance. The Thai ethnic group has inhabited this area for centuries and much of their lifestyle and traditions have remained unchanged over the years – extra charge
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Hotel accommodation: Homestay with local people
Day 3
Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the homestay before driving up north to Son La. On the way, stop to visit villages of various tribes including H’mong, Thai, Muong and Dzao. There are also many orchards and tea farms in Moc Chau plateau – Vietnam’s premier tea-growing region. After travelling for about 200km, you will reach Son La for a late lunch. Continue to follow winding mountain roads to capture great views, especially of Pha Din Pass (which means Heaven-Earth). Arrive in Dien Bien Phu, check in your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Dien Bien Phu.
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Hotel accommodation: Mini hotel in Dien Bien Phu
Day 4
Today, you will visit Dien Bien Phu battlefield in the First Indochina War (1954). Fulfill your historical knowledge with trips to Dien Bien Phu Museum, A1 hill and Dien Bien Phu Cemetery. Take a minute’s silence in memory of the heroes who devoted their lives for the victory of the historical Dien Bien Phu Campaign. After lunch, drive down Nam Na River and visit H’mong and Dzao villages on the way. Check in your hotel in Tam Duong. Dinner and overnight in Tam Duong Town.
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Hotel accommodation: Mini hotel in Tam Duong
Day 5
In the morning, transfer from Tam Duong to Sapa following rout 4D – perhaps the most beautiful stretch of road in Vietnam threading the Fansipan Mountain Range and the China border. Climb up Tram Ton pass, the highest pass in Vietnam and enjoy a well-rounded lunch in a local restaurant. Arrive in Sapa at noon. Dinner is on your own and overnight in Sapa.
- Transfer: Private modern AC vehicle
- Local guide: Local English speaking guide
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Hotel accommodation: Hotel in Sapa
