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- Secrets of the north-west Vietnam
Itinerary in brief
- Location VIETNAM
- Duration 15 days/14 nights
- Type Private
Day 1 : Hanoi arrival - sightseeing ( D) |
Day 2 : Hanoi - Hoa Binh - Mai Chau (L,D) |
Day 3 : Mai Chau - Moc Chau (B,L,D) |
Day 4 : Moc Chau - Son La - Tuan Giao - Dien Bien Phu (B,L,D) |
Day 5 : Dien Bien - Sin Ho (B,L,D) |
Day 6 : Sin Ho - Lai Chau - Muong Hum(B,L,D) |
Day 7 : Muong Hum - Yty - Lao Cai - Bac Ha (B,L,D) |
Day 8 : Bac Ha - Ethnic Market (On Sunday) - Sapa (B,L,D) |
Day 9 : Sapa - Walks & Visits (B,L,D) |
Day 10 : Sapa - Than Uyen - Mu Cang Chai(B,L,D) |
Day 11 : Mu Cang Chai - Tu Le - Nghia Lo (B,L,D) |
Day 12 : Mu Cang Chai - Thac Ba Lake - Thac Ba Village (B,L,D) |
Day 13 : Thac Ba– Hanoi (B,L,D) |
Day 14 : Hanoi - Halong Bay / Cruise, Walks &Discoverings (B,L,D) |
Day 15 : Halong Bay - Cruise - Departure (B,L) |
Tour Photos
Activities Highlights
- Spend 15 days in one of the most beautiful places of Indochina, Northwest Vietnam
- Enjoy stunning landscapes and some of the most beautiful grown rice terraces
- Contemplate & take the wonderful pictures on the enchanting & authentic landscapes of the Northern Vietnam
- Trekking in the ethnic villages and meet the local people
- Walk around the colorful ethnic markets and see how the minorities exchange their products
- Take the cruise on Halong Bay, World's Heritage
- Taste the delicious local dishes made from the regional ingredients
Program in details (15 Day)
1
Hanoi arrival - sightseeing ( D)
Arrival at the airport, reception by our team of English-speaking guide and local driver then direct transfer in the City center of Hanoi. Rooms are only available at about 2:00 pm
In function your arrival time, you begin to make the first discoveries in Hanoi City, getting off the beaten track sites : a stroll towards the local market of Dong Xuan to see life livened up of the storekeepers, to be continued towards the Bridge Paul Doumer builds by Gustave Eiffel's staff during the French time, the right place to take photos and to admire the landscapes on the Red River.
Visit of the old citadel of Ha Noi, Hoang Thanh, with the door of the South, a big proof on the history of the Country and then, visit the legendary central lake of Hoan Kiem with the jade temple. Have welcome-dinner at a local restaurant the typical dishes of Hanoi.
2
Hanoi - Hoa Binh - Mai Chau (L,D)
Departure for a loop in the mountain of High Tonkin of Vietnam, via at first by the region of Hoa Binh, considered as the door toward the Northwest.
After 2 hours of road, we go downfall to the Black River's dam for a boat trip in the second Ha Long Bay on the ground, in the middle of the magic and authentic landscapes.
We go to meet Muongs by the lake, they invite us at their home, houses on piles, with all their hospitality, they will smoke the water pipe and will tell us the customs of their people.
Lunch on-the-spot, then we continue our road to May Chau, an attractive valley lined with rice fields, country of the Thai whites. In the evening: the villagers organize a party to welcome us: after the dinner prepared by the women Thai, we are invited to participate in the folk dance show of five ethnic groups and to taste the local wine (glutinous rice fermented with roots of medicinal herbs).
Spend a night to Thai in their on piles house.
3
Mai Chau - Moc Chau (B,L,D)
After the Thai breakfast, trail round in the valley of Mai Chau to see the central market and the ethnic villages of Ban Van, we take the road towards Moc Chau.
Arrived at the village of Hua Tat, we lunch at the inhabitant's and then bare stroll of this H'mong village - we shall have the first notions of H'mong by visiting their villages.
Their hospitality and their sincerity are expressed with the alcohol made of rice! A stop at Moc Chau makes us admire the vastest tea plantation of Vietnam.
Dinner and at night at the H'mong inhabitant - village of Hua Tat
4
Moc Chau - Son La - Tuan Giao - Dien Bien Phu (B,L,D)
Après-midi, nous arrivons à Dien Bien Phu, situé dans une belle vallée entourée de montagnes, c’est aussi au cœur du pays des Thai Noirs.
On the way towards Dien Bien Phu, visit the former prison built in the French colonial time. Continuing to Son La and then heading to Tuan Giao for a visit of the central market of Thuan Chau where we meet not only Thai Blacks, but an H’mong Whites who come there to make trade, H’mong Whites women wear colored suits: the shirt in the green sleeve and especially the sharp hat decorated by the red pompoms.
By crossing Pha Din, the longest pass of Vietnam with 32 km, we admire the magnificent of nature. At the end of the pass, we visit a multi-ethnic primary school at Tuan Giao before lunch at the local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Dien Bien Phu, situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, it is also at the heart of the Thai Blacks country. Dinner and night at the hotel.
5
Dien Bien - Sin Ho (B,L,D)
In the morning, you will be free for your personal discoveries.
In the afternoon, we continue towards Sin Ho through the villages of the Thai Blacks with beautiful houses on piles and in slate roofs.
We also visit by the roadside the villages of Kh'mu belonging to the linguistic group of Mon-Khmer, this ethnic group is the neighbor of the Laotians but the costume of the women is identical to that of the Black Thai, the difference shows itself by jewels. Arrived at Sin Ho at sunset. At night in local inn.
6
Sin Ho - Lai Chau - Muong Hum(B,L,D)
Early, a big party takes place to the multiethnic Market of SIN HO if it is on Sunday (every on Sunday mornings): Thai Whites, Dzay (or Nhang), Lü, H’Mong Red, Yao Red, Man "with Board", Man "with Horns" (Man is another name of Yaos) come there to exchange their agricultural products and craft, especially the indigo which serves to dye clothes. The spectacular party enchants us till noon. A stroll and a visit to a village of Dzao in the village of Ta Phin then on the road to go towards Lai Chau and Muong Hum.
Have lunch at the local restaurant in town on Lai Chau after the visit to the village of Ban Hon with Lu.
In the afternoon, we cross the road Pass which peaks at more than 2000 meters in height - O Quy Ho (or Tram Ton - one of the 4 highest Pass of Vietnam).
Stop and visit the Thac Ba waterfall and we follow the inter-district road to reach the village of Muong Hum via attractive outside rice fields. Arrived at Muong Hum in the end of the afternoon.
Dinner and at night at the inhabitant to Muong Hum.
7
Muong Hum - Yty - Lao Cai - Bac Ha (B,L,D)
In the morning, walks in ethnic villages and visit of the village of Lao Chai to Yty with Ha Nhi living in their typical house made of cob.
Continuing on road to Lao Cai for the lunch at the local restaurant.
Visits of this city and the border door with China before rising on the Pass of Bac Ha to go on the district bearing the same name. A stroll in the village of Ban Pho to see the ethnic groups of H'mong. Dinner and night at the inhabitant at Bac Ha.
8
Bac Ha - Ethnic Market (On Sunday) - Sapa (B,L,D)
In the morning, following the walkings of ethnic groups to go to visit the ethnic market - a carnival of Bac Ha (Every Sunday morning) with the presence of ethnic groups: Tay, aFlower H’Mong, H’Mong Blue, Nung and Phu La.
Road to Sapa with a lunch in the village of Trung Do after a cruise on the Chay's River.
Arrived in Sapa, trails round in town the walks round in Cat Cat's village to see H'mong Black.
Dinner and night at the hotel in Sapa.
9
Sapa - Walks & Visits (B,L,D)
After breakfast in the hotel, one day of walking towards the beautiful villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, then Giang Ta Chai = 6 hours of walking. Lunch at the inhabitant's then back to Sapa by vehicle. Dinner in the local restaurant and night in Sapa.
10
Sapa - Than Uyen - Mu Cang Chai(B,L,D)
In the morning, on the road towards Than Uyen then Mu Cang Chai going back by the Pass of O Quy Ho with stops at the ethnic villages along the road and have lunch to Than Uyen.
Continuing in the road for Mu Cang Chai then walks in the village of Thai.
Dinner and night at inhabitant in Mu Cang Chai.
11
Mu Cang Chai - Tu Le - Nghia Lo (B,L,D)
In the morning, we take a walk towards the places where are the most beautiful rice fields terrace: visit of the villages of La Pan Tan and Che Cu Nha before rising on the Pass of Khau Pha - One of the 4 highest Passes of Vietnam.
Pause for visiting and taking photos at the unforgettable places of the region of NorthWest Vietnam. Have lunch of local specialties in the town of Tu Le.
Heading to Nghia Lo then direct transfer to the village of Muong Lo for night and dinner at the inhabitant. Night to Nghia Lo.
12
Mu Cang Chai - Thac Ba Lake - Thac Ba Village (B,L,D)
In the morning, on the road towards Yen Bai then to the lake of Thac Ba with stop-visits and photos along the road.
Have lunch in Yen Bai then heading up to the village of Thac Ba and bare strolls of these ethnic groups to discover their lifestyle. Dinner and night at inhabitant - ethnic group Dzao with black teeth.
13
Thac Ba– Hanoi (B,L,D)
In the morning, we cruise for 5 hours through islands to meet small villages where live Tay and Yao. More than 300 islands and islets of red ground - some being covered with herbs and bushes, and some other with forests - emerge from these waters.
Have lunch at inhabitant's and then say goodbye to the family before heading back to Hanoi.
Arrived at Hanoi after approximately 4 hours of road. Direct transfer to the hotel in Hanoi.
Dinner at the local restaurant and night in Hanoi.
14
Hanoi - Halong Bay / Cruise, Walks &Discoverings (B,L,D)
Arrived at the landing stage of Halong at 12:30 am, boarding on the Superior Junk for the 24 hours cruise on Halong Bay, classified World's heritage.
Visit of the natural caves during the cruise, rest walks on beaches and bathing are planned during the cruise. Meal on board with shellfish of the day. Dinner night on board in a Private Cabin.
(Activities: swimming, fishing squids ...).
15
Halong Bay - Cruise - Departure (B,L)
In the morning, the practice of Taïchi for those who want on the upper deck of Junk at about 06:45 am (it depends on the season).
Light breakfast at the restaurant on board then continuing the cruise towards the other Bays: Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long to admire the magnificent landscapes and the different islands.
Brunch at about 11:00 am on board before the landing at about 12:00 am.
Taken back by the driver and return on Hanoi by the road crossing by Tonkin
A stopover visits of the old Phat Tich Pagoda, a quiet and magnificent site nestled in a beautiful landscape.
What's your choice for ?
Groupe de participants |
Prix (USD/ personne) |
Included
- Accommodations in the hotels as mentioned in the program
- Nights in the inhabitant's as mentioned
- Private vehicle, air-conditioned + competent driver for the transfer on land
- English-speaking guides during the trip as mentioned
- Boat trips as mentioned
- All entrance rights to the sites for the guided days
- Meal mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
Program in details (15 Day)
1
Hanoi arrival - sightseeing ( D)
Arrival at the airport, reception by our team of English-speaking guide and local driver then direct transfer in the City center of Hanoi. Rooms are only available at about 2:00 pm
In function your arrival time, you begin to make the first discoveries in Hanoi City, getting off the beaten track sites : a stroll towards the local market of Dong Xuan to see life livened up of the storekeepers, to be continued towards the Bridge Paul Doumer builds by Gustave Eiffel's staff during the French time, the right place to take photos and to admire the landscapes on the Red River.
Visit of the old citadel of Ha Noi, Hoang Thanh, with the door of the South, a big proof on the history of the Country and then, visit the legendary central lake of Hoan Kiem with the jade temple. Have welcome-dinner at a local restaurant the typical dishes of Hanoi.
2
Hanoi - Hoa Binh - Mai Chau (L,D)
Departure for a loop in the mountain of High Tonkin of Vietnam, via at first by the region of Hoa Binh, considered as the door toward the Northwest.
After 2 hours of road, we go downfall to the Black River's dam for a boat trip in the second Ha Long Bay on the ground, in the middle of the magic and authentic landscapes.
We go to meet Muongs by the lake, they invite us at their home, houses on piles, with all their hospitality, they will smoke the water pipe and will tell us the customs of their people.
Lunch on-the-spot, then we continue our road to May Chau, an attractive valley lined with rice fields, country of the Thai whites. In the evening: the villagers organize a party to welcome us: after the dinner prepared by the women Thai, we are invited to participate in the folk dance show of five ethnic groups and to taste the local wine (glutinous rice fermented with roots of medicinal herbs).
Spend a night to Thai in their on piles house.
3
Mai Chau - Moc Chau (B,L,D)
After the Thai breakfast, trail round in the valley of Mai Chau to see the central market and the ethnic villages of Ban Van, we take the road towards Moc Chau.
Arrived at the village of Hua Tat, we lunch at the inhabitant's and then bare stroll of this H'mong village - we shall have the first notions of H'mong by visiting their villages.
Their hospitality and their sincerity are expressed with the alcohol made of rice! A stop at Moc Chau makes us admire the vastest tea plantation of Vietnam.
Dinner and at night at the H'mong inhabitant - village of Hua Tat
4
Moc Chau - Son La - Tuan Giao - Dien Bien Phu (B,L,D)
Après-midi, nous arrivons à Dien Bien Phu, situé dans une belle vallée entourée de montagnes, c’est aussi au cœur du pays des Thai Noirs.
On the way towards Dien Bien Phu, visit the former prison built in the French colonial time. Continuing to Son La and then heading to Tuan Giao for a visit of the central market of Thuan Chau where we meet not only Thai Blacks, but an H’mong Whites who come there to make trade, H’mong Whites women wear colored suits: the shirt in the green sleeve and especially the sharp hat decorated by the red pompoms.
By crossing Pha Din, the longest pass of Vietnam with 32 km, we admire the magnificent of nature. At the end of the pass, we visit a multi-ethnic primary school at Tuan Giao before lunch at the local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we arrive at Dien Bien Phu, situated in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, it is also at the heart of the Thai Blacks country. Dinner and night at the hotel.
5
Dien Bien - Sin Ho (B,L,D)
In the morning, you will be free for your personal discoveries.
In the afternoon, we continue towards Sin Ho through the villages of the Thai Blacks with beautiful houses on piles and in slate roofs.
We also visit by the roadside the villages of Kh'mu belonging to the linguistic group of Mon-Khmer, this ethnic group is the neighbor of the Laotians but the costume of the women is identical to that of the Black Thai, the difference shows itself by jewels. Arrived at Sin Ho at sunset. At night in local inn.
6
Sin Ho - Lai Chau - Muong Hum(B,L,D)
Early, a big party takes place to the multiethnic Market of SIN HO if it is on Sunday (every on Sunday mornings): Thai Whites, Dzay (or Nhang), Lü, H’Mong Red, Yao Red, Man "with Board", Man "with Horns" (Man is another name of Yaos) come there to exchange their agricultural products and craft, especially the indigo which serves to dye clothes. The spectacular party enchants us till noon. A stroll and a visit to a village of Dzao in the village of Ta Phin then on the road to go towards Lai Chau and Muong Hum.
Have lunch at the local restaurant in town on Lai Chau after the visit to the village of Ban Hon with Lu.
In the afternoon, we cross the road Pass which peaks at more than 2000 meters in height - O Quy Ho (or Tram Ton - one of the 4 highest Pass of Vietnam).
Stop and visit the Thac Ba waterfall and we follow the inter-district road to reach the village of Muong Hum via attractive outside rice fields. Arrived at Muong Hum in the end of the afternoon.
Dinner and at night at the inhabitant to Muong Hum.
7
Muong Hum - Yty - Lao Cai - Bac Ha (B,L,D)
In the morning, walks in ethnic villages and visit of the village of Lao Chai to Yty with Ha Nhi living in their typical house made of cob.
Continuing on road to Lao Cai for the lunch at the local restaurant.
Visits of this city and the border door with China before rising on the Pass of Bac Ha to go on the district bearing the same name. A stroll in the village of Ban Pho to see the ethnic groups of H'mong. Dinner and night at the inhabitant at Bac Ha.
8
Bac Ha - Ethnic Market (On Sunday) - Sapa (B,L,D)
In the morning, following the walkings of ethnic groups to go to visit the ethnic market - a carnival of Bac Ha (Every Sunday morning) with the presence of ethnic groups: Tay, aFlower H’Mong, H’Mong Blue, Nung and Phu La.
Road to Sapa with a lunch in the village of Trung Do after a cruise on the Chay's River.
Arrived in Sapa, trails round in town the walks round in Cat Cat's village to see H'mong Black.
Dinner and night at the hotel in Sapa.
9
Sapa - Walks & Visits (B,L,D)
After breakfast in the hotel, one day of walking towards the beautiful villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van, then Giang Ta Chai = 6 hours of walking. Lunch at the inhabitant's then back to Sapa by vehicle. Dinner in the local restaurant and night in Sapa.
10
Sapa - Than Uyen - Mu Cang Chai(B,L,D)
In the morning, on the road towards Than Uyen then Mu Cang Chai going back by the Pass of O Quy Ho with stops at the ethnic villages along the road and have lunch to Than Uyen.
Continuing in the road for Mu Cang Chai then walks in the village of Thai.
Dinner and night at inhabitant in Mu Cang Chai.
11
Mu Cang Chai - Tu Le - Nghia Lo (B,L,D)
In the morning, we take a walk towards the places where are the most beautiful rice fields terrace: visit of the villages of La Pan Tan and Che Cu Nha before rising on the Pass of Khau Pha - One of the 4 highest Passes of Vietnam.
Pause for visiting and taking photos at the unforgettable places of the region of NorthWest Vietnam. Have lunch of local specialties in the town of Tu Le.
Heading to Nghia Lo then direct transfer to the village of Muong Lo for night and dinner at the inhabitant. Night to Nghia Lo.
12
Mu Cang Chai - Thac Ba Lake - Thac Ba Village (B,L,D)
In the morning, on the road towards Yen Bai then to the lake of Thac Ba with stop-visits and photos along the road.
Have lunch in Yen Bai then heading up to the village of Thac Ba and bare strolls of these ethnic groups to discover their lifestyle. Dinner and night at inhabitant - ethnic group Dzao with black teeth.
13
Thac Ba– Hanoi (B,L,D)
In the morning, we cruise for 5 hours through islands to meet small villages where live Tay and Yao. More than 300 islands and islets of red ground - some being covered with herbs and bushes, and some other with forests - emerge from these waters.
Have lunch at inhabitant's and then say goodbye to the family before heading back to Hanoi.
Arrived at Hanoi after approximately 4 hours of road. Direct transfer to the hotel in Hanoi.
Dinner at the local restaurant and night in Hanoi.
14
Hanoi - Halong Bay / Cruise, Walks &Discoverings (B,L,D)
Arrived at the landing stage of Halong at 12:30 am, boarding on the Superior Junk for the 24 hours cruise on Halong Bay, classified World's heritage.
Visit of the natural caves during the cruise, rest walks on beaches and bathing are planned during the cruise. Meal on board with shellfish of the day. Dinner night on board in a Private Cabin.
(Activities: swimming, fishing squids ...).
15
Halong Bay - Cruise - Departure (B,L)
In the morning, the practice of Taïchi for those who want on the upper deck of Junk at about 06:45 am (it depends on the season).
Light breakfast at the restaurant on board then continuing the cruise towards the other Bays: Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long to admire the magnificent landscapes and the different islands.
Brunch at about 11:00 am on board before the landing at about 12:00 am.
Taken back by the driver and return on Hanoi by the road crossing by Tonkin
A stopover visits of the old Phat Tich Pagoda, a quiet and magnificent site nestled in a beautiful landscape.
What's your choice for ?
Groupe de participants |
Prix (USD/ personne) |
Included
- Accommodations in the hotels as mentioned in the program
- Nights in the inhabitant's as mentioned
- Private vehicle, air-conditioned + competent driver for the transfer on land
- English-speaking guides during the trip as mentioned
- Boat trips as mentioned
- All entrance rights to the sites for the guided days
- Meal mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).