Day 1: Hà Nội to Bắc Hà
(Meeting: H’Mong ethnic, Phù Lá ethnic group)
Begin the journey from Hanoi to Bac Ha district in Lao Cai province. Bac Ha is home to the H’Mong ethnic minority, famously known as the White Highlands due to the plum trees blooming in February. Visit the Hoang A Tuong Palace, built by A Tưởng, a H’Mong king in the early 19th century during French colonization. He amassed wealth through poppy cultivation and drug trade, leading to the construction of a grand palace that blends native and French architectural styles. Explore Bac Ha town, browse shops offering handmade souvenirs crafted from brocade, silver, and buffalo horn. Conclude the day in a charming traditional H’Mong Bungalow nestled in a valley with plum and peach gardens. The serene night is filled with the sounds of crickets and night birds. The itinerary is as follows:

• 8:00 AM: Pick up guests at the hotel
• 12:00 PM: Lunch in Bắc Ha town
• 2:00 PM: Check-in at homestay, then explore H’mong village in Na Hối
• 7:00 PM: Dinner
• 8:00 PM: Visit the local night market (on Saturday)

Day 2: Bắc Hà to Nậm Lỳ Retreat
(Meeting: H’Mong ethnic, La Chí ethnic, Black Dao ethnic group)
Visit the traditional local market on Wednesday (Sin Cheng), Friday (Lung Phinh), Saturday (Can Cau), or Sunday (Bac Ha/ Coc Pai). Due to challenging terrain, locals often walk long distances, sometimes taking a day to reach the market. These markets, held once a week, serve as a festival where locals buy, sell, socialize, and find partners. The bustling market operates from 6:00 to 11:00 AM, featuring brocade, handmade silver jewelry, food, and drink stalls. An animal market is also present, selling buffaloes, cows, cats, dogs, chickens, and ducks. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local life.
In the afternoon, arrive at Nậm Lỳ Retreat for a short hike through terraced fields to a stunning waterfall in the valley. Spend the night in a traditional wooden house of the Dao ethnic minority, with rooms overlooking mountains and terraced fields. Witness the waterfall cascading like white threads and the dim lights of stilt houses resembling night stars. The itinerary is as follows:

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast
• 8:30 AM: Visit local market (on Wed-Fri-Sat-Sun)
• 11:30 AM: Visit Ban Phung village
• 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 2:30 PM: Check-in at Nậm Lỳ Retreat
• 3:00 PM: Hike to Lung Dam waterfall and Nung ethnic minority village. Bring extra clothes if you wish to swim. The route is approximately 8 km
• 7:00 PM: Dinner
• 8:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional folklore performance by the Dao ethnic minority for one hour (for groups of 6 or more)

Day 3: Hiking Nậm Lỳ to Suối Thầu (15 km)
(Meeting: Nùng ethnic, Black Dao ethnic group)
Embark on a full-day hike with a local guide, who, though not fluent in English, can communicate effectively using a translation app. Lee Don, a tour operator, will provide additional support. The guide will lead you through trails, terraced fields, waterfalls, and ethnic minority villages, offering fresh and tranquil air. On sunny days, enjoy a swim at the falls. Visit a Dao ethnic minority family in Suoi Thau village to learn about traditional customs, interact with family members, observe Dao women weaving traditional clothes, take photos with elders, and enjoy lunch with the family for an authentic local experience. Note that locals are honest, simple, and friendly farmers; purchasing their handmade souvenirs is encouraged, but gifts or money should not be given.
For those unable to undertake a long hike, a customized 6-hour motorbike trip with a driver is available to visit Nung ethnic minority village in San Xa Ho and Dao ethnic minority village in Suoi Thau (additional fee applies). The itinerary is as follows:

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast
• 8:30 AM: Traverse beautiful rice terraces and follow a scenic stream to villages
• 12:00 PM: Outdoor lunch
• 2:00 PM: Visit Shan Tuyết ancient tea hill
• 5:30 PM: Return to Nậm Lỳ Retreat
• 7:00 PM: Dinner

Day 4: Nậm Lỳ Retreat to Hà Nội
(Meeting: Red Dao ethnic group)
On the return journey to Hanoi, visit the Red Dao ethnic minority village in Làng Giang, a tranquil village with expansive rice fields, ancient stilt houses, and grazing buffaloes. Enjoy an Onsen mineral hot water bath and have lunch here. After lunch, stroll along the village road, visit local families, take photos, and share tea or vodka with them.
On the way back, enjoy a hot cup of coffee prepared by Lee, a tour guide with six years of experience. Lee speaks English well, drives safely, and is knowledgeable about the customs and traditions of the Northwest highlands. He will share fascinating stories throughout the journey. The itinerary is as follows:

• 8:00 AM: Breakfast
• 8:30 AM: Check out
• 10:00 AM: Arrive at Làng Giang village. Take an Onsen mineral hot water bath.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch
• 2:30 PM: Return to Hanoi
• 6:30 PM: Arrive in Hanoi.

• Private transportation
• Housing: Bungalow or Homestay (Family room for group of 3 people)
• Bottled water
• Traditional folk performance for groups of 6 or more
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• Tea and coffee
• Travel insurance

Nậm Lỳ Retreat is situated in the heart of the National Cultural Heritage of Rice Terraces in Hoang Su Phi, Ha Giang, Vietnam. It offers a fantastic setting for observing rice fields, swimming in waterfalls, and trekking to villages of the Dao, H’Mong, and Nung ethnic groups.

Nậm Lỳ Retreat Travel arranges tours for small groups, using private cars that depart from Hanoi daily. Along the journey, participants will visit Đồng Văn, Mèo Vạc, Ban Gioc Waterfall, and Ba Be Lake. This provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the UNESCO Geopark and immerse in the local culture of the Vietnamese Northwest Mountain, including the Dao, H’mong, and Nung ethnic minorities. Participants will experience living like locals, visiting waterfalls, forests, terraces, and ethnic minority villages, meeting locals, and enjoying meals with their families. Good health is required for trekking the steep and lengthy paths. The tour price includes transportation, entrance tickets, a local guide, accommodation, meals, and drinks (excluding alcoholic beverages).

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.