Hanoi - Nghia Lo (explore a green tea plantation, meet Thai & Muong ethnic communities)

Thanh Son - 8:00 AM: Meet the tour guide and driver at the hotel in Hanoi for a transfer to Muong Lo via Thanh Son. Muong Lo is recognized as one of the four key fertile valleys in the Northwest, alongside Muong Thanh in Dien Bien Phu, Muong Tac in Phu Yen, and Muong Than in Than Uyen, primarily inhabited by the Thai ethnic group. The village features numerous houses on wooden stilts, and the Thai people are known for cultivating water rice. Travel along National Road number 32 by the Black River (Da River), a major river in the Northwest.

In Thanh Son, there will be a stop to visit the green tea plantation hill and walk through the stilt-house villages. These villages belong to the Muong ethnic group, considered authentically Vietnamese. The Muong ethnic group is one of the few northern communities that have remained free from Chinese influence.

Nghia Lo - Upon arrival in Nghia Lo, either walk or bike around the Thai village to explore the stunning rice field valleys and hamlets that still maintain traditional stilt houses and meet the welcoming locals.

Note: For a more immersive experience with local people, consider staying at a homestay with basic amenities: clean mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, blankets, an outside WC, and a hot water shower. Hotel services are also available; please contact us for recommendations.

Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai (immerse in nature, rice terraces, Thai, Dao, Dzay culture)

Mu Cang Chai - After breakfast, visit a local market in Nghia Lo before heading to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is renowned for its stunning rice terraces, considered among the most beautiful globally. In 2007, Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh, and La Pan Tan were recognized as outdoor masterpieces on the national heritage list.

Leaving Nghia Lo, cross a hilly region inhabited by the Dao ethnic group. Stop to take photos and meet the local people along the way.

Tu Le Valley - Arrive in Tu Le, where you can walk through the valley where Thai people live in stilt houses. Enjoy unique encounters that allow you to immerse yourself in the authentic local life and the captivating rice fields.

Khau Pha Pass - In the afternoon, continue to Khau Pha Pass, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the rice terrace valley.

La Pan Tan - Then, travel to La Pan Tan, a legendary route for photographers. Admire the stunning rice terrace masterpieces crafted by Hmong peasant artists over generations. Enjoy the majestic landscape and follow the route from La Pan Tan to Mam Xoi. At the end of the day, check into your accommodation.

Note: For a more immersive experience with local people, consider staying at a homestay with basic amenities: clean mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, blankets, an outside WC, and a hot water shower. Hotel services are also available; please contact us for recommendations.

Mu Cang Chai - Lai Chau - Sapa

O Quy Ho Mountain Pass - Meet the driver for a transfer to Sapa, crossing Hoang Lien Son Pass (O Quy Ho Pass). This is the longest and highest pass in Vietnam, stretching 54 km and reaching 2,047 m in height. Stop to relax at the top of the pass and enjoy the magnificent landscape. This is also an excellent spot for photos if the weather is clear.

Sapa - Arrive in Sapa, a town discovered by the French in 1903, in the afternoon. With its temperate climate, Sapa became a popular holiday destination due to its beautiful rice valley, splendid mountain range, and the diversity of minority tribes, including the Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Dzay ethnic groups.

Sapa - Bac Ha (stunning hiking route in Muong Hoa valley, visit H’mong village)

Y Linh Ho - 8:00 AM: Meet the tour guide and enjoy a 5 km scenic transfer to the west of town. Begin a full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village. Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly H’mong ladies and children living in houses nestled in the valley. Relax at the cable bridge amid the harmony and beauty of the surrounding nature. For those who are sporty and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo path with breathtaking views and fewer tourists. For an easier trek, take a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River.

Lao Chai - Head directly to Lao Chai village and follow a small path winding through the rice fields to reach a charming hamlet. Here, meet a grandmother who is the last craftsman in the community, using beeswax in the traditional way to decorate the unique indigo clothing of the Hmong people. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in their daily life and vibrant culture.

Ta Van Village - Continue to Ta Van village, the charming land of the Dzay people, well situated on a hill with amazing views of the river, rice terraces, and the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. As you leisurely walk, meet villagers who will kindly invite you to visit their homes.

Bac Ha - Have lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer back to Bac Ha via Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu, enjoying stunning views of the mountains, river, and hydropower lakes along the way. Located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Bac Ha is home to several ethnic groups, including the colorful Hmong, Phu La, and Tay. The Bac Ha region is well known for its vibrant weekly markets, set against a backdrop of wild and beautiful scenery. These markets have served as a hub not only for trade but also for cultural exchange among ethnic groups for centuries.

Note: Good trekking shoes are recommended. If arriving in Bac Ha early, consider taking a short walking tour around town.

Bac Ha - Hanoi (visit a typical ethnic market, explore Bac Ha)

Bac Ha Market - 7:00 AM: Start exploring Bac Ha by visiting a vibrant ethnic market. Depending on the day, visit Bac Ha Market (Sundays), Coc Ly Market (Tuesdays), Sin Cheng Market (Wednesdays), Lung Phinh Market (Fridays), or Can Cau Market (Saturdays). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, browsing a variety of goods, including vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups.

Please note: The market is liveliest early in the morning and begins to wind down by 10:00 AM. To fully experience it, it’s best to arrive early.

Bac Ha - After visiting the market, take a walk through idyllic ethnic villages, characteristic of the Bac Ha landscape. These villages are interspersed with cornfields, cassava-covered hills, and traditional clay houses. Along the way, pass through picturesque plum gardens, where H’mong women in their colorful dresses add to the charm of the scenery. Return to town for lunch before transferring to Hanoi. Check in to the hotel around 6:00 PM.

• Private transportation following itinerary
• 02 bottle of water per pax per day
• Bicycle in Nghia Lo
• Lunch
• Dinner
• Breakfast
• English speaking tour guide following itinerary
• Service charges and Taxes
• All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary

• International flight from/to your country
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses
• Tipping and Gratuities
• Other not mentioned in the program

Northwest Vietnam is a region where breathtaking mountains, verdant valleys, and diverse ethnic cultures are found. This tour leads visitors to secluded villages, rice fields, and lively mountain markets, providing a genuine insight into local life.

Engage with ethnic groups such as the Muong, Thai, H’mong, Dao, Dzay, Laotian, and Lu, each showcasing distinct traditions. Be amazed by the stunning rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and Sapa, and feel the vibrant atmosphere of Bac Ha’s traditional market.

For a more profound cultural experience, enjoy a homestay with local families.

Optimal visiting time: May–June or July–early October to see the most beautiful rice terraces.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.