Day 1: Hanoi to Sapa

An early departure from Hanoi by land cruiser transverses rough roads as it winds its way up through the highlands. After a long drive about 12 hours we settle into our hotel in Sapa. SAPA - Escape to the rugged mountain region north of Hanoi inhabited by ethnic groups seemingly a world away from the fast pace of urban life. Located near the Chinese border, Sapa lies at an elevation of 1650 metres and is a former French hill station that has recently grown in popularity as a destination for those seeking adventure among Vietnam's highest mountain ranges. Primarily Vietnamese in character, Sapa comes alive during the weekend market when the local ethnic Hmong and Dao people trek in from nearby villages to sell their wares. Surrounded by the vista of Vietnam's highest peak, Fansipan (3142 metres), the
region holds countless trails and walks for all levels of enthusiasts and provides an introduction into the lives of the isolated communities of the north.

Day 2: Lao Chai and Ta Van trekking

Departure hotel and transferred to Lao Chai by coach (distance 7km takes a drive 15 minutes) Arrive Lao Chai, start trekking in 4 hours of the nearby villages of Lao Chai and Ta Van. This scenic valley is home to Dao, Giay and Hmong settlements, each distinguishable by their colourful everyday dress. The Dao originated in China. The men are traditionally skilled at metalwork and woodwork and make their own tools and a variety of wood and bamboo goods. The women are excellent embroiderers and can sew complex patterns entirely from memory - the pattern having been handed down through the generations. They practice ancestor worship, although the traditional Vietnamese trinity of Buddhism, Taosim and Confucianism has also influenced them. The walk is moderately paced with some descents into valleys of cascading water.
Picnic lunch on stream/by the river
Pick up at Ta Van village, transfer back to hotel (depend on time or clients' request then a trekking can be available including Hau Thao Ethnic village and Bai Da Co about 17 km from Sapa town). Rest of day is at leisure.
Overnight hotel, Sapa
(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3: Sapa

Morning visit to Sapa local ethnic market (Weekend only) BAC HA MARKET: on Sunday&lsquos we can offer an excursion to see the Flower Hmong ethnic market in Bac Ha as an alternative to further walking in the Sapa valley Check out hotel and then our coach pick up transfer met and driven to Bac Ha to see the Hmong Hoa market in full swing. Bac Ha is home to several &lsquomontagnards&rsquo, the French term for the local hill tribes. In addition to the Hmong and the Hoa, there are Giay, Dzao, Nung, Phula Tai and Kinh minorities to name a few. It is not for nothing that certain of these tribes got a reputation for imbibing vast quantities of alcohol. The village is renowned for its fermentation of alcoholic brews, in particular rice and corn wine! Bac Ha in late spring is especially pretty when the numerous plum trees are in full blossom
Lunch at local restaurant in Bac Ha
In the afternoon depart for the 4-hour drive to Lai Chau. Stops are made en-route at waterfalls and scenic spots as the road winds its way through Vietnam's most spectacular stretch of mountain scenery. Overnight Lai Chau (basic accommodation)
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 4: Lai Chau to Dien Bien Phu

Early morning departure for Dien Bien Phu (approx. 3 hours) the revered site of the deciding battle against the French army in 1954. The town spreads out, rapidly modernising in its isolated valley setting and is scattered with remains of the Viet Minh victory over the French. Visit General de Castries bunker and Hill A1 (known more romantically as Eliane 2). French tanks and US made artillery casings lie in place where the defeated army surrendered. Nearby lies the war memorial and cemetery to fallen Vietnamese soldiers. Inside the Dien Bien Phu museum is an excellent collection of military weapons and artillery from both the French and the Vietnamese guerrillas. In contrast to the battle site on the ground you will make a visit to the underground headquarters of General Giap, the mastermind behind the strategies that led to the resistance success who still resides in Hanoi to this day.
Overnight Dien Bien Phu
(Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 5: Dien Bien Phu to Son La

Continue the drive south through valleys and hills inhabited by villages of ethnic groups. Our drive allows time to break the journey in the most attractive spots and explore at our leisure.
Overnight Son La (basis accommodation)
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 6: Son La to Mai Chau

We leave the provincial capital of Son La behind us and continue to the relaxed and scenic settlement of Mai Chau in the lower hinterlands. Upon arrival in Mai Chau we complete formalities and settle into a traditional White Thai long house for the afternoon meal. Mai Chau is known for its production of colourful embroidery, which can be seen being woven by hand in many of the nearby homes. You will enjoy a walk through the community inspecting the intricacies of this craft and will be able to see the many activities of rural life in this part of the north. As the Mai Chau valley is surrounded by fields of rice, you will have the opportunity to see its cultivation, planting or harvesting depending on the season. Trails lead off through the fields to other communities and make for ideal exploration. As dusk settles the fields become a blaze of fireflies, seemingly lighting up the path in the stillness of the air. Whilst the name of the White and Black Thai suggest a direct link to nearby Thailand, these people have long been nomadic over the centuries. As with many ethnic minorities they have simply known no border and continue to freely travel between neighbouring countries to this day. Much of the written language is associated with Thai script though each group has it's own distinct spoken dialect. Many of the 'Thais' speak Vietnamese as their second language. Traditionally the lowland Thai welcome visitors to their home and, with their hospitality make a stay in Mai Chau highly rewarding to those who wish to gain a brief understanding of their existence. Whilst accommodation at the long house in Mai Chau is basic it does provide visitors with the best opportunity to experience a taste of typical village life. There are no private rooms, only a large open area that may accommodate other guests on the day. Mattresses, head rests and mosquito nets are provided. There are private washroom facilities, however, again are very basic. Only cold water is available for showering although the homeowners are pleased to provide hot water if requested and depending on resources at the time. Electricity is connected throughout the day and night.
Dinner and overnight at White Thai long house.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 7: Mai Chau

The village rises early. After a simple breakfast you may have the opportunity to visit the nearby colourful market place where Vietnamese jostle with local ethnic groups over a variety of fresh food produce. For the adventurous we embark on a day of walking and exploring along the valley edge to numerous minority villages and scenic vistas. The people are very hospitable and welcome foreigners into their home. If time permits embark on a walk to take you deeper into the valley to explore the outer areas before returning to the long house for lunch. Overnight Mai Chau village Longhouse Or continue to Hoa Binh and overnight hotel.
(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)

Day 8: Mai Chau to Hanoi

The final leg of the journey is no less scenic than that previously travelled. After a 5-hour drive we enter the urban landscape of Hanoi and reflect upon our adventure over a well-deserved buffet meal at Hanoi's premier hotel.
(Breakfast)
Note: Adventurous travellers only. Will appeal to those re-visiting Vietnam for a second time wishing to see another aspect of the country

Have a question about Northwest Frontier Trekking?

Your email:

Your question:

Load New Code

Powered by Web Wiz CAPTCHA version 2.01

*Enter security code (Case Sensitive)