Day 1 Hanoi - Pu Luong Nature Reserve
The Pu Luong Nature Reserve is an area of outstanding beauty, cultural interest
and high biodiversity value stretching from Mai Chau, in the north west, to Cuc
Phuong National Park, in the south east.
The region is blessed with rich forest, limestone panoramas, magnificent rice
terraces and breathtaking scenery.
Departing from Hanoi we drive to Mai Chau and upon arrival we hike to the Thai
village of Hang, situated in a beautiful valley and home to White Thai people,
we get to know a local White Thai family, relax in the cool climate, enjoy their
hospitality and culture over our dinner.
We spend the memorable night in their traditional wooden-stilt house.
Overnight at homestay in Pu Luong
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Day 2 Pu Luong - Black River
This morning we have the opportunity to stroll around Hang village before we
start hiking. The scenery is simply awesome. We hike for approximately a couple
of hours. Along the way we pass through several Thai and Muong villages.
This is followed by a leisurely bicycle ride through the spectacular area,
before arriving at the Black River for our leisurely boat ride along this
beautiful river, which is essential for providing water to North Vietnam’s
largest hydro-electric power station as well as fishing and agriculture.
We then approach Xom Moi village, situated by the river and home to Muong
people. The night is spent in their traditional stilt-house, giving us the
opportunity to experience their way of life.
Overnight at homestay in village
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3 Black River - Son La
The day begins with a beautiful kayaking ride along this river, we appreciate
the perfect panoramas and we meet the local people who fish on the river.
This is followed by an enjoyable drive to Son La, passing through tea
plantations, hills and mountains. En route we stop to visit a local market and
walk around some small villages, home to Black Thai people. Arriving in Son La
there is some free time in the township.
Overnight at Cong Doan hotel in Son La
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 Son La - Lai Chau
We continue our journey due south to Lai Chau province by car, viewing
spectacular mountain scenery, before arriving at Lai Chau, a peaceful place
surrounded by mountains, hills and villages.
There is plenty of time to enjoy this area's laid-back atmosphere. We take a
beautiful walk into nearby villages. We retire to a comfortable hotel for a good
night's rest.
Overnight at Lan Anh hotel in Lai Chau
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5 Lai Chau - Pu Dao - Phong Tho
Limestone mountains, verdant hills and spectacular valleys in Pu Dao are our
base for soaking up breathtaking scenery and learning about their way of life.
We explore the beautiful hiking trails and pass through different villages, lush
rice fields and magical valleys with stops to meet the local people.
Arriving in Phong Tho for some free time in a local market and enjoy our
overnight stay in a charming hotel
Overnight at Lan Anh hotel in Phong Tho
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 6 Phong Tho - Sapa - Sin Chai
In the morning we journey to Sapa. Upon our arrival at tiny villages of Sin Chai
and O Qui Ho. The Sin Chai and O Qui Ho are situated in a region of beautiful
rice terraces and home to Black H’mong people.
From here we set off to hike through lush rice terraces and along verdant hills
at an easy and leisurely pace to suit everybody.
Overnight at Cat Cat hotel in Sapa
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 7 Sapa - Sa Seng - Hau Thao - Giang Ta Chai
We depart from Sapa and enjoy a hike to the nearby villages of Sa Seng and Hau
Thao, set in a spectacular beautiful valley and home to Black H'mong, Zay and
Dao people.
We hike along a footpath amid sculpted rice terraces and past friendly villages.
En route we share fun with the local farmers at work as they tend their seasonal
crops.
Late in the afternoon we descend to the village of Giang Ta Chai, nested in a
picturesque region and inhabited by Zay people. Zay people are adept ar rice
cultivation and are responsible for tending to the rice manicured terraces that
stretch as far as the eye can see.
Tonight we spend a memorable night in the traditional stilt-house of a Zay
family.
Overnight at homestay in Ta Van village
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8 Giang Ta Chai - Sapa - Ma Tra - Ta Phin, overnight train to Hanoi
Ma Tra and Ta Phin offer a blend of dramatic mountains, lush fertile hills and
colourful Red Dao and Blue H’mong people. Red Dao women here are particularly
striking, with their coin and jewelllery-studded turbans and shaved eyebrows.
We hike through more stunning countryside and meet friendly Blue H’mong and Red
Dao people. This is followed by a short transfer to Lao Cai for the sleeper
train back to Hanoi, arriving there at 4h30 the following day.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Tour includes:
• Accommodation with daily breakfasts
• Extra meals as per the itinerary
• Local English speaking tour guide
• Private transfer round trip by 7 seater
• Tours and excursions as described in the program
• Entrance fees and permits where applicable during guided time
Tour excludes:
• Pre & post trip arrangements
• Transfers beyond the itinerary
• Entrance fees and permits during free time
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Food & drinks not mentioned within the itinerary
• Tips and gratuities
• Expenses of a personal nature such as bar bills, laundry and telephone charges
• Other services not clearly described in the program
More tours:
