AMAZING VIETNAM NORTHWEST ADVENTURE TOUR

Best places to visit: Ha Noi - Mai Chau - Son La - Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Tam Duong - Sa Pa - Bac Ha - Ha Long Bay - Hanoi

Durations

12 days

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

20 people

Languages

English & Czech


The interesting culture of many hill tribe groups and the breathtaking mountain scenery of the north are all on this adventure. The journey from Dien Bien to Sapa is quite hard, especially in the wet season. But it is a great chance to explore the remote area and many colorful markets…


Itinerary :

Day 1: Arrival – Ha Noi Package Tours (-/-/-)
Day 2: Ha Noi Sightseeing Tours (B/-/-)
Day 3: Hanoi Package Tours — Duong Lam Village  Sightseeing Trip To Mai Chau (B/L/D)
Day 4: Hanoi – Son La Biking Tours (B/-/-)
Day 5: Son La Adventure Trekking Trips to Dien Bien Phu (B/-/-)
Day 6: Dien Bien Phu Adventure Tours – Tam Duong Trekking Tours (B/-/-)
Day 7: Tam Duong Travel Packages – Sapa Adventure Tours (B/-/-)
Day 8: Sapa Adventure Travel Packages (B/L/-)
Day 9: Sapa – Bac Ha Market – Back To Hanoi By Train (B/L/-)

Day 1 – Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Arrival – Ha Noi Package Tours (-/-/-)

AMAZING VIETNAM NORTHWEST ADVENTURE TOUR
Hanoi: Tran Quoc Pagoda

On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met by our guide and transferred to hotel. The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia’s most striking colonial architecture. The many lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. If time permits we enjoy on a short cyclo ride through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places.

O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 2: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Ha Noi Sightseeing Tours (B/-/-)

Today we spend a full day exploring the charming Hanoi City. The first stop is Ho Chi Minh Complex containing the mausoleum of the nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. Close to this complex is the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to the foundation of city. We follow it with a visit to the Temple of Literature, which is well known as the first university of Vietnam and the History Museum with an excellent collection of artifacts illustrating the Vietnamese history.

AMAZING VIETNAM NORTHWEST ADVENTURE TOUR
Hoan Kiem Lake

The sightseeing also includes the outlaying Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Afterwards we drive back to the town center, stopping at the Tran Quoc Pagoda and Quan Thanh Temple. They are some major highlights set by the beautiful West Lake. We see these sights before continuing to the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. In front of this lake is the famous water puppet theatre where we will see a fantastic performance.
O/N in Ha Noi. 

Day 3: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Hanoi Package Tours — Duong Lam Village Sightseeing Trip To Mai Chau (B/L/D)

In the morning, we start from Hanoi to Duong Lam village, a purely agricultural village of the DUONG Northern Red River delta where still preserve many hundred-year-old houses. It will be your unique experience as you walk along tiny ancient alleys; visit Mong Phu Communal House in Mong Phu hamlet – the only hamlet whose original village entrance gate remains intact, dedicated to national heroes. Have the opportunity to bike in the village and have some talks with the locals in their ancient houses by visiting the ancient houses of Mr Lam, Mr Ha and Mr Huyen.

AMAZING VIETNAM NORTHWEST ADVENTURE TOUR
Mai Chau Valley

After that, we continue walking to visit Mia Pagoda (other hamlet in Duong Lam village), is built in 15 th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes, among with are famous sculpture such as the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the Eight Vajra Deities. Then visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung.

Lastly, we will go back a local family to enjoy your special lunch with Vietnamese foods in an ancient house.
At around 14:00, we will keep heading to Mai Chau valley & view sunset behind the hills. After dinner in a family, we have the opportunity to take part to a traditional dance show.

O/N at house on stilts in Pom Coong remote village.

Day 4:Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Hanoi – Son La Biking Tours (B/-/-)

This morning we are going to have a short trekking journey (or bike tour) to some of remote villages of Thai People inhabiting in Mai Chau valley
The journey northwest begins as we depart from Mai Chau and pass through the undulating terrains of tea plantations, terraced rice fields and sleepy villages linked to the road which is the main artery of trade between the northwestern region and the capital city.

This is our first glimpse of rural Vietnam and sets the tone for the days ahead. En route we have several stops to stretch our legs and visit some roadside villages. The thrilling drive will deliver us in Son La by mid or late afternoon depending on road and traffic conditions. We check in hotel and enjoy a short walk around this mountain town. There is a little traffic on roads and many Black Thai in traditional costume scurry in all directions.
O/N in Son La.

Day 5: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Son La Adventure Trekking Trips to Dien Bien Phu (B/-/-)

AMAZING VIETNAM NORTHWEST ADVENTURE TOUR
Dien Bien Phu: Kids playing on Tank

The provincial museum and the top hill old prison are some of major sights in Son La Town. We include these in a short morning tour before we wind our way past the stunning mountain scenery. The road conditions are very poor therefore we need to bring along our spirit of adventure until Dien Bien Phu, the site of the decisive battle in Vietnam’s struggle for independence in 1954.

Once reaching Dien Dien we drive around to see this fast growing town and make stop at Dien Bien Phu museum which details the event in place. We follow it with a visit to the strategic hill A1 and the old battle field where the lush vegetation grows behind many war relics including old French tanks and artillery pieces.
O/N in Dien Bien Phu

Day 6: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La : Dien Bien Phu Adventure Tours – Tam Duong Trekking Tours (B/-/-)

Heading out of Dien Phu Phu Town, we spend a full day travelling into Vietnam’s most mountainous region. The roads are difficult at times, but the spectacular landscape with a mixture of terraced fields and colourful local population makes the hardship all worthwhile.

Along the way we encounter the mountaineers going about their daily business. These local villagers are almost the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang, Dao people who still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. We arrive in Tam Duong by late afternoon and may have time strolling around. This small hill town is surrounded by the breathtaking mountain backdrop and frequently visited by the ethnic minority people.
O/N in Tam Duong.

Day 7: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Tam Duong Travel Packages – Sapa Adventure Tours (B/-/-)

The breathtaking north scenery is unequalled although the conditions are very basic. Today we continue driving along a zigzag route to Sapa. The road conditions is very poor in some places but it is still a wonderful trip for photograph hunters as we pass though the various scenic water falls, charming villages and rolling mountains.

The hill station of Sa Pa was founded in early last century and rapidly became an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape from the unbearable heat in plains. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, it has some warm days and cool evenings. Today we can soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending the time to wander around and catch the first look of Sa Pa. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft.
O/N in Sa Pa.

Day 8: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Sapa Adventure Travel Packages (B/L/-)

Time to visit Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay , Xa Pho ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to trade their goods and enjoy a walk to some nearby hill tribe villages such as Cat Cat, Lao Chai and Ta Van villages.
O/N in Sa Pa.

Day 9: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Sapa – Bac Ha Market – Back To Hanoi By Train  (B/L/-)

We continue venturing into northern Vietnam with the next stop being Bac Ha Market, which also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi, Tay. The experience of this congregation is colorful and unique.

Afternoon, enjoy a boat trip down stream Chay River and take visit to villages along the river, discover the local people life.

Transfer to Lao Cai Railways Station for overnight train back to Hanoi.
O/N on board.
Option 1: Bac Ha & Muong Khuong Market on Sunday
Option 2: Coc Ly Market on Tuesday
Option 3: Lung Khau Nhin Market on Friday
Option 4: Can Cau Market on Saturday

Day 10: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La : Hanoi Railway Station – Halong Cruise Tours (B/L/D)

05h00: Arrive at Hanoi Railways Station, transfer to hotel for leisure and breakfast.
08h00: We are picked up at your hotel and then keep going to Halong Bay. On the way, we will stop by a Humanity Center where almost disable children known as Agent Orange affected victims in the Vietnam war are living & working and contributing to the social development. You will have chance to see how much the war did damage Vietnam & how hard Vietnamese people are surviving.

12.30: We are welcome on the traditional junk and have welcome drink. Start the boat trip to visit Halong Bay, listed as a World Heritage Area of outstanding natural beauty. This picturesque “Dragon descending to the sea” Bay has 1,969 limestone islets rising from the sea, many of them containing beautiful grottoes. Visit of a grotto then seafood lunch on board.

The excursion includes the visit to Con Cho Island, Dinh Huong Island, Canh Buom Island, Ga Choi Island. Swimming on Titop or Hoa Cuong beach. Watching sunset. Fishing with seine and owing bamboo boat (on request). If you are unable to do or not interested in joining those kinds of activities, you can stay on the sundeck to relax on your own.
Dinner and overnight on Cruise

Day 11: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Halong Cruises – Hanoi (B/L/-)

AMAZING VIETNAM NORTHWEST ADVENTURE TOUR
Halong: Floating Village on Bay

In this morning, we will keep on our journey by junk-boat to to explore more islands & natural beauties of Halong Bay.
At around 10:30: you will have a brunch served on cruise before reaching to Halong Harbour at around 12:00. Right here our car will be at disposal to pick you up then drive back to Hanoi.
At around 15:30: You will get to Hanoi & the rest of time you will be free on your own.
O/N in Ha Noi.

Day 12: Vietnam Northwest Adventure Tour to Sapa, Mai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La: Hanoi – Departure (B/-/-)

At leisure until transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure flight (check out hotel before 12h00)

—End of services—
 
*Inclusion:
  • Transportation in vehicle with driver for four travelers in mountain as under specified
  • New model WD Japanese car on Superior Class Tour
  • Medium model WD Japanese car on Standard and First Class Tour
  • Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle with driver in delta
  • Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses (twin shared room)
  • Meal as mentioned: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner
  • English or French speaking guide
  • Entrance fee to indicated sights
  • Water puppet show, traditional dance show in Mai Chau
  • Boat trip
  • Pure bottled water & wipes

*Exclusion:
Other meals, tip, drinks, airport tax, single room, personal expenses, insurance,…
 

TRIP NOTE:

Viet Nam is a developing country whose infrastructure may differ from what you expect in your homeland. Road conditions are poor and accommodation may be basic in mountain region.
Good weather for trek from September until June. We recommend you to bring rain jacket, inner sleeping sheets, walking boots, warm clothes, lamp torch, and toilet papers.
Occasionally, this itinerary may be amended for reasons beyond our control such as weather and roads conditions.
 
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