GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT STUNNING NORTHWESTERN VIETNAM TOUR
DESTINATION OVERVIEW
Discover stunning Northwestern Vietnam on the unforgettable mountainous trip with Orient Skyline Travel! Visit the historical sites on the way while embracing the great natural mountain landscapes and taking opportunities to discover the diverse cultures from colorful hill tribes on the mountain.
DESTINATIONS INCLUDED
Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Dien Bien Phu – Muong Lay – Sapa
JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Admire the majestic mountains of Vietnam
- Discover mountainous towns of Mai Chau Son La, Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau with landscapes and their unique culture and history
- Trek to Sapa villages interact with ethnic minorities
TOUR INCLUSIONS
- Accommodation in a shared twin or shared double room in selective hotel
- Train tickets Lao Cai – Hanoi in shared cabin
- Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- English speaking guide
- Tour transferred by private air conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees during guided visits
- Service charges
THROUGH STUNNING NORTHWESTERN VIETNAM TOUR, YOU WILL DISCOVER
Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau (L, D)
Mai Chau is 4 hour transfer away from Hanoi to the West, this is a picturesque green valley amidst the limestone mountains. Reaching Mai Chau at noon then you have local lunch. After some good rest, take several hours walking leisurely through the surrounding villages of ethnic minorities.
Overnight in Mai Chau.
Day 2: Mai Chau – Son La (B, L)
From Mai Chau, we transfer to the North via Moc Chau plateau to Son La, located 180 km from Mai Chau, Son La is home to several ethic groups such as the Black Thai, Muong, H’mong minorities. There is an important historical site related to the revolt that led Vietnam to independence from the French in last century.
Overnight in Son La.
Day 3: Son La – Muong Phang – Dien Bien Phu (B, L)
Depart at 08:00 from the hotel and visit Son La prison, the important historical site in Son La, built in early the 20th century in the isolated mountainous region; the prison was used to jail Vietnamese.
From Son La, transfer onwards to Muong Phang on the way to the city of Dien Bien Phu. The winding mountain road this morning promises a scenic drive with spectacular mountain and valley views.
Arrive at Muong Phang, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant overlooking the valley. After lunch visit Muong Phang headquarter where General Giap and his comrade commanded Dien Bien Phu battle in 1954. Continue transfer to Dien Bien Phu City.
Spend the night in Dien Bien Phu.
Day 4: Dien Bien Phu – Muong Lay (B, L)
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel and visit the city valley which in 1954 was considered as the French’s unbreakable fortress in Indochina. Visit the museum of Dien Bien Phu battle and then the famous ‘A1 Hill’, here during the war the fiercest battles between French and Vietnamese in the battle of Dien Bien Phu.
After lunch in a local restaurant, transfer to Muong Lay home to different hill tribes in the Northwest Vietnam. On the way, make photo stops wherever you wish to take in the scenery.
Arrive to the destination of the day at end of the afternoon. Overnight in Muong Lay.
Day 5: Muong Lay – Tam Duong – Sapa (B, L)
Today, depart for Sapa on a spectacular scenery journey, it is perhaps the best driving day as the view is magnificent. On the way, make a stop in a small town to visit local market of colorful costumes from different ethic minorities.
Arrival in Sapa in the afternoon.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 6: Visit Sapa (B, L)
In the morning, depart from the hotel and drive for 45 minutes to the north Sapa to Ban Khoang Valley. On the way, enjoy the stunning view of mountain and valley by the foot of the Fansipan.
Arrive at Ban Khoang and take a walk into Lu Khau, the home to the Black Hmong and the Red Dao minorities. Visit their home and meet the friendly host, via your guide chat with them and learn about their ancient culture and lifestyle in this mountainous countryside.
Return to the car and drive further to Ta Giang Phinh village which is in another valley. Follow the trails descending to the valley for a local lunch in a local family. After lunch, walk leisurely through the peaceful and picturesque landscape of Ta Giang Phinh Valley. Along the winding path through the stunning valley, visit some homes of Black H’mong ethnic people. At the other side of the valley, visit some handicrafts families making Indigo clothes and traditional Bamboo flutes.
Note: if conditions are wet, itinerary may need to be changed for safety.
Return to Sapa town and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Overnight in Sapa.
Day 7: Sapa – Hanoi (B, L)
Take the last hours to enjoy the atmosphere of Sapa town visiting the brocade market or take the advantage to ride a scenic cable car to the Mt Fansipan – the roof of Indochina. An amazing view from up there (Note: the cost and ticket for the ride is at your own expense).
In the afternoon, commence on a 5 hours car transfer back to Hanoi.
You might be interested in our Deep in the Mekong delta tour, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Vietnam adventure travel style.
