The undeniable attraction of this region is the presence of more than 30 ethnic minority groups: H’mong, Thai, Dao, Lu, Tay, whose habitat is primitive villages clinging to mountain sides or clustering on valley floors. Isolated from the modern world, these communities have kept their traditional customs alive. No doubt it is a land of unique and captivating beauty, with much amazement lying in store for visitors. Make sure that the tour coincides with Coc Ly Fair on Tuesday, Can Cau Fair on Saturday or Bac Ha Fair on Sunday.
Tour details:
Day 1: Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu (Sat/Wed/Thu) (-, -, -) AM: Meet in downtown Hanoi and transfer to the airport. Flight to Dien Bien Phu (daily as per the 2008 flight schedule). PM: Visit to Dien Bien Phu battlefield vestiges. Evening: cultural show at the Thai village of Him Lam (optional with surcharge). O/N in Dien Bien.
Day 2: Dien Bien Phu - Sapa (Sun/Thu/Fri) (B, -, -) AM: Coach to Paso, visit to Red H’mong villages en route. PM: Coach to Sapa over the spectacular Hoang Lien Son Pass. O/N in Sapa.
Day 3: Sapa (Mon/Fri/Sat)(B, -, - ) AM: Trek (6km) along the Muong Hoa Valley, visit to the Black H’mong and Day villages of Lao Chai & Ta Van. PM: Visit to Sapa Market and coach to the Red Dao village of Ta Phin. O/N in Sapa.
Day 4: Sapa – Bac Ha - Lao Cai (Tue/Sat/Sun) (B, -, - ) Coach to the limestone plateau of Bac Ha. Visit to the Tuesday Coc Ly Fair, the Saturday Can Cau Fair or the Sunday Bac Ha Fair. Boat ride on the Chay River to marvel at spectacular valley scenery and to visit the Tay village of Trung Do (optional with surcharge). Coach to Lao Cai. Take the night train to Hanoi. O/N on board.
Day 5: Lao Cai - Hanoi (Wed/Sun/Mon) (-, -, - ) AM: Arrival in Hanoi in the very early morning. Pick-up and transfer to downtown Hanoi.
Day 1: Hanoi – Dien Bien Phu (Sat/Wed/Thu) (-, -, -)