North West Loop

Duration: 6 days 5 nights
Highlights: Hanoi - Mai Chau - Son La - Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Sapa

“Northwest Loop” is the best journey to experience the Northwest, home to the most beautiful scenery of Vietnam. From Sapa, the former hill station, with spreading valleys and towering mountain peaks, the amazing views continue along the snaking roads to Lai Chau, Bien Bien, Son La, Mai Chau…,

Type of tour: Group tour (Private tour upon request)
Standard: 
3star
Departure: 
Daily


Day 1: Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La (270 km) (L)

Today, we take a drive westward to Mai Chau (Hoa Binh Province). Upon arrival, we come to visit a White Thai minority village. Have lunch at a Thai family, we will have a chance to communicate with these friendly people. After lunch, we continue our drive to Son La, located in a scenic valley and inhabited by Thai, Muong and H’mong minority people. This area is historically important for its involvement in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during the first half the 20th century. Overnight at hotel in Son La.

Day 2: Son La – Dien Bien Phu (200 km), (B)
In the morning, we will visit the former French Prison and then drive to visit colorful market of Thuan Chau. It is a chance for us to take nice photos and encounter with friendly tribal people along the way. Another visit Blue H’mong village at Pha Din Pass. We will stop over at Tuan Chau for lunch before making our way to Dien Bien Phu, where we can see the former battle field and the display of war scraps former battlefields. Overnight at hotel in Dien Bien.

Day 3: Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau (100 km), (B)
After breakfast, we depart for Lai Chau. It is a long journey through fantastic mountainous scenery. On the way, we can visit ethnic villages of Red H’Mong, Kho Mu and Zdao people. Overnight in Lai Chau

Day 4: Lai Chau – Binh Lu – Sapa (B)
Today we will witness the colorful market of Tam Duong and Binh Lu. Continue our way through breathtaking Binh Lu Pass, where you have bird’s eye view to the distant villages, rice field and mountains. Winding up terraced hillsides to Sapa. Upon arrival in Sapa, we check in our hotel and take a rest or stroll around the town. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.


Day 5: Sapa (B, L, D)

After breakfast in hotel, we will have a 10- km trek to Lao Chai Village, home of the Black H’mong. Followed picnic lunch by a natural waterfall, we continue trekking to Ta Van Village, where we will spend our night and enjoy simple dinner with the hill tribe Zay family.

Day 6: Sapa – Hanoi (B)
Following breakfast, we set out on our scenic drive along the Red River back to Hanoi. End of great trip

INCLUSIVE:

Private A/ C transportation as per itinerary
English speaking guide
Accommodation based on twin share with daily breakfast
Entrance fees and permits during guided time
Extra meals as per the itinerary

EXCLUSIVE:
Drinks and meals not mentioned
Travel insurance
Pre & post accommodation in Hanoi
Tips, Personal expenses