DAY 1: HANOI – MAI CHAU
After breakfast, leave Hanoi for Hoa Binh. Once there, visit a Muong village. Following lunch, continue to Mai Chau town. Upon arrival, check into a small hotel or a home stay. The remainder of the day is spent strolling around the Thai villages of Poong Con and Lac. Following the sumptuous dinner with one of the local families, enjoy a traditional dance performance. (B,L,D)
DAY 2: MAI CHAU – SON LA
After breakfast, leave Mai Chau for Son La. The rest of the day is spent visiting the former French prison, Son La ethnic minority museum and a hot spring. (B,L,D)
DAY 3: SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU
The scenery from Son La to Dien Bien Phu is breathtaking. Reds and greens predominate – the red of the sail, the costumes and the newly tiled roofs, and the green are the trees, the swaying fronds of bamboo and wet-season rice paddies. After checking into hotel, visit Dien Bien Phu museum and the Old French battle field. (B,L,D)
DAY 4: DIEN BIEN PU – LAI CHAU
After leaving Dien Bien Phu, the rough drive offers some fantastic views. After a half day traveling, arrive in Lai Chau Town to explore surrounding areas. As a highlight of the trip, board a boat for a short trip on the mighty Da River, passing through the stunning mountain landscape. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: LAI CHAU – TA CO PINH (Trek 15km)
The remote and extremely beautiful mountain region of Lai Chau is ideal for those seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition. This morning, take a short drive before trekking, using the local path. Along the way, cross over several hill villages which are populated by the Hmong and Dao ethnic minority people, just some of Vietnam’s most colorful ethnic minority groups. Spend the night in Ta Co Ping village. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: TA CO PINH – NAM PE (Trek 25 km)
Today, trek into this mountainous region dotted with traditional villages. The trek usually takes around 7 hours and is quite steep in places, but views of the scenery are fantastic. Finish trekking upon arrival at the Nam Pe Ping village, staying with a Thai family overnight. The accommodation is simple and dormitory style with no western facilities. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: NAM PE – PA HA (Trek 10 km)
The exciting walk begins after departing the village. Follow the path used by local people. At the small village of Nam Trang, change pace and embark on a boat for a leisurely trip down stream to Pa Ha, the final destination for this evening. Spend the night in Pa Ha village. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: PA HA – PU SAM CAP (Trek 25 km)
An early morning start to ascend the Pu Sam Cap mount. The trekking will be difficult at times with many steep uphill walks, but the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local populations makes for an unforgettable experience. After a full day trekking, arrive at Pu Sam Cap. They are very poor, but have an interesting history and a colorful culture. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: PU SAM CAP – DONG PAO (Trek 20 km)
After breakfast, continue venturing into this beautiful region with the next stop being Dong Pao. The trekking is downhill. Along the way, encounter the local villagers going about their daily business such as logging, herding buffalo, tilling the field. Stay in Dong Pao village for the night. (B,L,D)
DAY 10: DONG PAO – BAN BO (Trek 20 km)
Heading out of Don Pao, continue your trek, using the local track, passing some rustic villages which are home to numerous ethnic minorities. Arrive at Ban Bo village late afternoon and spend the night, as guests of the villagers. The facilities are very basic, but the experience is unique. (B,L,D)
DAY 11: BAN BO – THAN THUOC – SAPA (Trek12 km)
The trekking expedition finishes this morning after spending a few more hours completing the distance from Ban Bo Than Thuoc. At the small village, meet up with your vehicle and drive to Sapa. After checking into hotel, soak up the fresh climate by spending time strolling around this charming town. (B,L,D)
DAY 12: SAPA – HANOI
After breakfast, explore the bustling Sapa market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay, Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the surrounding mountain and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. Follow this path with a walk into this mountainous region. Departing the town, get off the beaten track and pass through many villages and beautiful mountain landscape. Late afternoon transfer to Lao Cai to board the overnight train back to Hanoi. (B)
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