Explore the spectacular landscapes of the northern mountainous region with the limestone formations and the Chay River Massif. Observe the fascinating culture, customs and way of life of different ethnic minority groups living in Vietnam's far north.
Night 1: Ha Noi - Night Train To Lao Cai
We will meet at your hotel in Hanoi at around 20:00 hrs and you will transfer to Hanoi train station. The overnight train trip to Lao Cai will be in a shared sleeping compartment (sharing with other passengers in 2 lower & 2 upper berths per compartment). Train departs at approximately 21:15 hrs
Notes: Train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at surcharge.
Cabins are shared with other local passengers (unless private cabin is requested and all berths paid for - with supplement). Restrooms at either end of the carriages complete the local experience.
Day 1: Lao Cai - Sa Pa - Muong Hoa Village (B, L, D)
Early morning (approximately 06:30 hrs) arrive at Lao Cai, the border town to Yunnan, China. The journey starts with a 38 km drive on winding roads up the mountains to Sapa, located approx. 1,500 m above sea level. On clear days you can see the highest mountain of Vietnam, the Fansipan. After breakfast, drive from Sapa town down to Lao Chai village. Views of the Muong Hoa Valley and magnificent surroundings of mountains and rice terrace fields can be seen from this road. Along the road, people from many ethnic minority groups (H’mong, Zay, and Red Dao) are likely to be met, and there are stalls along the way that serve tea, fruits and sweets. Soon after turning off the main road and taking a local path, we will arrive in the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai, where you will experience the daily life of the villagers. Continue walking from Lao Chai to Ta Van village, where the Zay hill tribes live. Here you take a rest and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide in a local house. After lunch continue your trek through a bamboo forest and then relax at a waterfall. Explore the Red Dao village of Giang Ta Chai where you will also have the chance to see their daily activities. Return to Sapa.
Day 2: Sa Pa - Lao Cai - Bac Ha - Can Cau (B, L, D)
Starting from Sapa, you will first visit the Can Cau market, located in the mountains near the Chinese border. Although small, this market is extremely colourful. You can see many ethnic minority people going to the market from their villages to sell or buy goods. The Flower H’mong minority is the most common here; adorned with their colourful dresses and jewellery and you will have endless photo opportunities. Take your time and stroll through the market. Proceed to Bac Ha for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy an easy trek to Ban Pho village and visit the old castle of the former H’mong King.
Day 3: Bac Ha - Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang (B, L, D)
In the morning, we will visit Bac Ha market, considered one of the most colourful ethnic markets in the Northwest. Flower H'mong, Phu La and Dao Tuyen minorities gather every Sunday at Bac Ha to buy and sell their handicraft products and fresh produce. We then set off on a full day journey through Sin Man and Hoang Su Phi to Ha Giang town. The rough but scenic route traverses a dense jungle before crossing over a pass and descending to Sin Man. Along the way we may encounter the Nung Ing, Tay, Red Dao, Dao Ao Dai, La Chi and Co Lao, just some of the many hill tribe groups who have settled in the area.
Day 4: Ha Giang - Sa Phin - Dong Van (B, L, D)
The remote region of Dong Van and Meo Vac is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful hill tribe villages which have remained unchanged for centuries. Today we head northwest out of Ha Giang Town towards this northernmost tip of Vietnam. The former H’mong royal house at Sa Phin is a primary attraction of the region, but the blend of the hill tribe people's colourful costumes and the majestic mountainous scenery make this long and sometimes bumpy trip an unforgettable experience.
Day 5: Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac - Nguyen Binh - Ba Be Lake (B, L, D)
Today, the journey takes you through the rolling hills and the picturesque scenery to Ba Be National Park. We will visit Dong Van town before crossing a stunning mountain pass to Meo Vac which is inhabited mostly by the Lo Lo and Pu Peo ethnic minority people. They still retain their centuries old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of the area’s local people are highlights of Meo Vac. Living conditions are very basic here. Roads are bumpy and zigzagging through the mountains, but the journey is more than rewarding. Meet the locals and learn more about the life and culture of the Hmong, Dao, Tay and Nung ethnic minorities who make for the main population in this region. Surely, your presence will attract the locals’ attention as this part of the country that still receives very few visitors. Depending on road and traffic conditions, we arrive in Ba Be by late afternoon or early evening.
Day 6: Ba Be Lake (B, L, D)
The legendary lake of Ba Be is just one continuous water body although the name means “three lakes”.
Today we embark on a boat cruising down the Nang River which is the main water source of the lake. This tranquil boat trip will give you a taste of the picturesque countryside at Ba Be National Park. We will visit the Puong Grotto before stopping at some nearby hill tribe villages. We will also have time to visit the scenic Dau Dang waterfalls.
Day 7: Ba Be - Ha Noi (B, L)
After breakfast we will start our journey back to Hanoi . On the way we will have lunch in a local restaurant and we also pay a visit to the Thai Nguyen Minority and Culture Museum where we can learn something about the culture and traditions of the different minority groups in Vietnam. We should arrive back in Hanoi, at around 6pm.
| Category | Price per person in USD for private party of | |||
| 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | |
| $1160 | $790 | $650 | $540 |
|
Tour price includes:
+ Private door-to-door pick-up & -off services.
+ All private transfer and transportation
+ Home-stay with daily breakfast
+ Experienced English or French speaking guide.
+ Boat trip & kayaking
+ Meals as stated in the itinerary (B: Breakfast ; L: Lunch ; D: Dinner)
+ All sightseeing tickets.
+ Train tickets to Sapa
+ No extra charge after confirmation
+ 24/7 hotline support guaranteed
Tour price excludes:
+ Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
+ Travel insurance
+ Beverage
+ Other services not mentioned above.
What to take:
+ Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable walking shoes. Take a small day pack for hiking and trekking.
+ It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...
Are looking for an adventurous Vietnam mountain trip with trekking and special outdoor activities. This package tour Sapa to Ba Be National Park 5 days is the perfect trip for you. The rich and diverse landscapes combine rice paddies, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and caves. Sure it will give you plenty of options for exploration. Beside the great outdoor of activities on offer you will also develop your understanding of the rich varieties of Vietnamese cultures as you visit many different villages.
Notes:
This itinerary is a private tour. It shows you what is possible to travel and visiting with our guide and driver
We CAN also tailor made this trip as your requirement and budget such as accommodation, its inclusions…
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa - Trek To Ban Ho Village. O/n At Homestay In Ban Ho Village (L/D)
Morning activities
Our guide and driver will pick you up from Hotel in Hanoi at 08:00. Then say goodbye the bustling city for Sapa. It will take around five-hour drive to Sapa arriving around midday for lunch in a local Sapa restaurant.
Afternoon activities
After lunch, we drive to Su Pan. It’s not like the other trek route. Because where you will start your trek to Ban Ho through rolling scenery of rice paddies and mountains. Your trip will be more memorable after two hours of trekking. Then we will arrive in a Tay village next to the stream in Ban Ho. Come here you will have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the village. Also where you will enjoy local hospitality with dinner. Overnight stay in a homestay in Ban Ho.
Day 2: Full Day Trek - Thanh Phu - Thanh Kim - Lao Chai - Ta Van. O/n At Hotel In Sapa (B/L)
Morning activities
After enjoy breakfast at the homestay. Say goodbye to friendly host then our trek from Ban Ho to the villages of Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu. Where you have chance to meet Dzao and Day ethnic minority live. Specially these villages are not on the usual tourist route. That you can enjoy the immensely beautiful unspoiled views. We have picnic lunch on trek route.
Afternoon activities
After having a picnic lunch. Our diver will drive approximately 30 minutes to visit Lao Chai – Ta Van villages. Here you will have time to appreciate the terraced rice fields. It’s belonging to the Black H’mong people and walk through the villages. Then you will return to Sapa Town in the late afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Sapa.
Day 3: Sapa - Ba Be National Park. O/n At Homestay In Ba Be (B/L/D)
Morning activities
Amazing day today after breakfast our trip will begin. Travel to Ba Be National Park from Sapa, you will travel through the mountainous region of Ha Giang. After breakfast, our driver and tour guide will take you Bac Me where you can stop to enjoy the view of small villages and rice terraced fields, visit a local market and take some beautiful photos.
Afternoon activities
We will stop for lunch at a local food stall along the way before continuing the trip through the Na Hang Nature Reserve. Before arriving in Ba Be National park. Because this day is mainly spent driving the diverse and incredible landscapes more than make up for it. Our day trip will arrive in Ba Be in the late afternoon. You will be warm welcome from local host. Where we have dinner and spend a nigh in Coc Toc village.
Day 4: Full Day Trek In Ba Be National Park Area. O/n At Homestay In Ba Be (B/L/D)
Morning activities
After enjoy breakfast at homestay. Or trip will trek through the sublime forests of Ba Be to some of the small and welcoming villages in the park. Firstly, your local guide will take you to visit Coc Toc Village where the Tay people make an income from fishing on the lake. You will cross the Pelu stream and on to more difficult and hilly terrain which will lead to a great vantage point with fantastic views of the park. As you journey further towards the uplands, you will stop in a H’mong ethnic village where you will have a picnic lunch.
Afternoon activities
Your guide will then take you through the vast mountain ranges and valleys to see the stilt houses and school of the Dzao people along the trail to visit another H’mong ethnic village. You will then return to your homestay where we will have dinner and spend an other night here.
Day 5: Ba Be Lake - Ha Noi (B/L)
Morning activities
After breakfast at the homestay, say good bye to friendly local host. Then we will walk to Bo Lu Harbour where you will board a boat for a three-hour boat trip on peacefully ba be lake. This is a great time to jump into the water for a swim to cool off if the mood takes you. The trip will take you along the slow flowing river, giving you gorgeous views of the dramatic mountains, valleys and natural caves. The boat will then take you through the tunnel of Puong Cave, with its spectacular array of stalactites and stalagmites. You may also get the chance to see some bats here as there is a large colony living in amongst the rock formations of the cave.
Afternoon activities
You will then get the chance to rest on the trip back to Hanoi, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant on the way. Our Sapa to Ba Be National Park 5 days trip will be finish in Hanoi at about 17.30. Hope you have a wonderful time in Sapa and Ba Be lake.
Inclusions
PRIVATE door to door transport (new vehicle) with air-conditioned
Private local boa trip in Ba Be Lake
Experience English speaking guide
Meals as mentioned above (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D = Dinner)
Hotels – well selection accommodation at 3* hotel with daily breakfast
Homestay (Note: Stilt house for homestay is standard, it is a share with has the curtain to separate each mattress, share bathroom together. However, it is clean and safe for stay)
Entrance fees
Mineral water daily 2 bottle 500ml/per day
Permission
24/7 hotline support guaranteed
Bank fees if payment by credit card
Gov tax and service charge
No extra charge after final confirmation
Exclusions
Domestic Air Fare if any
Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle
Other than mentioned in the itinerary
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, soft & hard drinks
Meals not mentioned in the program
Tips are welcomed!
Travel Insurance