Founded by French colonists, Sapa has become known as the most attractive mountain destination in Vietnam. The tour invites you to experience the diversity of the ethnic minority cultures, the wonderful rice terraces and the original colourful markets surrounded by wild and beautiful scenery.
7:30 AM: Get a pick up by tour guide and driver for a journey from Hanoi to Sapa. The drive on new highway offers beautiful views of rural countryside, mountain and Red River.
Arrive in town, enjoy local cuisine. In the afternoon depart out of Sapa for a hike from Ma Tra hamlet to Ta Phin village. This journey will lead you to the superb rice terrace valley. You have a great chance to meet the local people of the Black Hmong and Red Dao ethnic groups. They were originally from Southern China but settled in Vietnam in the 11th century and still live at a high altitude, far away from the modern world. This helps them to preserve their traditions, language and especially their ancestral way of life. Make a stop on the way to visit a Hmong family and school in the Ma Tra Village. After a 3-hour trek, you will reach the Ta Phin village of the Red Dao group. While you are walking, interact with local people to learn about their life and culture.
End of the day, pick up by driver.
8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and enjoy 5km scenic transfer to the west of town. We will start a full day of trekking from Y Linh Ho village. Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly H’mong ladies and children who live in houses nestled in the valley. Enjoy a bit of relaxation at the cable-bridge with the harmony and beauty of the surrounding nature. If you are sportive and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo path with breathtaking views and less tourists. For those looking for an easy trek, embark on a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River.
Direct to Head to Lao Chai village and follow a small path winding through the rice fields to reach a charming hamlet. Here, you'll have the chance to meet a grandmother who's the last craftsman in the community, using beeswax in the traditional way to decorate the unique indigo clothing of the Hmong people. It's also a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in their daily life and vibrant culture.
Continue to Ta Van village, the charming land of the Dzay people, well located on the hill with amazing views of river, rice terraces and Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. As you leisurely walk, meet villagers who will kindly invite you to visit their homes.
Have lunch at local restaurant then transfer back to Bac Ha via Thanh Kim, Thanh Phu, enjoy stunning views of mountain, river and hydropower lakes along the way. Located at an altitude of 1000m, Bac Ha is home to several ethnic groups such as the colorful Hmong, Phu La and Tay. Bac Ha region is well known for its weekly, colorful markets surrounded by wild and beautiful scenery. The markets are not only for the exchange of goods but also for the cultural exchange of the ethnic groups for centuries.
7:00 AM: Start exploring Bac Ha by visiting a vibrant ethnic market (Bac Ha Market on Sundays, Coc Ly Market on Tuesdays, Sin Cheng Market on Wednesdays, Lung Phinh Market on Fridays, or Can Cau Market on Saturdays). Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, with a variety of goods such as vegetables, clothing, and poultry, while admiring the colorful attire of the local ethnic groups.
Please note that the market is liveliest early in the morning and begins to wind down by 10:00 am. To fully experience it, it's best to arrive early.
After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, typical of the Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with cornfields, cassava hills, and clay houses. Plum gardens, decorated by H'Mong women in their colorful dresses, will accompany you throughout your journey.
Come back to town for lunch before transfer to Hanoi. Check in hotel around 6:00 PM