Dien Bien Phu & North Vietnam | Authentic Discovery - 11 Days

Dien Bien Phu & North Vietnam | Authentic Discovery
Overview
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  • Start/End: Hanoi/Hanoi
  • Visit: Hanoi - Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai - Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Sapa - Bac Ha - Bai Tu Long bay
  • Duration: 11 Days
  • Travel style: Authentic, Mountain & Minority
  • Category: Private tour
  • Tour guide in: English, Français, Español, Deutsch, Italiano
Highlight

Escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and set out on an adventure through North - West Vietnam. Venture through its breath taking mountainous landscapes and interact with its colourful hill tribes. Starting in Hanoi, the itinerary takes you off the beaten path on a tour through enchanting, gaping valleys and towering mountains to remote hill tribe villages. Visit cascading waterfalls, quaint and historic colonial towns. Visit traditional mountain village markets and meet the local people. Finish the trip off with a cruise on the amazing Halong bay to witness the unbelievable seascapes.

  • Bustling Hanoi capital
  • Meet mountain tribe group: Muong, Thai, H'mong, Dzao, Zay, Laotain, and Lu
  • Stunning mountain landscapes, amazing rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai and Sapa
  • Dien Bien Phu historical relics
  • Traditional mountain market in Bac Ha
  • Homestay experience
  • Overnight on Halong Bay Cruise
Advice
  • May to beginning of October is the best time to visit the rice terraces.
  • Sapa can get foggy in December & January.
  • Restaurants in the mountain regions ( excluding Sapa) provide only basic standard services.
  • Bring trekking shoes and cameras
Itinerary Expand All
  • Day 1,Hanoi35km - 0.75hFri, Mar 29, 2024
    Welcome to Hanoi, enjoy a walking tour in the old quarter

    Landing at the Noi Bai airport, you are welcomed by professional tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby. Enjoy 45-minute driving to the city center (Hanoi Old Quarter) with city's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and cuisine....Arrive in your hotel, check in and have a rest.

    Note: Hotel check in time at 14.00

    Continue the day with an walking tour. Start with a small pagoda named Ba Da quietly located in a small alley - only few steps from the Hanoi Great Cathedral, built by French colonialism since the 19th century. Your tour guide also takes you to typical streets of Hanoi such as Lan Ong Street selling traditional medicine, Lo Ren Street where metal items are produced ... Stop to visit the Dong Xuan central market - the largest in Hanoi. Continue walking to the famous area for night activities and street food - Ta Hien street, where you can see the vibrant streets with a lot of the amazing local foods and drinks. Trying to taste some for an unforgettable experience.

    End at your hotel.

    Note: If your flight arrival late or you are jet leg after long flight, the walking tour will be moved to the city tour day. Included:
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Private transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 2,HanoiSat, Mar 30, 2024
    Exploring the center of culture & education Van Mieu, outstanding museum of ethnology, visiting French Quarter and discovering Old town

    9:00 AM: Get Pick up by tour guide to the Temple of Literature which was built under the Ly dynasty in 11th century for worshipping Confucius and teaching Royal children. Enjoy a walk in the garden to the city’s symbol Khue Van Cac. You will then visit the World Heritage "stone steles” which shows the name of outstanding students. Continue to explore the Quoc Tu Giam which is considered as the first national university of Vietnam.

    Next stop at the Ethnology Museum (closed every Monday) which offers a deep insight into Vietnamese culture through traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and traditional houses of many ethnic groups. To fully explore this interesting museum, it takes you around two hours. 

    In the after noon you visit the French Quarter – it is a “little Paris” in Hanoi with tree-lined boulevards, government head offices and a big square. Visit (outside) Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum before having a leisurely walk in the botanical gardens to visit the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts where he used to live and work. Towards the unique One – pillar pagoda which is one of the city’s symbols. It takes us from 1 to 2 hours to explore this complex, depending on the number of traveler.

    Finally enjoying the water puppet shows that is the unique performances, first appeared in the 11th century. In these shows, the daily life, culture and belief of Vietnamese people are described by puppets on water. The show usually integrates a traditional music performance as well.

    Come back to hotel. End of the day

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Water puppet
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 3,Hanoi - Nghia Lo200km - 5hSun, Mar 31, 2024
    Enjoying a day to tea plantation, Muong & Thai culture regions

    8:00 AM: Meet tour guide and driver at your hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Muong Lo via Thanh Son. Muong Lo is known as one of the four most important fertile valleys of the Northwest (Muong Thanh in Dien Bien Phu, Muong Tac in Phu Yen and Muong Than in Than Uyen) in which the Thai ethnic group predominates. The village consists of hundreds of houses on wooden stilts and Thai people cultivate the water rice. Drive to the national road number 32 along the black river (Da River) one of the most important rivers in the Northwest.

    In Thanh Son, we will make a stop to visit the green tea plantation hill then walk through the stilt-house villages. It belongs to the Muong ethnic group, considered as Authentic Viet. The Muong ethnic group is one of few northern communities that is immune to Chinese influence.

    Arrive in Nghia Lo, walk or bike around the Thai village to discover the beautiful rice field valleys and hamlets that still preserve the authentic houses on stilts and meet the friendly locals.

    Note: For more interacting with local people and authentic experience, we invite you stay at homestay with basic equipment: clean mattress, pillow, mosquito net, blankets, outside WC and hot water shower but hotel service is also available, please contact us to get good advises. 
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Private transportation
    Bike: Nghia Lo
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Nghia Lo Homestay (Ms Loan) (Sharing homestay)
    Nghia Lo town, Yen Bai , Vietnam
  • Day 4,Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai100km - 2.5hMon, Apr 1, 2024
    Exploring the best of terrace in Mu Cang Chai, La Pan Tan, Tu Le, immersing into Thai, Dao, Dzay culture

    Enjoy breakfast then visit a local market in Nghia Lo then transfer to Mu Cang Chai via Tu Le. Mu Cang Chai is well known for its marvelous rice terrace widely considered as the most beautiful in the world. In 2007, Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh and La Pan Tan were recognized as outdoor masterpieces on the list of national heritage.

    At the exit of Nghia Lo, you will cross the hilly region populated by the Dao ethnic group on the hills. Stop for a chance to take photos and meet the local people on the way.

    Arrive in Tu Le. It is possible to trek to the valley where Thai people live in houses on stilts and have some unusual encounters that allow you to immerse yourself into the authentic local life. In the afternoon, continue to Khau Pha pass which offers you a splendid panoramic view of the valley of rice terraces.

    Then the car will take you to La Pan Tan which is a legendary route for photographers. You will admire the gorgeous rice terrace masterpieces created by the Hmong peasant artists from generation to generation. Enjoy the majestic landscape and follow the route from La Pan Tan to Mam Xoi. End of the day, check in your accommodation. 

    Note: For more interacting with local people and authentic experience, we invite you stay at homestay with basic equipment: clean mattress, pillow, mosquito net, blankets, outside WC and hot water shower but hotel service is also available, please contact us to get good advises. 
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Private transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Mu Cang Chai Homestay (Sharing homestay)
    Mu Cang Chai district, Yen Bai , Vietnam
  • Day 5,Mu Cang Chai - Dien Bien Phu220km - 5.5hTue, Apr 2, 2024
    Passing Black & White Thai minority, Visiting historical relics in Dien Bien Phu

    7:30 AM: Depart to Dien Bien Phu via Tuan Giao, a beautiful landscape of rice terraces and mountains that follow you along the way. From Than Uyen, we turn on to the quiet national road 279 to Tuan Giao. On arrival at Ban Chat reservoir, a large reservoir that will accompany you for 20km, stop for a short walk to enjoy the tranquility and spectacular landscape.  Keep driving to Pa Uon Bridge in Quynh Nhai, crossing Da River, one of the most important rivers in the north. Stop again to take great photos and meet the local people. Arrive in Tuan Giao at noon and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

    Continue to Dien Bien Phu, crossing the region of Black Thai and White Thai ethnic groups. Dien Bien Phu is located strategically near the borders of three countries: Vietnam, Laos, and China. This is an 18km long, 6km wide valley surrounded by 1000m high mountains. The valley was the main battlefield between Viet Minh and the French expeditionary force in 1954.

    Arrive in Dien Bien Phu at 15:30, then visit the War Museum, A1 hill which offers a panoramic view of the basin, De Castries' command post and the memorial to the soldiers of the French expeditionary force, built 1992, and a symbol of reconciliation between Vietnam and France. Check in to your hotel and relax.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    A1 Hotel(Double / Twin Room)
    3 Hoang Cong Chat street, Dien Bien Phu city, Dien Bien , Vietnam
  • Day 6,Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau210km - 5hWed, Apr 3, 2024
    Scenic driving to visit Kho Mu people, Thai minorities

    Have breakfast then visit local market near historical Muong Thanh Bridge before depart to Lai Chau, 210 km from Dien Bien Phu and home to numerous ethnic groups including Kho Mu. Originally from Northern Laos, there are 60,000 Kho Mu people living on the hill slopes between the Hmong in the upper and Thai in the lower. You will find yourself in a land of colorful Hmong people. Crossing Muong Cha, Muong Lay meet the local women in their colorful traditional dresses, wearing silver or golden jewelry. Stop at the villages to meet the locals and discover their authentic lifestyle.

    Arrive in Muong Lay – a relocation place for hundreds of Thai villagers. Previously, they lived in the valleys flooded by the reservoir for hydroelectricity Lai Chau – Son La.  You can stop here if you would like a tea break. The journey is accompanied by the Nam Na River and the beautiful surrounding landscapes. Discover Thai and Hmong villages on the way before your arrival in Lai Chau City in the late afternoon. Check in your hotel and relax.

    Note: It is possible to visit the colorful local market in morning next to Muong Thanh Bridge before start journey to Lai Chau.
    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Private transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Muong Thanh Lai Chau Hotel(Deluxe Room)
    113 Le Duan street, Lai Chau city, Lai Chau , Vietnam
  • Day 7,Lai Chau - Sapa70km - 2.5hThu, Apr 4, 2024
    Easy trekking in Na Tam, visiting Laotian & Lu people

    Depart to Sapa along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. At the exit of Tam Duong , we will turn to visit Na Tam Village where the Laotian and Lu people live. This is a beautiful, tranquil landscape. Traditionally, the local women are distinguished by black teeth and indigo colored clothing encrusted with silver coins. Take a 2-hour hike through the river, villages, rice fields, and hills and meet the locals.

    Meet our driver for a transfer to Sapa, crossing Hoang Lien Son pass (O Quy Ho pass). This is the longest and highest pass in Vietnam, 54km in length and 2047m in height. Stop to relax at the top of the pass and soak up the grandiose landscape. This is also a great place for photos.

    In the afternoon, arrive in Sapa, a town discovered by the French in 1903, with a temperate climate, Sapa has become an attraction for holidaymakers because of its beautiful rice valley, and Black Hmong, Red Dao and the Dzay Ethnics.

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Private transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Sapa Elegance Hotel(Deluxe Room)
    3 Hoang Dieu street, Sapa town, Lao Cai , Vietnam
  • Day 8,Sapa - Bac Ha100km - 2.5hFri, Apr 5, 2024
    Trekking through rice terrace in Muong Hoa valley, visiting H'mong, Dzay people, transfer to Bac Ha

    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 Hmong 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 Lao Chai village. Turn on a small path crossing the rice field to a small hamlet. Have a special visit to grandma who is the only craftsman left in the community, traditionally using beeswax for decoration to make the unique Hmong’s indigo clothing. It is also great chance to learn about their daily life and 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.  

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L, D
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Huy Trung's Homestay(Double Room)
    Na Quang 3, Bac Ha town, Bac Ha district, Lao Cai , Vietnam
  • Day 9,Bac Ha - Hanoi320km - 6hSat, Apr 6, 2024
    Exploring a typical mountain Bac Ha Maket, back to Hanoi

    7:00 AM: Start to explore Bac Ha, it is possible to visit a colorful, ethnic market ( Bac Ha market is on Sunday. Otherwise we can visit Coc Ly market on Tuesday, Can Cau market on Saturday instead). Enjoy the striking atmosphere with so many goods such as vegetables, poultry, horses and buffalos while capturing many minority groups in their best colorful clothing of the week. After visiting the market, take a walk through some idyllic ethnic villages, which is a typical Bac Ha landscape, interspersed with corn fields, cassava hills and clay houses, plum gardens adorned by H'Mong women and their colorful dresses will accompany you throughout the trip.

    Come back to town for lunch before transfer to Hanoi. Check in hotel around 6:00 PM

    Included:
    English speaking guide
    Meal: B, L
    Private transportation
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Conifer Grand Hotel(ROH Room)
    42 Tho Xuong, Hoan Kiem district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 10,Hanoi - Bai Tu Long bay160km - 3hSun, Apr 7, 2024
    Cruising in Bai Tu Long bay, exploring Cap La Island, cooking class and overnight on boat

    8:00 AM: Pick up at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter). Enjoy three hour drive from Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay. Your journey will pass the series of villages and rice fields in the Red River Delta. Have a stop for drink and restroom. Continue your driving, arrive at the harbor around noon, get warmly welcomed at cruise reception.

    12:45: Warmest welcome drinks from our staffs. Listen to a brief of safety on board then check in your cabin

    13:30: Enjoying delicious Vietnamese dishes for lunch while leisurely cruising to the core of Bai Tu Long Bay. 

    15:00: Leave the cruise to discover Cap La Island- the beautiful area in Bai Tu Long bay. Enjoy kayaking through the karst and breathtaking nature, swimming and relaxing

    17:30: Get back to the boat and enjoy Sunset Time (enjoy tea and fresh fruits). This time is regarded as “Happy Hour” – “buy two get one free” while our cruise is sailing to the overnight anchorage. In addition, cooking class is also organized by our guide at this time. You have a chance to make Vietnamese cuisine by yourself. 

    19:00: Sumptuous set-dinner on board.

    20:30: Free time for relaxing on the sundeck, listening to music, you may also try your luck with squid fishing

    If you want to join in karaoke activity, please inform our tour guide to be supported

    Overnight on board on Bai Tu Long bay

    Included:
    Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L, D
    Entrance fees
    Kayak: Halong
    Leisure: Beach swimming
    Cooking class: Halong (on board)
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
    Swan Cruise - 2D1N(Deluxe Cabin)
    3 Dang Thai Than street, Hoan Kien district, Ha Noi City, Vietnam
  • Day 11,Bai Tu Long bay - Hanoi160km - 3hMon, Apr 8, 2024
    Visiting the charm of Thien Canh Son cave, stunning cruising and back to Hanoi to take a flight home or other destinations

    06:30: Freshen up your new day with doing Tai Chi 

    07:00: Breakfast will be served in Western style and furthermore with Vietnamese traditional foodTea and coffee is available

    08:00: Explore Thien Canh Son cave. Your guide will explain the history of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and this Cave, made by Mother Nature

    09:30: Back to your boat by tender then finish packing.   

    Please remove all of your belongings from your cabin, you may leave heavy luggage outside of the cabin (staff will transfer directly to the pier).

    10:30: Join in and show your creativity in fruit carving activity

    11:00: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch.

    12:00: Disembark in Hon Gai pier

    Welcome by driver at the harbor then enjoy travel back to Hanoi. Have a rest at the middle of the way. Drop off at your hotel (in the Hanoi Old Quarter).

    Private driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby (Hanoi Old Quarter) for about 45 minutes to Noi Bai airport (international or domestic hall according to your request). Thanks for the visit to our city.

    Note: International flights require you to be at the airport 3 hours and domestic is 2 hours before departure time.

    Included:
    English speaking guide (on board)
    Meal: B, L
    Private transportation
    Entrance fees
    Leisure: Morning Tai Chi
    02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
Inclusions
  • English speaking tour guide following itinerary
  • All entrance fees and tickets mention on itinerary
  • Selected Accommodations with daily breakfast
  • Cruise: Swan Cruise - 2D1N
  • Private car following itinerary
  • Shuttle bus: Hanoi - Halong
  • Meal: B: 10, L: 09, D: 06
  • Bike: Nghia Lo
  • Kayak: Halong
  • Leisure: Water puppet, Beach swimming, Morning Tai Chi
  • Cooking class: Halong (on board)
  • Service charges and Taxes
Exclusions
  • International flight from/to your country
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tipping and Gratuities
  • Other not mentioned in the program


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  • My husband and I planned our recent family trip to Hanoi with Ms Tran Lien from Izitour Company Limited. She made the process smooth, seamless and stress free! Made our...
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  • Very cool person. We had a very nice boat with very friendly crew in Halong Bay. Their organisation was perfect.
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  • Lim gave us excellent advice. She organised a tailor-made tour for us that perfectly met our expectations. You can trust her with your eyes shut!
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  • We spent 2 extraordinary days, the guide and driver were very kind and helpful. We were able to taste the typical dishes of the region, it was really delicious. The visit...
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    Mar 19, 2024
  • Many thanks to Lim who organized the Halong Bay cruise for us and for all his good advice before we left for Vietnam. We recommend Izitour and of course Lim....
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