Dien Bien Phu Loop & the Northwest

Valley of Lai Chau. Northwest Vietnam
An image by Quang-Tuan Luong
Black Dzao children wearing the hat with three coins, between Tam Duong and Sapa. Northwest Vietnam
An image by Quang-Tuan Luong
Terraced rice fields in Son La. Northwest Vietnam
Thai woman tending to the rice fields, Tuan Giao. Northwest Vietnam
An image by Quang-tuan Luong
Ethnic women carrying banana trunks. Northwest Vietnam
An image by Quang-Tuan Luong
Majestic landscape of Northwest Vietnam
Women tending to rice fields in Yen Bai. Northwest Vietnam

This trip will take you to some of the most isolated and beautiful areas of Northwest Vietnam. You will make a circuit around the northwest highlands which comprise Mai Chau, Son La, Dien Bien Phu, Lai Chau, Phong Tho (Paso) and Sapa before heading back to Hanoi. Travelling to this mountainous region involves a lot of time on the road, but you’re compensated by getting the chance to view amazing scenes and landscapes. Accommodation and restaurants are often basic (except Sapa), although those mentioned in program are the best choice of the region.

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Booking Conditions

Itinerary
Dates & Prices
Hotels

Day 1:

HANOI – SON LA

Drive to Son La via Mai Chau (4 hrs). Continue to Son La through picturesque scenery with stunning views. The province is populated by various ethnic groups, including the Ma, H’mong, Dao, Muong, Kinh, Khmer, Tay, and Thai, among others. (B/L/D) Hanoi Hotel

Day 2:

SON LA – DIEN BIEN PHU

Transfer to Dien Bien Phu (4-hour drive). Lunch at local restaurants. In the afternoon, visit historical sites around Dien Bien Phu Dien Bien Phu city including Dien Bien Phu museum, the notorious Hill A-1 battlefield, the former French command post and battle relics. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel. (B/L/D) Dien Bien Phu Hanoi Hotel

Day 3:

DIEN BIEN PHU – MUONG LAY– PHONG THO

Drive to Phong Tho (Paso) via Muong Lay through spectacular scenery. After lunch, visit the White Thai and H’mong villages en route. Phong Tho offers wonderful opportunities for hiking. You will also visit the Hmong and Dzao hill tribes in the area. (B/L/D) Lan Anh 2 Hotel

Day 4:

PHONG THO – TAM DUONG - SAPA

Drive from Phong Tho to Sapa via Tam Duong, with more breathtaking scenes, this time, of terraced rice paddies ringed by mountains. From Tam Duong, drive through more stunning scenery over the mountains and rolling hills winding up to Sapa. Dinner and overnight stay at Chau Long Hotel. (B/L/D) Chau Long II Hotel

Day 5:

SAPA – TA VAN – CAT CAT - SAPA

A short ride on the rim of a deep valley followed by a 30-minute walk takes you to the rattan bridge & the ethnic Ta Van village where the Dzay tribe lives. Continue your visit to Cat Cat village before returning to Sapa. Dinner and overnight at Chau Long II Hotel (B/L/D)

Day 6:

SAPA – LAO CAI – HANOI

After breakfast, transfer to Lao Cai to board the local day train to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi in late evening. (B/L)

Departure:

July 7, 2013

Tour cost:

$890 Single suppl. $190

Tour price includes: