Hanoi – Nghia Lo – Mu Cang Chai – Sapa – Bac Ha – Hoang Su Phi – Ha Giang – Quan Ba – Meo Vac
Days 1: Ha Noi - Nghia Lo
Depart Hanoi’s Old Quarter for a 2-hour drive to Duong Lam, a UNESCO-listed ancient village. Explore 100-400-year-old houses, temples, and gardens dedicated to two kings who repelled a Chinese invasion 1,200 years ago. After a 2-4 hour visit, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Continue your journey through rural landscapes, passing rice paddies and karst formations, before reaching Nghia Lo. Stay overnight in a traditional White Thai homestay.
- 2-4 hour flat walk.
Days 2: Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai
Start early with a peaceful bicycle ride through paddy fields, observing villagers at work with their animals. Enjoy breakfast with a view of the fields before heading over the Khau Pha Mountain Pass, passing spectacular rice terraces in Tu Le. After lunch, visit Nam Co Village to see the Flower H'mong people in their colorful attire and, if the timing is right, explore a local market. Continue to La Pan Tan and Mam Soi for a 3km trek with stunning views of rice fields before heading to Kim Noi village for an overnight stay at Mrs. Chon’s Thai homestay.
- 5-7 km trek.
Days 3: Mu Cang Chai
After breakfast, a local guide will take you on the longest trek of the tour, from Kim Noi Village to Hang Dang De, then on to Che Cu Nha. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning rice terraces before continuing to La Pan Tan. Afterward, you'll be picked up and driven back for a second night at Mrs. Chon’s homestay.
- 15-17 km trek.
Days 4: Mu Cang Chai - Sapa
After breakfast, drive from Mu Cang Chai through Tan Uyen to Sapa, crossing the scenic Sin Ho Pass. Enjoy lunch and explore Sapa before trekking to Giang Ta Chai Village for dinner and an overnight stay in a Dao ethnic house.
- 4-6 km trek.
Days 5: Sapa - Trekking
Start with a 3km trek to Suoi Ho Village, home to the H’mong community, offering stunning views of rice terraces. Continue to Ma Tra Village for photos, then trek to Ta Phin to meet Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, known for their herbal medicine expertise. Optionally, enjoy a Red Dao herbal bath. Dinner and overnight in a Ta Phin homestay.
- 12-15 km trek.
Days 6: Sapa - La Pan Tan
After breakfast, drive from Sapa through Lao Cai, following the river along the China border to Muong Khuong. Enjoy scenic views of black limestone outcrops and pine forests. After lunch in Muong Khuong, travel south through mountain villages to La Pan Tan, where you’ll stay in a rustic homestay with stunning views.
Days 7: La Pan Tan - Coc Ly - Bac Ha
After breakfast, drive from La Pan Tan to Coc Ly, passing the scenic Chay River. If it's Tuesday, you may visit the Coc Ly market. Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the Chay River to Coc Dao, then drive to Bac Ha. After lunch, visit the Hoang A Tuong Palace, a blend of baroque and oriental architecture built in 1920 with French assistance. Dinner and overnight in a Bac Ha homestay.
Days 8: Bac Ha - Coc Pai - Phung Village
On Sunday, visit the Bac Ha and Coc Pai markets (or Can Cau market on Saturday). After lunch in Coc Pai, travel to the Ban May rice fields and meet the La Chi people. Overnight in a homestay.
Days 9: Hoang Su Phi
Trek from Dong Loi to Suoi Thau, passing through terraced rice fields and La Chi villages. Stop for a picnic in Thang Loi Village and visit ancient tombs, including that of Hoang Van Thung. After a 20km trek, return to the homestay for dinner and rest.
Days 10: Hoang Su Phi - Ha Giang
After breakfast, drive down a steep winding road through terraced rice fields, stopping for photos and enjoying the morning light. Continue through Hoang Su Phi, crossing Tan Su Phin and Cong Troi passes, offering stunning views. Stay overnight in a Tay stilt house.
Days 11: Ha Giang - Quan Ba
Trek off the beaten track to Lung Vai (6-8 hours), meeting Man and Dao ethnic communities. Enjoy a picnic lunch and continue to Khuoi My, passing farmers at work. Visit Ban Tha Village before being driven to Nam Dam for dinner and an overnight stay at a Dao house.
- Includes 15-17 km trek.
Days 12: Quan Ba - Meo Vac
In the morning, we head to Dong Van via Cong Troi Pass and Yen Minh, stopping at the King’s Palace in Sa Phin, built in the early 20th century. The area is known for its corn plantations. After lunch in the vibrant Dong Van market, we continue through the stunning Ma Pi Leng Pass to Meo Vac, known for its breathtaking views. We will overnight in a H’mong home.
Days 13: Meo Vac - Bac Me - Ha Giang
Today, we drive along a scenic route to Bac Me and then on to Ha Giang, passing through palm plantations where Tay people live in traditional stilt houses with palm leaf roofs. This area is less touristy, offering a glimpse into the unspoiled rural lifestyle. In Ha Giang, you'll stay in a riverside bungalow.
Days 14: Ha Giang - Ha Noi
We head back to Hanoi, passing through stunning scenery, from mountains to tea plantations and rice paddies. After a lunch stop, we’ll reach Hanoi by early afternoon, giving you some time to explore the city or relax after your adventure.
