A more challenging and remote alternative to the Northwest loop, this incredible route takes you through verdant vistas and mountain ranges, along lakes and rivers, and through jungle and tiered paddy fields rising and falling as far as the eye can see. Along the way, Youll be hosted by different hill tribes wearing amazingly elaborate and colourful costumes. These are people who have been living in the hills for a centuries, and their ways of life have little changed from generation to generation.
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Day 1: Ha Noi - Nghia Lo (~210 km, ~7 hrs) ( L )
07:00 - Depart from Hanoi through the Red River Delta into the mountains of Yen Bai province and on to Nghia Lo. The area is home to Thai, Nung, H'mong, La Ha and Ma ethnic minority peoples. Overnight in a hotel or guest house.
Day 2: Nghia Lo - Than Uyen (~150 km, ~5 hrs) ( B, L )
Exploring the local market in Nghia Lo is a good chance to shop for local handicrafts. Today's drive is along an exciting stretch of road which climbs over the mountain pass to Mu Cang Chai past H'mong, La Ha and Dzao hill tribe communities. At the bottom of the valley is the town of Than Uyen. Overnight in a hotel or guest house.
Day 3: Than Uyen - Sa Pa (~120 km, ~3 hrs) ( B, L )
The road follows the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and winds through tea plantations and rice terraces as it hugs the Nam Ma River. This stunning valley is dotted with Tay, Dzao and H'mong hill tribe villages. Over the 1,900 meter Tram Ton Pass to Sa Pa located in the breathtaking Hoang Lien Son Mountains. Arrive Sapa in the afternoon. Check in hotel. Free time. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4: Sapa Trekking - Banho - Overnight at village. ( B, L,D )
Breafast at hotel. Jeep transfer from your hotel to TaVan village. Trek along rice terraces, through a lush bamboo forest and past local villages. Stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch, trek to Ban Ho for an insightful night with your Tay hosts, where you'll sleep in the cozy loft complete with comfy mattress and a mosquito net. Overnight at village.
Day 5: Sapa trekking tour - Hanoi -( B, L )
Short trek to the dirt road for the jeep ride back to Sa Pa. Explore the town or go shopping in the market for local produce. Then back Sapa for shower before transfer back Hanoi.
Note : you can stay longer in Sapa for more trekking or visit the CanCau market on Saturday, Bacha market on Sunday, Cocly market on tuesday
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