OVERVIEW
Take an epic road trip across the ‘roof of Vietnam’ where spectacular scenery abounds. Rub shoulders with members of ethnic hilltribes at vibrant markets and catch glimpses of their traditional customs. Traveling over high mountain passes and spectacular valleys, this trip has more than its fair share of awe-inspiring moments.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY
The Roof of Vietnam, Ha Giang and The Far North – 6 Days / 5 Nights
Road transfer 217 km, approx.5 hours/ Stop and sightseeing 1hour/ Boat trip 3 hours
This morning, depart the hotel at 07:30 for a 2 - hour drive to Thai Nguyen.
En route visit the Thai Nguyen Museum of Ethnology to learn about the tribal people in the mountainous region of northern Vietnam.
Continue 105 km drive to Na Phac and Cho Ra enjoying picturesque landscapes along the road. Stop for a late lunch in Cho Ra Town.
After lunch, head to Ba Be and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Ba Be National Park and lake on a local boat cruise.
At the end of the day, transfer to local hotel for check-in.
Overnight at Ba Be.
Road transfer 243 km. approx.7 hours/ Walking and sightseeing 2 hr
After breakfast drive 79km to Tinh Tuc - the town of Subsidy memory sine 1970s then head to Bao Lac for an hour walk around the village of San Chi or Lo Lo ethnic people. Lunch break at house of local people
After lunch continue to drive along Gam River for 21km to Ly Bon traveling up steep mountains discovering the remotest land of Cao Bang to Meo Vac – a rural district of Ha Giang province. Take an hour walking through the fascinating valley of Niem Son and discover the cultural life of Nung ethnic people.
Then continue drive over the Ma Pi Leng Pass to enjoy its magnificent and spectacular scenery en route. Arrive in Dong Van and Check in hotel
Overnight in Dong Van.
Road transfer 125 km/ Walking & sightseeing 3hrs
If on Sunday; explore the weekend market where local tribal people sell their goods in town. After breakfast, Drive to visit the mansion of Vuong Family - a national relic featuring typical Hmong architecture on the way. Keep the camera turned on to capture many pictures of the magnificent scenery of Dong Van Karst Plateau - consisting of narrow valleys alternating with rocky mountain ranges in the north of Vietnam.
Then continue to drive through a series of magnificent valleys surrounded by wall-up mountain, enjoy another walk to visit the Lung Cam Tren village where the Hmong changed their way of life from shifting into sedentary one from about 100 years ago - helping them to have a better life than many others. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before leaving Lung Cam and transfer mostly downhill the Pho Cao pass for Yen Minh lush valley, enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of Yen Minh Pass. Arrive at Lung Tam commune which is set amongst perfect surrounding nature before visiting the workshop of Ms. Mai who gathered over 100 Hmong and Dao women in difficulties and helped them to learn traditional weaving and embroidery for better living.
Transfer to Nam Dam - Quan Ba in the late afternoon for checking in local accommodation
Overnight in Quan Ba
Road transfer 130 km, - 4 hrs/ Walking & sightseeing 2 hrs
After breakfast depart over stunning Quan Ba Pass which offers the fascinating scenery en route visit another village of the Hmong people.
On the way passing lush and green forest, tea farms and possess the most impressive terraced rice fields in Vietnam. The road winds its way on high mountain sides and offers beautiful landscapes. Arrive Hoang Su Phi in noon for checking in. Be ready for lunch with ethnic food at the lodge
Afternoon starts with leisurely exploring area nearby with stunning view of terrace rice field and little home of ethnic people
Overnight in Hoang Su Phi.
Road transfer 170 km, 7 hrs/ walking & sightseeing 2hrs
If on Sunday, spend 2 hours joining local market of Flower Hmong, Red Dao, Nung and Tay people which is famous for its cattle exchanging on the large ground on the bank of the Chay River.
Leave Hoang Su Phi for 100km excursion along Chinese border through the Chay River Massif and explore local life for the Flower Hmong, Tay and Nung. On the way, turn into Ban Phung village - a masterpiece of nature, spend 2 hours walking through community of La Chi people which is offered amazing view of terrace field.
After Lunch; continue drive to Bac Ha Town at around noon, paying visit to Hoang A Tuong Castle before having a lunch break.
Overnight in Bac Ha
Road transfer 320km - 5.5 hrs
This morning it may be possible to visit a local market (Ban Cam on Tuesday/ Cao Son on Wednesday/ Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday / Can Cau on Saturday/ Bac Ha on Sunday. Note: These local markets are only held on the above mentioned days only. Here you’ll see mostly Flower Hmong however Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung hill tribe groups also gather here. The market offers a variety of local products, such as an interesting animal market where pot-bellied pigs, cows and buffalos can be seen.
After lunch drive back to Hanoi