10 days North West & East Loop 

Hanoi, Mai Chau, Phu Yen, Mu Cang Chai, Sapa, Ha Giang, Dong Van, Meo Vac, Bao Lac, Ba Be Lake, Hanoi

The overland journey takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in North Vietnam. Including a hike around Mai Chau, a drive along Hoang Lien Son Range, a trek in Sapa and a boat trip on the majestic Ba Be Lake.

Day 1 Hanoi - Mai Chau - Te Village

Departing from Hanoi we set out on a journey around 150 km away to the remote region of Mai Chau district in Hoa Binh province, a picturesque valley, home to White Thai, Dao and H’mong people. Here, we hike around scenic villages and observe and observe the daily life of White Thai people. In the evening, we are shown the hospitality of villagers and spend the night in a traditional wooden house of a White Thai family to experience their way of life. (Lunch and dinner are included)

Day 2 Te Village - Black River 

We have breakfast with a local family and continue our adventure. We take a hike along narrow paths surrounded by hill tribe villages, sculpted rice paddies and picturesque hills. En route we meet the local people going about their daily life, break for tea and eat lunch in their homes. Afternoon finds us cycling around picturesque villages, along beautiful mountains and hills, then onto the Black River.

Following a short boat trip along this river we reach the village of Xom Moi, home to a Muong community, tonight our host offer us a traditional dinner and a toast, before an overnight stay with them. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 3 Black River - Phu Yen

This morning we wander along a track, enjoying the stunning visual surroundings as we descend towards our waiting vehicle and journey to Moc Chau around 60 km away, where we have lunch in a local restaurant. This is followed by our drive to Phu Yen town for the night in a hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 4 Phu Yen - Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai

Our destination for today is Mu Cang Chai. It is a journey along the Hoang Lien Son Range, the scenery more than makes up for this. Along the way we stop to head out for some exploration of H’mong and Thai villages. Upon arrival we embark on a leisurely hike to explore the magic of the rice terraces up close. The day concludes with a delicious dinner, followed by a tranquil overnight stay in a cosy lodge. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 5 Mu Cang Chai - Sapa

Nestled in Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam, La Pan Tan is home to stunning terraced fields, a testament to the creativity and perseverance of local farmers. With its spectacular panoramas and tranquil ambiance, La Pan Tan offers a great place for hiking and trekking amidst these magnificent fields.

After breakfast, we set off on a peaceful morning trek to nearby H'Mong villages, winding through lush landscapes and offering a glimpse into their way of life. Exploring the renowned Mam Xoi Hill is a must when visiting La Pan Tan Village. Climbing the hill offers panoramic views of the expansive terraced rice fields, which are truly breathtaking.

The vibrant greenery and unique shape of the terraces also provide enchanting scenes that delight both photography enthusiasts and nature lovers. As the morning comes to an end, we board our vehicle and head to Sapa. The night is spent in a hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 6 Sapa - Ha Giang

This morning we set off to discover Sapa and its nearby villages of Y Linh Ho and Giang Ta Chai, set in a spectacularly beautiful valley and home to Black H'mong and Giay people. Black H'mong and Zay people are adept at rice cultivation and are responsible for tending to the manicured terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see. After that we board our vehicle for a journey to Ha Giang. The night is spent in a homestay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 7 Ha Giang - Dong Van

After breakfast we will hike around the villages and through scenic rice terraces. During our hike, we will take time to meet the local people at work, tending their seasonal crops and ploughing their paddies behind buffaloes. Next, we will journey to Dong Van. On the way, we will visit the Vuong Palace, the home of Vuong Chi Sinh, the king of the Hmong people. The palace's unique architectural design is distinctive to Dong Van. Upon arriving in Dong Van, a beautiful little town, we will take a stroll around a local market and nearby villages. Tonight, we will stay overnight in a hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 8 Dong Van - Meo Vac - Bao Lac

This morning, we will hike through the remote and beautiful countryside of Dong Van, winding our way through the spectacular landscape and passing several H’Mong ethnic villages. We will observe the local people as they grow terraced rice or tend to their seasonal crops. In the afternoon, we will reach the Ma Pi Leng Pass, where we will take a hike along the stunning mountains. We will be rewarded with a brilliant backdrop of picturesque valleys. This will be followed by a boat trip along the Nho Que River, allowing us to appreciate the sublime beauty of towering mountains and peaceful backwaters. After Nho Que River we embark on a journey to Bao Lac for the night and stay in a hotel. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 9 Bao Lac - Ba Be Lake

This morning we depart Bao Lac and embark on a route up into mountain areas onwards to Ba Be Lake National Park. This is one of the largest natural lakes in Vietnam, home to many kinds of birds, scenic valleys, towering rocky outcrops, underground river tributaries, and a gigantic cave. All of the villages in the park are not necessarily ethnic Tay. Those located high up on the slopes are inhabited by Green H’mong and Red Dao hilltribal people.

Upon arrival we explore Hua Ma Cave, nestled in the southern reaches of Ba Be National Park. Hua Ma is adorned with numerous unique and breathtaking formations, offering a fascinating exploration experience. Following our adventure in Hua Ma Cav we take a leisurely hike along the riverfront then on to the village of Pac Ngoi, home to a Tay ethnic community. Here, our homestay welcomes us for an overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)

Day 10 Ba Be Lake - Hanoi

After breakfast, we embark on a serene boat ride along the picturesque lake, which encompasses three freshwater lakes: Ba Be (Pe Lam, Pe Lu, Pe Leng). Situated at an elevation of 145m above sea level, the lake spans 8 kilometers and boasts a fascinating cave and underground stream system, contributing to its rich biodiversity and geological diversity.

Our boat journey continues along the Nang River, leading us to Puong Cave. This cave entrance stands impressively at 30 meters high, adorned with white limestone, and extends for 300 meters. Inside, vibrant stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and sizes create a fascinating sight, offering panoramic views of the river.

Our next destination is Dau Dang Waterfall, nestled in the far west and upper reaches of the river. Set amidst karst formations, the waterfall cascades in three tiers, surrounded by massive rocks and lush forest foliage. Despite its narrow width, the waterfall's force creates a misty spectacle of nature.

Following our exploration of the waterfall, we embark on a leisurely hike along the verdant riverfront, passing by charming Tay ethnic villages. Eventually, we board our vehicle for a journey to Hanoi, arriving around 6 pm. (Breakfast and lunch are included)

The facts…

Physical activities: 

Our itinerary includes walks, hiks and treks which are mainly on gentle terrain with:

• A 5-6 km hike on Day 1
• A 9-10 km hike on Day 2
   
• A 1-2 hour bicycle ride on Day 2
• A 7-9 km hik on Day 3
   
• A 3-4 km hike on Day 4
• A 9-11 km trek on Day 5
   
• A 5-8 km hike on Day 6
• A 6-9 km hike on Day 8
   
• A 4-6 km hike on Day 9
• A 2-4 km hike on Day 10

We need to be reasonably fit as the walk can be challenging sometimes, depending on the weather conditions. 

From July to September, the climate is usually humid and hot. From October to June brings cooler and more pleasant weather.

Transport: 
 

• Air-conditioned vehicle (Car or Bus)
• Boat
• Bicycle

Tour Guide: Our experienced and friendly tour guide speaks good English. He is picked for their physical fitness and knowledge about local cultures, history and the environment.

Accommodation: 
 

• Hotel (3 nights)
• Guest house (1 night)
• Homestays (4 nights) 

Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided.

Meals: 
 

• 9 breakfasts
• 10 lunches
• 9 dinners

We choose local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area, local restaurants, market or homes. We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.

Trip cost: 
 

• $698USD per person in group of 2 to 6 people
• $625USD per person in group of 7 to 10 people

The cost of the trip includes: 
 

• Accommodation
• Transportation
   
• Meals listed on the itinerary
• Purified drinking water
   
• Tour Guide
• Entrance fees
• VAT and other taxes
   

The cost of the trip does not include: 
 

• Travel insurance
• Personal spending
   
• Drinks (soft drinks and alcohol)
• Tips and gratuities

What to Bring: 

Pack essentials for 10 days away from Hanoi, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, comfortable hiking shoes. Take a small day pack for cycling, hiking and trekking. 

It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat and sun hat...

Have a great journey!!!