Description:
Despite the rough roads the Northern Loop tour has become a bit of a classic. This is on account of the overwhelming scenery and the popular hill town of Sapa, an old hill station (elevation 1,700 meters) close to the Chinese border. The region is home to numerous colourful ethnic minority groups. The trip also includes a visit to the historic battlefield of Dien Bien Phu. On this northern loop tour, you have the chance to stay in a traditional long house on stilts, get closer to daily life of Tai ethnic minority people at Mai Chau, Hoa Binh and encounter a number of hill tribes, picturesque landscape & the wildlife of Tay Bac (North West). You will discover the undiscovered part of Vietnam.
Highlights: Hanoi - Maichau - Son La - Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Phong Tho - Sapa - Hanoi
Intinerary:
Day 1 : Arrival - Hanoi
Upon your arrival, you will be picked up for a transfer to our hotel in the old quarter of Hanoi. Check-in. Walk amongst the maze of Hanoi's old quarter to get an insight into the local life. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
Day 2 : Hanoi - Mai Chau
AM: Sightseeing tour of Hanoi includes Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (except Monday & Friday), One Pillar Pagoda, theTemple of Literature - Vietnam's 1st university, Ngoc Son Temple by the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Pm: Drive westward to Mai Chau (Hoa Binh province). Visit a White Tai minority village. Overnight at stilt-house in Mai Chau.
(Breakfast, lunch and diner included)
Day 3 : Mai Chau - Son La
Am: Following breakfast we take a 2-3 hour hike through verdant villages of White Tai, and H'Mong hill tribe peoples.
Pm: Drive to Son La. Son La is located in a scenic valley, inhabited by Tai, Muong and H'mong minority people. This area is historically important for its involvement in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during the first half of the 20th century. Overnight at hotel in Son La.
(Breakfast, lunch and diner included)
Day 4 : Son La - Dien Bien Phu
Am: Visit the former French Prison and then drive to the colorful market of Thuanchau with pleasant encounters with friendly tribal people at the market and villages along the way. Visit Blue H’mong village at Phadin pass. Lunch in Tuanchau before making our way to Dienbien Phu – you can see the former battlefield and the display of war scraps from battlefields. It was here that the French planned to lure the Viet Minh, led by Ho Chi Minh, into the valley by sending 16,000 French troops as bait. The French however did not count on the brilliant leadership of General Vo Nguyen Giap who somehow managed to place the Vietnamese artillery on the surrounding ridges. Overnight at hotel in Dienbienphu.
(Breakfast, lunch and diner included)
Day 5 : Dien Bien Phu - Lai Chau - Phongtho
After breakfast, depart for Lai Chau. You will have a long journey through fantastic mountainous scenery. On the way, we can visit ethnic villages of the Red H'Mong, Kho Mu & Zdao people. Overnight in Tam Duong.
(Breakfast, lunch and diner included)
Day 6 : Phongtho – Binhlu - Sa Pa
Visit the colorful market of Tamduong and Binhlu market. Continue our way through scenic Binhlu pass where we have a bird’s eye view to the distant villages, rice field and mountains. Wind up terraced hillsides to Sa Pa. Upon arrival Sapa, check in and explore the Sapa town. Overnight at hotel in Sapa
(Breakfast, lunch and diner included)
Day 7 : Sa Pa
Am: Free to wander through the busy market where Red Zdao, Black H'Mong, Giay and other hill-tribe people gather to sell their handicrafts and buy their provisions.
Pm: Pleasant walk to visit nearby hill-tribe villages. Overnight at hotel in Sapa
(Breakfast included)
Day 8 : Sa Pa - Hanoi
Following breakfast, we set out on our scenic drive along the Red river back to Hanoi. Overnight at hotel in Hanoi.
(Breakfast and lunch included)
Day 9 : Hanoi - Departure
At leisure till the departure transfer to Noi Bai airport for departure.
(Breakfast included)
Tour includes:
- English speaking guide
- All transportation by 4 WD with experienced driver
- All accommodation on twin/double share basis with breakfast
- Meals as indicated
- Admission fees and permits where applicable
Tour excludes :
- Airfares & airport taxes
- Pre/post trip arrangement
- Visa and visa arrangements
- Travel insurance
- Other personal expenses
Tour Pricing: US$ 890 per person based on 2 people Min
Hotels : Basic accommodation with mini hotelsse.
 
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