Northwest Vietnam Loop

Welcome to Hanoi!
Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you`ll be greeted by our tour guide for the hotel transfer.
Hanoi is a bustling city which combines old-world charm with modern city life. The first day is left for your exploration of Hanoi or rest at leisure.

Accommodation: hotel in Hanoi.
Meal: welcome dinner.

Your adventure to the Northwest starts with a scenic drive to Mai Chau Valley, passing through the vibrant towns of Hoa Binh province. 
Mai Chau is a picturesque valley which houses different villages of Thai ethnic minority. They came to Vietnam in the 6th century, exposing a very different culture and cuisine. Spend the afternoon exploring their unique stilt houses and traditional works of silk making.
The highlight of this evening is the traditional Thai dance performed by local artists.

Accommodation: hotel in Mai Chau.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.

Today, we travel up the mountain to Moc Chau town, famous for its tea plantation and milk industry. Take a stop to learn about Vietnamese tea. 
En route, stop for photos, and enjoy friendly encounters with local hill tribes. 
Settle your stay in Son La. 

Accommodation: hotel in Son La.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we visit Son La prison, one of the most remarkable sites that tells stories about the Vietnam War. 
Depart from Son La for Dien Bien Phu passing one of the most dramatic landscapes in northwest Vietnam which can be viewed from the Pha Din Pass. 
Once in Dien Bien Phu, check in your hotel then visit Dien Bien Phu Museum.

Accommodation: hotel in Dien Bien Phu.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. 

Breakfast at your hotel then continue our road trip to Tam Duong. The landscapes change dramatically as you navigate through high mountains and the lush valley filled with rice paddies and stilt villages. There are stops on the way to meet Dao and Hmong people. 
We will arrive at Tam Duong town in the afternoon. 
Tam Duong Market is a good place to take a stroll this afternoon. Dinner is served with Tam Duong`s specialties. 

Accommodation: hotel in Tam Duong.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner. 

This is probably the most impressive part of your Northwest loop. You`ll be amazed by the rice terraces, and cascading waterfalls as your car ascends Tram Ton pass, known as Heaven Gate. The view is simply amazing. 
There are 2 options to take before you reach Sapa town: walking through Hoang Lien Son National Park to admire Love Waterfall or climbing up Silver Waterfall. 
Spend your evening in Sapa town.

Accommodation: hotel in Sapa.
Meals: breakfast, lunch. 

Sapa is a well-known trekking destination that boasts captivating scenery and it is best to be explored by foot. We`ll venture out of the town for a moderate-level walk through rice terraces, and villages of Hmong people. Your guide will introduce you to their unique custom and traditions as you visit their villages.
Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Accommodation: hotel in Sapa.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.

In the morning, we start from Sapa town to reach Bac Ha district to join one of the most colorful markets in the area. Depending on your travel date, you will see one of these markets: Coc Ly, Cao Son, Lung Khau Nhin, Bac Ha, or Can Cau market. 
On the way back to Lao Cai City, take the chance to photograph the Vietnam-China border gate which lies by the Red River. 
Taking the overnight train back to Hanoi. Our tour guide will see you off at the train station for your onward travel. 

Accommodation: train cabin.
Meals: breakfast, lunch.