Highland Treks and Tribal Trails 10 Days

Upon arriving at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, you’ll be greeted and transferred to a nearby hotel for a freshen-up. At 21:00, you’ll head to the train station, where you’ll board your overnight train to Lao Cai, departing at 22:00.

• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Overnight Train
• Transportation: Private Vehicle, Overnight Train

Arrive early in Lao Cai, where a local guide will transfer you to Sapa for breakfast. At 09:00, begin your journey into Hoang Lien National Park, taking in the lush rice terraces and mountain views. Meet the vibrant Black H’mong people and explore their traditional culture. Continue to Thanh Phu village of the Tay minority, then proceed to My Son village to learn about the Xa Pho people. In the afternoon, arrive in the tranquil Red Dao village of Nam Cang, where you’ll stay at the Nam Cang Riverside house. Enjoy exploring the village or relaxing by the river.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Homestay
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Start your day with a peaceful breakfast by the river. Spend the morning exploring Nam Cang, visiting the local school, interacting with children, and learning traditional crafts. After bidding farewell to the villagers, transfer to Topas Ecolodge for lunch, and then take a leisurely walk to Lech village to admire the colorful costumes of the Red Dao people. Return to Topas Ecolodge and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Ecolodge
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Today, drive to a regional market (options include Bac Ha on Sundays, Coc Ly on Tuesdays, Cao Son on Wednesdays, Lung Khau Nhin on Thursdays, and Can Cau on Saturdays). Spend the morning immersing yourself in the lively market atmosphere. After lunch at a local restaurant, drive to Bac Ha, check into your hotel, and enjoy a gentle hike through Ban Pho valley, exploring the cultures of the Flower Hmong, Tay, and Nung peoples. Choose a hiking route that suits your preference.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Local Guesthouse
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Drive through the scenic Bac Ha district, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant Flower Hmong and Phu La cultures. Enjoy a morning walk from Pa Chu Ty 1 to Pa Chu Ty 2 villages. After lunch in Xin Man, drive to Pan Hou Village in Thong Nguyen Commune. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or take a stroll around the village. Optionally, enjoy a herbal bath at Pan Hou (additional cost).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Ecolodge
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

After breakfast, travel to Ha Giang, passing through the spectacular Quan Ba mountain pass. Stop at local villages and take in panoramic views of Tam Son valley from Heaven Gate. After lunch, visit Nam Dam village of the Zao Ao Dai and continue to Yen Minh, arriving around 17:00. Check into your guesthouse and explore the charming town.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Local Guesthouse
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Drive to Dong Van and then Meo Vac, navigating winding mountain roads with breathtaking views. Visit the ancient town of Pho Bang, Sung Muoi village, and Vuong Palace. After lunch in Dong Van, explore the town and drive over the stunning Ma Pi Leng pass, known for its dramatic landscapes and deep canyons.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Local Guesthouse
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

Travel to Ba Be National Park via Bao Lac. En route, visit villages of the San Chay and Zao Tien. Arrive at Ba Be Lake in the afternoon and stay with a Tay family by the lake.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Homestay
• Transportation: Private Vehicle

After breakfast, embark on a boat cruise on Ba Be Lake, exploring its emerald waters and stunning Puong Cave. Enjoy lunch in Cho Ra and then drive back to Hanoi.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Hotel
• Transportation: Private Vehicle, Boat