Lanscapes and ethnics of The Nord West 5 days

Tour code: OBT-03

The Northwest of Vietnam is a fascinating melting pot of ethnic minority tribes. By breathtaking mountainous paths travellers will meet these different tribes; the H'mongs from the mountains, The Thais from the valley, the Lu women with their silver jewels and lacquered teeth and the Dzao’s, well-known for their excellent hunting techniques.

Day 01 : Arrival in Hanoi (D)

You will be met at the airport. Afternoon cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. Evening meal at a restaurant.

Day 02 : Ha Noi – Mai Chau (B, L, D)

We leave Hanoi in the morning towards Hoa Binh province. This scenic area is home to many hill tribes, including the Dzao, Muong and Thai. We visit some of their traditional villages on the way to Mai Chau. We pass magnificent look-out points offering panoramic views over the valley. In the afternoon we arrive in Pom Koong, a village of the ‘White Thai’, who predominantly inhabit the area. In the evening you can enjoy a traditional dance and a drink called Ruou Can, the local rice wine. We have dinner and spend the night in the houses of the local people.

Day 03 : Mai Chau - Son La (B, L, D)

After breakfast, prepared by our guest family, we walk around town to experience the true essence of daily life in the tribe. We continue our trip by car towards Son La. A stop is scheduled at the tea plantation of Moc Chau, to sip tea with members of the H'Mong tribe. On arrival in Son La we visit the old Son La Prison, where the French used to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries in the latter part of the colonial era. We spend the night in a hotel.

Day 04 : Son La - Dien Bien Phu (B,L,D)

Today we travel to Dien Bien Phu, crossing over the Phan Din Pass, known as the highest and longest pass in Viet Nam with an altitude of 1,500m.  On arrival we visit famous sites of Indochina War, the Ellianne Hill and the War museum which details the events that took place. On display are relics from the battle including old French tanks and artillery pieces. Of special interest is the reconstruction of the bunker where the French commander, Colonel de Castries, surrendered to Viet Minh forces. We spend the night in Dien Bien Phu, which has developed into a fast-growing frontier town. The Lao border is not very far away from here.

Day 05 : Dien Bien - Tam Duong (B,L,D)

We visit some Black Thai villages, famous for their wooden houses on stilts. On the way we cross a beautiful footbridge leading us to a Kh'Mu village, an important hill tribe similar to the Laotians in terms of language and tradition. Arrival in Tam Duong and night in hotel.

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What our customers say

" It’s difficult to go back to work after such a wonderful holiday. We had a great time in Vietnam! We wanted to thank you for your welcome, your professionalism and overall attentiveness. This helped us discover the North of Vietnam in the best conditions. We had an amazing time that will remain in our memories for a long time.... "
--- Group of friends of Mr Arnaud Deschamps

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