Our 10 days off the beaten path trekking trip is an amazing experience as it leads through Lao Cai and Ha Giang, two of the most beautiful provinces in northern Vietnam. The trip starts in Sapa, the former hill spa resort once frequented by the French, and then heads to Bac Ha and on to Ha Giang taking in some of the most stunning scenery imaginable. There are a few challenging hills along the way and it’s a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the tribal people in the north of Vietnam with their colourful costumes and unique traditions.
Day 01: Ha Noi
Day 02: Lao Cai – Sapa – Trekking to Muong Hoa Valley
Day 03: Sapa - Bac Ha - Lung Phin - Pa Chu Ty - Lung Cai
Day 04: Lung Cai - Hoang Nhi Pho - Ban Gia
Day 05: Ban Gia- Nam Ma
Day 06: Nam Ma - Nan Lung - Coc Pu
Day 07: Coc Pu - Coc Pai - Hoi Luong
Day 08: Hoi Luong - Tung San - Dan Khao - Cao Banh
Day 09: Cao Banh - Hanoi
Day 10: Departure:
Trip Grade:
Level of fitness is required.
Weather:
Undoubtedly, weather is one of the determining factors for your traveling decisions. If you are heading to Vietnam, then, take it easy to make up your mind. Vietnam’s climate is not just steamy hot as what you are frequently exposed to on movies. All year round here, there is always a perfect place where it is pleasant to stay. Basically, the whole country falls into the tropic and subtropics but its stretching length and diverse topography allow it to span several different climate zones. The weather thus, tends to vary considerably from season to season and also from region to region.
Northern Part
The North of Vietnam is generally cooler than other South East Asian regions in the same longitude. It experiences two main distinct seasons. In winter months, the weather gets colder and colder fromNovember to March and considerably warmer in April (a leap into summer). This is also time to observe much cloud and frequent drizzle. The average winter temperature is 17.2°C (62.9°F). Particularly, the mountainous areas (Northwest) are often much colder, temperature may keep below 10°C (50°F) for long period. Ice and snow even cover Hoang Lien Son Mountains and nearby Sapa town for some times with the lowest record of -3°C (26.6°F) in Feb 2008.
In the summer (from May to October), the whole region is quite hot. Temperature may rise to 37°C (98.6 °F) in the peaks of June and July. Hanoi and coastal provinces around the Red River Delta generally enjoy equitable weather with high average humidity (80%) all year round though they may occasionally be subjected to typhoons and heavy rain in late summers (September to November). Vietnamese people even identify four seasons in the Northern provinces (from Hai Van Pass toward the north) with their distinct features: pleasant spring (typically March-April) and autumn (October-December), a chilly winter (December- February) and a hot summer (June – July).
Central Part
The Central Vietnam with two sub-regions, coastal lowlands and central highlands, can be seen as an in-between climatic area of the North and the South. The coastal strip is usually dry and hotter than the rest in the summer, as the Truong Son Mountains do not allow it to enjoy most rainfall of south-western monsoon (from April to October). Unprotected coasts in their turn, however, make it wet and colder than the rest in winter-monsoon season (from November to March). Also, storms and typhoons strike this area more frequently than the northern coasts in summer months (from July to November). The Central Highlands in particular enjoys nearly double the average rainfall of the country. Two biggest towns in this plateau, Dalat and Pleiku, are ideally cool throughout the year. Near-the-south coastal cities, Quy Nhon, Nha Trang and Phan Thiet, on the contrary, experiences steamy hot weather (21°C-32°C / 70°F-90°F) all year round.
Southern Part
The South of Vietnam, merely 8 degrees north of the Equator, is typical of humid tropical climate which is excellent for growing rice. The region’s temperatures experience little variations in a year (around 27-32°C/80-90°F). There are two main seasons: the rainy and the dry. During the rainy/monsoon season (from May to November), downpours are expected to happen nearly every afternoon, resulting in occasional street flooding in and around Saigon. In the dry season, it is hot from late February to April then slightly cooler when first downpours come. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) enjoys rather equitable tropical climate with high humidity all year round. December to March is said to be the most pleasant time to hit this region’s center.
Note: In all, Vietnam climate is so diverse that there is almost no definition of an average temperature for the whole country. Thanks to these regional variations in weather, generally, you can drop in Vietnam at any time of year. Commonly, based on the duration of your stay, you should plan to catch the good weather and places by either dropping in Saigon in February or March then following the coast to north or hitting Hanoi in October-November then tracing southward.
Day 1: Ha Noi
On arrival at Ha Noi airport, you will be met by our local guide and transferred to the hotel for breakfast and day use of a room. Dependent on the time of your flight you may like to take a guided walk to explore the bustling Old Quarter of Ha Noi which is home to more than 1000 traditional houses dating from 1010 when King Ly Thai To moved his capital from Hoa Lu in northern Ninh Binh Province to Ha Noi. The Old Quarter became the trading centre of the metropolis and its 36 streets are named after the merchants’ crafts and trades. For example, Hang Gai Street is full of silk shops, Hang Giay overflowing with shoes and Hang Bac with small silversmiths and it’s fascinating to walk around the labyrinth of streets. Alternatively, taking a cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) is a great way to get a sense of the city. You will dine in Ha Noi before transferring to Ha Noi station for the overnight train to Sapa.
Overnight on Sapaly Express Train – Superior Cabin
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Lao Cai – Sapa – Trekking to Muong Hoa Valley
After an early arrival in Lao Cai, our local guide will meet you. Travel by van for one hour up into the mountains to the former French hill station of Sapa, home to some of Vietnam’s most colourful ethnic groups. Begin your day with a short walk to explore the Sapa market where you will see many local minority groups including the Black H’mong, Red Zao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho, trading their wares. Continue by car to Lao Chai, which is mostly inhabited by the Black H’mong hill tribe then walk down the valley to the village of Ta Van - the only village in the Sapa valley where the Giay people live. After enjoying a delicious lunch prepared by our guide in a local house in Ta Van, continue walking through the bamboo forest before reaching Giang Ta Chai where you have the opportunity to meet the Red Dao minority people. Return to Sapa in the afternoon.
Overnight in Sapa
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Trek: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Easy /Moderate
Day 3: Sapa - Bac Ha - Lung Phin - Pa Chu Ty - Lung Cai
You will take about 2.5 hours to drive down to Bac Ha where your trek begins at Lung Phin village. After a trip briefing about the region and trekking terrain, you start with a gentle descent passing through the jungle, valley and local villages of the minority people. Mist wafts over the mountains and lifts to reveal a brief, teasing glimpse of terraced rice and corn paddies. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Pa Chu Ty village before concluding the walk on a single track and hard pack trail to Lung Cai village, home to the H’mong people where you stay overnight at a local home.
Overnight in local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking hours: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 4: Lung Cai - Hoang Nhi Pho - Ban Gia
Wake to the stillness of the mountain and begin a full day’s trek on some great trails starting with a descent from your present altitude of 1700m. Along the way you will walk through valleys of terraced rice paddies and corn fields meeting H’mong and Dzao people in their traditional colorful costume as you go. A stroll to one of the many hamlets will give a good insight into the rural mountain life of Northern Vietnam where you will enjoy a picnic lunch en route then trek to Ban Gia where you spend the night with a friendly local family.
Overnight in local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking hour: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 5: Ban Gia - Nam Ma (Ha Giang province)
Today, the trek will take you to the most remote village of Ha Giang province where the majority of the population is H’mong ethnic minority people. This is no doubt one of the most interesting treks of our journey leading up and down mountain steps with views of ragged mountain scenery and some stunning photo opportunities. After a rest for lunch on a quiet side road the trek leads up the final push to Nam Na Village where you overnight in a local home.
Overnight in local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking hours: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 6: Nam Ma- Nan Lung- Coc Pu
There is a wonderful day ahead following the single track and dirt roads, which traverse this beautiful valley. The trek is mainly downhill and over the next two days you descend from about 1500m to sea level with stunning scenery in its natural beauty. After lunch, trek to Coc Pu village, home to the H’mong people, where you will stay overnight at a local home.
Overnight in local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking hours: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate.
Day 7: Coc Pu - Coc Pai - Hoi Luong
Start the day with an hour’s trek to Xin Man town, which you can enjoy before transferring by van the 36km to Cau Chan, the next trekking point. From here, explore the area on foot, stopping to visit a local Sunday market where ethnic minority people gather. The scenery is quite a contrast to previous days as you are now in the lowlands of Ha Giang province. Hike from Cau Chan to Hoi Luong village and spend the night with a local family
Overnight in local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking hours: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 8: Hoi Luong - Tung San - Dan Khao - Cao Banh
Start hiking through the villages of the Red Dzao people, and then climb gentle hills with beautiful views over the valley of vast tea plantations. After lunch, continue trekking to Cao Banh village, home to Black Dzao group where you will overnight in a local home.
Overnight in local homestay
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Trekking hours: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 9: Cao Banh - Hanoi
Begin the short hike today with a moderate descent through the beautiful valley of Cao Banh and continue to Viet Lam village where our bus awaits to take you to Ha Noi.
Overnight in Ha Noi.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Trekking hours: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 10: Departure:
At leisure until transfer to airport for your onward flight
Meals: Breakfast
End of your memorable trip.
This tour is private and can be tailor-made to suit your travel needs. As a result the price is quoted in US dollars and shown on a per-person basis. The 'Price From' quoted above is for parties of 2, 4 and 6 people and for accommodation in 3 star hotels. The final price will be privately quoted, based on the number in your party, your preferred time of travel, grade of hotel and any additional services requested. Please click on the BOOK NOW button and fill in the booking form, after which one of our travel consultants will customize the best value holiday for you.
REMARKS:
We are aware that a good tour must have good hotels. In Indochina particularly, hotel price makes up most of the cost of your Cambodia cycling, Vietnam cycling, Laos cycling, Myanmar cycling or Thailand cycling. All of our prices are calculated on a twin-shared basis. As a guide, Travel Loops defines hotel grades as follows:
>>Superior Level (3 star hotels in good locations): > 40 USD/room/night
>>Deluxe Level (4 star hotels): > 80 USD/room/night
>>Luxury Level (5 star hotels): > 180 USD/room/night
Price based on twin shared accommodation.
Tour price is indicative only, please enquire for a detailed quotation.
More people means more discount. Please enquire for more details
If, after reviewing the details of this tour, you would like to receive a "Special Offer" tour price, just click on the "INQUIRY" button below. If you wish to “Tailor Make" your trip, simply click on the "CUSTOMIZE TRIP" and enter your contact details.
COST INCLUDED:
- Experienced English speaking guide
- Private transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Accommodation in double/twin sharing rooms with daily breakfast
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water for sightseeing
- All sightseeing entrance fee where required in the itinerary.
COST EXCLUDED:
- International/domestic airfares & tax
- Visa fees.
- Travel Insurance. (We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance from home)
- Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, shopping and so on…)
- Tips for guide, driver, porters and project cost
- Beverage and alcoholic drinks
- Any other services not clearly mentioned on itinerary and trip inclusive portion.
The hotels listed below are just our suggestions offering the best value for this trip according to the hotel category chosen, but Travel Loops also offers more options to cater for different grades, personal taste, and budget. Please let us know if you have any specific choice of hotels, or personal preferences/requirements.
Note: Our choices for each level of accommodation have been highlighted in orange. As mentioned above our selection criteria are based on: prior client reviews, hotel management and staff training, facilities maintenance, location, business relationship and advantages given exclusively to our clients on price and service.
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