Vietnam Mountains Tour

Vietnam Mountains Tour begins in Vietnam’s spectacular mountainous region surrounding Sapa on a comfortable overnight sleeper train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai. On arrival at Lao Cai a transfer through the breathtaking mountains leads you to Sapa. Rising mountains serrated by lush green rice paddies are hallmarks of this area. The vast expanse of green brought to life by its equally colourful indigenous hill tribes. Indigo clad H’mong wear their scarlet hue clothing with the sun reflecting off their shining silver jewellery.

A vehicle takes guests up to Heaven’s Gate and Tram Ton Pass, at 2,684m it is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Walk around the area to admire the unhindered views from both sides of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. From here we descend to Sapa, stopping at O Quy Ho village, known for its production of vegetables, flowers and fruits.

Visits to local homes and walks through hill tribe villages in Bac Ha allow insight to the residents everyday lives. Learn about family practices, how to prepare locally produced foods and their symbiotic relationship with the land.

Your final 2 nights are spent at the Pan Hu Lodge in Hoang Su Phi, an area of outstanding beauty. Wander through the nearby rice paddies and embark on a trek to the village of Nam Hong, stopping to meet a number of hill tribes along the way. Enjoy a picnic in a Man Ta Pan village and visit a Tay community where the houses are constructed on wooden stilts before returning to your lodge for the final night of your tour in Vietnam.

Vietnam Mountains Tour: Day 1 – Hanoi – Lao Cai
This evening transfer to Hanoi Train Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa.
Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.

Vietnam Mountains Tour: Day 2 – Lao Cai – Sapa (B)
On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai transfer to the former hill station of Sapa. In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colours of its hill tribe population – flashes of shining silver jewellery from the necks and wrists of indigo-clad H’mong and the scarlet hues of the turbans worn by the Red Dao can be seen. It is here you will find hands stained with color from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings.

Transfer by road uphill along the national road 4D for about 30 minutes to the Silver Waterfall. Enjoy the beauty of this wonder of nature, walk up the steps to higher elevation for marvellous scenery of the surrounding nature. For the adventurous continue up a steep trail surrounded by thick rain forest to enjoy views of the valley dotted with terraced paddies.
Continue by vehicle a few kilometres further to Heaven’s Gate and Tram Ton Pass. At 2684 m above sea level, the Tram Ton Pass is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Walk for a beautiful view from both sides of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. (Walk is fairly level, however sturdy footwear is recommended, as it can be muddy.)

Depart by vehicle from Heaven’s Gate to return to Sapa. Stop along the way to visit O Quy Ho known for the different kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees and even medicinal plants grown here.

Transfer back to your hotel in Sapa. Rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Overnight in Sapa.

Vietnam Mountains Tour: – Day 3 – Sapa – Bac Ha (B,L)
Have breakfast before driving to visit a local market (Ban Cam on Tuesday/ Cao Son on Wednesday/ Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday / Can Cau on Saturday/ Bac Ha on Sunday. Note: The market visit may be on your arrival day depending on the market day and the trip to Silver Falls can be done on this day). Here you’ll see mostly Flower Hmong however Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung hill tribe groups also gather here. The market offers a variety of local products, which could not be found in others areas such as an interesting animal market where pot-bellied pigs, cows and buffalos can be seen.

Continue your tour to have a short walk to a hill-tribe village. Here you’ll have the opportunity to visit some local homes to understand more on the daily life of these tribes as well as their culture and traditions. Then transfer towards Bac Ha where you will be spending the night.

Overnight in Bac Ha.

Vietnam Mountains Tour: Day 4 – Bac Ha – Ha Giang (B,L,D)
This morning depart for Ha Giang which is one of the most remote provinces in Vietnam, consisting of breathtaking scenery and a colourful array of hill tribes and vibrant local markets. Continue to the Pan Hou Lodge located in the stunning Hoang Su Phi area which offers breathtaking scenery and colourful hill tribe life.

On arrival in Hoang Su Phi check into Pan Hou Lodge, freshen up, and then take an afternoon’s walk through the rice terraces surrounding the lodge.

Dinner and overnight at the Pan Hou Lodge.

Vietnam Mountains Tour: Day 5 – Ha Giang (B,L,D)
Early morning start on a trek to the local hill tribe village of Nam Hong (a total of approximately 4 hours of walking with 400 meter elevation gain and loss.)

This walk passes through the lush green forests, past small waterfalls, providing stunning views of terraced rice fields and cassava crops. Along the way meet members of the Long Tunic Dao,Man Ta Pan, Tay, and Flower H’mong groups. Stop midway for a picnic lunch in a Man Ta Pan village, in Nam Hong. The Nam Ta Pan is well known for tea producers.

After lunch the walk continues towards Giang Ha through a bamboo forest then down to the bottom of the Giang valley. Visit a Tay community with their stilted wooden houses. Return to the Pan Hou around 4 pm.

Dinner and overnight at the Pan Hou Lodge.

Vietnam Mountains Tour: Day 6 – Hoang Su Phi – Hanoi (B,L)
Following breakfast check out before the return drive to Hanoi. En-route back to the capital, enjoy a Vietnamese lunch in a local restaurant. Arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon.