THE NORTHWEST ARC OF VIETNAM: MAI CHAU – MOC CHAU – DIEN BIEN – LAI CHAU – SA PA

Arrive at Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi. Head to Mai Chau.

On the way, visit and take pictures of the Hoa Binh hydroelectric power plant.

Admire the stunning panoramic view of Mai Chau valley on the Thung Khe pass road.

Arrive at Lac Village. Have lunch and rest. After lunch, start the journey:

Explore Mai Chau Valley by bicycle, visit the small and beautiful stilt houses of the Thai minority to learn about their unique culture, customs, and traditions.

Cycle through the fields, through the villages. Visit the brocade stalls, and learn how to weave brocade.

Free time to cycle or stroll around the village, shopping and taking pictures. Have dinner. Watch and join the Thai people in their traditional dance and song. Overnight in Lac Village.

Have breakfast. Move to Moc Chau to visit:

Dai Yem Waterfall – one of the tourist attractions that possesses the pristine beauty of the Northwest mountains.

Taking a stroll on the 5D Love Glass Bridge.

Depart for Son La. Conquers Pha Din Pass – one of the long passes belonging to the “Four Great Passes”. Have lunch. In the afternoon, visit:

The Victory Monument of Dien Bien Phu (D1 hill), admires the panoramic view of Dien Bien Phu city and Muong Thanh field from above.

Have dinner. Overnight in Dien Bien.

Have breakfast. Then, start to visit the historical sites:

A1 Hill – the most important and fiercely contested base of the French colonialists in Dien Bien Phu.

General De Castries’ Bunker – the underground shelter of the French commander-in-chief during the Dien Bien Phu campaign.

Have lunch. After that, depart for Lai Chau. On the way, passing through the places: Muong Cha, Muong Lay, Hang Tom Bridge – the border of two provinces Dien Bien & Lai Chau, Phong Tho,… 

Arrive Lai Chau. Visit Pu Sam Cap Cave, a complex of more than 10 large and small caves that were recently discovered. Overnight in Lai Chau.

Have breakfast. Conquer Hoang Lien Son Range heading to Sa Pa. 

On the way, conquer the peak of O Quy Ho Pass – one of the four great passes of the northern mountainous region of Vietnam.

Admire the Silver Waterfall.

Arrive in Sa Pa. Start conquering the top of Fansipan: The car will take you to the Fansipan Cable Car Station, where you can experience the modern three-wire cable car system with the feeling of flying among the clouds. Visit the Fansipan spiritual area, climb nearly 600 steps, and conquer the “Roof of Indochina” – Fansipan peak at 3,143 meters.

Have buffet lunch at Fansipan Legend. Check in hotel and rest.

Have dinner. Relax for the night. You can freely stroll around the Sapa night market, enjoy some nightlife activities in Sapa, such as visiting bars, cafes, or massage parlors (personal expense).

Have breakfast. Pack your luggage and check out hotel.

Explore Cat Cat village, which is home of the H’Mong ethnic minority. You can learn about their culture and lifestyle, see their traditional houses and handicrafts, and watch their performances of music and dance.

Have lunch. Back to Hanoi.

The car will transfer you to Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (HAN) and take a flight to your next destination. End trip.