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Sapa and the Terraced Rice Fields of Northern Vietnam

Vietnam
Northern Vietnam
5 days
Sapa
Authentic

Overview

Northern Vietnam boasts remarkable treasures, with its terraced rice fields standing among the most breathtaking!

Many travelers dream of witnessing these grand feats of human ingenuity, carved into the remote and mountainous landscapes of Southeast Asia.

This itinerary has been designed especially for them!

Your journey begins with the discovery of the Mu Cang Chai region, still relatively unknown, yet guaranteed to captivate you with the sheer beauty of its landscapes. Before reaching it, you’ll stop in Nghia Lo, home to the White Thai ethnic group, where you’ll be welcomed like family.

You’ll then continue on to Sapa, once a hill station during the French colonial period, now a favorite destination for hikers and travel photographers alike.

Practical Information

Duration
5 days
Start/End
Hanoi/Hanoi
Tour guide language
English
Visited Region
Mu Cang Chai, Sapa
Best time to go
Between June and end of September
Ideal for
Everyone
Difficulty
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel / Ecolodge / Homestay

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Hanoi - Duong Lam - Nghia Lo (L, D)

After breakfast, your driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel. You will head out on the road with a first stop at Duong Lam village (Mong Phu), a typical settlement of the Red River Delta inhabitants, considered the cradle of the Viet (Kinh) civilization. The village is famous for its centuries-old houses, some of which have belonged to the same families for more than 300 years. You will visit a few of these traditional homes and enjoy lunch in one of them. The tour continues with a visit to the communal house and the Mia Pagoda.

In the afternoon, the journey takes you further north, into a landscape of increasingly high hills covered with tea plantations. After crossing the Khe Pass, you will arrive by late afternoon in the Thai town of Muong Lo, located in the middle of a vast rice plain surrounded by towering mountains—the second largest in the North after Dien Bien Phu. Dinner and overnight stay with a local Thai family in Muong Lo.

Day 2
Nghia Lo - Mu Cang Chai (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will continue your journey to Mu Cang Chai, passing through the Hmong village of Nga Ba Kim. The road climbs through towering peaks over 2,000 meters high, offering breathtaking views over the terraced rice fields. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, enjoy a hike to La Pan Tan, renowned for having some of the most stunning rice terraces in northern Vietnam, before continuing on foot to Cau Ba Nha village (around 2 hours of walking). From there, you will resume the drive toward Mu Cang Chai. Along the way, you will encounter magnificent landscapes, with the option of additional walks depending on time and your preferences (for example, around Phinh Ho village).

Arrival in Mu Cang Chai by late afternoon. Overnight stay in Mu Cang Chai.

Day 3
Mu Cang Chai - Sapa - Ta Phin (B, L)

After breakfast, depart for Sapa, with stops along the way to admire beautiful landscapes and meet local ethnic minority communities. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, put on your walking shoes for a 3 to 4-hour trek through the villages of Ma Tra and Lu Khau, leading to Ta Phin village, home to the Red Dao people. After dinner, you will have the option to enjoy a soothing herbal bath (at your own expense).

Day 4
Ta Phin - Bac Ha (B, L, D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the starting point of your hike. The trail is slightly more challenging than the previous day but rewards you with stunning off-the-beaten-path landscapes that will give you new energy.

Enjoy a picnic lunch or a meal in a local restaurant, depending on your preference. In the afternoon, depart for Bac Ha, arriving by late afternoon.

Dinner on your own and overnight at Bac Ha Hotel Ngan Nga or a similar accommodation.

Day 5
Bac Ha - ethnic market (Saturday or Sunday) - Hanoi (B, L)

After breakfast, visit the ethnic minority market.

  • Saturday: Can Cau Market

  • Sunday: Bac Ha or Muong Khuong Market

Return to Hanoi by car (350 km – approximately 5 hours). Arrival in Hanoi in the late afternoon.

End of the tour.

FAQ

All our tours are private. You will travel with your own vehicle, driver, and guide, ensuring maximum comfort and flexibility throughout your journey.

Private tours for solo travelers are significantly more expensive, and most guides are unwilling to lead one-person tours. Therefore, this itinerary is available starting from 2 travelers.

If you’re traveling alone, we can offer day trips or short excursions instead.

No, our tours begin upon your arrival in Vietnam.

However, we’re happy to assist you in booking your international flights if needed.

You’ll find the ideal travel period in the “Practical Info” section, based on the climate in the regions visited.

That said, this tour is available year-round, with a few adjustments depending on the season.

This itinerary is perfect for travelers seeking cultural discovery and immersion in nature.

It can be adapted for couples, families, or groups of friends of all ages.

Absolutely! All our tours are fully customizable.

You can modify the duration, change accommodations, add activities, or adjust the pace according to your preferences.

Simply send us a request using the contact form on this page.

One of our travel advisors will get back to you quickly to finalize your itinerary and provide a personalized quote.

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+84 9 66 59 98 05

By email

info@parfumdautomne.fr

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