Northwest Vietnam Tour 8 Days

Today, you’ll leave behind the bustling streets of Hanoi and journey into the serene mountains of northwest Vietnam. On the way, stop at Thung Khe Pass for sweeping views of limestone peaks and terraced hills rolling down into the Mai Chau Valley. Descending into the valley, you’ll arrive in Mai Chau town just in time to enjoy a delicious lunch rich in local flavors. In the afternoon, take a gentle hike to Pom Coong and Lac villages, home to the White Thai ethnic community. Here, traditional stilt houses, hand-weaving practices, and the vibrant rhythms of Xoe dance and gong performances reflect a culture that thrives through community-based tourism. As the sun sets, a warm dinner with the locals will be arranged—an experience of both hospitality and heritage—before returning to your hotel for the night.  

Overnight in Mai Chau 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, & dinner 

After saying goodbye to the peaceful valley of Mai Chau, you’ll continue your journey northward to Moc Chau Plateau. As you near the area, vast green tea hills begin to unfold before your eyes—waves of neatly trimmed plantations stretching into the horizon. Take a moment to breathe in the crisp highland air and admire the scenery. Here, you’ll also have a chance to observe how local farmers skillfully harvest and process tender green tea buds, an essential part of the region’s livelihood. The drive then continues to Son La, where you’ll stop to explore Son La Prison, built by the French in 1908. This somber yet powerful site offers insight into Vietnam’s colonial past and the unyielding spirit of its revolutionaries. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Son La.  

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, continue your journey deeper into Vietnam’s remote northwest. The road becomes more dramatic today, cutting through winding mountain passes and quiet ethnic villages tucked among the hills. The most breathtaking stretch of the day is the Pha Din Pass—its name comes from the Thai ethnic language, meaning “Heaven and Earth,” and it’s easy to see why. As you ascend its serpentine road, layers of cloud, cliffs, and valleys open up beneath you, offering a spectacular view of the rugged borderland. In the early afternoon, you’ll reach Dien Bien Phu, a name etched into history. Once a quiet valley, it became the site of a decisive battle in 1954 that ended French colonial rule in Indochina. You’ll visit A1 Hill and the Dien Bien Phu Museum to better understand the events that unfolded here and the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Dinner and overnight stay in Dien Bien Phu.  

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner 

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast before setting off on another scenic mountain drive. The road winds through remote terrain, tracing the Nam La River as it flows past cliffs, deep gorges, and quiet forests. Along the way, you’ll stop by a few H’mong and Dzao villages—small, tucked-away communities where life follows its own rhythm. These moments offer a raw, authentic look into the region’s culture, far removed from the usual tourist trail. By early afternoon, you’ll reach Lai Chau. Lunch will be ready when you arrive, followed by time to stretch out and rest. As the sun dips behind the peaks, enjoy a warm dinner and settle in for a peaceful night in this quiet mountain town.

Overnight in Lai Chau 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, diner

Departing from Lai Chau, you’ll travel to Sapa along a stunning mountain route that crosses the breathtaking O Quy Ho (Tram Ton) Pass—Vietnam’s highest, standing nearly 1,900 meters above sea level. The road winds its way to Heaven’s Gate, where you can take in sweeping views of Fansipan, the legendary Roof of Indochina. A short stop at Silver Waterfall, cascading dramatically from the cliffs, offers a refreshing pause before the journey continues into Sapa—a former French hill station surrounded by rice terraces and misty peaks. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind and breathe in the crisp mountain air.  

Overnight in Sapa

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Wake up to the fresh mountain air and get ready for a day of trekking through some of the most picturesque valleys in Northern Vietnam. After breakfast, set off on foot toward Lao Chai Village, where the Black H’mong people live amidst terraced rice fields carved into the mountainside. As the trail leads deeper into the Muong Hoa Valley, you’ll pass streams, bamboo forests, and quiet hills where water buffalo graze. Your guide will introduce you to the customs and daily life of the local ethnic communities you meet along the way. Around midday, you’ll arrive in Ta Van Village, home to the Giay people. A local lunch will be served in the village, offering you a taste of traditional flavors. After taking in the peaceful setting and vibrant culture, you’ll be transferred back to Sapa town in the late afternoon. The evening is free for you to relax or explore the town on your own.  

Overnight in Sapa 

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

The final morning begins slowly, with time to enjoy a warm breakfast and perhaps a last stroll through Sapa’s market streets. By mid-morning, the return journey to Hanoi begins—winding back through the hills and gradually descending toward the Red River Delta. Arrival in the capital is scheduled for the afternoon. Depending on your flight time, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or directly at the airport for departure. This marks the end of your Northwest Vietnam journey—an adventure through mountains, culture, and memory.  

Meals: breakfast