Extend your immersion into Vietnam with a trip to explore ethnic villages in popular Sapa or Thai Nguyen Provinces.  Walk the village paths to market towns, rice fields, and enjoy the mountain scenery.  Note that depending on specific day, different market towns will be visited.  Below is a sample itinerary to Sapa.  Itineraries for Thai Nguyen province or Mai Chau village in Hoa Binh province will be available soon.  These village trips are home stay opportunities with unique access to the local men, women and children.  See the Ethnic Villages Photo Album for inspiration.

Please contact Silk and Stones Travel for more information. 

Day 1 Hanoi to Lao Cai (D)

Depart from Hanoi via the night train to Lao Cai, leaving Hanoi station at 9:55pm for the north.  Arrive in Lao Cai station in the early morning for an international buffet breakfast.  Choose a private or semi-private compartment for comfortable sleep. 

Day 2 - Lao Cai-Can Cau-Bac Ha (B,L,D) 

Upon arrival transfer to a local hotel for a substantial breakfast buffet.  then transfer to Can Cau Market (open only on Saturday) or other markets to see different minority hill tribes and morning produce markets.  After visiting the market transfer to Ta Van Chu for several hours of trekking through Hmong and Nung villages, with a light picnic lunch en route.  Arrive in Bac Ha at the end of the afternoon.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Bac Ha. 

Day 3 - Bac Ha to Sapa (B,L,D) 

Walk to the Bac Ha market in the morning (operates every Sunday morning), the most colorful market in northwest Vietnam to see many different ethnic minorities with local activities including rice wine drinking.  Negotiate for snacks or for school supplies to give to the local school teacher.  Following the trail, trek through some Tay villages and a rainforest to visit Thai Giang Pho, the village of Flower Hmong peo[le seen earlier in the market.  Watch their daily activities, play with children, and enjoy the scenic views.  Meet transport at a road juncture for transfer to Sapa and check in at hotel.   Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight at the hotel. 

Day 4 Sapa to Ma Tra to Ta Phin (B,L,D)

Transfer by car to the ethnic village of Ma Tra and Ta Phin for some light trekking to see different ethnic customs and village life.  Return to Sapa for dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 5 Sapa to Lao Cai and night train to Hanoi

Enjoy a beautiful excursion to Sapa Valley through rice terraces and villages of Black Hmong and Red Dzao.  Walk through a small track to the village of Ta Van and Sao Chai with a picnic lunch en route.  Return to Sapa in the afternoon for transfer to the station for dinner before the overnight train to Hanoi.

Day 6 Hanoi and out

Arrive early in Hanoi for transfer to the hotel for breakfast and a shower before departure to the airport for flights home or connections.  For more information, please contact Silk and Stones Travel.  To plan your trip, please read the Application, Terms and Conditions, and the Resources and Packing List pages.  Return to the top of page or Destinations.

* Photo Courtesy of Dr. Mark Rapoport, 54 Traditions Gallery