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The Northern Loop features spectacular scenery and
colorful village life. This itinerary includes a visit to
the hill town of Sapa, a former French hill station
(elevation 1,600 meters) close to the Chinese border. The
region is also home to a variety of colourful ethnic
minority groups. The trip also includes a visit to the
historic battlefield of Dien Bien Phu.
Activities:
Trekking and cultural experience
Day 1: Hanoi - Mai
Chau
Depart Hanoi and head west towards Hoa Binh province.
Following lunch in Mai Chau town we spend the afternoon
exploring various ethnic minority villages in this area.
(L/D)
Day 2: Mai Chau - Son La
Departing Mai Chau we head west to Son La, 320km and 11
hours from Hanoi. Son La is located in a scenic valley
inhabited by Thai, Muong and H'mong minorities. This area
is historically important for its involvement in the
Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during
the first half the 20th century.
(B)
Day 3: Son La - Dien Bien Phu
We visit the remains of a former French prison and enjoy a
dip in some local hot-springs. We then drive to Dien Bien
Phu around 170 km away. Along the 7-hour journey, we will
discover dramatic scenery and meet many ethnic minorities
along the way. In the late afternoon we arrive in Dien
Bien town.
(B)
Day 4: Dien Bien Phu - Phong Tho
After breakfast we drive to Phong Tho, around 5 hours
away. This is a remote area and as a result some of the
roads will be fairly rough and uneven. Yet this is to our
advantage as there will be fewer visitors to spoil our
views of the beautiful and dramatic scenery which we
encounter along the way. Once we reach Phong Tho we will
visit the extraordinary local market - one of the most
colourful markets in Vietnam.
(B)
Day 5: Phong Tho - Sapa
From Phong Tho we drive east to Sapa, along deserted roads
with spectacular scenery. We arrive in Sapa around
lunchtime. After lunch we have a free afternoon to explore
the town. The beautiful hill station of Sapa has the
best-of-both worlds, breathtaking scenery and modern-day
comforts. We spend tonight at a guesthouse in Sapa.
(B)
Day 6: Sapa
Today we start with a five hour trek to the villages of
Cat Cat, Ta Van and Cau May. As we walk to these villages
nestled in the valleys below Sapa, we will meet some of
the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa.
Overnight in a guesthouse in Sapa.
(B)
Day 7: Sapa - Hanoi
After an early breakfast, we begin the journey back to
Hanoi. It is an 11-hour journey back to the nation's
capital along some of Vietnam's most scenic roads.
(B)
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