NORTHEAST & NORTHWEST VIETNAM TOUR NO. 6 (HA GIANG - SAPA - LAI CHAU - DIEN BIEN - SON LA - HOA BINH) 7D7N

19:00–20:00: The bus picks up guests at designated meeting points in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hanoi Opera House, and Tran Quang Khai Street.

21:00–22:00: Pick-up at Hoa Binh Park and the entrance to Ciputra Urban Area on Pham Van Dong Street. Depart for Ha Giang. Overnight on a sleeper bus.

Notes:

For guests arriving at Noi Bai International Airport shortly before departure, the sleeper bus may pick them up at Kim Anh Junction, at the beginning of the Hanoi–Lao Cai Expressway, approximately 3 km from the airport, at around 22:00.

Guests traveling from other provinces may independently book an evening bus to Ha Giang, arriving early the following morning. Our tour guide will meet guests at the designated meeting point in Ha Giang to begin the tour.

04:00–04:30: Arrive in Ha Giang. The sleeper bus transfers guests to a homestay for temporary rest, morning personal hygiene, and breakfast.

07:00: Our local driver and tour guide in Ha Giang pick up guests to begin the journey exploring the Ha Giang Karst Plateau. Along the way, the group stops at the following attractions:

Ha Giang Km 0 Milestone: Take photos at the famous starting point of Ha Giang.

Bac Sum Pass: Stop to take photos and admire this scenic 8-kilometer mountain pass.

Quan Ba Heaven Gate: Enjoy panoramic views of Tam Son Town and photograph the famous Twin Fairy Mountains, also known as Quan Ba Twin Mountains.

Lung Tam Linen Weaving Village: Learn about Hmong weaving traditions and the 41 stages involved in producing traditional linen products. Note: The village access road is often in poor condition. For safety reasons, this stop may be omitted if road repairs are underway or heavy rain makes the road unsafe.

Lonely Tree in Can Ty, Quan Ba: Take photos at this iconic tree along the new Quan Ba–Yen Minh route.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue sightseeing:

Tham Ma Pass: A historic winding pass where local people once tested the strength of pack horses.

Pho Cao Village: Discover traditional Hmong houses surrounded by distinctive stone fences.

Chin Khoanh Pass: Admire this famous winding mountain road.

Sung La Village (Lung Cam Cultural Village): Visit a traditional Hmong house with rammed-earth walls, which served as a filming location for the 2006 Vietnamese film Pao’s Story, directed by Ngo Quang Hai. The film was adapted from Do Bich Thuy’s short story The Sound of the Lip Flute Behind the Stone Fence and won four Golden Kite Awards.

Vuong Family Mansion (Hmong King’s Palace): Located in a valley in Sa Phin Commune, this residence belonged to one of the wealthiest and most powerful families in the Dong Van region in the early 20th century. Learn about the family’s history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Lung Cu Flag Tower: Visit the iconic national flag tower near Vietnam’s northernmost point.

18:00: Arrive in Dong Van Town, check in at the hotel, and relax before dinner.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk with the tour guide through Dong Van Old Quarter, which has preserved its historic charm for nearly a century. Guests may enjoy a cup of coffee at the Old Quarter Café at their own expense.

Overnight in Dong Van.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the restaurant. If your visit coincides with Sunday, you may explore the famous Dong Van Sunday Market, where Hmong, Dao, Tay, and other ethnic communities gather in colorful traditional clothing to trade local products.

08:00: Check out of the hotel and continue the journey.

Ma Pi Leng Pass: Conquer this spectacular 16-kilometer mountain pass connecting Dong Van and Meo Vac, one of the most beautiful sections of the legendary Happiness Road.

Tu San Canyon: Admire the magnificent canyon, also known as Ma Pi Leng Canyon or Nho Que River Canyon. Located approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, with an average depth of 800 meters, it is one of Vietnam’s deepest canyons.

Nho Que River Boat Trip: Take a boat upstream along the emerald-green Nho Que River to explore Tu San Canyon, the deepest canyon in Vietnam. The river enters Vietnam near Xeo Lung Hamlet, Lung Cu Commune, Dong Van District, and flows through Tu San Canyon along the foot of Ma Pi Leng Pass.

The boat trip and shuttle transportation between the mountain pass and the river are not included. The additional cost is VND 250,000 per guest.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch in Dong Van. After lunch, travel back to Ha Giang.

17:30: Arrive in Ha Giang and have dinner at a local restaurant. At the scheduled time, usually around 20:00, a sleeper bus will pick up guests at the homestay and transfer them to Sapa.

Overnight on the sleeper bus.

02:00: Arrive at Long Anh Sapa Hotel, check in, and rest.

07:00–08:00: Breakfast is served at the restaurant on the first floor. Guests may enjoy breakfast or continue resting in their rooms.

08:00–11:30: Free time to explore Sapa independently.

12:00: Enjoy lunch at Long Anh Hotel and relax.

Afternoon: The tour guide takes guests to Moana Sapa, a scenic check-in destination featuring creative man-made installations harmoniously integrated with the natural landscape.

Located approximately 800 meters from Sapa Stone Church, this attraction covers more than 10,000 square meters and offers panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range and majestic Fansipan Peak.

Highlights include seven unique installations: the Bali Heaven Gate, Moana Girl Statue, Infinity Lake, Golden Hand, Death Swing, Lonely Tree, and café area.

18:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.

The evening is free for leisure. Guests may photograph Sapa Stone Church, experience the traditional Sapa Love Market held on Saturday evenings, or sample local grilled specialties paired with the famous San Lung rice wine at their own expense.

Overnight in Sapa.

07:00: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by free time to relax and enjoy a morning coffee.

08:00: The tour guide takes guests to Cat Cat Village to discover the daily life and traditional culture of the Hmong ethnic community. Visit Tien Sa Waterfall and explore numerous scenic photography spots throughout the village. Enjoy a traditional cultural performance at the former hydroelectric station, subject to the scheduled performance times.

Lunch: Return to Sapa Town for lunch at a local restaurant.

14:00: Transfer to Fansipan Cable Car Station to begin the journey to the summit of Fansipan aboard one of the world’s most advanced three-cable gondola systems, with cabins accommodating up to 30 passengers.

From the upper station, pass through Thanh Van Dac Lo Heaven Gate and enter a spectacular world above the clouds.

Visit Bich Van Zen Monastery, located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, where traditional Vietnamese architecture blends beautifully with drifting mountain mist.

Continue to the monumental 21.5-meter bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha at approximately 3,000 meters above sea level. Standing majestically among the clouds, the statue offers a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

Follow the Arhat Path, lined with 18 serene bronze Arhat statues, each 2.5 meters tall, toward the Kim Son Bao Thang Pagoda complex. Discover the traditional wooden pagoda architecture inspired by Vietnamese temples from the 15th and 16th centuries, and visit the statues of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and the Mountain Spirit Shrine.

The surrounding landscape is adorned with centuries-old rhododendron trees. During the flowering season, usually March and April, the mountainsides burst into shades of white, yellow, red, and pink.

Finally, climb approximately 600 stone steps to reach Fansipan Summit at 3,143 meters, the Roof of Indochina. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views and enjoy a memorable moment at one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations.

18:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.

The evening is free for leisure. Guests may enjoy a traditional Red Dao herbal bath to relax and recover after a day of sightseeing, at their own expense.

Overnight in Sapa.

06:30: Breakfast at the hotel and time to relax.

07:00: The driver and tour guide pick up guests for a visit to Rong May Glass Bridge Tourist Area, located near O Quy Ho Heaven Gate in Tam Duong District, Lai Chau Province.

The tour guide will assist guests with information about purchasing tickets independently for the following attractions and activities:

Glass Bridge elevator.

Single-plank bridge.

High-speed zipline.

Death Swing.

Infinity Bed.

After visiting the glass bridge, continue across O Quy Ho Pass toward Tam Duong District, enjoying spectacular mountain and river scenery.

Stop for photos at the Lai Chau City Monument, then travel through Phong Tho District along picturesque mountain roads. Continue past the upper reaches of the Da River and Sin Ho District, followed by the Nam Na River, before reaching Muong Lay, where traditional Black Thai stilt houses stretch across the landscape.

12:00: Lunch at a local restaurant in Muong Lay.

After lunch, continue to Dien Bien.

15:00: Arrive in Dien Bien Phu City and visit:

Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument: Commemorating the historic victory of 1954.

De Castries Bunker: Explore the former command post of French General Christian de Castries, followed by photo stops at Muong Thanh Bridge and the Nam Rom River.

A1 Hill: Discover one of the most significant sites of the fierce Battle of Dien Bien Phu.

18:00: Check in at the hotel and relax.

19:00: Dinner at a local restaurant.

The evening is free. Guests who wish to experience local culture may arrange a dinner gathering in a Black Thai village in Dien Bien, with all additional expenses paid independently.

Overnight in Dien Bien.

06:30: Breakfast at the hotel and check out.

07:30: Depart for Moc Chau. Along the way, the tour guide introduces Muong Phang, a historic location that served as the command center of the 1954 Dien Bien Phu Campaign under General Vo Nguyen Giap.

Travel through Tuan Giao District and conquer Pha Din Pass, a spectacular 32-kilometer mountain pass on National Highway 6, spanning Tuan Giao District in Dien Bien and Thuan Chau District in Son La. Stop at the summit for commemorative photos.

Continue toward Moc Chau via Son La City, stopping for photos at the Son La City Monument and the Co Noi Junction Monument.

12:00: Lunch in Moc Chau.

Afternoon: Visit the following attractions. Entrance tickets are at guests’ own expense.

Dai Yem Waterfall: A charming waterfall associated with a local legend about a young woman who saved a man from floodwaters. According to the legend, the waterfall resembles the sash of her traditional dress.

Love Glass Bridge: Guests may purchase tickets independently to visit Vietnam’s first glass bridge.

Moc Sang Area: Choose one of two popular attractions: Happy Land Flower Garden or the world-famous Bach Long Glass Bridge.

Happy Land Flower Garden: Covering nearly 5 hectares in a broad valley in Ban Lun, Moc Sang Commune, this colorful garden features a variety of flowers, including species characteristic of Vietnam’s Northwest region.

Bach Long Glass Bridge: This spectacular glass bridge spans two mountains across a 285-meter gap and measures 2.4 meters in width. Its large glass panels measure 2.4 × 3 meters. The attraction incorporates simulated 9D visual and sound effects. A 370-meter glass skywalk continues along a cliff approximately 150 meters above the ground. Two viewing platforms, each 3 meters wide and 5 meters long, provide panoramic views and excellent photography opportunities.

18:30: Return to the restaurant for dinner. After dinner, transfer to the hotel for check-in and relaxation.

The evening is free to explore Moc Chau at your own pace.

Overnight in Moc Chau.

06:15: Check out and transfer to a local restaurant for breakfast.

07:00: Begin the day’s sightseeing program.

Heart-Shaped Tea Hill: Admire one of the most beautiful tea plantations in Moc Chau, featuring lush green tea rows arranged in graceful, rounded patterns that stretch across the hills. The peaceful landscape is also an important growing area for the region’s famous Oolong tea.

Na Ka Plum Valley: Explore this picturesque valley, known for its pristine scenery. During the plum blossom season, usually in spring, the valley is covered in delicate white flowers. During harvest season, ripe plums add vibrant colors to the landscape.

Note: Na Ka Valley is visited during the plum blossom or fruit-picking season. Outside these periods, the tour guide may allocate more time to other attractions.

Moc Chau Specialty Products Center: Stop at a local center selling regional specialties, especially fresh dairy products produced on the plateau. Guests have free time to shop for gifts for family and friends.

Seasonal Flower and Fruit Gardens: Depending on the season, weather, and local farmers’ planting schedules, the tour guide may arrange visits to characteristic flower and fruit gardens in Moc Chau.

Seasonal highlights may include:

Peach blossoms during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Vast white mustard flower fields before and after the Lunar New Year.

Buckwheat flowers, generally from September to December.

Fresh strawberry picking during winter and selected other periods.

Various local specialties available throughout the year.

10:00: Depart for Hanoi. Along the way, stop at the famous S-shaped Road in Van Ho, a popular photography location.

Safety note: The S-shaped Road is located on National Highway 6, which carries heavy traffic. The driver and tour guide will stop only when conditions are safe. If stopping is not possible, the vehicle will slow down so guests can admire the road from inside.

12:00: Lunch in Mai Chau.

After lunch, guests may explore Mai Chau Valley by bicycle or electric vehicle, with rental costs paid independently. Visit charming traditional Thai stilt houses, learn about local customs, explore brocade shops, observe traditional weaving techniques, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy free time for cycling, walking, and photography.

15:00: Depart for Hanoi. Stop along the way at a Ba Vi dairy specialty shop, where guests may purchase local products as gifts for family and friends.

19:00: Arrive in Hanoi. The tour ends. We look forward to welcoming you on another journey!

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DROP-OFF IN HANOI

Hanoi currently restricts vehicles with more than 16 seats from operating in the Old Quarter during certain pick-up and drop-off hours. On weekends, several streets in the Old Quarter are also closed to all vehicles for pedestrian walking streets.

Therefore, the tour operator will arrange drop-off at one designated location, usually Hanoi Opera House or a nearby location, depending on actual traffic and local regulations.

Thank you for your understanding.