Day 1: Hanoi - Mai Chau (140 km)
After breakfast we depart Hanoi for a three-hour drive to the town of Mai Chau. Upon arrival, we get onto the house on stilts of a Thai family where we are to stay the night. Having a short walk to explore the neighbouring villages before lunch. Afternoon we have a 2 hours walk through the various ethnic minority villages in this area. Stay overnight at homestay.
Option: an in-house music show performed by local artists. (Lunch and Dinner included)
Day 2: Mai Chau - Son La (170 km)
Departing Mai Chau we make our way west to Son La. Stop at the small township of Moc Chau for a short tea break, we then have a brief look around this little hill town. Arriving in Son La in the afternoon we will check into our local guesthouse where we spend the night. Son La is located in a scenic valley, inhabited by Thai, Muong and H'mong minority people. This area was famous for its involvement in the Vietnamese struggle for independence from France during the first half the 20th century.(Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3: Son La – Dien Bien (180 km)
Following breakfast we will visit Son La prison, which is the remains of a former French prison. We then board our vehicle for the drive to Dien Bien Phu. Stop for lunch at Tuan Giao town. Continue for another hour before stop for visiting General Giap Bunker. Arrive Dien Bien around 17 00 pm. Overnight at hotel. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 4: Dien Bien – Baso (200km)
Morning, we visit General Decarte Bunker, and Dien Bien museum. Continue our journey, our destination for today will be Baso. A long journey on rough roads (5 – 6 hours), but it is worthwhile as the scenery is dramatic. Along the way we will encounter members of While Thai, Black Thai, H’mong. Stop for some chit chats with the locals. Lunch will be at Muong Lay town. Arrive Baso around 18 00 pm. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 5: Baso – Sapa (86 km)
Morning, we enjoy a buffalo cart ride to a hot-spring, have a good dip before heading back to Baso for lunch.
After lunch, we set out for our drive to Lai Chau. A scenic drive with few people along the way. Once we reach Lai Chau we will visit the local market. We then continue to Tam Duong and then proceed to Sapa. We arrive at the beautiful hill station of Sapa late in the afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 6: Sapa
Today we start by getting some exercise with a five to six hour trek to the hill tribe villages of Lao Chai, Ta Van, Giang Ta Chai,... situated in idyllic Muong Hoa valleys, which are covered with rice terraces. Get picked up back to Sapa. Free to explore the town.
Day 7: Sapa – Hanoi (380 km)
We bid farewell to Sapa and its friendly people for a long journey back to Hanoi. It is a 10-hour journey back to the nation's capital along some of Vietnam's most scenic roads. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Option: Overnight rain trip back to Hanoi in the evening. (Own expense)
