Step off the beaten path and delve into the cultural richness and raw beauty of Vietnam’s remote highlands with this 12-day Northwest Vietnam Hill Tribes Explore tour. Designed for curious travelers and culture seekers, this journey takes you deep into the lesser-known regions of northern Vietnam, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of ethnic minority communities and the untouched landscapes they call home.
Begin in the bustling capital of Hanoi, where you’ll get a taste of Vietnam’s urban energy before venturing into the mountainous provinces that few tourists reach. Your first stop is Yen Bai, a peaceful gateway to the highlands, followed by Nghia Lo, home to Thai and Hmong villages nestled among valleys and rice terraces.
Continue on to Mu Cang Chai, famed for its breathtaking terraced fields that ripple across the hillsides – a photographer’s paradise and one of the most scenic agricultural landscapes in Southeast Asia. As you make your way northward through Lai Chau, you’ll witness dramatic mountain passes and visit remote hill tribe villages rich in tradition.
In Son La, explore the colonial history and ethnic diversity that make this region so unique, before reaching the green valleys of Mai Chau, where you’ll stay in traditional stilt houses and enjoy warm encounters with local families.
This Northwest Vietnam tour is not just a scenic adventure – it’s an invitation to connect with the cultural soul of the country. Whether trekking through terraced hills or sharing stories with villagers, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s indigenous heritage.
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are welcomed and transferred to hotel. Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is a stylish and gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and some Asia’s most striking colonial architectures. The many lakes and parks of the city make relaxing atmosphere. We enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods once offered for sale at these places (If time permits).
Cyclo in Hanoi
Meet your driver 7:30am at hotel, then bustling streets of Hanoi give way to verdant rice paddies and farmland along high way 32. By early afternoon, you will be moving away from the Red River Delta and into the mountains of Yen Bai province, on your way to your destination of Nghia Lo.
Nghia Lo is situated along a beautiful mountain ridge separating the Red and Black river. With lush forests, tea plantations, rice terraces and gum trees, the picturesque valleys are stunning. The area is home to Thai, Nung, H’mong, La Ha and Ma ethnic minority peoples. Overnight at local house to share their daily activities and learn their stories.
This day starts with a visit to the local market in Nghia Lo Town, a chance to explore and shop for local handicrafts. Today’s drive will take you along one of the most exciting stretches of road in Vietnam and offers some of the most lush and verdant scenery found anywhere. As you climb over the mountain pass to Mu Cang Chai you’ll meet H’mong, La Ha and Dzao along the way. The road, which is not sealed and can be muddy and exiting at times, winds along the Nam Kim river which descends the valley over some cascading gorges.
Mu Cang Chai rice terraces
Repair and enjoy breakfast with the local family, then it’s time to hit the road for Binh Lu. From Than Uyen the road rolls along the base of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, home to Mt. Fansipan, Vietnams highest peak.
Tea plantations and rice terraces hug the Nam Ma river that winds along this valley dotted with Tay, Dzao and H’mong villages.
On Top Of Fansipan Mountain
We meet Tay, Thai, H’mong, and Mang peoples. We drive through Tam Duong plain which is covered in shark’s teeth-like limestone karts.
We would visit a village of Mang people near Sin Ho with the next stop being Sin Ho which is home land of the Red Hmong, Kho Mu, Mang and Dao ethnic minorities. They are settled there longtime ago and still retain their traditional culture and habits. The trip to Sin Ho is occasionally suspended due to the restriction of the local authority.
An early morning departure to Muong Te. This upstream area of the Da River is settled by many ethnic minority groups including the Thai, Ha Nhi, Cong , Si La and La Hu, just some of Vietnam’s most colourful ethnic groups. The roads conditions are very poor; however the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes the hardship all worthwhile. Along the way we stop at seldom visited villages, a great chance for photographers.
Tay Ethnic People Village
Today, we have time to explore all day walk around the villages of the ethnic minorities. Dinner and over night in Hotel.
Overland drive in the morning to Lai Chau. 100 km.
PM: Walk around the villages of the ethnic minorities.
Enjoy a boat ride down to Pa Uon (7 hours). View the spectacular scenery of the gorges on the Da River. With precipitous cliffs towering over river sides and hill-tribe villages (Black Thai, Xa, White H’mong) scattered on sandy bank, the boat trip ranks among the best in Vietnam. Have picnic lunch en route. Onwards to Son La (65km).
Son La From Above
Leave for Xa Linh (120km) via a scenic road past Black Thai villages and lush rice field valleys. Have lunch at a Black H’mong home at Xa Linh.
Trek to Hang Kia (8km), a Red H’mong hamlet. H’mong people used to be well-known for planting poppy trees, but now live on brocade weaving and cereal cultivation. Majestic mountains and the simple lifestyle of the locals amaze all tastes.
Black Hmong Ethnic Minorities
Leave for Hanoi via a pleasant road. The rest of the day is leisure for personal pursuits in Hanoi. The evening entertainment is a water puppet show, a theatrical genre reflecting the agricultural civilization of thousands of years ago.
There is a free time to relax and further explore Hanoi. The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
Hoan Kiem Lake – Hanoi
Prices are in USD, per person.
This tour can be customized to fit your own demands. Best price and value guaranteed!
| Hotel / Group | 2 guests | 3~4 guests | 5~6 guests | 7~8 guests | 9~12 guests | Single surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Star | 1,320 | 1,011 | 797 | 681 | 624 | 225 |
| 4 Star | 1,458 | 1,150 | 937 | 820 | 763 | 345 |
| 5 Star | 1,871 | 1,562 | 1,346 | 1,228 | 1,167 | 690 |
– There may be cancellation fees charged by suppliers (hotels, airlines…) once these bookings are made and paid. These fee shall by paid by travelers.
– These are maximum cancellation fees to be flexible applied:
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