Adventure The Winding Northwest 7 Days

After breakfast in Hanoi, your guide and driver pick you up at 08:00 and head west along winding Highway 6 toward the lush valley of Mai Chau. Along the way, enjoy scenic views and stop at rural villages to meet ethnic locals. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional lunch with a local host family. In the afternoon, stroll through rice paddies and White Thai-ethnic villages, discovering the valley’s tranquil rhythms. Evening includes dinner with the family and a cultural performance of traditional music and dance.

Meal: Lunch and Dinner
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

After breakfast and farewells in Mai Chau, depart toward the highlands. The route passes through the scenic plateaus and tea farms of Moc Chau, continues along winding mountain roads through Pha Din Pass – one of Vietnam’s most dramatic highland roads before descending into Dien Bien Phu. Along the journey, pass through villages of H’Mong, Thai, Dzao and Muong, offering a window into ethnic lifestyles. Arrive in Dien Bien Phu in the late afternoon, check in, and relax for the evening.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

Begin with a visit to the historic sites of Dien Bien Phu: the War Museum, A1 Hill, the former Muong Thanh Bridge, and other landmarks tied to Vietnam’s fight for independence. After lunch, head toward Lai Chau via mountainous roads, passing through remote ethnic villages. Continue to Phong Tho for overnight. Optionally, enjoy a gentle cycling ride around the township or a nearby village in the late afternoon.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

After breakfast, depart Phong Tho and travel into the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The route features the scenic Tram Ton pass – ideal for panoramic views of highland valleys and mountain peaks and a stop at Silver Waterfall for nature views and photos. By afternoon, reach Sapa, check in at your hotel, and enjoy free time to relax or explore the French-era town’s streets and local atmosphere.

Overnight in Sapa.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Tour guide: English-speaking guide

After breakfast, head to Sapa’s daily market to experience local life and prepare for the downhill trek. You’ll trek for 3-4 hours down Muong Hoa Valley through pine forests, terraced rice paddies, and minority villages of H’Mong and Dzay. Enjoy a picnic lunch or dine in a local Sapa restaurant. The trek offers immersive exposure to rural landscapes and ethnic cultures, with multiple opportunities for photography and cultural exchange. The evening is free for your own exploration.

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch
Tour guide: English Speaking Guide

Today is your leisure day in Sapa. You may use this time to explore hidden alleys, visit local markets, enjoy local food, or simply rest. For those who wish, optional hikes or cultural activities can be arranged. This relaxed day offers flexibility and time to soak in Sapa’s atmosphere.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: At your disposal

After breakfast, depart Sapa for the journey back to Hanoi via the new highway. The drive lasts about five hours and brings you through changing landscapes, from mountainous terrain down to the plains of the Red River Delta. You arrive in Hanoi early afternoon, check in at your hotel, and the tour concludes. From here, you can extend your stay, explore Hanoi further, or catch your flight back home.

Meal: Breakfast
Tour guide: English-speaking guide