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Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai tour: 6 days

Book an amazing “Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour: 6 Days," with unforgettable memories, through this wondrous junction of beautiful natural landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and deep historical insight in Northern Vietnam. This is a trip for all who would like to experience firsthand: from the serene valleys in Mai Chau to the terraced emerald paddies in Mu Cang Chai. Whether you are a nature lover, history fanatic, or cultural seeker, this tour is tailor-made to evoke the heart of Vietnam. Journey with us; our Mu Cang Chai Tours are the experience you should never miss on your trip around the best of Northern Vietnam.

Highlights of the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour: 6 Days

Mai Chau Valley: A Serene Escape into Nature

Mai Chau Valley for the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour

Mai Chau Valley

Our first stop is Mai Chau a quiet and peaceful place, the picture of which lies in the middle of Northern Vietnam. It opens up with lush green paddy fields and sweeping views of the landscape dominated by traditional Thai-style stilt houses. Mai Chau Valley looks like a colorful, dreamlike image sewn beautifully at the foot of layers of blooming rice fields, which vary with the seasons. Lovely and marvelous. Walk around Lac Village, where the hospitable Thai people will surely warm the cockles of your heart. Go deep into their culture with typical crafts and enjoy all the peaceful, poetic beauty that Mai Chau gives the visitor in a combination that marks the first wonderful experience of our Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour.

Moc Chau Plateau: A Refreshing Retreat

We head to the Moc Chau Plateau, which is full of nature’s beauty. The area is renowned for its scenic beauty of tea estates, which spread across rolling hills, making a sea of green that is almost surreal. The cool and refreshing weather makes Moc Chau ideal as a heat-escaping and view-enjoying relaxation site. Whether one is taking leisurely walks through the tea fields or just taking time in, to breathe fresh air in the mountains, Moc Chau offers a tranquil interlude along our Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour.

Son La and Dien Bien: Walking Through History

Our journey would become historical upon arriving at those two places Son La and Dien Bien until we could see their importance in the history of the Vietnamese independence movement. You will learn about the courage and indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese revolutionists who were imprisoned at the Son La Prison. Now, we start the trip to Dien Bien. From the A1 Hill, the Victory Monument area, to the general’s bunker of De Castries, you get a fairly dramatic look back at the history of Vietnam. Powerful links are created with the history of the country within this part of our Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour.

Sapa and Fansipan: Conquering the Roof of Indochina

Our next stop is Sapa, which is a means to sublime Fansipan and is often referred to as the “Roof of Indochina." This place is regarded as the heaven of Vietnam. Take yourself out on an adventurous cable car ride that will offer views over the Mường Hoa Valley, the Hoang Lien Son Range with vast vegetation cover, and a skull over the Fansipan summit to have great views. Then, we continue to Cat Cat Village of the H’Mong, where you can catch a glimpse of their pulsating lives and an inkling of how existence is conducted by this resilient minority. This is, undoubtedly, the most exciting leg of the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour, featuring the diversity of both the environment and culture.

Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields: A Photographer’s Paradise

Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields

Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields

The peak is reached at the very splendid Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields, which have been acknowledged by UNESCO as part of cultural heritage. The terraced terraces fashioned within mountainous stretches create an awesome picturesque view that only photographers could dream of capturing. The land represents the industriousness of local farmers; no doubt, hard work has turned this land into a living masterpiece. Whether it’s sunrise or sunset viewing from the terrace, Mu Cang Chai never fails to make this most evocative image. New day, we will drive to Hanoi for the end of our Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour, which fully compresses what we have lived through, relatedly due to the natural and cultural wonders of this region.

Detailed Itinerary of the “Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour: 6 Days"

Day 1: Hanoi – Hoa Binh – Mai Chau – Moc Chau

Morning:
We start our Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour very early, getting away from the bustling streets of Hanoi to the quiet charms of Mai Chau. Along the way, we’ll make a stop to view the Hòa Bình Hydropower Plant it’s an engineering wonder that’s part of the Đà River. Now be prepared for some breathtaking landscapes from the Thung Khe Pass along the route. This mountain pass provides a panoramic view over the Mai Chau Valley, a perfect taster for the beautiful area to come.

Afternoon:
We arrive in Mai Chau just in time for a hearty, delicious lunch filled with flavors that please your taste buds. We then proceed to Lac Village at the very center of the Thai people’s culture. You will visit traditional stilt houses, meet with local artisans in the course of their work, and learn the habits and daily life of the Thai people. So, with your spirits recharged, we continue our journey over rolling hills to the cool green hills of Moc Chau.

Evening:
In Moc Chau, we are welcome to have dinner with delicate regional specialties, in a quiet space, filled with the general aroma. After the full day of exploration and beauty offerings, you come to rest comfortably ready for the adventures on day two in Moc Chau.

Moc Chau for the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour

Moc Chau

Day 2: Moc Chau – Son La – Dien Bien

Morning:
After breakfast, we visit another of Moc Chau’s picturesque natural wonders, the Dải Yếm Waterfall. Coming down from a height of more than 100 meters, this waterfall is such a great sight. Its whiteness magnifies under the rays of the morning sun. After capturing the beauty that is Dải Yếm, onwards we drive on a breathtaking scenic drive toward Son La.

Afternoon:
We will arrive in Son La around lunchtime and then visit for ourselves more deeply into the past of the area from when the French colonized the Vietnamese revolutionaries at Son La Prison. From there, we continue to Dien Bien, arriving in the afternoon. We first stop at the Phạ Đin Pass. Here, you’ll be able to catch a landscape of the breathtaking views of highland villages far down below.

Evening:
In Dien Bien, we’ll gather for dinner and reflect on the day’s experiences. You’ll spend the night in this historically significant town, where the echoes of the past still resonate.

Day 3: Dien Bien – Muong Lay – Sapa

Morning:
Today we will plunge deep into the history of Vietnam: we are visiting the battlefield of Dien Bien Phủ. Exploring A1 Hill, the Victory Monument, and the command bunker of General De Castries will give you an incredible idea of all the courage and endurance breathed into this critical moment in history. These sites recount the story of the battle that enabled Vietnam ultimately to attain independence.

Afternoon:
All that history can leave an empty stomach, so we set off this morning out of Lai Chau to the small town of Muong Lay and lunch, providing beautiful mountain scenery for your dining pleasure before heading on to the magic town of Sapa as we cross the breathtaking scenery of Phong Thổ and up and over the Ô Quy Hồ Pass without equal in all of Vietnam.

Evening:
We shall be arriving in Sapa as the time brings on dinner warm, the cooling healthy atmosphere of this town and the charm of this setting seems tailor-made for just an evening at leisure before we move to the next exploration.

Dien Bien for the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour

Dien Bien

Day 4: Sapa – Fansipan – Cat Cat Village

Morning:
Be prepared for this exhilarating adventure. As we trip upon Fansipan, tagged as the “Roof of Indochina," we shall enjoy a one-of-a-kind cable car, gliding on top of the lush Mường Hoa Valley and with equal climax above the dense forests of the Hoang Lien Son range. Once you’re atop Fansipan, a brilliant newly found success with stunning 360-degree scenery will be yours, expanded far beyond Vietnam, over the Lao border, and spreading toward the Chinese border. Truly amazing!

Afternoon:
You can then enjoy lunch at Sapa before proceeding to Cat Cat Village. Here you have a chance to get to know the H’Mong culture closely, see their traditional crafts, and uncover their way of life. From here, you further set out to trek to the mountain of Hàm Rồng for even more breathtaking views and beautiful gardens of this mountain.

Evening:
Coming back to Sapa in the late afternoon, we finish our day, have dinner, and overnight here. The mountainous fresh air and surroundings in Sapa result in a very relaxed and recharged feeling.

Day 5: Sapa – Yen Bai – Mu Cang Chai

Morning:
Today we begin our scenic drive to Mù Cang Chải, crossing the amazing landscapes of Yen Bai province. All feasting to your eye, it is the towering mountains and the green valleys.

Afternoon:
Hopping back on the bus following lunch, you will be en route to arrive in Mu Cang Chai, one of the most breathtaking views of terraced rice paddies in the whole world. Get surprised by the beauty and creativity of the local farmers as you go around these officially stated terraces as a cultural site by UNESCO. Enjoy entering one of the four wonderful North of Vietnam passes Khau Phạ Pass, with breathtaking views. It can provide great scenery for perfect photography.

Evening:
We will conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in Yen Bai; the quietness of the countryside sets the scene for the last leg of our memorable tour.

Day 6: Yen Bai – Phu Tho – Hanoi

Morning:
Our final day will begin early with a trip to Phu Tho, where Vietnamese culture originated, a sacred and historical place for the Vietnamese people containing the Hùng Kings’ dynasty. We’ll take a tour around the Hùng Kings Temple Complex, rich in history and spiritual beauty, putting you at ease to learn more about Vietnam’s ancient roots.

Afternoon:
Afterward, we will have lunch, departing for Hanoi and reminiscing over the amazing trail we’ve just done. The first gallivanting leg from Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour will take you through some of the very beautiful, picturesque, and historically important regions of Northern Vietnam.

Sapa

Sapa

Must-Know Tips for a Perfect “Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour"

Best Time to Visit of the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour

The Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour is a round trip that depends very much on timing and especially on the breathtaking vistas of the Mu Cang Chai terraced fields in full glory. The best time is normally in September and October, when the rice terraces are golden in color, providing some kind of magical look. This, too, is the perfect time for picture taking as the sky is usually clear and the paddies in the fields are in full bloom. On the other hand, the traveler who wants a bit cooler temperature and to avoid the wave of people can select a travel period of April and May in the spring, where the tourist can enjoy lush green terraces and blooming flowers.

Packing Essentials of the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour

Smart packing will ensure your Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour excursion is fully enjoyable. Because of the different climactic zones this adventure will take you through, it would be a good idea to prepare a mix of apparel from lightweight and breathable clothes that one could easily find comfort in during warm days, to warm layers opportune enough to keep you comfortable during the cooler mornings and evenings, especially in high altitudes like Sapa and Moc Chau. Bring a rain jacket or poncho since showers can pop up at any time in Northern Vietnam.

The main gear consists of a comfortable set of walking shoes with strong recommendations for sturdy hiking shoes, especially with the intention of a hard trek through terraced fields or up Fansipan. Make sure the pair is correctly worn in and comfortable enough to avoid the development of blisters. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, together with a small backpack, are added to this.

Health and Safety of the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour

Your health and safety are our top priorities on the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour. In preparation so that you retain fine fettle throughout your holiday it is of paramount importance that you take time to acclimatize for the different altitudes you will encounter, particularly Sapa and Điện Biên. If you are not used to higher elevations, then take it easy, drink regularly, and don’t exert yourself too much on the 1st couple of days.

Always carry at least a rudimentary first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any personal medications. Motion sickness tablets can also be useful on winding mountain roads. Make sure to drink plenty of water when trekking or out exploring in the sun.

Health insurance should cover health issues that arise unexpectedly and any other stipulation involved with this service. Finally, stick together as a group and listen to the guides when in sub-urban areas or areas that you are not used to.

Cultural Respect of the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour

The best part of the Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour is the number of ethnic communities in the localities with whom tourists can mingle and truly enjoy. It is important, however, to come with respect and open-mindedness because the deeply entrenched customs and traditions linked to the history of the Thai, H’Mong, and other ethnic people are part of their daily lives.

In villages, dress modestly and refrain from flamboyant attire. It is also a great courtesy to ask permission before photographing subjects or homesteads. Get a few words of the local language under your tongue or at the very minimum, acknowledge such greetings with a warm, friendly smile which opens lots of doors in terms of aboard-based respect yacht.

Show respect to their culture; remember to remove your shoes when entering a house, and don’t touch people’s heads as a sign of good gesture, since this is treated differently and disrespectfully in most cultures throughout the region. You’ll make your trip nicer if you show respect towards their way of life building up ways of positive relations with people you meet.

Conclusion

This, therefore, is the “Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Mu Cang Chai Tour," which speaks so clearly to the great beauty and culture of this region. From the soft beauty of Mai Chau to history’s Điện Biên Phủ and the terrific beauty of terraced fields at Mu Cang Chai, this trip’s been carefully planned to make every minute worth it. Do not miss a chance to live life with the full magic of all Mu Cang Chai tours; sign up with Impress Travel. Head forward to find a lifetime of adventure! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Mu Cang Chai and to book Mu Cang Chai tours at the best prices.

Mu Cang Chai Ma Xoi
Mu Cang Chai Ma Xoi
Yen Bai - Mu Cang Chai Rice Terrace (14)
Yen Bai - Mu Cang Chai Rice Terrace (14)
Mu Cang Chai Tour
Mu Cang Chai Tour
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa Trekking
Sapa Trekking
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa Town
Sapa Town
Church in Sapa
Church in Sapa
Sapa Trekking
Sapa Trekking
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa tours by Car
Sapa tours by Car
Sapa Town
Sapa Town
Sapa Trekking
Sapa Trekking
Mu Cang Chai Ma Xoi
Yen Bai - Mu Cang Chai Rice Terrace (14)
Mu Cang Chai Tour
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa Trekking
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa Town
Church in Sapa
Sapa Trekking
Sapa Rice Terraces
Sapa tours by Car
Sapa Town
Sapa Trekking

What’s included in this trip

 
  • Full transportation by private car  as tour program indicated.
  • Round trip night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai
  • Full meals as indicated in the itinerary.
  • Trekking in Sapa
  • Trekking in Mu Cang Chai
  • English- speaking guide
  • Entrance fees.
  • Twin-share accommodation with daily breakfast; ( AC room).

What’s excluded in this trip

  • Personal insurance
  • Expenditure of a personal nature, tips, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, emergency transfers & etc.

Hotels in Sapa Hotels in Mu Cang Chai
Homestays in Sapa Homestays in Sapa
Ranana

You feel like organized tour, but you are in a privet tour. Impress Travel make the different.

We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.

Ebrahim

Tour of Vietnam

Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!

Solly Pochee

The tour was fantastic

I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee

Bernard Lim

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel

Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.

Derek.Schooling

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel

This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.

My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .

We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress

Day: 01

Leaving Hanoi by Car / Van via expressway to Sapa (L, D) – 372 Km (5h6m)

  • Hanoi Tours – Impress Travel Team will pick you up at the hotel then departs Hanoi at 8 AM via Express Way to Lao Cai, then from Lao Cai to Sapa Hill Tribe Town.
  • Your arrival at Sapa at 1.00 PM, then have a lunch
  • Leaving Sapa town by Car / Van to the trekking point where to start your discovery of Sapa hill tribes.
  • Take 12 km trekking via Lao Chai to Ta Van villages to find out the real-life of the ethnic group such as Black Hmong People, Dzay People
  • Visitors are arranged to visit the local school and local family to do the sharing with locals with small gifts like pens, notebooks, or bags.
  • Trekking up the main road, then car transfer back to Sapa town
  • Check-in hotel, and then explore Sapa at night by yourself

Day: 02

Sapa to Ta Phin village and Mu Cang Chai (B,L,D) (160km-4h30m)

  • Impress Travel Team in Sapa will pick you at the hotel, and then we drive to the northeast of Sapa town (15 km)
  • We stop on the way to visit the ancient ethnic church, which was built by stone in the 19th century but ruined and only remained as the vestige with broken stonewalls among the peaches & apricots garden.
  • Keep on driving ahead to Ta Phin village where is the homeland of Red Dzao Ethnic Minority people, the random walks around the village to know about the daily life of Red Dzao people.
  • To visit the cave nearby Ta Phin Village
  • To visit the silk embroidery workshop of Dzao people where you will see how ethnic minority people make the brocades.
  • You are possible to have Red Dzao Herb Bath if you like to try it; the herb bath is very well known for traditional treatment way from the secret of Red Dzao people for a long time ago.
  • The car/van will bring you back to Sapa town, and then have a lunch
  • After lunch, we are leaving Sapa to Mu Cang Chai for 158 km (4hours 19mins). Enjoy the imposing scenery on a journey from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai with green valleys, rice terraces, or local people (Ethnic minorities on the way)…,
  • Arrive in Mu Cang Chai about 5.30 PM then enjoy dinner at home-stay with Thai family, relaxing and exchanging by communicating with a local family – Thai People.

Day: 03

Mu Cang Chai to Nghia Lo (B, L, D)

  • Visiting & take photograph Che Cu Nha Rice Terrace Field of Hmong people
  • Visiting & take a photograph of De Xu Phinh, La Pan Tan – it was recognized the national landscape of Vietnam in 2007.
  • Return to Mu Cang Chai for lunch
  • Leaving Mu Cang Chai to Nghia Lo, then do the easy biking to discover the hill-tribe villages of the Thai Ethnic Group in the late afternoon (1h30min)
  • Then have dinner and overnight at hotel or homestay with Thai Family’s house on stilt ( We recommend you have stayed at homestay more interesting for dinner and real experience from local life)

Day: 04

Nghia Lo – Suoi Giang – Hoc village – Hanoi (B,L)

  • Enjoy the fresh air and breakfast in Nghia Lo, check out hotel or homestay ( We recommend you to stay in Homestay)
  • Leaving Nghia Lo to visit Suoi Giang Eco-Park where is a part of Hong Lien Son national park, it is home to ancient green tea, we walk around to know about the special green tea of Vietnam and take photographs in the tea garden.
  • Visiting Hoc village where is hot-steam, a traveler can enjoy and have a bath in natural hot water of the stream.
  • Have lunch, and then return to Hanoi. The trip is over and enjoys a great time with Impress Travel – Mu Cang Chai Tours.

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    Sapa Tours

    Impress Travel offers classic and easy tours, trekking tours (easy trek, medium trek & hard trek) to discover the remote ethnic minority villages & adventurous tours to conquer Fansipan’s highest mountain peak or motorbike to travel around and mountain biking, market day tours, homestay with an ethnic family. For the most trusted and most saving for North Vietnam Tour Packages to explore Sapa Vietnam. Email: Sapatours@impresstravel.com & call to Mr. Alex Impress Travel Manager at his cell phone (+84) 9123 79 189