Vietnam Hill Tribe & Trekking Itinerary in 5 Days
- Hanoi
- Nghia Lo
- Mu Cang Chai
- Sapa
- Bac Ha
This 5-day itinerary of North Vietnam leads you through the high mountains of the North-West, exploring the homeland of the Thai and Hmong minorities. Along the way, you'll witness spectacular terraced rice fields, adding to the beauty of the landscapes, and engage in emotional encounters with ethnic tribes. This North Vietnam 5 days itinerary offers an in-depth experience of the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, ensuring a memorable adventure in the heart of Vietnam.
- In-depth exploration of the North-Western mountains, the most beautiful places in Vietnam.
- Experience multiple interactions with the local population, immersing yourself in the vibrant ethnic cultures of the Thai and Hmong minorities.
- Enjoy several hikes through Vietnam's most stunning rice terraces and visit Thai and Hmong villages.
- This private tour offers tailor-made services.
- Hanoi
- Nghia Lo
- Mu Cang Chai
- Sapa
- Bac Ha
Day 1 Hanoi - Nghia Lo
Arrive in Nghia Lo from Hanoi. On the way to the high mountains in the far north of the country, a large border region with Laos and China, stop along the way at Suoi Giang, the land of green tea plantations with its large tea trees hundreds of years old. A possible visit to a tea farm and tasting.
Upon arrival in Nghia Lo, a small town located in the middle of the expansive Muong Lo plain, settle in with a Thai family in the Ban Deu village populated by black and white Thai minorities.
Receive a warm welcome from our hosts, rest, and then embark on a bike ride around the village. Meet the Thais and discover the differences between black and white Thais, including dress, habits, customs, etc.
In the evening, enjoy dinner with the family, and spend the night in their house on stilts. This marks the beginning of your Vietnam 5 days itinerary with the hill tribe, brought to you by Kampá Tour.
Day 2 Nghia Lo- Mu Cang Chai
Greetings from the hosts, then head towards Mu Cang Chai, the land of magnificent rice terraces.
This landscape, which captivates even the most discerning photographers, reveals its most enchanting beauty from June to September. During this period, the hills, slopes, and fields are adorned with lush green and golden-yellow rice fields. The itinerary includes several planned stops:
- The Khau Pha Pass, offering a stunning view of the picturesque Tu Le rice fields valley.
- La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, and De Xu Phinh, where Hmong villages boast breathtaking rice terraces.
- Explore the authentic Mu Cang Chai market.
Enjoy the night at the hotel.
Day 3 Mu Cang Chai - Sapa
Continue to Sapa via the Hoang Lien Son Range, the last arm of the Himalayas in Southeast Asia.
Situated at the end of the country on the renowned Hoang Lien Son Range, this region served as a French resort during the colonial era due to its temperate climate. Today, it is celebrated for its stunning landscapes typical of the northern high mountains (zigzagging paths winding along the hills and mountains, rice terraces stretching as far as the eye can see) and its authentic culture, characterized by traditional villages, markets, and diverse minority ethnic groups.
In the afternoon, take a stroll amidst the breathtaking exotic landscapes along the valley. Visit ethnic villages such as Lao Chai of the Black Hmong and Ta Van of the Dzay. Encounter local inhabitants as they work in the rice fields, gaining insight into their daily life and practices.
Return to town for the night at the hotel.
Day 4 Sapa - Bac Ha
Embark on the road to Bac Ha, a small and tranquil town located about a hundred kilometers northeast of Sapa, renowned for its weekly ethnic markets in the surrounding areas.
Take a walk through the breathtaking landscapes of rice terraces and rivers around Bac Ha, choosing a route away from the crowds. Explore seldom-visited villages such as Thai Giang Pho and Na Hoi, inhabited by the Tay, Black Hmong, and Flowery Hmong minorities.
As the day concludes, check in with a welcoming Tay ethnic family. Enjoy dinner and spend the night immersed in the warmth of the local culture.
Day 5 Bac Ha - Hanoi
Visit ethnic villages around Bac Ha. Depending on the day, explore a weekly market featuring local minorities around Bac Ha.
Engage with vibrant minority ethnic groups at the market as they come together to exchange goods and news within their communities. Explore a lively section dedicated to the trading of oxen, horses, dogs, cats, and more, revealing the unique livestock trade practices among the local minorities.
In the afternoon, journey back to Hanoi by road, allowing for some free time to rest.
Night at the hotel.
This marks the end of your Vietnam 5 days itinerary with the hill tribe, brought to you by Kampá Tour. It has been our pleasure to accompany you on this remarkable journey through the Northern mountains of Vietnam. Safe travels!
• Travel period
• Number of travelers
• Chosen services
- Accommodation for the entire circuit, in hotels or with locals
- Travel according to the program by private car
- English-speaking guide for the visits mentioned in the program
- All activities mentioned in the program, including entrance fees to tourist sites
- Economy class domestic flights with airport taxes included
- Meals mentioned in the program
- Bottle of water during guided tours (2 x 500ml/traveler/day)
- Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc.)
- International flights from your home
- Visa fees, payable directly at the airport customs (see VISA)
- Bank fees related to payment
- Personal insurance
- Personal beverages during meals: beer, Coca-Cola, fruit juice, etc.
- Other meals not specified in the program
- SIM card and mobile plans
- Tips, personal expenses, and other services not mentioned in the "Our Included Services" section
Interested in this tour?
What they say about us
Countless travelers create unforgettable memories with us every year. Discover their testimonials about our exceptional service, stunning destinations, and the highlights of their trips !
What they say about us
Carles & his partner - Spain
January 04, 2025 - Good morning, Mrs. Thuy Do,
We finally found the time to write to you and share our travel experience.
A huge THANK YOU for this magnificent trip that was absolutely flawless!
Everything was perfect: from the hotels you selected for us to the drivers and guides (Thai, Dzung, and Anh), who were wonderful and accompanied us throughout. And, of course, the fabulous itinerary you organized for us, allowing us to discover incredible wonders, including the rice terraces in the north, the lantern-filled city of Hoi An in the center, as well as Ninh Binh and Halong Bay.
You and the guides and drivers who joined us contributed immensely to making our trip an unforgettable moment of happiness.
We returned home with great sadness at leaving your beautiful country, as well as the smiles and kindness of its people.
Thank you again for your professionalism, availability, kindness, warmth, the welcome at your agency, and your smiles.
We can’t wait to come back—and
Ethan's Family - Switzerland
December 30, 2024 - Dear Nhung,
A huge THANK YOU for organizing our trip, which was flawless. And yet, we gave you so much work!
First, in crafting the itinerary, custom-tailored to include our requested visits. You contacted me several times on WhatsApp, and in the end, the itinerary suited us perfectly and fit within the budget we had set. Thank you, Nhung, for your availability, attentiveness, and patience.
Then, unfortunately, we had to test your skills and professionalism when, one day before departure, my wife had a sinus infection requiring emergency surgery. We were initially supposed to travel as a group of three—my sister, my wife, and me. Given how well-prepared the trip was, I asked my sister to go ahead. Three days after the surgery, which went very well, I decided to join my sister and pick up the itinerary mid-trip (a week later) from Ha Long Bay. Nhung was amazing and remarkably efficient. She canceled my wife's arrangements and organized my transfer to the Ha
Françoise & Claude - France
December 12, 2024 - Dear NHUNG,
A huge THANK YOU for organizing our trip, which was flawless. How much work you must have had to do for us!
First, for creating a custom itinerary, taking into account our requests for visits. To do this, you contacted me several times on WhatsApp, and in the end, the tour was perfect and fit within our budget. Thank you, Nhung, for your availability, your listening, and your patience.
Then, unfortunately, we had to test, quite against our will, your competence and professionalism when, one day before departure, my husband developed a sinus infection requiring urgent surgery. We were leaving as three—my brother and us. We had prepared the trip so well that I asked my brother to go ahead. Three days later, after the surgery went very well, I decided to join my brother and take the tour from Halong Bay (one week later). Nhung was amazing and incredibly efficient. She canceled my husband’s personal bookings and took care of my transfer to the Halon
Eric and friends - Australia
November 25, 2024 - Hello Nhung,
What a wonderful surprise this palace in Sapa is once again.
We deeply appreciate the tranquility and relaxation of this sumptuous and luxurious establishment: it's a perfect retreat after the bustling days we’ve had since our arrival.
What magnificent discoveries we’ve had in the program you organized for us.
Incredible landscapes and settings, remarkable encounters, and extraordinary people everywhere in the local life. The guides were all different but so passionate and engaging (little Linh, so endearing, Hang, and Sam, so dedicated and professional). The drivers were experienced (especially Cuong in the North, who is our favorite: so kind and attentive… and an expert at navigating the mountain roads to keep us safe).
Leonardo and his wife - France
November 15, 2024 - Dear Nhung,
I finally find the time to write to you and share the impressions that our journey to Vietnam left on us.
Beyond the wonderful memories of the 23 days we spent in Vietnam, there is a particular aspect of this trip that I wish to share with you.
My wife and I have traveled fairly extensively. Not as much as we would have liked, but over the years, we have had the opportunity to visit several countries and have learned to organize our trips quite competently and independently. We have never participated in an organized tour and have always chosen our destinations, itineraries, and experiences based on our readings about the countries we visit and our personal tastes and interests. For Vietnam, our starting point was the same, and you may recall that to define our itinerary, we initially sent you a very precise and detailed travel plan.
Véronique Demonçay - Canada
October 20, 2024 - Good evening Mrs. Trang,
We have returned home and resumed work, though with a bit of nostalgia after discovering your beautiful country.
We had an excellent trip; everything was just as planned. Our guide Thien made the stay very enjoyable by scheduling visits during less crowded times. Always kind, cheerful, and speaking excellent English, he shared his knowledge and the great cultural richness of his country. He always gave us great advice. Thank you also to Mr. Long for his careful driving and kindness.
In Cambodia, Mr. Tra (short for his name) also adapted the visit itinerary to less crowded times. He added a temple visit and the visit to the Angkor Scent Workshop. We ended up visiting the floating village of Kampong Phuck, which was closer than the one originally planned, and there weren't too many people yet. This allowed us to visit a local market as well.
Just for your information, it’s necessary to complete the e-Arrival form for Cambodia in add
Pier-Luc Desbiens - Australia
October 7, 2024 - Hello,
We booked this tour at the last minute, and Kampá Tour didn’t disappoint with their prompt organization. Our guide, Thao, was fantastic—full of energy, humor, and knowledge. We spent a lot of time on boats, drifting along the rivers and canals. We loved cycling through the quiet palm groves and cruising through the narrow waterways by sampan in Mekong Delta.
A special thank you to the entire team at Kampá Tour. We spent 15 days in a wonderful country, with remarkable people, extraordinary landscapes, and a fascinating culture... Our return flight on Sunday was also perfect, and we have already been back at work since Monday... but with many images of Vietnam still in our heads and hearts 😊
Best regards,
Pier-Luc Desbiens
Brigitte and Jean - USA
September 22, 2024 - Dear Ms. Thanh LE,
We are already back in Toulouse, and we didn’t realize how quickly time flew by.
Our 18-day Vietnam tour (August-September 2024) was an unforgettable experience.
First of all, we would like to thank your agency, "Kampá Tour," and especially you, Ms. Thanh Le. This trip, organized by your agency, was remarkably well-prepared, with representatives always attentive to our needs. The selection of hotels and destinations was meticulously planned. During our stay, we had five guides who were always there for us, making us live magical moments. A special thanks to Nhi and Lam. We loved our experiences in Sapa, Hue, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, the Imperial City, and many other places (the list is long).
Regarding safety, it was very reassuring, and we felt well taken care of before and during the trip. On the first day, we had the chance to meet you at your Hanoi office, where you handed us the documents for our tour. I highly recommend this customiz
Maria Dolores & friends - Argentina
September 12, 2024 - Hello,
We had the most amazing time and are heading back to Argentina completely in love with your beautiful country! Everything was perfectly organized, and always on time.
The hotels were so comfortable, and the guides were absolutely fantastic. Special thanks to Luis in Hanoi and Ming in Phnom Penh for their kindness and professionalism – they really made our trip extra special! Hue and Phnom Penh were simply breathtaking – such charming cities with so much history and beauty. We couldn't have asked for a better experience, and we truly appreciate all the effort that went into planning this unforgettable journey.
I will be recommending your agency to all my friends and family – you have been incredible!
Big hugs and all the best,
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What budget should I plan for a trip to Vietnam?
As an approximate guideline, the cost of a 2-week trip to Vietnam would be around 1450$ per person when traveling as a pair (excluding airfare). For a 3 or 4-week journey, please budget between 1900$ and 2500$ per person. If you're in a larger group (4 or 6 people), the trip will be more cost-effective. The price always varies depending on the duration and time of your stay, as well as your preferences (activities, services). Please leave us a quote request, and our travel advisor will provide you with more detailed information and a quote.
2. What kind of wildlife can I see on tours in Northern Vietnam?
3. What are the highlights of North Vietnam trips?
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5. What is the 'customized travel' option?
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7. What is the price of the trip?
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