OFF – THE BEATEN TRACK : MIDDLE ROAD TO SAPA
Jeep Expeditions
5 days/ 5 nights
A more challenging and remote alternative to the North West loop, this incredible route takes you through verdant vistas, mountain ranges, along lakes and rivers, through jungle and tiered paddy fields rising and falling as far as the eye can see. Along the way, you’ll be hosted by different hill tribes wearing amazingly elaborate and colourful costumes. They have being lived in the hills for centuries, and their ways of life have little changed from generation to generation.
Day 1: Ha Noi - Nghia Lo (210ks/ 7hours). Meet your driver 7:30am at the Office . Drive through the verdant farmland along Hwy 32, then away from the Red River Delta and into the mountains of Yen Bai province, continuing onto Nghia Lo. The area is home to Thai, Nung, H'mong, La Ha and Ma ethnic minority peoples. Overnight in hotel or guesthouse.
Day 2: Nghia Lo - Than Uyen (150kms/5hours) Explore the local market in Nghia Lo Town, a good chance to shop for local handicrafts. Today's drive is along an exciting stretch of road which climbs you over the mountain pass to Mu Cang Chai where you'll see H'mong, La Ha and Dzao hill tribe people along the way. At the bottom of the valley you'll arrive in the town of Than Uyen. Overnight in hotel or guesthouse.
Day 3 (D): Than Uyen - Sa Pa (100kms/3hours). From Than Uyen, the road follows the Hoang Lien Son mountains and winds through tea plantations and rice terraces as it hugs the Nam Ma river. This stunning valley is dotted with Tay, Dzao and H'mong hill tribe villages. Drive up the highest mountain pass in Viet Nam at 1900 meters. Take a 3 hour short trek down this sprawling valley sculpted with steep rice terraces, to Ta Van village for a home stay with your Dzay guests.
Day 4 (B-L-D): Trek along rice terraces, through a lush bamboo forest and past local villages. Stop to enjoy a picnic lunch. After lunch, trek to Ban Ho for an insightful night with your Tay hosts, where you'll sleep in the cozy loft complete with comfy mattress and a mosquito net.
Day 5 (B): Short trek to the dirt road for the jeep ride back to Sa Pa. Enjoy a afternoon to explore Sa Pa town. Bus departs office in Sa Pa 4:30pm, arrive Lao Cai 6:00pm Night train back to Ha Noi (soft sleeper aircon). Trip ends 5:30am at Ha Noi station.
PRICE: CONTACT WITH US.
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