From Sapa to Mu Cang Chai – Follow the photographers route
This journey is considered the most beautiful journey of the majestic Northwest region of Vietnam. Starting from Sapa, nested in Hoang Lien Son mountain chain, this is a land rich in culture contributed by more than 10 ethnic minority groups, each with its dialect and customs.
Going down O Quy Ho pass, you will reach Mu Cang Chai, an area still mysterious to most ordinary tourists, is well known for its rice terraces and is rated as “one of the most beautiful rice terraces in the world” and “among the most colorful destinations”.
Besides, the alluring beauty of Mu Cang Chai also lies in the unique culture of the local people. It is the homeland of the Hmong, Thai and Dao peoples with cultural traditions and a way of life in harmony with nature that does not seem to have been affected by modern life.
You can combine this trip with our excursion in Sapa for a complete experience in the two most iconic destinations of Northwest Vietnam.
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery in Sapa
Highlight
- Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery, authentic hill tribe experience, and weekend hill tribe market in Sapa;
- Admire the beauty of the most majestic valleys in the northwest, Than Uyen Valley, Mu Cang Chai, and Lim Mong;
- Experience the culture of the Thai ethnic group with stilt houses by the stream, delicious food, and incredible music in Mu Cang Chai
- Savor authentic local dishes harvested straight from the farm to your plate
- Participate in a craft workshop with a H’mong family.
- Support the local community through a solidarity tourism project.
Admire the beauty of the majestic valley in Mu Cang Chai
| Destination |
Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai, Vietnam |
| Included |
- 2 nights village stay in Mu Cang Chai
- Meals mentioned in the program
- Transport by private, air-conditioned car with an experienced driver from Sapa – Mu Cang Chai – Hanoi
- An English-speaking guide from Sapa to Mu Cang Chai
- Folklore musical performance (applied for groups of 4 people and above)
- All activities, and meetings mentioned in the program
- All entrance fees to tourist sites
|
| Excluded |
- The services of an experienced tour guide
- Hotel in Hanoi
- Beverages, gratuities, and personal expenses
- Personal expenses (drinks, souvenirs, etc…)
- Trekking gear (backpack, shoes, etc …)
- Individual Insurance
- VAT and other taxes
|
 Travel With Car |
What to bring
- Sun and rain protection gear (including sunscreen and brim hat)
- Warm clothes in winter (from mid-November to early March)
- Mosquito repellents
- Walking shoes/sandals
- Swimwear
- Toiletries, towel, and flashlight
- Original passport
Price per person and based on private group
| Group of |
1 pax |
2 pax |
3 pax |
4 pax |
5 pax |
6 pax |
7 pax |
8 pax |
| Price per person |
VND 16,525,000 |
VND 9,450,000 |
VND 7,490,000 |
VND 6,280,000 |
VND 5,380,000 |
VND 4,960,000 |
VND 4,510,000 |
VND 4,175,000 |
Discount for larger group is available; please contact our travel consultants at:
lam@dcttravel.vn or send us inquiry through the contact form
Details
Meals: lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Village stay within a community based-tourism project
Departure from your accommodation in Sapa at 8AM to Mu Cang Chai by private car, the trip from Sapa will last about 5 hours. The road between two iconic destinations is considered one of the most magnificent roads in Northern Vietnam.
On the way, your driver will stop at the most remarkable viewpoints such as at the peak of O Quy Ho pass and the tea plantations in Than Uyen. Upon arrival at Mu Cang Chai town, you have lunch at a small restaurant and then visit the H'mong villages at La Pan Tan district. Being well known for its rice terraces, this district is a dream destination for all photographers. Here, you will have the opportunity to visit a H'mong family and meet a shaman. During the discussion with the shaman, you will better understand the H’mong Flower culture in Mu Cang Chai and their rice terrace cultivation.
H'mong local people in Mu Cang Chai
You continue the road towards the Lim Mong Valley passing the Khau Pha pass, one of the four highest passes in Vietnam, and descend to our village of It Thai. Here, since 2018, as part of a sustainable tourism project, we have been supporting the local community to renovate their family home to welcome tourists. You stay in one of the six homestays with the Thais. Dinner with local specialties is carefully prepared by your hosts.
Rice terraces in Mu Cang Chai
*What does a village stay experience mean? Your accommodation is run by a local family in their traditional wooden stilt house. There is no private bedroom and you will sleep on the floor in a large common area. The sleeping area is set up with a mattress, blankets, a pillow, and a mosquito net. The toilets are equipped with hot water.
** A private stilt house is available in case you want more privacy. Please check with our travel consultant for its availability and surcharge fee.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Village stay within a community based-tourism project
A day of immersion in local life, after breakfast, you will join the grandma of the village in a hands-on dyeing workshop. Indigo dyeing is the cultural beauty of the people in Khau Pha, which aims to create a deep blue color with a natural origin for the traditional clothes of Thai and H'mong people: Hear the story of indigo and create it your hand-dyed product.
Indigo dyeing by Thai women in Mu Cang Chai
These may be things that in other lands have gradually disappeared with the development of the modern world, but the local people of Mu Cang Chai, still maintain these traditional ways in their daily lives, indigo dyeing is one of them.
In the afternoon, you can stroll out and go to the other side of the massive Lim Mong Valley or walk to a top hill called Tiger Mountain, where you could have a breathtaking view of both Lim Long Valley and Tu Le Valley. There is also a playground on the top to play while admiring the splendid landscape.
Breathtaking view of both Lim Long Valley in Mu Cang Chai
Dinner with your host at homestay. Overnight at your homestay.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: Not included
Enjoy a leisurely morning in the valley! At around 10 AM, you will say goodbye to the family host and villagers and go down to Tu Le town. Here, let's stop in Le Champ Tu Le resort and enjoy the hot spring before returning to Hanoi.
Enjoy the hot spring at Le Champ Tu Le
Tu Le is considered the most famous hot mineral spring in the north and hot spring bathing has been part of the culture of the Tu Le Black Thai people for thousands of years. Soaking in the water with a beautiful panoramic view of the terraced fields is the gift this land gives you before leaving.
Lunch at a local restaurant then you will continue the road 32 and arrive in Hanoi at around 7 PM. End of our services.
