Hiking in the Unknown Land from Bac Ha to Hoang Su Phi
Overview
An itinerant hiking circuit exploring Bac Ha and Hoang Su Phi – the best terrain for nature-loving hikers seeking the authenticity of ethnic tribes. This journey takes you to mostly untouched localities, offering breathtaking panoramas and encounters with various ethnic groups.
- Fabulous terraced rice fields of Hoang Su Phi and Bac Ha
- Hiking through stunning mountain landscapes
- An off-the-beaten-path circuit with visits to undiscovered places
- Encounters with ethnic minorities with ancestral traditions and homestays: Flower Hmong, Tay, Black Dzao, Nung, and Red Dzao
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1Hanoi - Bac Ha (L, D)
Depart for Bac Ha via the Hanoi to Pho Lu highway. A 40 km mountain road with striking hill masses and river valleys.
Lunch at a local restaurant on the way.
Arrival in Bac Ha in the early afternoon. Bac Ha, situated at 1,000 meters above sea level, is home to several ethnic groups such as Hmongs, Phu Las, and Tays.
Start the hike from Ta Van Chu, a Flower Hmong village known for cultivating peaches, plums, and through fabulous landscapes. Cross a 1,200-meter limestone mountain for a high view of terraced rice fields and hamlets. Explore the agricultural environment, traditional housing, lush terraced rice fields, and tree-scattered valleys. Visit isolated hamlets and meet the Flower Hmongs.
Dinner and overnight in Bac Ha
Day 2Sanchuvan - Ban Lien (B, L, D)
Short transfer to Sanchuvan, home of Hmong Flower People. Trek from Sanchuvan to Ban Lien, following the trail atop a mountain ridge. This day, Mobile network coverage may be limited in this area
You will be mesmerized by the incredible landscapes featuring beautiful terraced rice fields. Trek through the forest, with challenging terrain requiring some uphill climbs. At the end of day, you'll reach Ban Lien, home of the Tay People. Here, you'll encounter lush, picturesque valleys with terraced rice fields, green tea gardens, and palm trees. Lunch will be a picnic. Meet the host family and discover their living space. Spend the night in a stilt house covered with palm leaves. Dinner and homestay.
Day 3Ban Lien – Nam Dat (B, L, D)
Hike from Ban Lien to Nam Dat. Start your hike through the bamboo forest for 2 hours from Nam Cay to the Dao village of Nam Mut. Then continue the hike to Na Tri. Stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of Ban Ve Valley. Short transfer to Nam Dat village.
Dinner and overnight with a homestay.
Day 4Nam Dat – Nam Qua - Long Chun (B, L, D)
Breakfast at the homestay. A short 30-minute walk to reach the weekly market that takes place every Thursday morning.
9:00 AM: Walk to the Song Chung River, cruise on the lake. Hike to the Red Dzao village of Nam Qua for lunch.
Afternoon: Continue your hike to the village of Long Chun. Dinner and overnight with a homestay.
Day 5Lung Chun - Nam Cai – Hong Son (B, L, D)
Breakfast at the homestay.
Start your hike by climbing through a high mountain. Traverse the primitive forest with tropical flora: rattan, orchids, cardamoms, numerous medicinal plants, and large trees. After 2 hours of walking, you'll reach the summit of the mountain. Begin the descent into a remote area to the Red Dzao village of Nam Cai. Enjoy the panoramic view of the region. Lunch.
Afternoon: Walk to the center of Tien Nguyen and then to the village of Cao Son. Continue your walk along the flank through the bamboo forest. Once you cross the stream, start your hike through the Tay ethnic village. After 3km, you'll reach the Red Dzao village at the foot of a mountain with terraced rice fields. After crossing a small stream, the elevation gain is positive; climb a bit to reach the homestay.
The trek takes 2 hours through the mountains and villages.
Dinner and overnight with a homestay in a Dzao family's long-tunic house, in a dormitory.
Day 6Hong Son - Nung Cu, Nung An Culture Immersion (B, L, D)
Trekking day through terraced rice fields and at the foot of the Son Thanh waterfall, discovering Nung culture.
Breakfast at the homestay.
Hike along the mountain slope with beautiful terraced rice valleys and lush bamboo forests.
During your walk, you'll encounter different ethnicities: Nung, Red Dzao, and long-tunic Dzao. Stop to chat with locals, exchange stories about their way of life.
After 3 hours of walking, you'll arrive at Son Thanh village, home to the Red Dzao. Observe the beauty of the traditional costumes of the Red Dzao. Discover the local culture as porters prepare lunch. Son Thanh's elevation is 600m.
Afternoon: Ascend to the summit of a mountain at an altitude of 885 meters. From this point, you'll have a panoramic view of the beautiful rice valley of Nam Khoa. Descend along the trail through the bamboo forest to reach the Nung ethnic village. After 6 km, you'll arrive at the homestay in the village of Nung Cu.
Dinner and overnight with a homestay.
Day 7Nung Cu – Khoa Trung – Nam Hong (B, L, D)
Terraced rice fields, tea hills, streams, immersion in Red Dzao culture.
Breakfast. A walk through beautiful rice valleys and lush bamboo forests.
During your walk, you'll encounter different ethnicities: Nung, Red Dzao, and long-tunic Dzao. You can stop to chat with the locals, discussing their way of life.
After 3 hours of walking, you'll arrive at Khoa Trung village, home to the Red Dzao. Lunch at the homestay.
Afternoon: Continue your walk to the Red Dzao village of Nam Hong.
Dinner and overnight in the village of Nam Hong in a bungalow. Enjoy an herbal bath.
Day 8Nam Hong – Hanoi (B, L)
Breakfast. A one-hour walk to visit the Red Dzao village of Nam Hong.
On the way back to Hanoi, with stops along the way to see the tea hills.
Prices and Accommodation
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"Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'