Trek along unsploiled villages of Lao Cai

Depart from
: Hanoi
Stop off
: Hanoi
Duration
: 9 days
This exciting trek offers a true experience of unspoiled remote villages in the border province of Lao Cai. The dramatic scenery, picturesque villages nestled into the sides of Thang Phin Mountain, and colourful ethnic minority groups can captivate any adventure lover’s heart. Begin at Lao Cai and trek along the Chinese border to Muong Khuong Valley through remote H’Mong, Tay and Nung ethnic minority villages. Ascend to Can Cau and Bac Ha to observe colourful Saturday and Sunday markets, the most vibrant in the province, where hundreds of hill tribe people from different groups gather to exchange their wares. End a challenging trek with a boat trip o­n the scenic Chay River.


Day 1: Hanoi. Train to Lao Cai (D)

Arrive at Noi Bai Airport, our guide will greet you at the terminal exit; transfer to hotel; optional stroll to explore Hanoi Old Quarter; In the evening, taste typical Vietnamese dishes in o­ne of Hanoi’s best restaurants; shuttle to Hanoi Station for an overnight to Lao Cai.

Day 2: Lao Cai- Muong Khuong- Lung Khau Nhin (B,L,D)

Arrive Lao Cai early morning; guide and team welcome you at the station; transfer to a good local restaurant for breakfast; drive to Muong Khuong; local villages, verdant and rugged mountains along the Nam Thi River. After a couple hours, arrive Muong Khuong; presentation about the region and the expedition. Head southeast for Lung Khau Nhin via Na Phin, Na Nam va Chung Chai Village, friendly H’Mong and Nung people. Lunch in the shade, continue to Lung Khau Nhin, stilt-house overnight.
Trekking hours: 5 hours. Grade: Moderate

Day 3: To Me Village (B,L,D)

Gentle descent o­n single track and dirt roads through forest and remote villages; guide will point out rare points of interest, traditional customs. After three hours hiking, stop for lunch; rest of the day o­n the rugged terrain to Me Village (H’Mong). Sleep in the tents or at the local school.
Trekking hours: 6-7. Grade: Moderate

Day 4: To Quan Than San (B,L,D)

Trekking through the rugged terrain past rice paddies, local villages. Be prepared to get wet - some streams; picnic lunch; quiet trails to our final point. After three hours o­n the trail, the tiny village of Quan Than San, H’Mong people. Stay the night here.
Trekking hours: 6-7. Grade: Moderate

Day 5: Can Cau- Thai Giang Pho- Bac Ha (B,L,D)

Mixture of ups and downs throughout the day, challenging climbs, exceptional views of the Thang Sin Mountains, distant H’Mong villages; trek to Can Cau Village (Cau Cau Market open o­n Saturday); climbing up from Can Cau for about 8km through remote villages; spectacular terrain to Thai Giang Pho Village, lunch in the shade; downhill to Bac Ha hotel stay.
Trekking hours: 6-7. Grade: Moderate/Challging

Day 6: Nam Mon (B,L,D)

Bac Ha bustles o­n a Sunday - market day. Flower H’Mong, Blue H’Mong, Tu Zi, Tay, Nung and Lo Lo people all converge here bringing life to this sleepy mountain town. Descend from mountain to village o­n the banks of the Chay River; footpath hike through plum and peach plantations; lunch break o­n quiet roadside, photograph the scenery - good stretch. Finish at Nam Mon Village (Tay, Nung and H’Mong people). Sleep in a traditional Tay house. Trekking hours: 6-7 Hours. Grade: Moderate

Day 7: Nam Mon- Cac Cop- Bao Nhai- Lao Cai (B,L,D)

Leave Nam Mon; final trekking day; two hours’ hike o­n footpaths to the Chay River; board a small covered boat and enjoy an hour cruise past Hang Tien (Fairy Cave); wander to Ban Du and Cac Cop. Conclude trekking at Cac Cop Village and board the boat to Bao Nhai Bridge; transfer to Lao Cai for standard hotel day room. Dine in a local restaurant before overnight train back to Hanoi.
Trekking hours: 4-5 hours. Grade: Easy/Moderate

Day 8: Hanoi (B)

Arrive in Hanoi early morning, transfer to the hotel, drop off baggage; leisurely breakfast, tour the Old Quarter. (Hotel check in after 12pm today). The rest of the day is yours to hang around  (wander around Hoan Kiem Lake, shop in the Old Quarter, visiting the city’s many fine arts galleries). In the evening, meet again at hotel lobby , to Restaurant for our fare well dinner.

Day 9: Departure

Note: Extention tour to the sound can be made upon request

Inclusions
- Accommodation in tents
- Experienced tour guide, porters
- Air-condition bus or minivan
- All entrance fees, travel permit
- Meals as stated

Exclusions
- Personal expenses,
- Insurance, tips and other services