OVERVIEW:
TOUR PROGRAM DIEN BIEN – LAI CHAU – THE NORTHWEST REGION – DIEN BIEN Why you’ll love this trip? Overview Muong Phang, a commune in the northwest region of Vietnam near the Laos border, holds historical significance as a strategic base for the Viet Minh during the First Indochina War. It served as a secret sector where General Vo Nguyen Giap closely monitored the progress of the campaign. In this crucial location, General Giap faced the arduous task of making a difficult decision that would ultimately contribute to the victorious outcome of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1954.
(7 DAYS - 6 NIGHTS)
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The battle of Dien Bien Phu was a significant military confrontation between the French Union forces and the Viet Minh, which resulted in a decisive victory for the Viet Minh and ultimately led to the end of French colonial rule in Indochina. The battle was a complex and intense military operation, and its historical significance cannot be described in terms of difficulty level.
"Sa Pa" is a small town located in the Lào Cai province of northern Vietnam. It is situated in the Hoàng Liên Son mountain range and is known for its stunning landscapes, including terraced rice fields, lush forests, and towering mountains. Sa Pa is home to several ethnic minority groups, such as the Hmong, Dao, and Tay, who contribute to the rich cultural diversity of the region. The town has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its vibrant markets, trekking opportunities, and unique cultural experiences.
DAY 01: THE SURROUNDING HISTORICAL SITES (MEALS: LUNCH, DINNER)
Morning:
Take an early fly from Ha Noi to Dien Bien.
Landing at the Dien Bien Phu airport, you are welcomed by experienced tour guide and driver at the pickup lobby, then transfer to the hotel.
Enjoy 10-minute driving to the city center with it's briefing information about the most visited spots, culture, traffic and security.... Arrive in your hotel, check in, lunch and have a rest.
Afternoon:
drive out to visit some of the historical sites around Muong Thanh Valley such as the Army Museum, the VN Cemetery, Hill A-1 (where the fiercest battle took place), the French Memorial, French Headquarters, (PC GONO) De Castries bunker, the Bailey bridge on the Nam Yum river and other areas of the battlefield.
drive out to visit some of the historical sites around Muong Thanh Valley such as the Army Museum, the VN Cemetery, Hill A-1 (where the fiercest battle took place), the French Memorial, French Headquarters, (PC GONO) De Castries bunker, the Bailey bridge on the Nam Yum river and other areas of the battlefield.
Then continue up Dominique where stands a 220-ton bronze Victory Monument and from where one gets a great view of the city and surrounding area.
DAY 02: THE HEADQUARTERS OF DIEN BIEN PHU CAMPAIGN (MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER)
9:00 PM: Set off on a 30 km drive to visit Muong Phang-the Viet Minh headquarters in 1954.
Enjoy the breathtaking scenery as we pass by hill tribe villages set in evergreen forests. If interested, there would be time to walk through a Thai tribal village to photograph.
After about an hour we arrive at the site of the headquarters. Then it is a walk through a hilly forest where General Giap and his chief of staff lived while directing the battles of the Dien Bien Phu campaign. Examine some of their old bunkers, tunnels and the residence of the Chinese military adviser.
It is also a good place to meet and talk with the local Thai people who are always friendly and welcoming.
On the way back there are some places to stop for magnificent photos of Pa Khoang Reservoir which holds water for the whole Muong Thanh Valley irrigation system. There are some magnificent views down the valley where the terraced rice fields glimmer in the setting sun.
Then back to the hotel and overnight there. You have two choices:
(1) Dinner at the hotel and free time;
(2) If you are interested, it is possible to drive out to a local Thai village to get a local traditional foods and enjoy some Thai folk dancing.
DAY 03: DIEN BIEN PHU – MUONG LAY – LAI CHAU (MEALS: B,L,D)
Have breakfast and check out the hotel.
Depart to the Northern direct to Lai Chau. You will find yourself in a land of colorful Hmong people. Crossing Muong Cha, Muong Lay meet the local women in their colorful traditional dresses, wearing silver or golden jewelry. Stop at the villages to meet the locals and discover their authentic lifestyle.
Arrive in Muong Lay – a relocation place for hundreds of Thai villagers. Previously, they lived in the valleys flooded by the reservoir for hydroelectricity Lai Chau – Son La. You can stop here if you would like a tea break or maybe you stop over at the junction of the two rivers – a wide place which is beautiful as in poem, then you can visit a vestige of the Thai king’s ancient fortress. It fell in 1953 when Vietnamese People’s Army came and liberated this area making way to march forward to Dien Bien Phu.
Continue the journey is accompanied by the Nam Na River and the green beautiful surrounding landscapes. Discover Thai, Dao and Hmong villages and their life of cultivation work on the way before your arrival in Lai Chau City in the late afternoon. Check in your hotel and relax.
DAY 04: LAI CHAU – SA PA (76 km) (MEALS: B,L,D)
Breakfast and check out the hotel.
Depart to Sapa along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. At the exit of Tam Duong, we will turn to visit Na Tam Village where the Laotian and Lu people live. This is a beautiful, tranquil landscape. Traditionally, the local women are distinguished by black teeth and indigo colored clothing encrusted with silver coins. Stop at a village, taking photographs, speaking with the local villagers (they could be able to a bit understand you by communicate by hands and the body language).
Or walk on the glass-bottomed foot bridge which is connecting two mountains that built into the side of a cliff (50 km from Lai Chau city). Nature-lovers will appreciate the panoramic views, feeling completely immersed in the surrounding nature. However, it is important to be cautious of individuals those who have a fear of heights, heart disease, or weak nerves, as they should not enter such places (Your extra payment)
Go forward to Sapa, crossing Hoang Lien Son pass (O Quy Ho pass). This is the longest and highest pass in Vietnam, 54km in length and 2047m in height. Stop to relax at the top of the pass and soak up the grandiose landscape. This is also a great place for photos.
In the afternoon, arrive in Sapa, a town discovered by the French in 1903, with a temperate climate, Sapa has become an attraction for holidaymakers because of its beautiful rice valley, and Black Hmong, Red Dao and the Dzay Ethnics. It would be surprised when some of ethnic mothers can speak English, French, Germen though some cannot speak Vietnamese.
Check in the hotel, have a rest or walk around the town to get the cool and fresh air, then enjoy your time to see around with different colorful ethnic minority doing market or dancing their folk show etc.
(if you could come by the end of week to have an opportunity for being happy hours in “Love exchange market” of Mong minority)
Overnight at Sapa.
DAY 05: TREKKING DAY: CAT CAT – LAO CHAI – TA VAN VILLAGES (MEALS:B,L,D)
Morning:
Breakfast at the hotel, then meet the local tour guide to show you around Cat Cat Village which is about 5km scenic transfer to the west of town.
Breakfast at the hotel, then meet the local tour guide to show you around Cat Cat Village which is about 5km scenic transfer to the west of town.
Enjoy through the terrace ricefields down Muong Hoa valley, visiting H'mong, Dzay We will start a day of trekking through village. Follow the path downhill, interact with the friendly H’mong ladies and children who live in houses nestled in the valley. Enjoy a bit of relaxation at the beautiful wooden cable-bridge with the harmony and beauty of the surrounding nature. If you are sportive and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo path with breathtaking views and less tourists. For those looking for an easy trek, embark on a leisurely stroll along the Muong Hoa River.
Return the hotel. Lunch and take a short nap.
Afternoon:
Drive direct to Lao Chai - Ta Van villages. Drop you off and start trekking down the valley along a small path crossing the rice field through a sleepy little hamlet. Have a special visit to grandma who is the only craftsman left in the community, traditionally using beeswax for decoration to make the unique Hmong’s indigo clothing. It is also great chance to learn about their daily life and culture.
Drive direct to Lao Chai - Ta Van villages. Drop you off and start trekking down the valley along a small path crossing the rice field through a sleepy little hamlet. Have a special visit to grandma who is the only craftsman left in the community, traditionally using beeswax for decoration to make the unique Hmong’s indigo clothing. It is also great chance to learn about their daily life and culture.
Continue to the charming landscape of the bridges spanning across a stream, well located in the valley with amazing views of waterfalls, rice terraces, and the Hoang Lien Son Mountain range. As you leisurely walk, meet villagers who will kindly invite you to visit their homes. It is an opportunity to see their handicraft weaving and some handmade items, or you can also put on their traditional costume for some nice photos.
Bus pick you up at the other side of the road. Come back to hotel. End of the day.
Bus pick you up at the other side of the road. Come back to hotel. End of the day.
DAY 06: SAPA – DIEN BIEN PHU (TAKE A DISTINCT ROUTE BACK) - (MEALS: B,L,D)
Check out the hotel after breakfast.
Departure back to Dien Bien Phu. Stop over at Fansipan Legend - The cable car area in Sapa is called Fansipan Legend. It is a cable car system that takes visitors to the top of the mountain, the highest mountain peak in Vietnam which is 3143 meter above see lever (ASL). The Fansipan Legend cable car has a length of over 6km, starting from the center of Sapa town and ending at the summit of Fansipan mountain. You will take a great view on and from its top (it is not possible for winter time because of the cold and hazy climate to see the scene).
After 2 hours enjoy yourself at Fansipan. Continue the journey. Enjoy stunning views of mountain, river, green tea plantation hills and hydropower lakes along the road. Have a rest at the middle of the way, you also have a chance to take a view of a beautiful bridge which spanning across the reservoir (call Pa Uon bridge 1418 m long, 104 m height. There were some villages which beneath the water after this building plan).
You can stop at Tuan Giao if you would like a tea break.
You can stop at Tuan Giao if you would like a tea break.
Arrive in Dien Bien Phu in the late afternoon. Check in the hotel and have a long rest after a hard travel time.
DAY 07: DIEN BIEN PHU - HANOI (MEALS: BREAKFAST)
Breakfast at the hotel. Arrange your baggage, stay quietly a moment at a cafeteria before departure time.
Bus pick up and transfer to the airport for the departure flight to Hanoi. End of service and say good bye to you.
PACKAGE FOR ONE PERSON: 16,689,000 VND (for a group of 20 people)
You will be enjoying the 4-star hotel comfort during your stay, which includes luxurious amenities and exceptional service.
Please kindly review the details of the Terms and Conditions.
The schedule above is subject to change depending on time, budget, and other external factors. To better accommodate your trip, please contact us. Based on your needs, Hoang Nam Travel will be able to design the perfect itinerary for you. Thank you.
PACKAGE FOR ONE PERSON: 16,689,000 VND (for a group of 20 people)
You will be enjoying the 4-star hotel comfort during your stay, which includes luxurious amenities and exceptional service.
Please kindly review the details of the Terms and Conditions.
The schedule above is subject to change depending on time, budget, and other external factors. To better accommodate your trip, please contact us. Based on your needs, Hoang Nam Travel will be able to design the perfect itinerary for you. Thank you.
CHILDREN POLICY
Children from 0 – 5 years old: Free of charge
(One child traveling with two adults will be free of charge; the 2nd child will pay 50% of adult price)
Children from 6 – 10 years old:
| Sharing bed with two adults: | 50% of adult price |
| Sharing room with two adults, using extra bed: | 80% of adult price |
| Twin-sharing room with one adult: | 100% of adult price |
| Children from 11 years old: | 100% of adult price |
TOUR INCLUSIVE & EXCLUSIVE
Inclusive:
- Accommodation basing on twin-sharing with daily breakfast at 4* hotels.
- Meal: B, L, D at 250,000VND/main meals/person; Breakfast for hotel room included
- Private air-conditioned transfer.
- English or French-speaking guide service.
- 06 lunches; 06 Dinners (without drinks) at local restaurants as specified.
- 02 bottles of mineral water (500 ml)/pax/day
- Sightseeing, admission fees, entrance and boat fees as specified.
- VAT and service charge.
Exclusive:
- Personal Expenses
- All meals and beverage unspecified.
- All other services not clearly mentioned as included
- Travel insurance.
- All of the airfares (starting at ……….. vnd / person), airport tax, visa fee
- Personal expenses, optional visit and other services unspecified
- Beverages & Tips (Tips is up to you)
- Entrance fees: Glass bridge, cable car to and down the Fancipan mountain top
- Surcharge for a special occasion, local village shows, gala dinner on Christmas, New Year, etc.
CANCELLATION POLICY
After registering for the tour, deposit 50% of the total tour fare. Please pay the rest balance: 5 days before departure.
The charge will be applied if cancellation is made within:
• Last-minute or no-show: 100% of the tour fare.
• Within 24 hours before departure time: 90% of reservation cost.
• 2-4 days prior to departure date: 50% of reservation cost.
• 5-7 days prior to departure date: 30 % of reservation cost.
• After booking confirmation: 10% of reservation cost.
The charge will be applied if cancellation is made within:
• Last-minute or no-show: 100% of the tour fare.
• Within 24 hours before departure time: 90% of reservation cost.
• 2-4 days prior to departure date: 50% of reservation cost.
• 5-7 days prior to departure date: 30 % of reservation cost.
• After booking confirmation: 10% of reservation cost.
ADDITIONAL INFORS
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
- Infants must sit on laps.
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
- Most travelers can participate.
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
USEFUL INFORS
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, drink water and bring insect repellent (though there's no threat of Malaria these days.)
- Giving a smile when meeting local people. Visiting the local village, gifts are not required, but a pack of sweets to share with the children would be appreciated.
- Never touch on the children’s head (it considered you get rid of his/her soul spirit). If someone make of this mistake, he/she should pay money for sacrificial offering and stay with villagers during the immolate worship.
- You should ask permission in advance whenever you would take photograhps or enter the house.
How to get us?
If you are planning a trip to the Northwest region, Vietnam, you may be in need of the tour service – the Northwest region, tourguide or private car rental to the Northwest region with driver from Dien Bien Phu.
Donot hesitate to drop us an email to hoantourdbp@gmail.com or viber/zalo us to +84.912545289 ( Mr Hoan). As a local travel company in Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam, we will support you with useful consultancy and customize you with the Northwest region tours of lifeftime experiences. We wish you a memorable holiday in the Northwest region of Vietnam.
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