Day 1: Hanoi - Sa Pa
Today we depart hotel at 6h30 and drive along the Red River to Sa Pa. The roads are bumpy at times, but various scenic landscape changing from the delta region to the Tonkinese Alps make for an interesting journey. On arrival in Sapa we have a chance after checking into hotel, to soak up the fresh climate as much as you want by spending the time to wander around and catch the first look. This hill station was founded in early last century and rapidly became an ideal place for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape from the unbearable heat in plains. At an elevation of 1,500 meters, Sapa has some warm days and cool evenings. The ethnic minority people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft. O/N in Sa Pa.

Day 2: Sa Pa Hiking
The mountain range of Phan Si Pan boasts Vietnam’s highest peak and lends an alpine feel to the area surrounding this hill station. Today we visit the bustling Sa Pa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. Heading out of town we embark on a walk, using the local tracks to Lao Chai village, home of the Black H'Mong people. The footpath traverses some terraced rice fields, giving us a chance to see many mountaineers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field. The blend of verdant mountain backdrop and colourful population makes for a fantastic view. We arrive at Ta Van hamlet and visit the Zay ethnic minorities. They still retain their age old cultural traditions and wear distinctive costumes. O/N in Sa Pa. (B)

Day 3 : Sa Pa - Bac Ha ( Sunday)
Upon leaving Sa Pa we set off on a rough but scenic drive through the border town of Lao Cai to Bac Ha. This remote hill town is a world famous site with the lively and colourful Sunday market. There are various ethnic minority groups including Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay but the dominants are the Flower Hmong people. These ethnic minorities are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress and come in town for trade on every Sunday. On arrival we stroll around this colourful congregation to see the different hill tribe groups and their amazing trading way. Today we have time to explore the surrounding areas on a walking tour past Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho Village where they make the potent local maize alcohol. O/N in Bac Ha. (B)

Day 4: Bac Ha - Hanoi
The colourful market will be left behind as we leave Bac Ha for Hanoi and drive through the verdant and rugged mountain scenery. Once reaching Yen Bai Town we again cross the Red River and travel following the river bank towards Hanoi. These back roads are a great way to explore the real Vietnam. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. Along the way we can make stop as we please, to simply stretch our legs and catch some wonderful shootings of peaceful villages, lush vegetation as well as farmers at work. The trip ends on arrival in Hanoi. (B)