Mu Cang Chai & Sapa: Escape to the North along the mythical route of photographers

Khau Pha Pass, Terraced rice fields of La Pan Tan, discovery of Dzao, Hmong, and Thai cultures

Breakfast Your morning will begin with a visit to the Tram Tau market, and then you will head towards Mu Cang Chai, the paradise of terraced rice fields. Starting from Nghia Lo, you will gain altitude, and throughout the 100 km journey from Nghia Lo to Mu Cang Chai, you will encounter various ethnic minorities (Thai, Dzao, Black Hmong) working in the rice fields. Stop at the forested Khau Pha Pass for a stunning panorama of the Khau Pha Valley. Your driver will then take you to Mu Cang Chai, in the heart of terraced rice fields classified as a National Landscape Heritage in 2007. This is where the legendary photographer's route begins, passing through the villages of La Pan Tan, Che Cu Nha, De Su Phinh... Stops will be made for beautiful photos and to admire these artistic works – the terraced rice fields sculpted by hand by Hmong farmers, passed down through generations. Residing on these lands for over a hundred years, the H'mong are deeply attached to their culture. Wearing traditional clothing and speaking their own dialect, they have acquired expertise that allows them to live in complete autonomy. They cultivate corn and rice for themselves and their animals, as well as flax to sew their clothes. You will encounter many villagers who will introduce you to their culture. Overnight in Mu Cang Chai.

Terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai and journey to Sapa

After breakfast, you will set out to explore the beautiful landscapes of Mu Cang Chai. You will traverse cultivated valleys and admire the terraced rice fields of Su Phinh and Che Cu Nha, where ethnic minorities still work in traditional attire. Then, you will drive towards Than Uyen, and for 15 km, you will be able to enjoy magnificent landscapes of terraced rice fields. From Than Uyen, the scenery changes, and you will pass through hills of vibrant green tea plantations. Several stops are planned for short walks that will allow you to immerse yourself in local life. You will discover tea preparation and meet the Lao Lu ethnic group with black teeth, surprising you with their customs and traditions. You will then continue your journey to reach the Tram Ton Pass (2047m), one of the four most beautiful and highest passes in the Northern mountains. A stop at the summit will allow you to enjoy the coolness and observe Mount Fansipan (3143 m), the famous roof of Indochina. You will arrive in Sapa in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Sapa.

Discovery of the Muong Hoa rice valley, visiting Black Hmong, Dzay, and Red Dzao villages.

Starting at 8:00 AM, you will head towards Muong Hoa. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of this beautiful valley, in the heart of which is nestled the small village of Y Linh Ho, inhabited by the Black H'mong. Here, you will embark on a short trek where you'll encounter many children and friendly Hmong women in traditional attire trying to engage in conversation. A river flows through the middle of this valley bordered by terraced rice fields. Your walk will continue along the Muong Hoa River, from the Black Hmong village of Y Linh Ho to Lao Chai and the Dzay village of Ta Van. There will be a brief stop at a batik workshop to observe the painting techniques of the Black H'mong Batik Art. The welcoming artisan will explain how he fixes the indigo color on the clothes worn by the Hmong using beeswax. This exchange will also be a unique opportunity to answer your questions about the life of the Hmong in this valley. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Afterward, you will visit a Dzay family that manufactures incense cones before returning to Hanoi via the highway.