Bac Ha: Weekly market, terraced rice fields, and its ethnic communities
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Overview
This 3-day trip will take you to the mountains of the North, right in the midst of beautiful terraced rice fields and majestic valleys in the Bac Ha Region. You will experience authentic moments with the local ethnic minorities, who will welcome you with open arms. This itinerary is designed for lovers of unique excursions, off the beaten path.
- Discovery of the ethnic market of Bac Ha: this renowned and colorful market is a symbol of authenticity.
- Mountain hikes, through villages and terraced rice fields
- Encounters with the ethnic groups of the Northern Highlands: Flower Hmong, Tay, Dao, Phu La..., discovering their ancestral way of life and culture.
Itinerary Expand All
Day 1Hanoi – Bac Ha, In The Land Of The Flower Hmong (L, D)
Drive from Hanoi to Bac Ha, exploring ethnic villages.
Early morning departure by shared bus from Hanoi to Pho Lu, where you will be welcomed by your guide and driver, then head towards Bac Ha. Bac Ha, located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, is a region with pristine nature and inhabited by various ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Phu La, Tay, and Dzao. Afternoon: Embark on a short hike (easy access) to the villages of Ngai Phong Tro and Din Thang. Explore the agricultural environment, traditional housing, lush terraced rice fields, and valleys dotted with trees. Visit isolated hamlets and encounter two different ethnic groups: Flower Hmong and Phu La. The Hmong were part of the San Miao in southern China. Due to the Hmong's struggles against Chinese feudal authorities, some Hmong migrated to Vietnam in the late 18th and early 20th centuries. The Phu La also immigrated to Vietnam during the same period.
Our advice: Include a stop in Bac Ha on a Saturday evening to enjoy the public spectacle of folk dances and songs, held every Saturday night at the Bac Ha market (free and open to participation). Accommodation according to your choice in a homestay in Bac Ha.
Day 2Bac Ha - Exploring Beautiful Remote Rice Valleys (B, L, D)
Discovering beautiful and authentic rice valleys: Ta Cu Ti, Ban Lien, and villages of Dzao, Tay, Phu La.
After breakfast, depart for the Ta Cu Ti valley (30 km from Bac Ha), a remote region of Bac Ha known for its stunning terraced rice landscapes. Stop en route to visit the village of the Phu La ethnic group in Lung Phinh. Upon arrival in the Ta Cu Ti valley, you will be captivated by the incredible landscapes dominated by two rows of hills that ripple along the Nam Na stream. Explore isolated hamlets and meet the Dzao ethnic group with their long tunics. Continue the journey to Ban Lien, have lunch with a local family of the Tay ethnic group. In the afternoon, take a walk to explore the surroundings, witnessing the daily life and customs of the Tay people in this region. There's a possibility to see tea or cinnamon plantations. Return to Bac Ha. Overnight at a homestay in Bac Ha.
Day 3Bac Ha – Weekly Market – Hanoi (B, L)
Renowned and colorful Ethnic Minorities Market, return journey to Hanoi.
After breakfast, explore one of the weekly markets in the region: Tuesday - Coc Ly, Wednesday - Xin Cheng market, Saturday - Can Cau market, or Sunday - the famous Bac Ha market. Bac Ha's weekly market vividly showcases the typical cultural traits of Ethnic Minorities living in remote regions, including various ethnic groups such as Tay, Black Dzao, Phu La, and especially the Flower Hmong. Photographers will appreciate the colorful and lively scenes. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with a variety of goods, vegetables, poultry, horses, buffaloes, all on display. Encounter ethnic residents dressed in their vibrant traditional costumes who gather to exchange goods and, for some, find a potential life partner. At the end of the visit, you will be transferred to Pho Lu for the Dcar Limousine collective bus, departing around 3:00 PM from Pho Lu.
Optional: If you wish to have more time in Bac Ha, you can choose to take the night train from Lao Cai to Hanoi.
Prices and Accommodation
How to book?
Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language
Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.
"Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'
Included
- Accommodation
- Transportation as per the itinerary in a private vehicle with a driver for your group ONLY
- Meals as mentioned in the program: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
- English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees and visitation rights to the specified sites
- One liter of bottled water per day per person
- Administrative fees
Excluded
- Visa
- Travelers personal insurance
- Bank fees, Drinks, phone, personal expenses, and anything not clearly mentioned in the "This price includes" section
- Surcharge during public holidays (if any)
- Tips (based on your satisfaction, a suggested reference is $5 USD/day/traveler for guides and half that for drivers)
Useful Information
Safety equipment: bring hiking shoes, a flashlight, and mosquito repellent. Sunscreen is recommended between April and November. Warm clothing is necessary during winter (mid-November to early March). Bring a towel and toiletries.
During the winter season (December to January), the weather is often cold and foggy early in the morning and late in the afternoon, and sometimes throughout the day.
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