8 days 7 nights
Specific Tour
12 people
English, Vietnamese
The Northwest of Northern Vietnam is one of the country’s most beautiful regions, featuring cascading rice terraces carved into breathtaking mountains. Each season adds a unique charm, but the “golden period” during the rice harvest is truly magical, as the terraces turn a radiant golden yellow. Visiting the Northwest at this time promises an unforgettable experience.
Farmers here grow only one rice crop per year, with the harvest occurring from mid-September to late October. The timing varies by region, with Sapa and Hoang Su Phi seeing the earliest harvests, while Mu Cang Chai follows a bit later. This golden landscape, combined with the cool, refreshing air, creates a visual masterpiece. The terraced fields ripple down the mountains, painted in rich yellows and dotted with traditional homes of ethnic minorities.
Hiking in Northern Vietnam during harvest season is an experience like no other. As you hike through the golden rice terraces, the scent of ripe rice fills the air, and you’ll witness local farmers working the fields. To see the most picturesque harvests, head to Sapa in Lao Cai and Hoang Su Phi in Ha Giang. This is truly the best time to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Northwest.
Upon your arrival in Hanoi, our driver and tour guide will pick you up and take you to the hotel.
In the afternoon, you will start the Hanoi city tour by visiting the Museum of Ethnology and then return to central Hanoi for a 45-minute cyclo tour through the Old Quarter, famous for its 36 streets. Conclude the day by watching an exciting water puppet performance, a unique art form of Northern Vietnam, said to have originated in the flooded rice fields of the Red River Delta. The performance uses colorful wooden puppets to depict scenes of rural life and periods of the nation's history set to music. Overnight in Hanoi.
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After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, our guide and driver will greet and whisk you on a scenic journey through a village deep in the Sapa Valley. The 5-hour drive will be filled with mountain landscapes.
Upon arrival in the village, you'll be warmly welcomed by a local family who will treat you to lunch. After the meal, you will walk on trails leading to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu. Here, you'll have the opportunity to meet the villagers, share a cup of fragrant green tea in their traditional home, and gain a firsthand understanding of their daily life.
As you leave the village behind, a small dirt trail unfolds, revealing breathtaking views of the valley adorned with bamboo huts. These unique structures serve as temporary shelters for local farmers during harvest season. As you continue your walk, you'll pass by cascading rice terraces and a refreshing river before reaching the charming village of Nam Cang. Nam Cang village, nestled at the far end of Sapa Valley, is known for its vast cardamom forest and the distinct culture of the Red Dao people. The Red Dao women here wear some of the most colourful and diverse costumes among Vietnam's ethnic groups. While Nam Cang might not have the largest concentration of silversmiths, you could find beautiful handcrafted silver jewellery made by the Red Dao people. You might consider indulging in a traditional herbal bath, a specialty that the Red Dao people are highly skilled in preparing.
To conclude this day, you will spend the night at a cozy homestay, enjoying a delightful dinner accompanied by some "happy water" – a local specialty!
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Start your day amidst the gentle sounds of nature and savour a simple but nourishing breakfast at your homestay. Afterwards, prepare for a hike uphill while you take in breathtaking vistas of rice fields blanketing the valley. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty and observe the simple way of life practised by the local ethnic groups - farming, tending livestock, and occasional market gatherings.
Following your village visit, enjoy a scenic drive through the rolling rice fields en route to Sapa town. Enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant and take some free time to explore the vibrant town.
Around 2 PM, embark on a journey to Bac Ha town. The mountain road from Sapa to Lao Cai unfolds with beautiful landscapes. The road from Lao Cai to Bao Nhai Bridge is relatively flat. After crossing the bridge, we begin our journey uphill, which offers gorgeous views over the valleys. Upon arrival in Bac Ha later in the afternoon, pay a visit to the old castle of the former Hmong King before settling into your cozy homestay for a well-deserved rest.
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Start your Sunday with a local breakfast, then visit Bac Ha market, the region's largest and most colorful weekly gathering. You will encounter a dazzling array of ethnic minorities like the Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung, some wearing their distinctive traditional attire. Every Sunday, the different and colorful ethnic minority come to sell homemade products or buy things for their family. Some groups are so unique that you won't find them anywhere else. You can shop for unique handicrafts, sample local delicacies, and witness the bustling energy of a genuinely authentic marketplace.
Next, transfer to Hoang Su Phi, with a fascinating stop at Phung Village. Here, you will delve into the heart of the region's iconic rice terraces. These fields are more than just stunning landscapes; they are interwoven with the rich history and traditions of the La Chi, Tay, and Nung ethnic groups. Beyond being a source of economic prosperity, they hold profound spiritual significance. A stroll through Phung Village allows one to connect with the welcoming locals and soak in the stunning views. Walking along the village pathways, absorbing the breathtaking vistas of the terraced fields, and surrendering to the symphony of birdsong, you'll truly feel the essence of nature in northern Vietnam.
But here's the kicker: The Hoang Su Phi rice terraces. They are especially remarkable for their dramatic elevation and steepness, creating a scene of unmatched beauty. Immerse yourself in the wonder of traditional agriculture, where locals rely on natural conditions rather than complex irrigation systems.
Today's journey concludes in Hoang Su Phi in the late afternoon. Recharge energy and prepare for further exploration in Northern Vietnam the next day.
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After breakfast, prepare to be amazed. We will journey to the breathtaking rice terraces of Hoang Su Phi, a national heritage site recognized in September 2012. For over 300 years, the La Chi, Dao, and Nung ethnic groups might have sculpted these vibrant fields into the mountainsides, creating a masterpiece of agriculture. Layer upon layer of golden rice cascades down the valleys, and bathe in the warm morning sunlight. The winding terraces resemble delicate brushstrokes against a vibrant canvas, occasionally adorned by the colorful figures of local farmers working the land.
Along with the stunning scenery, you will gain a deeper understanding of the unique wet rice cultivation techniques practiced by the Mong and Nung people. After admiring the unforgettable views of Hoang Su Phi, we will return to Hanoi, carrying with us the memory of this extraordinary landscape.
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Pick-up time: 08.15 AM
After breakfast, embark on a scenic 2.5-hour journey towards breathtaking Halong Bay, with a refreshing stop to stretch your legs. On arrival at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, prepare to be amazed by the wild beauty of its iconic limestone islands rising from the emerald waters. Step aboard your luxurious Halong Bay Cruise and settle into your comfortable cabin. A delightful lunch awaits you on deck, offering the perfect way to fuel up for an unforgettable adventure.
After your delicious lunch, it's time to explore. You will experience an exhilarating kayaking adventure through hidden lagoons, a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water, and then relax on board, soaking in the stunning vistas and a glorious sunset. Dinner is served on board.
As twilight descends, a peaceful night awaits you aboard your junk.
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Note: Transfer Halong – Hanoi by shuttle bus
Wake up early and take a position on the upper deck to witness the sun rise over the bay, a cup of hot tea in hand. Early morning is truly a magical time on the bay as the limestone karsts appear all around you in different shapes, sizes, and colors. Continue sailing through magnificent Ha Long Bay. Enjoy brunch on board before arriving at Ha Long City Pier at noon, where transportation will be waiting, and drive back to Hanoi.
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Make the most of your last moments in Hanoi. Explore the city at your own pace before our guide and driver take you on a transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
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Deposit of 30% of the total of tour is required upon confirmation of booking tour. The full prepayment will need to be made 45 days before departure for all services by money transfer or credit card payment with all bank transfer charges/ fees to be paid by the client.
The bank account name: CTY TNHH HANH TRINH TINH TAN
The bank name: Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank
The bank branch: Hanoi Branch
The International Banking Account Number: 8888116868 (USD) – 889868686868 (VND)
Bank Swift Code: ASCBVNVX
The bank address: 442 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 5, District 3, HồChí Minh City, Vietnam
Phone number: (84.28) 3929 0999
After receiving your payment, we will issue you the hotel voucher and/or final confirmation itinerary, which can be sent to you by fax or e-mail
+ Maximum 1 child can share the parent's existing bedding.
+ Children under 2 years old are free of charge for land services, only charge fee from airlines if have.
+ Children from 2-6 years old: 50% of adult price, or quote case by case
+ Children from 7-11 years old: 75% of adult price, or quote case by case
+ Children from 12 years old up: 100% adult price
You can amend your booking when the confirmation is made. Just contact us at [email protected] with your booking number. Our reservations team is glad to amend your booking accordingly. The extra expense may occurred will be informed to you before you decide to amend the services or travel date.
NON REFUNDABLE deposit of US$ 100 per person upon the packages tours services confirmation will be applied.
Cancellations will be charged as follow:
o 45 days prior to the arrival date: Non Refundable deposit charge and the cancellation fees applied by the concerned services suppliers such as flight company, boat company, train, hotels... in accordance with their cancellations policies if any.
o 44 - 31 days prior to arrival date: Cancellations fee of 30% per group/booking and plus the cancellation fees applied by the concerned services suppliers such as flight company, boat company, train, hotels... in accordance with their cancellations policies if any.
o 30 days - 15 days prior to arrival date: Cancellations fee of 50% per group/booking plus the cancellation fees applied by the concerned services suppliers such as flight company, boat company, train, hotels... in accordance with their cancellations policies if any.
o 14 - 7 days before arrival: Cancellations fee 70% charge plus the cancellation fees applied by the concerned services suppliers such as flight company, boat company, train, hotels... in accordance with their cancellations policies if any.
o Less than 7 days before arrival Or No show: 100% charge per group/booking.
*** Nonrefundable deposit and banking service fee will be forfeited in all cancellation cases
+ No refund will be given for any unused service after the trip has commenced or during the tour.
Metta Voyage Co.,ltd is not responsible for any loss, injury or damage sustained by passengers. Additional expenses incurred due to delays, accidents, natural disaster, epidemic or political actions and unrest must be borne by the passengers. Passengers are required to have full travel insurance.
Airline schedules and local conditions may affect accommodation and itineraries. Should this occur, Metta Voyage Co.,ltd will endeavor to substitute a suitable arrangement of similar value. Participation on any tours implies full agreement to the above conditions by all parties involved.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months following your entry date to your travel destination.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a valid passport and visa and all travel documents are valid for travel.
Travel insurance is not included in your tour price. It is the passenger's responsibility to verify whether his/her local health insurance carrier provides coverage while traveling. Please contact your insurance carrier for details. We can suggest you the insurance carrier case by case.
Metta Voyage Co., ltd strongly advises that you purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover all aspects of your tour: the loss of deposits through cancellation, lost of baggage and personal items, personal injury and death. A waiver must be signed if insurance is declined.
If you wish to speak to us, please call our Reservation Center at +84.989383572 and live chat during our business office hours.
The tour includes visits to multiple cities and attractions in Northern Vietnam, including Hanoi, Hoang Su Phi, Sapa, and Ha Long Bay. The highlight is the "golden season" when all the rice terraces are dyed yellow during the rice harvesting season.
Of course, please contact Metta Voyage for more details.
Yes, a local English-speaking guide is included in the tour.
The tour package includes accommodation in Twin/Double rooms with daily breakfast, roundtrip transport from Hanoi, all sightseeing tickets, a local guide, meals as per the itinerary, and one bottle of water per person per day.
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