0700 depart for Son La. The road departing Hanoi through the Red River Delta region is fairly flat however this soon gives away to limestone Karst Mountains. Arrive in Son La in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Son La

Hanoi to Son La (320 km): 6 hours

08h00: Before leading toward Dien Bien Phu, you will visit the Son La prison which was built by French in 1908 in order to jail anti-colonialist Vietnamese. Destroyed by American planes during the Vietnam War, the prison was restored since then.

After the visit, transfer toward Muong Phang located 35 km before the city of Dien Bien Phu. Have lunch in a local restaurant.

This place use to be the QG of the general Giap and his Chinese advisers during the Dien Bien Phu battle. It is located in an intact jungle, you will discover this incredible area from where the general Giap use to give his order for the battle and go through the tunnels where they use to hide against French bombs.

After the visit, transfer to Dien Bien Phu city (on your way you can stop in a Thai village surrounded by rice fields to discover their local life).

Overnight in Dien Bien Phu

Son La to Dien Bien Phu (140 km): 4 hours

0800 After having breakfast at your hotel, visit the valley and museum Dien Bien Phu and then on to famous 'A1 Hill', the site which saw some of the fiercest fighting between French and Vietnamese forces in the battle of Dien Bien Phu in 1946. . Lunch in a local restaurant.

Depart to Muong Lay. Boasting some of the remotest community’s in Vietnam and skirting neighboring Lao's Xa Ly Province, Muong Lay is a stunning area and home to some of the country’s most colorful hill tribes, along the way stop where you wish to admire the scenery.

Overnight in Muong Lay

 Dien Bien Phu to Muong Lay (100 km): 3 hours 

0800 depart for Sapa. This is perhaps the best days drive as the scenery is magnificent; the fertile valleys surrounded by huge mountains are a sight to behold. Arrival in Sapa in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Sapa

Muong Lay to Sapa 180 km: 5 hours 

After your breakfast your private guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of the hotel to take you 'Off the beaten track' to discover lesser-known areas outside Sapa town. You will leave Sapa for a 30-minute winding road transfer to Ban Khoang Valley. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Hoag Lien Mountain Range along the way, also known as The Tonkinese Alps.

Your first stop is at Lu Khau Village in Ban Khoang Valley. The Lu Khau Village is home to Blue Hmong and Red Zao minorities. Explore the village on foot, meet the friendly local people and learn about their colorful culture and lifestyle in the countryside.  Dep

art from Ban Khoang Valley and continue 8-km by road to Ta Giang Phinh Valley and enjoy a local lunch there.

This afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the charming Ta Giang Phinh Valley. Walk on the village path which winds down the impressive valley, home to Blue Hmong ethnic minority people. Visit some local houses to see some handicrafts workshops, observe villagers working in the fields tending their crops with buffalos.

Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks in Sapa. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed.

Mid-late afternoon transfer back to Sapa town and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Sapa

Sapa to Hanoi (380 km): 9 hours by train

This morning is at leisure to relax or explore Sapa town and surrounds at your own pace. You may like to visit the market or to enjoy a spectacular cable car rise to the summit of Mt Fansipan – the highest mountain in Indochina (surcharge is payable). If the weather is clear the panoramic views are amazing.

Return to your hotel to checkout by 12 noon, and lunch is at own arrangements. In the afternoon begin the 5 hours drive back to Hanoi.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change based on the weather and road conditions, especially during monsoon season (July – September)