Lao Cai Cultural Exploration: Markets, Scenic Rivers & Hill Tribe Adventures

$577
Duration
3 days
Difficaulty
Reviews
(4)
4.5 /5
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About This Tour

This tour is perfectly designed to provide tourists an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of many highlights in Lao Cai. You will visit and explore Cao Son which is considered the most stunning area of Lao Cai Province with lovely weather, spectacular landscapes and distinctive cultural values of local hill tribes. In addition, you will visit famous traditional markets, learn and engage in the local life, enjoy their traditional dishes.

Activities
Accessibility
Language
Max People
10

Inclusions

  • Breakfast
    Lunch
    Dinner
    Accommodation based on double/twin sharing with breakfast
    Boat on Chay River (if any)
    English speaking guide as mentioned on the program
    Entrance fee as mentioned in the program
    Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Food & drinks
  • Exclusions

  • Any services not mentioned in the program
    Drinks, other meals, TIP and personal expenses
  • Tour Plan

    Itinerary

    Expand All
    Day 1 Lao cai - Lung Khau Nhin Market - Cao Son Lodge (Must be on Thursday)

    The first destination is Lung Khau Nhin market. This small market is surrounded by a lush pine tree forest.

    Coming here, you will not only see different ethnic minority people in their colourful traditional dress, such as Flower Hmong, Tu Di, Tay and Giay minorities, but also see a wide range of homemade products such as vegetables, fruits and even domestic animals sold by the locals. In addition, you can interact with the local and enjoy their traditional dishes.

    After exploring the market, you will be driven to Cao Son lodge to check in and enjoy lunch there.

    In the afternoon, you start the program by walking to a peaceful village named Tin Thang. You will enter the village and explore the life of the locals there. You will see and learn about the traditional way of making bacon, enjoy the corn wine and corn cake offered by the locals.
    Overnight at homestay in the village

    Day 2 Cao Son - Chay river - Trung Do - Sapa (Must be on Friday)

    walking to Sicala village. This is one of the oldest villages in Cao Son area. Coming here, you will have chance to experience the unique tradition and customs of the locals there. In addition, you can enjoy the stunning view of lush valley located on the banks of the Chay River.

    Then, you will have lunch prepared in Ta Thang school.

    After lunch and a short rest, you will start the afternoon program by enjoying an amazing boat trip along the Chay River. You will not only enjoy the cool fresh atmosphere, beautiful sceneries of the riverside villages but also observe the life of the locals in villages situated on the river banks.

    Then, you take a bamboo raft to visit the Tien (Fairy) Cave.
    The last destination of the second day tour is Trung Do village where Tay ethnic people are living. Tay villages are often situated on the foot of a mountain or along a stream and are named after a mountain, a field, or a river. There are about 15-20 households in each village. A large village is divided into small hamlets. Their houses are often built on stilts. When exploring the village, you can stop and enter a traditional Tay house to enjoy a cup of tea.

    Leaving the village, you will be transferred to Sapa. The second day tour ends.
    Overnight at Bamboo hotel (3-star) or similar

    Day 3 Sapa - Ta Phin - Mong sen - Lao Cai (Must be on Saturday)

    The third-day itinerary will start by travelling to Taphin village where Red Dao and Black Hmong people are living. Here, you can observe the unmixed cultural life of Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, 2 largest ethnic groups in the area. They live happily together while maintaining their own tradition from generation to generation. You will walk along the lanes to see and visit local houses. Your will be interested in the unique architectural styles and furniture arrangement in these houses as well as their handicraft products.

    Leaving the village, you will climb downhill on a dirt trail through a mountainous area. On the way, you will have opportunity to enjoy stunning views over the spectacular rice terraces and corn fields. Don’t forget to keep your camera handy to capture these fantastic images. You will stop to have lunch at a nice spot.
    After lunch and a short rest, you will continue the tour by trekking down the hill to reach Mong Sen where a car is waiting to drive you back to Lao Cai station. Here, you will catch a nice train back to Hanoi.

    Meeting / Pickup

    Pick-up only: Customers must be picked up from selected pick-up locations.

    Know Before You Go

    • Infants must sit on your lap
    • Public transportation nearby
    • Passport required

    Please Note

    • Infant seats unavailable
    • Not recommended for people with back problems
    • Not recommended for people with heart conditions
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not suitable for pets
    • Not stroller accessible
    • Not wheelchair accessible

    Cancellation Policy

    • We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
    • We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event

    Reviews

    4.5/5
    Wonderful
    4 verified reviews
    Location (4.75/5)
    Amenities (4.25/5)
    Services (4.75/5)
    Price (4.5/5)
    Rooms (4.25/5)

    4 Comments

    1. 4.2

      • Location
      • Amenities
      • Services
      • Price
      • Rooms

      We felt an incredible connection to the vibrant hill tribes during our time in this stunning region. One memorable moment was when we sat by a scenic river, sharing a delicious homemade meal of sticky rice and grilled fish, surrounded by the laughter of local children. Exploring the bustling markets, we found ourselves immersed in the rich cultural fabric, with artisans showcasing their crafts and unique textiles. While the hikes were sometimes steep and challenging, they were undoubtedly rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the valleys below. The only drawback was that some of the accommodations were a bit basic, but it added to the authentic experience we were seeking. Overall, this journey was a harmonious blend of adventure and cultural exploration, leaving us enriched and inspired.

    2. 4.4

      • Location
      • Amenities
      • Services
      • Price
      • Rooms

      Exploring the markets and rivers of this stunning region exceeded our expectations, as we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture of the hill tribes.

    3. 4.6

      • Location
      • Amenities
      • Services
      • Price
      • Rooms

      Our recent adventure through the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture was both eye-opening and refreshing. Exploring the vibrant markets brimming with local crafts was a highlight, giving us a genuine taste of the hill tribes’ culture. We stayed in a cozy guesthouse that had stunning views of the surrounding hills and rivers, making for a peaceful retreat each night. While the hikes were invigorating, some paths were a tad tough to navigate, so sturdy shoes are a must. Overall, the experience was a fantastic mix of scenic beauty and rich cultural immersion that we won’t soon forget.

    4. 4.8

      • Location
      • Amenities
      • Services
      • Price
      • Rooms

      The chance to interact with local tribes while winding through hilly landscapes was genuinely unforgettable. We found ourselves captivated by the vibrant marketplaces, where the colors and aromas told stories of the region’s rich heritage. Although some of our overnight accommodations were a bit simpler than expected, the stunning rivers and warm hospitality made our journey truly memorable.

    Comments are closed.

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