Vietnam Tours | Vietnam Excursions |Excursion from Hanoi

Northern Tribes and Markets 5 day
Tripcode: VENTM5D

In Vietnamese culture, the market place is an important meeting place, not simply a place for trading. This concept has always remained with Vietnamese culture. There is not one child who does not want his or her mother to take him or her to the market. Why? Because many people live in remote area and work hard in the fields or elsewhere to make a living. People have few opportunities to meet friends, relatives or neighbours. So a market is a great place to fulfill those needs. Without a marketplace, life can be quite boring. Communities therefore chose to establish markets for reasons beyond shopping. For example, some young people want to meet each others to find their life partners. They feel a need to belong to a community and also may wish to share handicraft and fashion ideas. The women love to show off their talentt. People often go to a great deal of effort to travel long distances over many hills and valleys. Some even cross the border to reach the market. There is always a lot of excitement and joy associated with the market place environment.

This trip will introduce the most colourful markets of the tribes living in north Vietnam. You will encounter many interesting people, and visit their villages that are located at the foot of Vietnam's highest mountain, Mt. Fansipan.

-- Private tour, daily departure with French or English speaking guide
-- Full-Board Meals

Day 1: Hanoi - Bac Ha (L,D) Friday

Our adventure starts with the drive to the mountain town of Bac Ha. The journey to Bac Ha will take the best part of the day. The drive is worthwhile though, as the scenery on our northward journey into the highlands is both dramatic and breathtaking. Arriving in Bac Ha late in the afternoon, we will check into our hotel and use the remainder of the day with a short walk around the mountain town which is a few km. from the China border.

O/N Sao Mai Hotel

Day 2: Can Cau Colorful market (B,L,D) Saturday

Following breakfast we drive 20 km on the scenic road to Can Cau Saturday Market, home to the flower Hmong hill tribe minority people. This market is more authentic. The very colourful flower Hmong people converge from far away villages to trade and exchange goods here. Local farm produce, Tho cam (indigo clothes) dogs, cats, pigs, horses and more are on sale here.

Local people wear their best Saturday clothes. Young men and girls come from many of the surrounding villages in order to meet each other. This is a golden opportunity for any photographers, as the diverse colors on display are truly magnificent.

Sao Mai Hotel

Day 3: Bac Ba market - Sapa (B,L,D) SUNDAY

The Sunday market transforms this quiet mountain town to an exciting and colorful place. We visit Bac Ha SUNDAY market, which is bigger than Can Cau, and popular among visitors.

We then drive to Sapa to enjoy the Sunday among many tribes including Xa Pho, Tay , Dao, Mong, Day…

Night in Sapa

Day 4: Sapa (B,L,D) MONDAY

We trek to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, Ta Van and Su Pan at the foot of Mt. Fansipan. This trek includes a picnic lunch.

Night in Sapa

Day 5: Sapa - Hanoi (B,L,) Tuesday

We bid farewell to beautiful Sapa and its friendly people, and arrive back in Hanoi by late afternoon

End of services.

Tour price includes:

- All transportation and transfers;
- English speaking guide;
- All accommodation based on twin share basis with daily breakfast;
- Relevant permits and fees
- All meals as stated in the tour program
- Taxes and services charges

Tour price exclude:

- All flights
- Visas and Visa fees
- Personal expenses such as shopping; telephone, laundry and bar bills etc.
- Pre & Post trip accommodation in Hanoi
- Tips and Gratuities Beverage

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