Ethnic Minorities of North Vietnam & Laos Hanoi/Sapa/Lai Chau/Dien Bien Phu/Muang Khua/Phongsali/Oudomxai/Luang Prabang 12 Days/11 Nights Tour code: INC-T-04
Ethnic Minorities of North Vietnam & Laos
Hanoi/Sapa/Lai Chau/Dien Bien Phu/Muang Khua/Phongsali/Oudomxai/Luang Prabang 12 Days/11 Nights
Tour code: INC-T-04
Arrival in Hanoi Transfer Overnight in Hanoi.
Sightseeing in Hanoi with a visit by cyclo to the Old Quarter Although it is the modern-day capital of Vietnam, HANOI still retains the mystery and charm of past centuries. Narrow lanes and traditional shophouses invite exploration by cyclo, while its many beautiful public spaces - lakes, parks, tree-lined boulevards and monuments - give the city an air of elegance and harmony with nature unique among Asian capitals. Begin your day visiting the TEMPLE OF LITERATURE, a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful gateways, and one of the best surving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam's first university. Continue to the miniature ONE PILLAR PAGODA. Also dating from the 11th century, this monument was rebuilt after being destroyed by the French in 1954. Today it stands near the vast HO CHI MINH MEMORIAL COMPLEX, a lovely park setting which is home to Ho Chi Minh's final resting place, as well as a museum and other memorials. Begin at the HO CHI MINH MAUSOLEUM, where visitors can pay respects to the embalmed body of Ho Chi Minh. The Mausoleum is closed in the afternoons, on Mondays and Fridays, and closes annually in October and November for restoration. Continue through the park to HO CHI MINH'S STILT HOUSE, the simple two-room dwelling where Ho Chi Minh lived from 1948 until his final days. Preserved in the same condition as during his life, it may be viewed through the windows. Afterwards head to HOAN KIEM LAKE, located in heart of Hanoi, which contains an islet with the tiny TORTOISE PAGODA. Enroute, pass other colonial landmarks such as the magnificent OPERA HOUSE (may be seen from the outside only) and ST JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL. From the lake, begin exploring the OLD QUARTER by CYCLO This fascinating network of narrow alleys and shophouses is also known as 'The 36 Streets,' each street being named after the merchandise traditionally sold there, ranging from fabrics to crafts to medicines to tombstones. A handicraft-lover's paradise and a endlessly interesting place to explore local life. The cyclo ride lasts approximately one hour. In the afternoon, visit one of Hanoi's famous museums, either the HISTORY MUSEUM or the MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY. Once the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient, the HISTORY MUSEUM is housed in an elegant building from the 1930s, which used to be the museum of the Ecole Francaise d'Extreme Orient; and include exhibits spanning the entirety of Vietnam's history including prehistory, proto-Vietnamese civilisations, the Dong Son culture, the Oc-Eo culture and the Khmer Kingdoms. The alternative visit for History Museum is The MUSEUM OF ETHNOLOGY (close on Monday), which brings to life the astonishing ethnic diversity in Vietnam, with art and artifacts from the 54 different ethnic groups that inhabit the country. Inside the museum are detailed descriptions of minority groups, with examples of their traditional clothing and way of life. Outside are faithful reconstructions of traditional longhouses, cemeteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings.eteries and other distinctive ethnic buildings. Note : Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and the Memorial Monument will be closed for yearly maintenance from 7 Sep - 6 Nov 09. Transfer to/from train station By train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. Overnight in Train.
Transfer to Sa Pa Excursion to Matra and Ta Phin with soft trek The walk commence from Sapa on a trail running through the beautiful gardens and lush pine forests. Pass through the Black Hmong ethnic minority village of Matra, a very small village hiding way from the civilisation. The walk continue through rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery. During the day, enjoy visiting a local school. In the afternoon, arriving at the TA PHIN VILLAGE, the unmixed cultural life of Black Hmong and Red Dao minorities, and two largest ethnic groups in the area which can be recognised them by dressing while they are both very famous of handicraft. Enjoy walking among local people. The trip also offers with the opportunity to visit the local houses as well as visit the local caves. Return Sapa by vehicle. Overnight in Sa Pa.
Excursion to Lao Chai and Tavan with soft trek Journey by driving south toward Muong Hoa valley. Start your walk by descending into the valley, which is the largest rice paddy terraced among Sapa area. The guide can provide an interesting information about rice. If the visiting to the valley is sometime in between May and October, you will be able to observe and experience how the local do planting and harvesting, one of the most important activities in the daily life. The walk takes from LAO CHAI VILLAGE of Black Hmong minority to TA VAN VILLAGE of Giay minority including a visit to the local Catholic Church. Return to Sapa by vehicle. By vehicle from Sa Pa to Lai Chau Overnight in Lai Chau.
By vehicle from Lai Chau to Dien Bien Phu with sightseeing at Dao San market (Sundays only) Journey from Lai Chau to DAO SAN MARKET, located about 54 km from new Lai Chau town on the far hill toward to China border. This is a wonderful, impressive and untouched by tourists. There are many ethnic groups and Chinese people participating in the market including Black Man (Dzao), Painted head Man (Dzao), White Hmong, Flower Hmong and Chinese people. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.
Excursion to Moi and Che Phai villages with a boat trip to Pakhoang The Moi and Che Phai villages are 4km away from Dien Bien town. These two villages are home to Black Thai ethnic group. Being located in the valley of Muong Thanh, the villages still keep their traditional identities of Thai house on stilts leaning on mountain and facing rice paddies. Local people live mainly on agricultural cultivation which keeps them smiling all the time. In the afternoon, continue to Pa Khoang Lake with a boat trip. Enjoy the scenery of local life along the lake before returning back to Dien Bien. Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.
By vehicle from Dien Bien Phu to Tay Trang (Vietnam / Laos border) Arrival in Muang Khua By vehicle from Pang Hok (Laos / Vietnam border) to Muang Khua Overnight in Muang Khua.
By vehicle from Muang Khua to Phongsali Sightseeing in Phongsali This provincial capital sits on the slopes of PHOU FA, and possesses a cool climate year round with fog and clouds common in the morning at any time of the year. Most of the population in the area belong to the Phu Noi minority, who maintain a distinct local culture, although they no longer dress traditionally. Visit the summit of PHOU FA and THAT PHOU FA. Overnight in Phongsali.
By vehicle from Phongsali to Oudomxai Overnight in Oudomxai.
By vehicle from Oudomxai (Muang Xai) to Luang Prabang with sightseeing at the Tham Pak Ou caves From Oudomxai, travel by road to Luang Prabang, stopping en route at the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the THAM PAK OU CAVES. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable. Continue to BAN XANG HAI VILLAGE, a local village famous for the production of lao-lao, the local rice wine whisky, before arriving in Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Sightseeing in Luang Prabang Set between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start the day at WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street of Luang Prabang, stopping at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit WAT MAI. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
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