vietnam

Explore the remote villages and markets nestled in the rugged highlands of Vietnam's far north.  Just a stone's throw from the Chinese border in the mountainous province of Lao Cai is the gateway into a world of colorful hill tribes, each with their own culture, language and traditional dress.  Intrepid travelers get a rare glimpse into a way of life that has all but vanished.  Here you will meet real people living real lives.  In 2007 we took the first western group into this area which was off-limits for tourists until then.  We were the only Westerners traveling through this region and were able to meet and photograph the numerous tribes in their local markets and villages.  We were as exciting to them as they were to us.  In the villages, accommodations are simple but adequate.

View the surreal scenery created by sheer hillsides that have been sculptured into spectacular stairways of terraced rice paddies rising high above the fertile valley floor.  In the lively markets you will meet a plethora of tribes not usually seen elsewhere, such as the illusive Lantern and Nung with their richly embroidered tunic, leg coverings and stunning multicolored turbans.

Enjoy a country home stay, bike or walk around the scenic villages where you will rarely see another tourist.  Photograph the pretty Lo Lo girl while driving along the highest mountain pass in Indochina and enjoy some of Vietnam’s best rural scenery.  Arrive in Hanoi with its colonial architecture, art galleries, exceptional cuisine and excellent museums, some dedicated to the preservation of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities.

Destinations

Hanoi * Tribal Villages & Markets * Sapa

Suggested Custom Tours

Add pre or post tour extensions to this group tour anywhere in Asia!

Cambodia

CYCLING AROUND CAMBODIA

7 Days

$2230

Laos

TRANQUIL LAOS BY SLOW BOAT

5 Days

$1590