10-Day Real Adventure Tour: Pu Luong → Moc Chau → Ngoc Chien → Mu Cang Chai → Y Ty → Bac Ha

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day adventure tour North Vietnam, exploring the most breathtaking and off-the-beaten-path Vietnam trekking routes from Pu Luong to Bac Ha. This Far North Vietnam trekking tour takes you through stunning landscapes, including the legendary Mu Cang Chai rice terraces, the mystical Y Ty cloud hunting trekking tour, and the vibrant Bac Ha Sunday market adventure tour. Trek through Pu Luong Nature Reserve, wander among Moc Chau tea hills and hiking trails, and discover the hidden gem of Ngoc Chien with its soothing hot springs. This authentic hill tribe experience Vietnam offers deep cultural immersion with H’mong and Dao tribes, staying in traditional homestays for a true ethnic minority homestay experience Vietnam. Whether you're seeking the best trekking routes in Northern Vietnam or a photography tour Mu Cang Chai terraces, this journey combines real adventure trekking Far North Vietnam with cultural discovery. The best time to trek Pu Luong and Moc Chau is during the rice harvest season (September-October), while winter brings magical cloud chasing in Y Ty, and spring blooms with flowers trekking in Moc Chau. Escape the crowds and dive into remote villages tour Northern Vietnam—an epic adventure tour from Hanoi to Bac Ha designed for explorers who crave authenticity and adventure. Book now for the ultimate 10-day hiking tour Pu Luong, Moc Chau, Ngoc Chien and beyond!

Why Choose This Northern Vietnam Trekking Tour?

This Northern Vietnam trekking tour is the ultimate adventure for travelers seeking an immersive journey through the country’s most stunning landscapes and culturally rich highlands. Designed for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts, and cultural explorers, this 10-day itinerary offers the perfect blend of scenic trekking, ethnic village encounters, and off-the-beaten-path discovery.
From the breathtaking rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai to the remote hill tribe villages of Y Ty and the vibrant ethnic markets of Bac Ha, each destination showcases the best of Vietnam’s northern mountain region. Along the way, you'll hike through lush valleys, traverse terraced fields, and engage with local ethnic groups such as the H’mong, Tay, Dao, and Flower H’mong—gaining rare insight into their traditional way of life.
Whether you're drawn by the allure of highland adventure, the serenity of Vietnam’s natural beauty, or the opportunity to connect with authentic local cultures, this tour promises an unforgettable experience in one of Southeast Asia’s most captivating regions.

Day 1: Hanoi to Pu Luong – Trekking Through Vietnam’s Untouched Paradise

Kick off your 10-day adventure tour North Vietnam with a breathtaking journey from Hanoi to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, a hidden gem renowned for its off-the-beaten-path Vietnam trekking routes. As you leave the city behind, immerse yourself in a landscape of towering limestone mountains, emerald rice terraces, and cascading waterfalls—perfect for an unforgettable Pu Luong hiking tour.
This Far North Vietnam trekking tour introduces you to some of the best trekking routes in Northern Vietnam, winding through remote Thai and Muong villages where time stands still. Trek along scenic trails that showcase Pu Luong’s pristine beauty, from lush bamboo forests to panoramic terrace fields—ideal for photography tours in Mu Cang Chai terraces-style landscapes.
What sets this authentic hill tribe experience Vietnam apart is the chance to connect with ethnic minority communities, learning about their traditions during a cultural immersion with H’mong and Dao tribes. Spend the night in a traditional homestay, deepening your ethnic minority homestay experience Vietnam under a canopy of stars. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or seeking real adventure trekking Far North Vietnam, Day 1 primes you for the epic Pu Luong to Bac Ha adventure ahead. Don’t miss this gateway to Vietnam’s wild north—where every step reveals hidden trails, waterfalls, and cultural treasures.
Summary:
Activities: Fullday Trekking trip and Rafting    
Accommodations: Pu Luong Ecogarden Ecolodge***
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling/ Trekking distances: 4 – 6 Km

Day 2: Pu Luong Hiking – Discover Vietnam's Most Spectacular Rice Terraces & Ethnic Culture

Dive deeper into your Far North Vietnam trekking tour with a full day of Pu Luong hiking through some of Vietnam's most breathtaking rice terraces. These emerald-green stepped paddies, carved into the mountainside over generations, offer what many consider the best trekking routes in Northern Vietnam for photography and cultural immersion.
Your authentic hill tribe experience Vietnam continues as you trek through remote trails connecting traditional Thai villages. Meet local farmers working their fields using centuries-old techniques, and gain insight into their sustainable agricultural practices – a highlight of this off-the-beaten-path Vietnam trekking adventure. The terraces' ever-changing colors (vibrant green in summer, golden yellow at harvest) make this a photography tour Mu Cang Chai terraces rival, without the crowds. This real adventure trekking Far North Vietnam combines moderate physical challenge with deep cultural rewards. Walk buffalo paths along cascading terraces, cross bamboo bridges over clear streams, and enjoy lunch at a viewpoint overlooking the Pu Luong Nature Reserve's panoramic beauty. As part of your ethnic minority homestay experience Vietnam, you'll spend another night immersed in local hospitality, perhaps learning to cook traditional Thai dishes over evening fireside conversations.
By focusing on both scenic beauty and cultural connection, Day 2 of your 10-day adventure tour North Vietnam perfectly balances active exploration with authentic encounters – exactly what makes Pu Luong to Bac Ha adventure itineraries so unforgettable.
Summary:
Activities: Fullday Trekking trip and Rafting    
Accommodations: Pu Luong Ecogarden Ecolodge***
Meals:B/L/D
Cycling/ Trekking distances: 10 - 16 Km

Day 3: Pu Luong to Moc Chau – From Terraces to Tea Highlands (A Trekker's Paradise)

Bid farewell to Pu Luong's breathtaking rice terraces as your 10-day adventure tour North Vietnam journeys northwest to Moc Chau, Vietnam's iconic tea capital. This transition day in your Far North Vietnam trekking tour swaps emerald paddies for endless Moc Chau tea hills and hiking trails through some of Southeast Asia's most picturesque plantations.
Your Moc Chau trekking experience begins with moderate trails weaving through fragrant tea fields, where you'll encounter H'mong and Thai farmers harvesting leaves for Vietnam's finest brews. The rolling hills and valleys of Moc Chau offer completely different vistas from Pu Luong, with flower farms (seasonal) and pine forests adding variety to your best trekking routes in Northern Vietnam itinerary.
As part of your authentic hill tribe experience Vietnam, visit a local tea factory to witness traditional processing methods before settling into a homestay. The evening brings another ethnic minority homestay experience Vietnam highlight—sharing herbal tea made from that day's harvest while learning tribal folklore.  This Pu Luong to Bac Ha adventure segment masterfully blends active Moc Chau hiking trails with cultural discovery, proving why Northern Vietnam offers real adventure trekking Far North Vietnam at its finest. With cooler highland temperatures and fewer tourists than Sapa, Moc Chau delivers the remote villages tour Northern Vietnam purists crave.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer and Hiking
Accommodations: Emopea Resort/ Ecohoumestay
Meals:B/L/D
Transferring distance: 100 km/ Trekking 5 -7 Km

Day 4: Moc Chau Hiking – Discovering the Hidden Beauty of Vietnam’s Highlands

Embark on a full day of Moc Chau hiking through some of the most breathtaking and lesser-known landscapes in Northern Vietnam. This immersive trek features a mix of steep mountain trails, gently rolling hills, and scenic Moc Chau plateaus, making it a perfect destination for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As you journey deeper into the highlands, you’ll traverse through peaceful hill tribe villages, offering rare insights into the daily life of ethnic minority groups such as the H’mong and Thai people. Their vibrant traditions, stilt houses, and warm hospitality create an unforgettable cultural experience that goes beyond sightseeing.
The Moc Chau valleys, blanketed in tea plantations, flower fields, and remote settlements, provide countless opportunities for photography, cultural immersion, and serene exploration. This part of the adventure is ideal for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of active trekking, authentic local encounters, and the raw beauty of Vietnam’s mountainous countryside.
Summary:
Activities: Trekking tour
Accommodations: Emopea Resort
Meals:B/L/D
Trekking  distance: 16 Km

Day 5: Moc Chau – Nghia Lo – Tu Le – Mu Cang Chai

After breakfast at your resort in Moc Chau, we bid farewell to this misty hilltop retreat and begin our scenic overland journey northward. Today’s route is a highlight of the entire tour—filled with breathtaking landscapes, ethnic minority villages, and majestic rice terrace valleys.
We head toward Phu Yen district, traveling through dramatic limestone formations and verdant mountain scenery. A unique experience awaits as we take a local ferry across the Da River, offering beautiful views of the calm water and rugged cliffs. From here, we follow a gently winding tarmac road along the riverbanks and reservoir en route to Nghia Lo, one of the cultural hubs of the Thai and Tay ethnic groups in northern Vietnam.
After a scenic drive and some challenging mountain passes, we reach Nghia Lo town, where we stop to enjoy a delicious local lunch and recharge for the second leg of the day’s adventure.
In the afternoon, we continue toward Tu Le, a charming little town nestled in a stunning valley at the base of the legendary Khau Pha Pass. Upon arrival, we stretch our legs with a soft trek through Tu Le’s rice valley, where you'll wander between expansive rice paddies and visit several Thai minority villages. This is a fantastic opportunity to interact with locals and capture beautiful photos of the terraced fields and traditional stilt houses.
Following the short trek, we return to town and begin the scenic ascent of Khau Pha Pass—a spectacular mountain road known for its jaw-dropping views and iconic rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai, especially vibrant during harvest season. We’ll stop at selected viewpoints to admire and photograph the mesmerizing scenery of one of Vietnam’s most famous rice-growing regions.
Arriving in Mu Cang Chai town late in the afternoon, we check into a cozy ethnic homestay tucked away near the foot of the mountains. After settling in and freshening up, enjoy a gentle walk to a nearby Thai ethnic minority village, where you can experience daily life and take in the peaceful rural atmosphere.Dinner and overnight at the homestay in Mu Cang Chai, surrounded by the serene beauty of one of Vietnam’s most iconic terraced landscapes.
Summary:
Activities:Trekking & Transferring
Accommodations: Mu Cang  Chai  Resort/ Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Transferring distance:  220 Km

Day 6: Mu Cang Chai Trekking – Discover Vietnam’s Rice Terrace Paradise

Today is a true highlight of your northern Vietnam adventure tour—a full-day trekking experience through the awe-inspiring rice terrace landscapes of Mu Cang Chai, one of the most photogenic destinations in the country and recognized as a national heritage site.
After an early breakfast, we transfer to Che Cu Nha commune, where our 13-kilometer trek begins. This route leads through some of the most breathtaking terraced rice fields in Vietnam, winding from Che Cu Nha to La Pan Tan commune—both famous for their unique “stair-step” rice fields sculpted along the mountainsides.
As you hike along narrow trails and gently rolling hills, you’ll be immersed in dramatic scenery that shifts with every step: lush valleys, rippling rice paddies, and soaring peaks cloaked in mist. This is also one of the best places for landscape photography in Vietnam, particularly during the rice growing or harvest season. Along the way, we pass through several H’mong hill tribe villages, where life moves to the rhythms of nature and agriculture. Take this rare chance to witness traditional farming methods, interact with local people, and learn about their customs, clothing, and ways of life in the highlands.
We break for a picnic lunch amid the terraced slopes, surrounded by panoramic views that are nothing short of spectacular. After soaking in the natural beauty and recharging, we continue on the final stretch of the trek, concluding in La Pan Tan, another picture-perfect village famed for its concentric rice terrace formations. At around 4:00 PM, your private vehicle will meet you at the endpoint and transfer you back to your ethnic homestay in Mu Cang Chai. Spend your second night here, relaxing and reflecting on a day filled with stunning scenery and meaningful cultural encounters.
Summary:
Activities: Fully Day Trekking Tour
Accommodations: Mu Cang Chai Resort/ Ecohomestay
Meals:B/L/D
Transferring distance: 13 Km

Day 7: Mu Cang Chai – Than Uyen – Y Ty via O Quy Ho Pass

After breakfast at your homestay or hotel in Mu Cang Chai, we bid farewell to this stunning rice terrace valley and continue our adventure northward to Y Ty, one of the most remote and unspoiled highland villages in Far Northern Vietnam. Our journey begins with a drive through the beautiful Than Uyen Valley, passing through rolling hills, tea plantations, and ethnic minority villages nestled in the green folds of the landscape. We then ascend one of the highest and most famous mountain passes in Vietnam—O Quy Ho Pass, situated at Tram Ton Summit, the rooftop of Indochina at over 2,000 meters above sea level.
Stop here to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, with Fansipan Peak—Vietnam’s highest summit—rising dramatically in the distance. Take time for some spectacular photos at the Silver Waterfall (Thac Bac) and optional shots on the iconic mountaintop swing, a favorite among photographers and adventure lovers alike. We enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a local restaurant along the route before continuing through remote highland scenery toward Muong Hum Market, a colorful and lesser-known ethnic market in Lao Cai province (operates on Sundays). We then pass through dense forest and dramatic terrain on the final leg toward Y Ty, a hidden treasure perched near the Chinese border. Upon arrival in Y Ty village, you’ll check in to a local hotel and have time to rest before dinner. In the evening, you're free to explore the village or join in cultural exchange activities with indigenous hill tribes, such as the Ha Nhi and H’mong people, known for their distinctive clay-walled homes and colorful attire.Overnight in Y Ty, one of the most mystical and atmospheric destinations in Northern Vietnam.
Summary:
Activities: Transfer
Accommodations: Yty Ecolodge or Homestay
Meals: B/L/D
Transferring distance: 160 Km

Day 8: Y Ty Hiking – Trekking Through Remote Ethnic Villages & Majestic Rice Terraces

On your final day in the highlands, set out on an unforgettable Y Ty hiking adventure that showcases the raw beauty of Vietnam’s northernmost landscapes. Known for its dramatic elevation, misty valleys, and colorful ethnic cultures, Y Ty offers some of the most authentic and scenic trekking experiences in Northern Vietnam.
Today’s hike takes you through rugged mountain trails, winding past ancient forests, cascading rice terraces, and secluded hill tribe villages. As you explore, you’ll have opportunities to engage with the local H’mong communities, gaining insight into their traditional farming practices, spiritual beliefs, and daily life in this remote corner of the country.
The Y Ty rice terraces, carved meticulously into the mountain slopes, offer breathtaking views and incredible photo opportunities—especially during planting and harvest seasons when the landscape transforms into a mosaic of green and gold. Ideal for adventure travelers, nature photographers, and cultural enthusiasts, this Y Ty trekking tour blends challenging terrain with meaningful cultural encounters, leaving you with lasting memories of Vietnam’s untamed mountain frontier.
Summary:
Activities:
Accommodations: Y ty Ecolodge/ Homestay
Meals:B/.L/D
Trekking distance: 18 Km

Day 9: Y Ty to Bac Ha – Scenic Highlands Journey & Cultural Exploration at Bac Ha Market

After a memorable trekking experience in Y Ty, the adventure continues with a scenic drive to Bac Ha, a vibrant cultural hub in the mountains of Lao Cai Province. Renowned for its lively Bac Ha hill tribe market, this leg of the journey offers deep insight into the rich ethnic diversity of Northern Vietnam.
The Bac Ha Market is one of the most colorful and culturally immersive destinations in the region. Held weekly, it draws ethnic minority groups such as the Flower H’mong, Dao, Tay, and Nung, who gather to trade everything from handmade textiles and traditional crafts to fresh produce and livestock.
As you explore this bustling highland market, you’ll witness a stunning tapestry of traditional clothing, local food, and ancient customs still thriving in modern times. It’s the perfect setting for photography, souvenir shopping, and meaningful interactions with local communities.This day is ideal for travelers eager to experience the living traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic hill tribes, making Bac Ha a must-visit for anyone passionate about culture, heritage, and authentic local experiences.
Summary:
Activities: Tramsfer
Accommodations: Sao Mai Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Transferring distance: 140 Km

Day 10: Bac Ha to Hanoi – Completing Your Northern Vietnam Trekking Journey

Your 10-day trekking tour through Northern Vietnam concludes with a scenic return journey from Bac Ha to Hanoi, bringing you back to the heart of the country’s vibrant capital. As the landscapes shift from misty mountains to bustling city streets, take this time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences that have defined your adventure.
From the terraced rice fields of Pu Luong, Moc Chau, and Ngoc Chien to the remote highlands of Y Ty and the cultural richness of Bac Ha, this journey has offered a perfect blend of Vietnam’s natural beauty and ethnic diversity. Whether it was hiking through rugged terrain, meeting local ethnic communities, or witnessing centuries-old traditions, each step has contributed to a truly immersive and authentic Vietnam trekking experience.
Back in Hanoi, enjoy the comforts of the city while reminiscing about the breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and meaningful moments that made this northern Vietnam trekking adventure truly unforgettable.
Summary:
Activities: Tramsfer
Accommodations: Sao Mai Hotel
Meals:B/L/D
Transferring distance: 140 Km

Important Notes

Accommodation:
Please note that hotel and homestay accommodations are subject to change based on availability. In the event of any changes, we will ensure that you are placed in equivalent or higher-quality lodging to maintain your comfort throughout the tour.

Meals & Dietary Requirements:

If you have any specific dietary requirements—such as vegetarian, vegan, or food allergies—please inform us in advance. This allows us to notify our local partners, restaurants, and guides so they can provide appropriate meals that meet your needs.
For food lovers and culinary explorers, Snail Adventure Tours can also be your local food guide! We offer opportunities to savor delicious traditional dishes, sample authentic hill tribe cuisine, and experience Vietnam’s most tempting local foods, from fresh market bites to world-famous specialties.

What’s Included in Your 10 Day Epic Trek: Pu Luong -Mu Cang Chai – Y Ty – Bac Ha

Experienced English-speaking trekking guide (Other languages available upon request)
Accommodations based on double or twin occupancy at eco homestays and local villages
Private eco homestay arrangements depending on group size
All meals as per itinerary: 10 Breakfast. 10 Lunches. 09 Dinners.
Private van or bus transfers on day tour
Luggage support with a truck or motorbike transfer to your homestay each day
Sightseeing and excursions as outlined in the trekking itinerary
First aid kit provided for basic medical needs
Cold water box and fresh towels for comfort during the trek
Mineral water provided daily for hydration
Support crew to:Supply picnic lunches and water during trekking days
Local ethnic trekking guide to enhance your cultural experience and navigation

What’s Not Included

International airfare to and from Vietnam
Travel insurance (highly recommended for all participants)
Personal expenses, such as: Laundry, Telephone calls, Souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks during meals
Mineral water beyond the daily amount provided
Optional excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary
Additional transportation required in the event of emergency or evacuation
Vietnam visa fees and processing
Departure tax, if applicable
Tips and gratuities for your trekking guide, local team, and support crew