A Pa Chai, 2 Days 1 Night

I. Tour introduction

Dien Bien is one of the most remote provinces in Vietnam’s Northwest: untouched land, isolated hamlets that see few visitors, ranges of high mountains, a border shared with both Laos and China, and the living cultures of local ethnic minorities — Ha Nhi, Xa Phang, Cong, Kho Mu, Thai and others.

This 2-day, 1-night programme takes you straight to A Pa Chai, the westernmost point of Vietnam. The route follows Highway 12 before turning onto provincial road 131, a winding series of passes that crosses the Muong Nhe Nature Reserve. You spend the night in a Ha Nhi household and climb to the border marker at first light the next morning.

This is exploration travel through some of the wildest country in Vietnam. Roads, food and accommodation are basic, so it will not suit travellers looking for a resort holiday. The season runs from September to March, at its best around the Lunar New Year.

II. Tour highlights

• Stand at marker No. 0 — the junction of the Vietnam, Laos and China borders, and the westernmost point of the country.
• Sunrise at A Pa Chai after a walk of roughly three hours, setting off while it is still dark.250 km of mountain roads through the Muong Nhe Nature Reserve, one of the largest surviving primary forests in the Northwest.
• A night in a Ha Nhi home in Sin Thau, sharing dinner and conversation with the family.
• Ha Nhi, Xa Phang, Cong, Kho Mu and Thai communities along Highway 12 and provincial road 131.

III. Tour at a glance

IV. Itinerary summary

V. Detailed itinerary

VI. Tour prices

Trẻ em dưới 5 tuổi miễn phí, 5 đến dưới 12 tuổi tính 75% giá tour, từ 12 tuổi trở lên tính giá người lớn.

A maximum of one child discount applies per two adults.
The price depends on the number of people in the group — the larger the group, the lower the price.
The price also depends on the type of vehicle and how you travel (which car, which motorbike, whether you ride yourself or ride pillion).
Tours run with a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 15 participants.

VII. The price includes

• Airport transfer from Dien Bien Phu and a support vehicle following the group throughout
• Vehicles as per the price option chosen
• Drivers experienced on mountain routes: skilled, courteous and helpful
• A guide for the whole trip — from a local ethnic minority, born and raised in the region, with a deep knowledge of local history, culture and customs, and professionally trained
• Meals as per the programme: 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinnerrn1 night in a Ha Nhi homestay, shared accommodation (no private rooms)rn1.5 L of water and a cool towel per person per day (when travelling by car)rn1 litre of local rice wine per table at the homestay dinner
• Travel insurance

VIII. The price does not include

• VAT
• Optional services: entrance tickets, the border-post officer’s fee for the walk to the marker, motorbike-taxi or motorbike hire from the border post to the marker (for groups travelling by car), cultural performances… Guests choose freely and pay directly on site if they use them
• Other drinks
• Anything not listed under “The price includes”, and costs arising en route
• Air tickets
• Personal expenses
• Tips for the guide and driver