By vehicle from Son La to Dien Bien Phu

Journey west through Ban Vay and Tuan Giao.
TUAN GIAO: a remote town at the junction of Highway 42 to Dien Bien Phu and Highway 6A to Lai Chau.
PHA DIN PASS: located in Lai Chau Province (985 m above sea level), this area is mainly inhabited by white and black Thai and Hmoung (Meo).
Overnight in Dien Bien Phu.

Sightseeing in Dien Bien Phu

Dien Bien Phu was the site of the battle which defeated the French and ended their colonial control of Indochina. It is one of the most remote parts of Vietnam in the Muong Thanh Valley and is surrounded by steep heavily forested hills.
HILL A1: The nucleus of the bitterly fought battle which decided the outcome of the conflict, decisively defeating the French. Reconstructed bunkers, and the preserved bomb crater provide visitors with a clear idea of what it must have been like.
DIEN BIEN PHU MUSEUM: Just opposite Hill A1, this museum contains artifacts and exhibits relating to the battle.
BUNKER OF DE CASTRIES: the headquarters of this French commander have been re-created, with old French tanks and artillery pieces nearby.
By vehicle from Dien Bien Phu to Phong Tho
Overnight in Phong Tho.

Short trek around Phong Tho
By vehicle from Phong Tho to Sa Pa
Visit Tram Ton Pass
Overnight in Sa Pa.

Trekking around Sa Pa, day 1 of 2

Depart Sa Pa in the mid-morning and begin trekking on small paths. Descend deep into a valley and up again through forested hills until reaching the villages of Cat Cat, Y Linh Ho and Lao Chai. These villages are mainly Black H'mong, noted for their distinct culture, language and deep blue indigo clothing. After breaking for lunch, continue to the Dzay village of Tavan. Although the Dzay people in this village have adapted their traditions somewhat, many women still wear the traditional shirts of purple, blue or green. Dzay houses are generally wooden with clay floor. Enjoy the hospitality of a local Dzay family for dinner and accommodation. Total trekking distance for the day is 15 kilometers, over hilly terrain.
Overnight in Local Village.

In the morning, hike up the mountain to the Red Dzao village of Giang Ta Chai, passing a cascading waterfall on the way. The Red Dzao continue to wear their traditional, colorfully embroidered clothing and red headscarves. Many of the women have shaved eyebrows, according to a local legend. Continue along the rice fields, crossing the Muong Hoa river and trek to the village of Supan to meet the jeep and transfer back to Sa Pa. Total trekking distance for the day is 10 kilometers, over hilly terrain.
Overnight in Sa Pa.