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Hill tribe
Imagine a gorgeous fabric made from 50 different colors of thread... Imagine a delicious dish made with 50 different spices... Imagine a country with over 50 different ethnic groups that are all part of the new, thriving Vietnam. In mountain areas throughout the country different tribal groups each have their own history, culture, and stories to tell. At Handspan, we take special pride in ensuring that our tours serve to promote the well being and cultural sustainability of the minority groups that we visit.
Whether just sharing a meal, or spending the night in a homestay, we offer the chance for you to find moments of real connection with your hosts and to learn about their culture, daily lives, and modern day challenges. We develop our tours through intense collaboration with local people and the help of a professional anthropologist to ensure that tourism takes shape according to the goals and priorities of the locals themselves. Let one of our culturally-sensitive guides open the door and bridge the language gap to connect you with some of the most fascinating people you’ll ever meet.
Mai Chau offers a most splendid vista of the valley surrounded by the lush green forests, fields and stilt houses of the White Thai ethnic group. This is a quiet piece of countryside to stroll and cycle through and to be wrapped in the warm and nice hospitality of the Thai people. The Sunday market brings hundreds of locals where many traditional Thai dishes are made and you can revel in the sounds of traditional music and dance.
Ba Be conjures images of lush forests, sparkling deep lakes resplendent with glimmering fish, mysterious caves and the cloud-capped limestone mountains standing as guardians to a hidden natural kingdom. This trip takes you deep into Ba Be National Park. With simplicity and humility, let’s meet the Queen and her extremely hospitable subjects who are eager to share their natural and cultural heritage.
...Tucked away in a majestic mountain range lying between Vietnam and China, the Cao Son Ecolodge is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding natural and cultural diversity. Let us introduce you to deep valleys, stunningly terraced rice fields, lush forests, weekly markets, remote villages, and the ethnic minority groups with their colorful textiles and personalities, dwelling for centuries in mountains high above the rest of us. Spend the second night in Sapa and enjoy one day at leisure to discover the town or choose of our optional day-tour... Read More
Moc Chau is all about its surroundings – a mountainous area, famous for its tea hills, limestone karsts, endless plum orchards, corn fields and dairy products... But hold on a minute, we've found some even better reasons to take you there: a range of traditional and deep-rooted ethnic cultures, hidden misty valleys surrounded by crenellated karsts and dense forests, small remote villages that appear mysteriously from the fog, stunning panoramic views, ideal biking routes, and as is so often the case in Vietnam, warm and heartfelt local hospitality.
Beware! This trip is a must, but is reserved for fellow adventurers with an unquenchable love of ecological beauty, and an equal desire to mingle and share time with locals. In four days you will get acquainted with the Dao culture and meet a few green farmers who decided to veer away from the standard agricultural practices. Hiking, biking, boating, bathing... there are too many to list here. Some travelers have gone there and decided to never return... you might meet them along your way.
What better and more exciting way to get off the beaten path and experience the incredible scenery and diverse culture that Viet Nam has to offer than on one of our modern mountain bikes? Together with our experienced guides you’ll ride through breathtaking mountain passes, visit markets in remote hill tribe villages, and interact with the locals as they indulge their curiosity in you and your cool bike.
A highly recommended add-on option for your Sapa holiday plans.
With its towering mountains, sculpted rice terraces and plum orchards rising and falling as far as the eye can see, Bac Ha creates the perfect setting for a mountain biking adventure. The main roads winding along high mountain passes are sealed and yet see little traffic. With endless interwoven trails leading to local hill tribe villages, you'll be rewarded with great exercise and an unforgettable cultural experience as you exchange smiles, stories and a glass of rice wine with the people you'll meet along the way. This area is home to the colorful Flower H'Mong, Phu La, Tay, and Nung hilltribes. Experience their bustling weekly markets which play an important part in the social and economic aspects of hilltribe life here.
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This wonderful itinerary takes you over the Tram Ton (Heaven's Gate) Pass to explore the far side of Mt. Fansipan and the Hoang Lien Mountain Range. Often, when Sapa is shrouded in clouds and fog, this side is clear and blue. Descend through one of Vietnam's most picturesque and awe-inspiring valleys. The occasionally rocky road meanders along the base of the mountain range past old growth forest and through the villages of Thai, H'Mong and Lu ethnic minority people. This area sees few tourists, so expect plenty of curious faces and smiling children shouting "Hello!"
This exciting trip down through the stunning Hoang Lien Valley takes you into the heart of local hill tribe communities. Gliding through the fresh air, you are surrounded by dramatic vistas, dotted with hamlets belonging to H'Mong, Dzay, Dzao and Tay tribes. An incredibly friendly Tay family will host you for a night in their traditional stilt house. Keeping with tradition, be sure to share a glass of local rice wine with your hosts as you enjoy your wonderful home cooked meal! Trade songs and stories after dinner. Come away changed.
Exploring the colorful markets in the mountains makes for an exciting day trip from Sapa. Leaving early, you have the chance to see the sunrise as you head through indescribable mountain scenery and watch as the local villages wake up. Most of the markets are in the wilderness. To attend the weekly social and commercial event many local hill tribes leave their isolated homes on the precipitous mountaintop cornfields and trek for miles. There are a few souvenirs for sale here but you may find a tasty snack or a bargain price on a buffalo!
Nested on the top of cone shaped hills in the Sapa region, the Topas Eco Lodge offers a stunning view over the valley. The lovely thatched roof bungalows with private balconies are individually designed for relaxation and a restful stay... Topas is a model for sustainable ecotourism in the area by seeking to have a minimal impact on the local environment. They also work with nearby Tay and Red Dzao communities to purchase local products, to provide employment and keep tourism revenue flows within the area... We're pleased to work with Topas as a partner pursuing the principles of genuine ecotourism... Read More
Sapa is the premier hill station in northern Vietnam and an incredible place for trekking lovers. This has been a crossroads for millennia for Vietnamese, Chinese, and a diverse array of minority groups, all of whom have left the stamp of their cultures. Many minority groups retain their traditional ways of life in earthen or wooden houses in the valleys from which they tend animals and farm the hillsides above. The scenery of the imposing mountains and rice terraces gives this area a great combination of nature and culture and is definitely a place for adventurers. Join us on this trip to experience a great trekking tour through village settings in the beautiful green and learn about the fascinating cultures of the locals.
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Sapa is the premier hill station in northern Vietnam and an incredible place for trekking lovers. This has been a crossroads for millennia for Vietnamese, Chinese, and a diverse array of minority groups, all of whom have left the stamp of their cultures. Many minority groups retain their traditional ways of life in earthen or wooden houses in the valleys from which they tend animals and farm the hillsides above. The scenery of the imposing mountains and rice terraces gives this area a great combination of nature and culture and is definitely a place for adventurers. Join us on this trip to experience a great trekking tour through village settings in the beautiful green and learn about the fascinating cultures of the locals.
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Nested on the top of cone shaped hills in the Sapa region, the Topas Eco Lodge offers a stunning view over the valley. The lovely thatched roof bungalows with private balconies are individually designed for relaxation and a restful stay. Half-day walks or mountain bike rides take you to villages in the valley. Or, relax on your hilltop balcony (1500m) and enjoy the tranquility of the region.
Topas is a model for sustainable ecotourism in the area by seeking to have a minimal impact on the local environment. They also work with nearby Tay and Red Dzao communities to purchase local products, to provide employment and keep tourism revenue flows within the area... We're pleased to work with Topas as a partner pursuing the principles of genuine ecotourism... Read More
We offer you a number of different ways experience the attractive natural and cultural gems around Sapa and to come away understanding more about the culture of different minority groups in the area. Trekking below looming peaks next to wet rice terraces while exchanging waves and hellos with farmers at work will reward you with a unique experience.
The North East mountainous areas of Ba Be Lake, Cao Bang offer breathtaking views and interesting subcultures. It is the least travelled area of the North and attracts hardier travellers craving a glimpse of some of the more remote ethnic minority people.
During this cultural expedition, you will enjoy the best of Northern Vietnam in the areas of Mai Chau, Son La, Than Uyen and Sapa, providing you wonderful settings for trekking routes. The Thai minority, a warm and friendly ethnic group, will welcome you into their homes and share their stilt house lifestyle. The roads wind precariously across the mountain ranges capturing the intensely varied lifestyles of Vietnamese people. The final two days of your journey will be spent trekking to stay in minority villages around Sapa.
This is a Handspan-exclusive trip to discover and tread lightly in a very pristine area. We're talking about an untouched secret garden inhabited by the Muong people. The deep roots of their ethnic culture and their isolated location have contributed to the preservation of what is a cultural and natural treasure. This is what Handspan is all about: using responsible tourism to promote sustainability according to the priorities of the locals themselves.
While it is essential to preserve the treasures here, it is also important to help the community to improve their (very poor) living conditions. Finding this balance is the challenge that we chose to face in partnership with an NGO in charge of nature conservation and livelihood improvement in the reserve. Get ready for a very special tour... Read More
Moc Chau is all about its surroundings – a mountainous area, famous for its tea hills, limestone karsts, endless plum orchards, corn fields and dairy products... But hold on a minute, we've found some even better reasons to take you there: a range of traditional and deep-rooted ethnic cultures, hidden misty valleys surrounded by crenellated karsts and dense forests, small remote villages that appear mysteriously from the fog, stunning panoramic views, ideal trekking and biking routes, and as is so often the case in Vietnam, warm and heartfelt local hospitality. Read More
This trip is a must for the travelers who crave adventure and who are eager to find unique destinations and veer off the well trodden paths. We'll begin with a mellow cycling exploration of Hue's tree-lined back roads. We'll do more than a mere 'transfer by car' to take you to Hoi An, instead we'll take the scenic route and journey along the Ho Chi Minh trail into the lands of the Co Tu people. Encounter locals and gain insights in their ancient culture. We'll finish in relaxing, natural style with a trip to the Cham Islands archipelago by chilling out in clear blue waters and savouring a full set of aquatic and sub-aquatic activities... Read More
In the hills above Hoi An, Ba Hom Village is home to the Co Tu people, one of the smallest of Vietnam's diverse 54 ethnic groups. A visit to Ba Hom is an immersion into lifestyles and traditions untouched by time. Our vision of the Ba Hom Homestay is to offer you the rare opportunity to tread lightly here and help maintain the culture by briefly living life like the Co Tu: partaking in daily activities and experiencing their customs and culture first-hand. While in Ba Hom, guests stay in traditional stilt houses and dine on Co Tu culinary specialties many of which are foraged from the land. Swim in the river or the hot springs,... Read More
This tour takes you along the mighty Mekong River for an in-depth exploration of Ratanakiri province. Many beautiful sites and activities are available to us all along the route. Temple explorations, boating excursions, elephant riding, dolphin spotting... and so much more.
A Handspan-exclusive trip to discover some very pristine areas of the North. We're taking you on strolls through the 1000 year-old history of Hanoi, scenic trails through an untouched secret valley inhabited by the Muong people, and cruising through the globe's largest and loveliest karst formations in the World Heritage Halong Bay. We're living up to the principles of responsible tourism by working in partnership with an NGO that promotes nature conservation and livelihood improvement in the Ngoc Son Nature Reserve. We then explore the least visited part of Halong Bay and kayak through the lush lagoons with a private overnight ship anchorage in an incredible and secluded spot. Get ready for a very special and unforgettable journey.
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A tour with a difference, allowing you to really immerse yourself in Lao culture; you will venture out into the rural hill tribe villages to see the different ethnic minorities and to learn about their fascinating lifestyles, traditions and colourful history. You will be scenically rewarded by the stunning river views, such as on the Wat Phou cruise that takes you in comfort down the majestic Mekong River, zigzagging through mild rapids to Champassak, through the 4,000 islands region, and to the scenic splendour Khong Pha Peng waterfall, known as the "Niagara of the East".
Vang Vieng is a stunning small riverside town and a traveller's paradise, you will take in some of the most spectacular scenery you're ever going to encounter, as this town is located at the foot of the breathtaking mountains and nestled on the banks of the gorgeous Nam Song River. The tour explores Southeast Asia's most laid back capital, Vientiane and the fairy-tale kingdom of Luang Prabang, visiting magnificent temple structures and monuments of national and historical importance.
This trip is a smooth combination of ecotourism and community-based tourism. It includes the perfect sustainable ingredients for a very complete full day tour: elephant learning, ethnic minority village, handicrafts introduction, kids support... What else could we include to make this trip more responsible?
Visiting friendly Laos capital city where many ancient monuments and stupas. Then Xieng Khoang offers you an impressive archaeological Plain of Jars and colorful hill tribe market of Phonsavan. Up there in Luang Prabang, you experience the ancient kingdom of Laos where traditionally remain uncharged in century. It is known as the 'Thousand Pagoda City', there are countless intriguing architectural highlights in the sleepy and once royal capital.
The tour lets you experience the cultural tapestry of Hanoi, the natural heritage of Halong Bay and the scenic mountains of Sapa. Relax with great cuisine and shopping on your own while you explore Vietnam's capital before heading to Halong Bay for a unique overnight cruise in one of our traditional wooden junks.
Curl up on a night train to Sapa, one of Vietnam's most intriguing destinations, set high in the mountains near the China border; it is most famous for its terraced rice paddies and colorful local markets.
This 7-day-tour gives you an amazing experience of truly local life in Vietnam. From the unique Thai ethnic culture in Mai Chau and Moc Chau to the peaceful rural life in countryside land of Ky Son and Duong Lam villages. From a graceful traditional homestay to a luxury boutique garden homestay, come with us to see the difference; to enjoy cycling, trekking between mountainous valleys then immerse yourself in ancient architecture of the best preserved villages.
...Let's prepare your backpack and ready to experience our beloved country in an exotic way: Northern with Moc Chau – a range of traditional and deep-rooted ethnic cultures, hidden misty valleys, small remote villages that appear mysteriously from the fog, stunning panoramic views, ideal biking routes; ... Central with a glorious route - the ancient imperial city of Hue and the sixteenth century silk route trading port of Hoi An. Southern with Mekong Delta - home of lush orchards, vibrant flower gardens, musicians playing traditional music and boat trip through the canals and stroll on small islands. This is the Handspan version, and our vision of what a trip to "Vietnam off the beaten path" should be!!! Read More
"We love adventure – we love biking!!!" – ...We give you "Moc Chau plateau" with a range of traditional and deep-rooted ethnic cultures, hidden misty valleys ...; .. "Journey from one World Heritage Site to another" - experience two different atmospheres, both charming and deeply etched with history,...; ..."fantastic coastal bike route" from Da Lat to Mui Ne through small minority villages, jungle forested valleys and beautiful beaches; ..."lovely cycling Mekong Delta highlights" to marvel at the variety of bird life in nature reserves, encounter Khmer monks in incense-filled pagodas, cruise through tangled mangrove swamps, and join one of the most lively floating markets in the region... Read More
This trip brings you to the famed and iconic spots. However we promise an individual and memorable experience by adding healthy servings of creativity and panache. So to offer you the best service possible we find the trails and hidden gems that others overlook in their haste. When you visit the 'must do' spots with Handspan, you'll do more than just see them, we'll give you a deeper understanding of these beautiful places. We'll take you to the spots you expect to see while taking you far beyond your expectations.
This is a great day trip to some of our favorite spots around Luang Prabang. We take you across the Mekong river to visit several villages of various ethnic cultures where we promise you the chance for enriching encounters. Our day's excursion finishes in style as we check out the Khuang Si Waterfall and its sublime turquoise pools amid a jungle setting. Take the time to cool off in the pools or with a gentle walk along forest trails.
This trip is a smooth combination of the two excursions to Khuang Si waterfall and Pak Ou caves. It includes the perfect ingredients for a very complete full day tour: local market, ethnic minorities villages, handicrafts introduction, stunning waterfall, refreshing natural pools, forest trails, boat trip on the Mekong, caves exploration, local alcohol tasting... What else could we include to make this trip unforgettable?
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