Can Chau, mountain market of the H’Mong, very close to China.
Photo: Jean Marc Dolmazon

VNA 03. To the land of the indigo H’Mong / 16 days and 22 days.

Treks and discovery / 7 days on foot.

In the mythical world of this people, who cultivate poppies.

There are 54 different ethnic minorities in Vietnam, who live in the mountains bordering China and Laos. Entering by foot is the only way to begin to discover and understand these tribes, who are so bound to their ancestral traditions and who live so close to nature and the land.

To the Northwest, from the Black River running through Hoa Binh to the Dien Bien Phu Valley, we set off to meet the local village folk: Khomu, Ha Nhi and Nhang, Red D’zao, Flower Mong, Zay and Thai...These people, who live in-between earth and sky, perpetuate their unchangable culture. Crossing from Tuan Giao to Phong Tho until the High Sin Ho Plateaus, you then dive into the mythical world of the Indigo H’Mong, who grow poppies. Their land proves to be one of the most beautiful in the whole of Vietnam.

With three coasts surrounded by the North Truong Son cordillera, the land gives way to the sea and a hot and humid climate. The region of Hue and Hoi An is known for it’s beautiful scenery and it’s numerous historical relics and culture from the Cham ethnicity.

The North 16 days.

2. Hoa Binh. Arrival. Transfer to a Muong village in the valley towards Xuan Mai, where the mountain chain succeeds. Night in a traditional stilt house bordering the water’s edge. Welcome dinner of house specialities.

4+ 5. Treks in the Son La Mountains. Transfer. In the direction of a Black Thai village, between flooded ricefields and verdent valleys. Trek through and meet with colourful H’mongs who populate the mountaintops or the Red D’zao, proud decendents of the legendary dog, Pan’ou. Nights will be spent in a tribal home.

6. Towards Dien Bien Phu. Magnificant brush pathways, bamboo forests and stubble-burnt land; over land, crossing the western fringe of Dien Bien Phu by mountain passes and plateaus. Hotel.

7. The High Sin Lo Plateaus. Visits to the historical site of Dien Bien Phu. By car to Sin Lo where the Indigo H’Mong live. Captivating and awe-inspiring scenery. Guesthouse.