Disembarking in a Thai river village
Photo: Jean Michel Chassedieu

Along the Black River.

Explore the most mystical river in the Tonkin.

This excursion combines discovery and detente….from the mountainous region of Hoa Binh, we go to explore the depths of the most mystical river of the Tonkin, the Da.

From one Muong, Thai, D’zao ethnic village to another, populated since the beginning of time, between sky and water..age-old wisdom..The watercourse with it’s islands, forests and river villages constitutes as one of the natural and cultural heritage sites of Vietnam.

Along the water by traditional sampan boat and little walks in the kingdom of the Thai ethnic minority, in the Hoa Binh backcountry. Terminus: A traditional Muong village celebration at La ferme du Colvert.
We will discover the authentic Northen region of the Tonkin on foot, by sampan, bicycle....

Possibility of kayaking.

1.  Muong land in Hoa Binh.

By car or moped, from La ferme du Colvert towards Hoa Binh and it’s ethnic villages and terrassed ricefields..to the charming stilt houses of the Ky Son Valley. Meet the local Muong crossing through villages, farms and hamlets. Arrive at the mountain chain which overhangs the Black River, with it’s karstic peaks, comparable to the terrestrial Halong Bay. Board onto our rustic sampan boat to ride back up the Da watercourse (Black River in Vietnamese). Disembark onto Windmill island, in the heart of nature - a little terrestrial paradise.. Night in a Thai Guesthouse. Charming and rustic.

2 : Thai country and the Black River.

In this mountainous region to the west of Hanoi, ride back up the Black River, known for it’s traditional spring celebration around the Co and Cau (heavenly Aunt and Uncle) Temple. Meet the White Thai and D’zao ethnic minorities and their stilt houses and fishing boats. Return, for the 2 day program.
Arrive in the land of beautiful green ricefields in the heart of a basin..the Thai village of Ngoi Hoa, on the left bank of the Black River. Outings and exploring. Night in the village - charming and authentic or return to Windmill island.

3 : Da Backcountry.

By mounts and valleys, outings in the heart of nature from one village to the next, with the help of a traditional sampan fishing boat. This famous river which carries you to Dien Bien Phu is embanked by a succession of beautiful crests, peaks and ethnic villages. Kayak (optional and at an extra charge). Return, for 3 day program.
Little walk to meet the colourful H’mong ethnicity who come from the mountain summit where the Red D’zao tribe, proud decendents of the legendary dog, Pan’ou, also inhabit. Night in a tribal home, stilt house - charming and authentic or return to Windmill island.

4. Return via Vu Ban - Kim Boi.

Return by sampan, then car or moped....crossing magnificant brush pathways, bamboo forests and stubble-burnt land. Breathtaking scenery of karstic rock formations in this region of tea and bamboo cultivated hills....meet the Black Muong of Vu Ban, along the small Bau stream and the colourful Nhan Nghia market, in the middle of nowhere. Lunch en route. Return, for 4 day program.

Arrive at La ferme du Colvert. Dinner, dance and folkloric evening around the fire, surrounded by hills and the Dap Dom Lake. Celebration Menu. Specialities and Vietnamese ancestral culinary tips. Night in a Thai Guesthouse - charming and rustic.

5. Detente at La ferme du Colvert.

Walking and bicycling outings to discover the beautiful pastoral landscape around La ferme, with it’s surrounding ricefields and hills..or relax at La ferme, our eco-village - a little terrestrial paradise. Ideal stay for families..walking and bicycling outings, children’s garden, spa treatments (optional), discover the surrounding countryside and artisan villages....combine Charm, Well-being and Nature. End of 5 day program, at the end of the day.

Departure dates and Price Lists. Click here

Practicalities:

• Sampan fishing boat outings, between islands and ethnic villages
• Affordable price, ease and proximity. Small groups (6 -12 P)
• Transfers by car, moped, boat with a few short, easy walks
• Nights on an island, Thai ethnic Guesthouse and tribal home stay
• Kayak optional (at an extra charge). Starting from the 3 day program onwards
• English or French-speaking Vietnam Aventure guides
• Full-board
• All-inclusive price from La ferme du Colvert to La ferme du Colvert