After a hearty breakfast, we roll out of town on almost-level roads that cut through emerald rice paddies. Soon the terrain rises and falls as we wind through jungle-clad hills, taking in sweeping views of hidden valleys and small villages en route to Minh Thang. Joining National Highway 6, we plunge deeper into the wilderness, skimming terraced rice slopes and conquering a series of gentle “baby” passes—including the scenic Flower Pass—before descending a spectacular serpentine road through forest to the Mun Chung villages. We pause for lunch at a local eatery in a nearby market town.

The afternoon ride hugs the Nam Muc River, unveiling postcard-perfect vistas of lush hills, serene valleys, and distant mountain ridges. Our route narrows and twists along the hillsides, offering frequent vantage points to admire patchwork rice terraces and tucked-away settlements. Villages here are home to Black H’Mong, Black Thai, and Kho Mu communities, while small towns feature a larger Viet (Kinh) presence—providing plenty of opportunities to meet colourfully dressed locals. When the light begins to soften, our guide will call time, and we’ll load up for a short transfer to Muong Lay. Dinner awaits in town, followed by a leisurely evening stroll to explore this charming riverside hamlet on foot.