At an elevation of 1,600 meters, Sapa is a delightful former French
hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnam's northwest,
close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minority
groups, each wearing traditional and colorful attire. This trip
includes a trek through the hills and valleys of the Sapa region,
discovering several different minorities along the way. You will
experience overnight accommodation in the hospitable villages of Giay
and Tay ethnic minorities. The apparent hardships are worth it though
as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam
has to offer and experience unique villages culture.
Night 1: Night train to Lao Cai
Transfer from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight in AC soft sleeper cabin.
Summary
Transfer hotel – railway station: AC vehicle
Accommodation: Soft sleeper in AC cabin
Day 1: Transfer to Sapa – Trek to Tavan Village
Arrive in Lao Cai around 5.30 am. We will take 1hr bus ride uphill to the beautiful town of Sapa. The ride give you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. Upon arrival in Sapa Town we have breakfast in local restaurant and prepare for a great trek down to the picturesque valley of Muong Hoa. We will walk on small paths and trails to reach Tavan Village, where we will have unique homestay experience among hill tribe people. Pinic lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight in the local house.
Summary
Transfer Lao Cai – Sapa: 45 mins
Trekking: 5-hr trek/dirt paths/downhill
Accommodation: Home-stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Trek to Ban Ho Village
We will have breakfast in the local house before embarking upon another day of adventure. Today we will trek across mountains, bamboo forest, terraces and streams to reach Ban Ho Village, a beautiful village at lower altitude. Picnic lunch by the stream before moving on to Ban Ho. Dinner and overnight in local house.
Summary
Trekking: 5-hr trek/dirt paths/downhill
Accommodation: Home-stay
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Trek/drive to Sapa – Night train to Hanoi
After breakfast we leave Ban Ho for Sapa. We will trek shortly to the dirt road for a jeep ride back to Sa Pa. Back to the town we can take shower and change clothes in hotel.
Free at leisure in the afternoon. We can explore the town on foot and have great shopping time in Sapa market. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Lao Cai for night train back to Hanoi.
Summary
Transfer Ban Ho Village – Sapa: 45-min jeep ride
Trekking: 40-min trek/ascent
Accommodation: Soft sleeper in AC cabin
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Back to Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi around 5 am. Tour ends at Hanoi Railway Station.