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Introduction:
Welcome to Sapa Vietnam... we hope that you enjoy exploring Vietnam as much as we do. The north-west of Vietnam is a captivating blend of dramatic mountain landscapes and colourful hilltribes. Set in a spectacularly beautiful valley, Sapa is where we base ourselves for explorations of this breathtaking region. Meet resplendently-dressed ethnic minorities at the local market, visit nearby villages to see how they live and trek to your heart's content - this trip is full of opportunities to discover hilltribe culture and the striking scenery of Sapa and its surrounds...

Tour highlights:
• Visit the former French hill station of Sapa
• Explore the colorful market of Bac Ha
• Trek through the spectacular scenery of Northern mountain area
• Mingle with colourful Montagnards…

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 Overnight train to Sapa

20:00 pick up at the hotel. Transfer to railway station for a night train at 20.30 to Sapa.

Overnight: Livitrans express train (First class, private wooden cabin of 4 berths)
Meals included: none

 

Day 2 Bac Ha market, Trekking Sapa – Lao Chai – Ta Van homestay
The train arrives in Lao Cai at about 6:00 am where our guide will welcome you. Look for the sign bearing your name when you exit the train station. We have breakfast in a local restaurant and then take a morning drive through the clouds by car to Bac Ha (about 2 hours).
Just before reaching the market we will see colorful activity. Beautiful Flower Hmong people carrying hand crafted products or pulling dogs or buffalos, all on their way to the market. You are free to wonder around the market and become a part of the trading activities. Try some typical “Thang Co” at one of the market stalls for more of a traditional taste. In the afternoon we transfer to Sapa town for the trekking.
We start trekking with our H’mong guide down to Lao Chai village to visit the Black H'Mong. We keep going along the Sapa valley to get to Ta Van village to visit the Day people, which is supposed to be the most beautiful one in the area, where you stay overnight in a local Dzay family.

Overnight: at homestay in Ta Van village
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 Ta Van – Giang Ta Chai – Ban Ho homestay
Get up early in the morning to enjoy the daily life of the ethnic minorities in the village. We follow the buffalo path to GiangTaChai village of the Red Dzao minority via the paths between terraces and through bamboo forests. Visit silver waterfall and suspension Rattan Bridge, visit the people in the village and then cross MuongHoa River up to the mountain to visit the last village of the trek - Supan village of the H'mong, where we will enjoy our lunch here.
After lunch, trek further to enjoy magnificent scenery, visit local house of the red Dzao, visit, talk to learn about the minority pupils of Giang primary school before heading to the main road for a while walk and then trek down to Ban Ho village. An imagination of down tower steps with a universal view of the house roofs of the Tay minority isolated in a green valley appearing in front of your eyes will mark you an unforgettable trip. Dinner and enjoy the second home-stay night with the Tay’s family in Ban Ho.

Overnight: at homestay in Ban Ho village
Meals included: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 Sapa exploration
Have breakfast with the family, go for a walk to a waterfall called lavie wich was discovered and named by the French in the past. Say goodbye to Ban ho and the family before going up to the main road where you will be picked up by a jeep. Ride back to Sapa and get fresh with a shower at the hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure to explore this fascinating hillside town.

Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: Chau Long hotel (4 star)

Day 5 Sapa free time, overnight train back to Ha Noi
Wake up in Sapa town, breakfast at the hotel then enjoy the day at your leisure, consider taking some exercise with a walk to Cat Cat Village, set in a beautiful valley just outside Sapa. Cat Cat is home to the H'mong people who originated from China about 3,000 years ago. The H'mong people are easily recognisable by their dark blue or black clothing, dyed using the juice of indigo plants, which are native to the area. H'mong women wear long aprons with embroidered waistcoats and have their hair rolled up into a turban-like hat, while the men wear black skullcaps, long waistcoats and loose trousers.
In the late afternoon we depart for the Lao Cai train station. We have dinner here before boarding the train back to Hanoi.

Meals included: breakfast
Overnight: Livitrans express train (First class, private wooden cabin of 4 berths)

Day 6 Ha Noi
Early arrival in Hanoi by 5:30 am. Please find your own way to your hotel, a taxi normally costs you a set of 3 USD


 

Tour Includes:
• Private air-con transfers round trip on 7 seater
• One way transfer from Hotel to Hanoi train station
• Train tickets Hanoi - Lao Cai - Hanoi (private cabin)
• Overnight at home stay in Sapa
• Local English speaking guide
• Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time
• Meals as mentioned in your itinerary
Tour does not include:
• Pre & post trip arrangements
• Transfers beyond the itinerary
• Food & drinks not mentioned within the itinerary
• Tips and personal expenses
• Travel insurance