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 charming and hospitable Red Dao and Tay villages. Often there is no electricity or running water and in some cases bedding can be a layer of straw covered with a mat. 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.
Itinerary in Details
Night 1: Hanoi – Sapa night train
Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi, transfer to the train station to take the night train to Lao cai. The train leaves Hanoi around 20:30. Overnight on train.
Day 1: Laocai – Sapa – Catcat & Taphin villages (B, L)
The train arrives at the Lao Cai train station at approximately 06:00. There will be a vehicle waiting to transfer us to Sapa. The drive to Sapa is only 33km but it takes around 1.5 hours to make our way up the mountains. Arrival in Sapa, check in hotel and freshen up followed by breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy hotel facility and Sapa town. This afternoon at 1pm from the hotel there will be a walking tour to the hill tribe villages of Cat Cat, visiting some H'mong hill tribe’s minority peoples. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. Here we have the opportunity to share cultural experiences with the families that live in the area. Later we drive the short distance to the Red Dao village of Ta Phin nestled in a picturesque valley. Overnight at hotel in Sapa.
Day 2: Sapa – Laochai & Tavan villages (B, L, D)
Breakfast at hotel. Today we descend into one of the most picturesque valleys in the region. Walking that will take us along small paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages of Lao Chai and Tavan, home to H'mong, and Dzay people. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you can meet. Stopping for a picnic lunch on the way at a family in Ta Van village. Opportunity to meet with local people and study the art of making batik and local weaving villages - study textile tradition of craft women o Black H'mong and Red Dzao. We arrive at the small village of Ta Van inhabited by the Tay minority. Here we will be their guests in a traditional home stay. Overnight at homestay.
Day 3. Tavan village – Sapa – night train to Hanoi (B, L)
We continue our trek through the stunning landscapes visiting several ethnic villages along the way. Later we meet up with our support vehicle for the drive back to Lao cai for the night train to Hanoi. The guide sees you off at Lao Cai train station and takes you on the train. Overnight on train. Overnight on the train. Arrive in Hanoi early morning next day, around 05:00AM, please take a taxi to your hotel. End of tour.
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Accommodation Options
|
Location |
Standard |
Superior |
First class |
Deluxe |
|
Sapa |
Goldsea 2* |
Bamboo 3* |
Chau LongNew Wing 4* |
Victoria Sapa 4* |
|
Train |
Cao son express |
Tulico |
Tulico |
Victoria Express |
Tour includes:
• 1 night at hotel in Sapa and 1 night at homestay in Tavan village.
• All tours & transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles
• Private English or French speaking guide
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary at local restaurant with local foods (B = breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
• Round trip train ticket with soft sleep 4 berth/cabin Hanoi – Lao cai, Lao cai – Hanoi
• Entrance fees and permits for all sights visited
• Mineral water & towel
• Government taxes & Service charges
Tour excludes:
• International flights to and from Vietnam.
• Vietnam visa arrangement (upon request visa on arrival at 15 USD, not including stamping fee at 25 USD)
• Meals not indicated in the itinerary
• All other services which are not mentioned above
• Personal travel insurance (Compulsory).
• Personal expenses such as Telephone and Laundry bills.
• Tips and gratuities
What to bring:
• Sun Block
• Wide brim hat
• Camera + Film
• Comfortable shoes
• Rain gear
• Warm clothes
• Insect Repellent
• Original Passport