Step in to a world of dramatic landscapes and colourful hilltribes on this Sapa adventure. Take an overnight train or luxury bus journey from Hanoi into the highlands. Spend the days trekking to villages tucked on the mountainside, encountering a diverse mix of ethnic groups and learning about their rich traditions.
Hà Nội
19:00
Begin this Sapa Essential Discovery with a transfer to the Hanoi Train Station for the train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment. Upon your arrival at Lao Cai train station, our guide and driver will meet you and transfer to Sapa by shuttle bus.
After breakfast, it’s time to visit a local market where the Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung hill tribe groups gather. The market offers a variety of local products including its interesting animal market where pot-bellied pigs, cows and buffalos can be seen.
Note: These local markets are not held on Mondays or Fridays; arrival to Lao Cai should be planned outside these non-market days.
Continue with a short walk to a hill-tribe village. Visit some local homes to learn about the daily life of these tribes as well as their culture and traditions
Afterwards, transfer by road up through the mountains to the former hill station town of Sapa, a base for tourists visiting the mountainous northwest. In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the vibrant colors donned by its hill tribe populations. Overnight in Sapa.
After breakfast, depart Sapa for a 30-minute winding road transfer to Ban Khoang Valley. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Hoag Lien Mountain Range along the way.
The first stop is at Lu Khau Village in Ban Khoang Valley. The Lu Khau Village is home to Blue Hmong and Red Dao minorities. Explore the village on foot, meet the friendly local people and learn about their colorful culture and lifestyle in the countryside.
Depart from Ban Khoang Valley for a 8-km road transfer to Ta Giang Phinh Valley and enjoy a local lunch there. This afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the charming Ta Giang Phinh Valley. Walk on the village path which winds down the impressive valley, home to Blue Hmong ethnic minority people. Visit local houses to see some handicrafts workshops and observe villagers working in the fields tending their crops with buffalos.
Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks in Sapa. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed. Mid-late afternoon transfer back to Sapa town and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. Overnight in Sapa.
Early this morning, depart with the guide for a half-day trekking tour to Hang Da and Sau Chua Villages. Just about 8km east of Sapa, it is here that the Black Hmong peoples continue living their traditional, unique way of life despite the recent changes and tourism boom in Sapa town.
Walk with the guide along the quiet narrow pathways through the countryside along the scattered, modest houses of the Black H’mong people. The trekking route can be adjusted depending on energy levels, fitness, and weather conditions.
Return to the hotel to checkout by 12 noon. Visit town, grab some lunch (not included), and enjoy a few last minute explorations of Sapa town.
Mid-afternoon, take a (shared) bus transfer from Sapa to Hanoi as follows:
FIRST CLASS OPTION – transfer to the Sapa Express Bus meeting point for the comfortable Sapa Express bus (shared) to Hanoi. Departs Sapa at 16:00 and arrives to Hanoi at approximately 21:30.
SUPERIOR & DELUXE OPTIONS – Transfer to Topas Ecolodge or Sapa town to join the Topas Limousine Bus transfer to Hanoi. Departs Sapa at 13:45 – 14:30 and arrives Hanoi at approximately 20:00.
Arrive back in Hanoi at the bus drop off point. Please make own arrangements for onward transfer to selected Hanoi accommodation (not included – contact us further for different transport options.)
