Sapa essential

THROUGH SAPA ESSENTIAL TOUR, YOU WILL DISCOVER

Day 1: Hanoi – Overnight train to Lao Cai

From Hanoi, take a short transfer to train station. Spend the night onboard the train with soft sleeper cabin to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa.

Overnight on train.

Day 2: Lao Cai – Local market – Sapa (B, L)

Arrive early in the morning at Lao Cai, the border town between Vietnam and China. Near the station, enjoy simple breakfast and transfer to the local market to see colorful costume hill tribes of Phu La, Zao, Flower H’mong, be amazed with seeing all strange items on sale and animal market where pot-bellied pigs, puppets and even water buffaloes are sold.

Note: These local markets are not available on Mondays and Fridays.

Take a walk through a hill-tribe village to have a close look at their hamlet, visit local families and via the guide exchange conversations to learn about the their tribe, culture and traditions.

After lunch, continue to drive on the winding road up to the mountain town of Sapa, an attraction base for visitors visiting the mountainous northwest region. Sapa landscape features the terraced rice fields on the mountains surrounding the expansive green valleys with hill tribe villages.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 3: Sapa – Ban Khoang – Ta Giang Phinh (B, L)

In the morning, depart from the hotel and drive for 45 minutes to the north Sapa to Ban Khoang Valley. On the way, enjoy the stunning view of mountain and valley by the foot of the Fansipan.

Arrive at Ban Khoang and take a walk into Lu Khau, the home to the Black H’mong and the Red Dao minorities. Visit their home and meet the friendly host, via your guide chat with them and learn about their ancient culture and lifestyle in the mountainous countryside.

Return to the car and drive further to Ta Giang Phinh village which is in other valley. Follow the trails to descend to the valley for a local lunch in a local family. After lunch and some good rest, walk leisurely through the peaceful and picturesque landscape of Ta Giang Phinh Valley. Along the winding path through the stunning valley, visit some homes of Black H’mong ethnic people. At the other side of the valley, visit some handicrafts families making Indigo clothes and traditional bamboo flutes.

Note: if conditions are wet, itinerary may need to be changed for safety.

Return to Sapa town and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 4: Sapa – Hanoi (B)

Today, after breakfast, take a half-day trek to Sa Seng and Sau Chua villages. First, transfer by car to the starting point, about 6km east of Sapa. Leave the car on the main road and commence on the trek to the destination. On the way, observe the Black H’mong with their traditional way of living which remains unique and unchanged for centuries.

Walk leisurely through the valley along the quiet paths winding through hamlets which are home to Black H’mong’s simple houses.

Note that the trekking distance can be adjusted accordingly with the level of fitness, energy and weather conditions.

Transfer back to Sapa, check out the hotel by 12 o’clock. Enjoy a lunch (not included), spend the last hours visiting the town before taking a bus transfer (share coach) from Sapa to Hanoi.

Arrive back in Hanoi in late evening, at the bus company office. Transfer to hotel and accommodation are own arrangement (not included). For more option, please contact us!

You might be interested in our Cao Bang discovery, otherwise look for other interesting options in our Vietnam excursions travel style.