Sapa mountain retreat

THROUGH SAPA MOUNTAIN RETREAT 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 at Lao Cai station, take a 45 minute drive to Sapa, a French’s former summer station. Sapa is one of the most ideal base for visitor who want to explore the mountainous Northwest region, home to dozens of colorful ethnic minorities.

Arrive at Sapa destination and take time to visit Sapa market, stroll through the arrays of herbal medicine shops on the ground floor, continue to the upstairs to the brocade market where the women from Black H’Mong, Red Dzao, and Tay from surrounding villages and valleys sell their textile and weaving brocades, silverware and handicrafts. From Sapa, trek down to the valley in the shadow of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range where the Indochina’s summit Mt. Fansipan sits. During the trek, at a scenic spot, sit down for a picnic lunch. Return to Sapa and take the rest of the day for free time at leisure.

A good pair of walking shoes must be worn on treks in Sapa. Note that if conditions are wet, tour itinerary may be revised for safety.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 3: Sapa – Nam Cang (B, L, D)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and depart from Sapa, leave the town streets behind and travel South direction, descend to the valley, trek along the verdant rice terraces on the mountain sides. In Muong Hoa valley, enjoy the spectacular mountain landscape while enjoy meeting with friendly hill tribes along the way. The main group among five minorities living in Sapa is Black H’mong people, identically famous for their indigo-colored costume and heavy silver earrings pulling their ear loop long.

Trek through several hill tribe hamlets before wind up to the main road and take the transfer through beautiful Ban Ho and across Muong Bo River. Enjoy a local lunch by the rice terrace in Thanh Phu, home village of Tay minority. In the afternoon, commence on a walk to the further villages by the end of the valley and visit My Son beautiful small village, home to the smallest group of people in Vietnam – Xa Pho people. The women of this tribe are the master of patterned stitching.

Arrive at the peaceful village of Nam Cang, home to the Red Dzao people. The accommodation for tonight is in the eco-friendly rustic Nam Cang Riverside Lodge. Check in the lodge and relax or take time to explore this Red Dzao village before enjoying dinner in the lodge and evening is at leisure for good rest.

Overnight at Nam Cang lodge.

Note: Nam Cang Lodge is an atmospheric remote wooden lodge with simple condition of small private guest rooms and shared bathrooms.

Day 4: Nam Cang – Topas Ecolodge (B, L, D)

After breakfast in the lodge, trek to the beautiful valley of Red Dzao. The trail follows the river and before reaching cardamom forest, enjoys the breathtaking views of the peaceful remote mountainous countryside. Visit a local family to learn a bit more about their unique tradition originated from South China.

After the valley visit, return to Nam Cang Riverside Lodge to enjoy swimming in the river before enjoy lunch.

Take the transfer to the breathtaking Topas Ecolodge which sits on the top of a mountain overlooking the deep verdant rice valley. With ideally spectacularly located, this lodge offers perhaps the most breathtaking valley views in Vietnam!

Overnight at Topas Ecolodge.

Day 5: Topas – Hanoi (B, L)

Early in the morning, enjoy breakfast with the stunning view and embark on a mini adventure cycling three kilometers away to visit Red Dzao people in Lech village. Take time to paddle at your pace to embrace the magnificent valley view while cycling, on reaching the village, stop the bike and walk through the village Red Dzao; visit local families to experience the culture and way of living which have not changed from their ancestors. Continue with the bike ride to the Lech village, on the way, encounter with groups of Red Dzao women working with their exquisite embroidery which makes their costume so unique. Make a short visit in Lech village before heading back to Nam Cang Lodge.

Note: The distance of cycling may be adjusted in accordance with the fitness level, interest of guests. If the weather conditions are not kind or wet, the itinerary will be revised for safety.

At 15:00, take the Topas Mountain Express coach for the transfer to Lao Cai train station. You will take overnight train back to Hanoi.

Overnight on train.

Day 6: Arrive Hanoi (B)

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Hanoi.

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