Tucked high in Vietnam’s remote northern mountains, close to the Chinese border, the former French military outpost of Sapa offers some of Vietnam’s most colorful experiences.
The views are breathtaking. Vietnam’s highest peak, the 3143m Mount Fansipan, looms overhead, while the surrounding valleys feature terraced rice paddies and blazing green fields cut by fast-flowing streams. Layer upon layer of green ridges fades into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks. The region is home to several ethnic minority groups all wearing their traditional and colorful attire. You can get there either by overnight train or car from Hanoi.
Upon arrival in Hanoi, be met by our car driver and be transferred to the hotel for the rest of the day at leisure before transfer to the train station to leave Hanoi for Lao Cai.
Overnight on train.
Notes: The itinerary can be flexible base on the arrival flight schedule; some sites can be visited today to have more time at sites or adding some other sites in the next day (with a small surcharge).
Upon arrival at Lao Cai Railway Station, take a scenic 1hr drive to your hotel in the former hill station of Sapa. A frontier town 350km northwest of Hanoi and close to the border with China, Sapa’s terraced rice fields are some of the world’s most beautiful. Trek through the Muong Hoa Valley to admire the beautiful orderliness of the fields created by skilled, diligent ethnic farmers. There is an opportunity to see different traditions and costumes of the Zay minority at Ta Van Village and the Red Dzao at Giang Ta Chai Village. Return to the town where the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Overnight in Sapa
NOTES:
Suggested departure time: Depends on the arrival time of the train
Tour duration: 09 hours
Trekking distance: 11km (7mi)
Grade: Medium
Morning at your leisure to explore historical landmarks and the many charming boutiques around Sapa town. In the afternoon, from Sapa, trek downhill through pine forests towards the small village of Suoi Ho, inhabited by the Black H’mong ethnic minority. Notice how their houses are typically built without windows due to the cold weather in the winter. Continue your walk past rice paddy fields and spectacular scenery to the village of Ma Tra with the possibility of seeing tea plantations and cardamom gardens (seasonal) along the way. Transfer to the Lao Cai Railway Station for the overnight train back to Hanoi.
Accommodation in Hanoi after the trip is arranged in your own way.
NOTES:
Suggested departure time: 13:30
Tour duration: 04 hours
Biking/trekking distance: 5km (3mi)
