At a elevation of 1600 meters, Sapa is a delightful old French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnams' northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minorities groups all wearing their traditional and colourful attire.
This trip includes a 4-day trek through the hills and valleys in the Sapa region. Average walking time for each day is around 6 hours, passing through H'mong, Day, Tho, Tay, Nhang, and Red Dao communities.
Three nights are spent in these minority villages so be warned, you will have to do without some modern comforts on this one. Often there is no electricity or running water and bedding can be a layer of straw covered with a mat in some cases. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Ha Noi. There are no activities planned for today but there will be a group meeting held this evening to get better acquainted with your guide, itinerary and some useful traveling tips for Vietnam. Following the group meeting, our guide will take you out to sample some of Hanoi's superb cuisine, before making our way to the station to board the overnight train bound for Lao Cai, on the Vietnam - Chinese border.
Day 2: Lao Cai - Sapa. We arrive at Lao Cai at around 0730 today. Once clear of the station we board our vehicle that will take us to Sapa, situated at a altitude of 1600 meters and 33 km from Lao Cai. After we have checked into our hotel and had breakfast there will be time to do some exploring around some of the stunning scenery that this region has to offer.
Days 3-6: Sapa Villages. This is one of the most spectacular treks you can undertake in Vietnam. We hike from village to village meeting members of some of Vietnam's most intriguing ethnic minorities, all wearing their traditional attire. These people are members from minority such as the H'Mong, the Day, the Tho and the Red Dao.
We will spend one night with each of them in their respective villages. Each day we will trek for around 7 hours. Day six is only a 4-hour trek to Su Phan, where we will meet our vehicle and drive back to Sapa. All meals are included while trekking. (All meals included)
Day 7: Sapa - Hanoi. We have a early breakfast this morning before bidding farewell to Sapa and its' friendly people. Our destination for today is Hanoi. It is a 11-hour journey back to the nations capital along some of Vietnam's most scenic roads. (Breakfast included)
Note: If we go to Sapa by vehicle (day 1), we can spend one more night in one of the villages.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price includes:
- Accommodation on a twin share basis with daily breakfast
- Logistics for the treak
- English/French speaking guide
- Meals as indicated within the itinerary
- 2 ways train Hanoi - Laocai - Hanoi (soft sleeper)
- All in country transport
- Admission fees and permits
Price Does Not Include:
- International Airfares
- Domestic & International Airport taxes
- Meals and drinks not mentioned
- Personal expenses such as Bar, Laundry & Telephone bills
- Admission fees and permits during free time
- Tips and gratuities
Please Note: Victoria Express train is subject to availability and days of travel. This can only be used if rooms at the Victoria Hotel are booked also.
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Asia
Vietnam
Hiking & Trekking
Walking Tours
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