Routes: Hanoi - Sapa - Lao Chai - Ta Van - Bac Ha - Hanoi
Duration: 4 days/3 nights
Depart from: Hanoi
Return to: Hanoi
Highlights: Trekking and cultural experience
At an elevation of 1, 500 meters, Sapa was once a hill resort of French administrators when the summer heat became uncomfortable. The remoteness and the simple lifestyle of ethnic minority people are a highlight of Sapa although conditions are basic.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Night 1: Night train from Hanoi to Lao Cai
Our tour guide will pick you up at hotel lobby to escort you to the Hanoi railway station for night train with soft sleeper class which is compartment for 4 passengers per room to Sapa in the evening. Overnight on the train.
Day 1: Hanoi – Sapa
Upon arrival, in an early morning drive towards Sapa. After checking into Hotel in Sapa we can soak up the fresh air and spend time walking around the village. The ethnic people are frequently seen in this hill town and small vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft.
Day 2: Sapa market - Easy Trek to Lao Chai - Ta Van Village (B)
Visit the bustling Sapa Market where the Red Dao, Black Hmong, Tay and Xa Pho ethnic minorities converge from the nearby mountainsides and valleys to trade their goods and buy provisions. Then get well off the beaten track as we embark on a walk to explore this beautiful mountain region. Along the way we traverse several rustic villages and see many mountain villagers doing their daily works such as logging, herding buffalo and tilling the field.
Day 3: Sapa - Bac Ha (B)
Drive through the border town of Lao Cai to the colourful Sunday Market at Bac Ha. This market also attracts a wide variety of ethnic minority groups including the Variegated Hmong, Dao, Phu La, La Chi and Tay. They still retain their old age cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. Enjoy a walk around the area, visit the Hmong King’s former residence and Ban Pho where the villagers make the potent local maize alcohol.
Day 4: Bac Ha - Hanoi
Depart Bac Ha Town and pass through the green and rugged mountain scenery to Hanoi. The drive is quite long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs.
Trip includes:
All transfer & transport
Accommodation at Sapa
Meals as mention at the itinerary (B- breakfast, L- Lunch, D- dinner)
Return train ticket Hanoi- Lao Cai- Hanoi (soft sleeper with air- condition, 4 berths)
Local English speaking tour guide
Entrance fee & permission to visit the hill tribe village
Trip excludes:
Travel insurance
Pre-post accommodation in Hanoi
Other meals & drinks
Admission fees during free time
Personal expenses such as shopping; telephone, laundry and bar bills etc.
Tips and gratuities
All other service not made on the written form
