Sapa and surrounding Hill tribe villages

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.

Many travelers consider Sapa to be the highlight of their stay in Vietnam. The variety of ethnic minority groups in Vietnam is fascinating and nowhere is this ethnic mix more accessible than it is in Sapa, and its outstandingly beautiful valleys. This trip is a condensed and easier version of the 7 day Ethnic Explorer, designed for those people who are put off by the lack of comfort in that trip. The trek takes 2 days and there is only one long walk. We spend one night in one of the more comfortable villages and travel to and from Hanoi by car allowing you to take in as much as possible of the breath-taking scenery in a short time.

ITINERARY

Day 1 : Hanoi - Sapa (Overnight depart from Hanoi)

Transfer from your hotel in Hanoi at 8:30 PM, by bus to Hanoi Railway station take the overnight train to Lao Cai - Sapa ( First class soft sleeper - 4 beds compartment - Air-Conditioning)

Day 2 : Sapa (Breakfast, Lunch included)

Meet at Lao Cai station after arrival at 7:00 AM, transfer to Sapa by bus, check into Hotel and having breakfast.
Today we start by getting some exercise with a walk to Cat Cat. As we walk to the village nestled in the valley below Sapa, we will meet some of the local minority people on their way to and from Sapa. These minority people walk to Sapa to trade at the markets. In the afternoon there will be free time to explore the township. Tonight we spend a second night in our hotel at Sapa town. 

Day 3 : Sapa Hill tribe Villages (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included)
We have breakfast at 0800 and set out on our 6-hour trek along buffalo paths and trails at around 09:00. We trek through several hill tribe villages named Lao Chai, Cau May & Ta Van. This is one is a absolutely spectacular walk through some stunning scenery. We have a picnic lunch on the way and stay overnight with a family in Ta Van village.

Day 4 : Sapa (Breakfast, Lunch included)
We have breakfast at 0730 and leave the village at 08:30 for a 2-hour trek to Su Pan village. Here there will be a vehicle waiting to take us back to Sapa. We will arrive back at Sapa by around 11:30. This afternoon there is free time to relax or wander around for further exploration of the town. We spend tonight at a local guesthouse. 

Day 5 : Sapa - Hanoi ( Overnight train )
Morning : Free time for relax or wandering around Sapa town or Sapa day market. PM Transfer by van to Lao Cai station for your night train jouney to Hanoi. You then sleep on the train and will arrive to Hanoi at approx 6:00 AM next morning. 

Prices are Includes:

• 4 Nights Accommodation ( 2 Nights in Hotel - 3 star hotel - Twin shard), 2 Night at Minority Villages (basic condition - Home stay)

• English/French speaking tour guide

• Meals as indicated within the itinerary

• 2 ways train Hanoi - Lao Cai - Hanoi ( soft sleeper - first Class)

• All ground transfer

• Admission fees and overnight stay permits in Villages

Prices are Excludes:

• Meals as not mentioned in above itinerary

• Drinks and Personal expenses such as Bar, Laundry & Telephone bills