The scenery of the imposing mountains and rice terraces gives this area a great combination of nature and culture and is definitely a place for adventurers. Join us on this trip to experience a great trekking tour through village settings and learn about the fascinating cultures of the locals.
NIGHT 1: HANOI – NIGHT TRAIN TO LAO CAI
Meal: not any | Accommodation: Night train – 4-berth sleeper cabin
20:00 -We depart from our office or from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station to catch the night train to Lao Cai (4-berth sleeper cabin with air conditioning)
DAY 1: LAO CAI – SAPA TREKKING – HOMESTAY IN TA VAN VILLAGE
Meal: breakfast, lunch, dinner | Accommodation: Ta Van village – homestay
Around 6.30am – Arrive in Lao Cai and be transferred by shuttle bus to Sapa. The bus ride uphill to Sapa takes a little over an hour giving you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. On arrival, you will stop by our office, meet your tour guide and leave your luggage and take a shower in our partner’s hotel if you would like.
After a full buffet breakfast at Chau Long hotel, our local guide will meet you at 9:00 and we’re then ready for a full day trek to the Golden Stream valley. We can then start hiking along local trails and across vegetable gardens and rice terraces on the foothill of Mount Fan Si Pan. The first part goes downhill for about an hour and a half toward Y Linh Ho hamlet. After crossing a suspension bridge, you will see some stunning views of the rice terraces, gardens, and houses. The trail leads up to Lao Chai San village where we have a simple lunch.
13:00 – After lunch, we walk down through the village and stop at Lao Chai village to visit local H’mong people. We explore the villages of Lao Chai (Black H’mong) and Ta Van (Dzay). This is the biggest and the most scenic valley in Sapa. This trek is relatively easy as we walk along the local trails. Opportunities to visit local families and learn about their daily life and fascinating culture before arriving at the homestay in Ta Van. The homestay is simple, equipped with mattresses and a mosquito nets. We have dinner here and stay overnight.
Hiking distance: ~ 18km | 5~6h
With ‘Homestay’ experience, your overnight accommodation is provided by a local family in their traditional house. There’s no private room and you’ll sleep on the floor in a large communal area. The sleeping corner is set up with a single mattress (thin, but adequate), blankets (ditto), pillow and mosquito net. The restroom is at international standard and a few steps from the main house.
DAY 2: MORE TREK FOR TA VAN – GIANG TA CHAI – SAPA – HANOI
Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: not included
After breakfast, we explore the village a little bit further. We then start a 3-hour trek to Giang Ta Chai village (Red Dzao). This trek offers some moderate challenges as we negotiate a winding trail by rice terraces along the steep mountainside. The vegetation is dense as the trail leads up to a peaceful hamlet perched on the side of Hoang Lien Mountain. After visiting a family in the village, we walk to get back on the main road. We then head back to Ta Van, where our vehicle awaits to take us back to Sapa town.
13:00 – We drive back to Sapa for a late lunch in a local restaurant, and you’re free to explore the town, its market and sloping streets with many colorful handicrafts.
OPT1: 15:30 – Meet the guide at our office in Sa Pa. A car takes you to the bus station.
16:00 – Comfortable shuttle bus departs from Sapa to Hanoi. Enjoy beautiful views driving along the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The bus is equipped with large individual seats, A/C and wifi. There’re 2 stops on the way and dinner is at your own cost.
22:00 – Arrival in Hanoi center. The transfer from there to your hotel is not included.
OPT2: Free time in Sa Pa after trekking tour and meet up guide at our office in Sa Pa at 5.00 PM then going down to Lao Cai by bus to catch the night train back to Ha Noi. Arrives back in Ha Noi at 5.00 Am the the following morning.
Tip: With your free time, you can go up to Ham Rong peak where you will be able to experience a great view over the town of Sapa. This is a great chance for some unforgettable photos! This is only recommended for a good weather afternoon (Entrance fee is not included).
PRICE PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS
PRICE PER PERSON based on group size
| Group size | Solo trip | Group of 2 |
| Price per person | USD 175 | USD 145 |
* Discount for larger group is available; please contact our travel consultants at info@handspan.com
INCLUDED
- Homestay in Ta Van
- Meals as specified in the program
- Transfer on the 1st day from Handspan office to the railway station
- Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
- Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai in air conditioned, 4-berth soft-sleeper cabin
- Bus OR Train ticket Sapa – Hanoi in comfortable, safe, air-conditioned shuttle bus
- The services of an experienced, English-speaking guide
- All entrance fees
- VAT and other taxes
NOT INCLUDED
- Hotel in Hanoi
- Presence of the tour guide on the train
- Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
- Camera fees (if any)
- Insurance
- Surcharge in peak season (Christmas & New Year)
