Sapa has a stunning view. However, the main attraction is the numerous colourfully dressed ethnic people and their different traditions. Some, like the H’mong, are jolly and outgoing, others like the Red Dao, are quieter and more reserved. The clothes are minor works of art – look out for the unusual rough linen material dyed with indigo that gives the Black H’mong their name. This trip to one of their weekly market is a great chance to have a closer look to local life. The market that we choose are for not only for buying and selling, but are also meeting places for ethnic minority people to meet and exchange news.
[SAT] HANOI – NIGHT TRAIN TO LAO CAI
Meal: not any | Accommodation: Night train – sleeper cabin (sharing)
20:00 – We depart from your hotel or our office to Hanoi Railway Station to catch the night train to Lao Cai (4-berth sleeper cabin with air conditioning)
[SUN] LAO CAI – MUONG HUM MARKET – SAPA
Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: Bamboo Sapa hotel – Superior
Around 6:00 AM – Pick up from Lao Cai station, time for your breakfast and refreshment. We then start with a 60km drive to Muong Hum market in a scenic valley where many Flower and Red H’mong, Dzay and Dzao people gather. This is one of the liveliest markets near the border between Vietnam and China. The drive from Lao Cai to Muong Hum is quite pleasant, taking us alongside mountains and rivers and beautiful plantations of a variety of agriculture. After joining the market, we travel to Sapa on the ‘road less traveled’ through beautiful untouched valleys and villages in Ta Giang Phin and Ban Khoang. Arrive at Sapa in the late afternoon. Hotel and check-in and the rest of day will be free at leisure.
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).
[MON] SAPA TREKKING – HANOI
Meal: breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: not included
8:00 – pick up from your hotel, we then start trekking from Sapa town to Golden Stream valley. The trek offers some stunning views of the rice terraces, gardens and Fan Si Pan mountain range. After crossing a suspension bridge, we will hike up to Lao Chai San village and continue to Lao Chai village for lunch. After lunch, we will explore the villages of Lao Chai (Black H’mong) and Ta Van (Dzay). This trek is relatively easy, though the trail can be quite slippery if it rains, so good footwear is recommended.
After visiting a family of the village, we walk to the main road to meet up with our driver and return to Sapa town. Shower is available at our partner’s hotel. In the afternoon, 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.
PRICE PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS
PRICE PER PERSON based on private tour
| Group size | Solo trip | Group of 2 |
| Price per person | USD 355 | USD 225 |
| Single supplement | – | USD 28 |
Single supplement: applies for those who travel with others but requires an single room for him/herself
* Discount for larger group is available; please contact our travel consultants at info@handspan.com
INCLUDED
• Hotel in Sapa based on twin-shared room
• Meals as specified in the program
• Train ticket Hanoi – Lao Cai in air conditioned, 4-berth sleeper cabin
• Bus or Train ticket Sapa – Hanoi in comfortable, safe, air-conditioned shuttle bus
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned support vehicle with an experienced driver
• The services of an experienced, English-speaking local 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
