Experience Overview
Northwest Vietnam is a captivating mix of dramatic mountain landscapes, crisp fresh air and colourfully clothed hilltribes. Set on the slopes of a beautiful green valley, Sapa is the heart of this unique piece of Vietnam. Travel to this peaceful land and meet resplendently dressed ethnic minorities at the local market, visit neighbouring villages and hike through rice terraces, witnessing how the current of life has thrived here for centuries. This five-day trekking adventure is full of opportunities to get to know traditional hilltribe culture and cuisine, while relishing the landscapes of Sapa and its surrounds.
Highlights
- Start your adventure in Hanoi, discovering the Old Quarter, delicious food and gorgeous landmarks in your free time.
- Stay in a traditional homestay for one night – the perfect way to access the remote parts of Vietnam and get a real glimpse into local life. You’ll also be treated to home-cooked meals, among breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Hike through the rolling rice terraces, waterfalls, mountains and lush green hills of Sapa and you’ll quickly realise why this has become an iconic image of Vietnam.
- Discover Sapa town on a walking tour with a local guide, tasting local snacks along the way – a trademark of the local lifestyle.
- Meet a community of hilltribe people who have been in Vietnam for over three centuries. Having emigrated from China, the H'mong settled in Cat Cat Village and will invite you to learn about their rich culture.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Vun Art. Donations help them empower people with disabilities in Vietnam by providing vocational training and employment opportunities.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2819
Tour Type:
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Minibus,Overnight sleeper train,Private vehicle
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: TVAG
Starts: Hanoi, Vietnam
Finishes: Hanoi, Vietnam
Duration: 5 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (3), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Homestay (1 night),Hotel (1 night),Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 810 (CAD 162 /day)
Itinerary
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. If you arrive in Hanoi early, why not dive into the bustling world of bikes and boulevards and explore the French colonial architecture that decorates the laneways. Maybe indulge in a Vietnamese coffee while people-watching from a street-side cafe or step back in time in the Old Quarter. Tonight, you’ll be picked up by your local guide from your Joining Point Hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter at around 6.30 pm and transferred to the train station, where your guide will give you your tickets for the return train journey to Sapa. Say farewell to your guide before you board the overnight sleeper train bound for Lao Cai. The train journey is unaccompanied, and you may be sharing with locals or other travellers.
Optional Activities:
- Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh Complex (80000 VND)
- Hanoi - Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison (50000 VND)
- Hanoi - Temple of Literature (70000 VND)
- Hanoi - Fine Arts Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Museum of Ethnology (40000 VND)
- Hanoi - Women's Museum (30000 VND)
- Hanoi - Street Food Experience Urban Adventure (40 USD)
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning and travel to Sapa via minibus, passing through dramatic scenery. When you arrive in the hillside town, you’ll meet your local guide for a breakfast of bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) among the gorgeous views of rice terraces cascading down the mountain. After, check in into your hotel. Later in the afternoon head to the central market and explore the local produce and handicrafts, all the while enjoying a big tasting of some local snacks along the way. The food snacks amount to a full meal. Try a few favourites that are popular in Sapa and learn about the culture and lifestyle here from your guide.
Included Activities:
- Guided trek
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning after breakfast, set off towards Lao Cai to the starting point of today’s trek. From here, you’ll follow a narrow trail that leads uphill for about 2 hours, headed for the Sa Seng. At the pinnacle, take in the breathtaking sights of Fansipan Peak and Muong Hoa Valley. Continue to Hang Da Village – a Hmong community nestled at an altitude of 1800 m, which provides an incredible vista of the valley. Soak in the views, then sit down with your group for a satisfying picnic lunch to refuel. Continue to Hau Thao village, enjoying the panoramic views of the valley along the way. When you arrive at the commune, take the opportunity to rest and get to know the local Black Hmong community who live here. The trek then continues to Giang Ta Chai village – your homestay accommodation for tonight. After settling in and introducing yourself to the Giay community, you’ll be treated to a homecooked dinner with the locals.
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
After a hearty, energising breakfast, you’ll set off again on a 2 to 3 hour walk to Su Pan Village. Take the road to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dzao minority via the paths between terraces and bamboo forests. Walk past waterfalls, where buffalo might cool themselves from the heat and cross a suspension bridge. Cross Muong Hoa River, then head up to the mountain to visit the last village of the trek – Su Pan. Maybe grab a quick bowl of pho before meeting up with your vehicle for the short drive back to Sapa. Arriving in Sapa, you have a free afternoon to explore the town. Maybe get a massage to sooth your tired muscles, or check out the local market selling produce, herbal remedies, and (very fresh) meats. Pick up any hilltribe crafts you might have had your eye on or sit back with a drink while you look over the misty mountains. Tonight, you’ll take another overnight train back to Hanoi.
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Your adventure ends at Hanoi train station in the early morning (around 5 am). The rest of the day is free for you to soak up the grace of this dynamic city in modern Vietnam. If you’d like to extend your stay or need help booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Mei-Ling - Traveled, March 2024
A must if going to Vietnam, was an amazing experience, the views stunning , people ( really friendly) and food was amazing and delicious. If you have time add Sapa to your trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/18/2024
Lynette - Traveled, November 2023
Great tour guide. Sapa us a really cool place to visit. Make sure you visit the Hill tribe villages and Mt Fancipan. Two days is not enough if you are doing a homestay - stay longer!!@
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/27/2023
Aaron - Traveled, July 2023
Great trip, most stunning area. Definitely pack shoes with excellent grip for the hike if it rains.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/09/2023
Sung In - Traveled, June 2023
This was my first Short Break Adventure, having been a regular Intrepid traveller for many years. The trip was well-organized and I was the only guest, making it essentially a private tour! I strongly recommend booking ahead for early check-in at the hotel in Sapa upon arrival off the train and also before getting on the overnight train back to Hanoi - a hot shower makes a world of difference, especially as it was rainy and muddy for my last day of hiking. My Hmong guide May was a wonderful guide and she was both knowledgeable and also considerate and attentive to my needs. The meal before boarding the train in Hanoi was simple local fare, but the highlight meal for me was at the homestay. Despite the on and off rain throughout the trip, I loved walking through the villages and rice terraces and experiencing the peaceful countryside in Sapa. I’d definitely do this trip again!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2023
Yamini Madhusoodanan - Traveled, May 2024
Very well organised trip to Sapa. There was someone to meet us at every point and instructions were clear. The hotels we stayed at were also good. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. The homestay was a great experience too. Loved it all! We chose to try out other food places in Sapa as we wanted better restaurants to eat in.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/21/2024
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