Overview
In the northwest of Vietnam you’ll find Sapa, the picturesque old French hill-station that nestles high in the Tonkinese Alps, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and gateway to superb trekking, ethnic hill tribes, markets and world class vistas. Travel up by overnight train, spend 2 days exploring as much or as little as you like then return to Hanoi by car for the start of the group tour.
Day 1: Depart on your choice of overnight flights to Hanoi
Day 2: Arrive Hanoi. Hotel day room until evening overnight train to Sapa in private sleeping berth
Day 3: Arrive Sapa for 2 nights. Choice of walking tours to hill tribes, markets & mountain trails
Day 4: Morning walking tour to surrounding countryside. Afternoon free.
Day 5: Private car transfer down to Hanoi. Check-in to hotel for 2 nights. Join Group tour
Full Itinerary
Day 1: UK Airport / Hanoi
Depart on a choice of overnight flights to Hanoi.
Day 2: Arrive Hanoi - Day room - Overnight Train to Sapa
On arrival you’ll be met by your private guide and transferred to the city centre where we will arrange a day room for you at the Flower Garden Hotel until you leave later this evening. Hanoi offers the chance to enjoy authentic old school Far East. The hotel is in the centre and we’d recommend that you take a walk through the Old Quarter. Don’t be put off by the thousands of motor scooters, just dive in.
The train leaves at approximately 9pm and so time for an early dinner before the guide takes you to the station for the
overnight train to Sapa. You will be in a private soft sleeping cabin with soft mattress, bedding, large window and lockable door.
Day 3: Sapa (B / L) - Walking Tour
Arrive Lao Cai station early morning (approximately 6.00am), if possible ready to go in your walking gear. Your private guide will be waiting at the station to drive you into Sapa (2 nights) for breakfast; then it’s time to take to the hills, as you enjoy a day’s walking tour.
Drive to the small Giay village of Ta Van, in the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley. Enjoy a scenic 1 hour walk through the tranquil rice terraces towards the Black H’mong village of Lao Chai. Marvel at the cascading paddy fields that cling to the mountainside and take in one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking views before arriving at the home of Ms Moo, a local Black H’mong lady. Enjoy the view whilst learning more about the traditional life and culture of the Black H’mong people and taking a traditional H’mong herbal foot bath!
From here head on to Lao Chai village where you’ll learn the art of Batik painting. The beautiful textiles of the Black H’mong are famous around the world and Batik is a traditional part of H’mong culture. Under threat from modernisation, it’s now only practiced by a handful of villagers. Join a hands-on master class led by a local expert and take your creation home. You’ll be supporting a sustainable tourism project that supports local women and ensures this art form is handed down to the next generation. The tour concludes late afternoon back in Sapa
Day 4: Sapa - Private Walking Tour (B / L)
This morning your guide will collect you for a day exploring the surrounding countryside. This day involves 13 km walk but it can be shortened to suit you. Walk south of Sapa towards the village of C Y Linh Ho. The valleys that surround the village are some of the most picturesque in the region and this route allows you to explore one of Sapa’s less-traversed areas. Make your way along a gentle incline, through emerald paddy fields above a deep river gorge, before arriving on the river bank. Take a rest, dip your toes in the cool mountain waters and if you are lucky see local children fishing with nets, before continuing deeper through the villages and terraces of the Black H’mong. Walk at your own pace and take in some of the best panoramas Vietnam has to offer. Enjoy lunch with a view at a local village restaurant before you will be picked up and transferred back to the hotel.
Day 5: Sapa (B) - Transfer to Hanoi - Join Small Group Tour
This morning your guide will collect and transfer you down from the moutains to Hanoi. The drive takes about 4-5 hours and will show you a little more of the country. On arrival in
Hanoi check-in to your hotel for 2 nights and join the small group Vietnam Highlights tour.
Inclusions
What's Included
This is designed to be an add on for one of our Small Group Tours.
General Inclusions:
- Day room in Hanoi on arrival
- English speaking, local guide & driver
- Overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa in private soft sleeper cabin
- Choice of hotel accommodation in Sapa
- Transport back to Hanoi in private air-conditioned vehicles
- 2 days private guided walking in Sapa
- All meals as detailed (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner)
General Exclusions:
- Optional Tours / Excursions
- Any meals not listed in the itinerary
- Drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for Guides / Drivers (discretionary)
- Travel insurance
Where You'll Stay
Hotels
The hotels below are there as examples, designed to act as a starting point from which to create your holiday. There are plenty of alternatives to choose from and when we quote we will include other suggestions so we get to understand your likes and dislikes. Quite often clients mix and match hotel categories throughout their holiday.
Vietnam
Hotels in Sapa