Tour Code: Y4YHZGLJLDIL
5 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
English
Hanoi, Lao Cai, Sapa, Cat Cat Village, Ta Van, Su Pan
Commence and conclude your journey in Hanoi! The Sapa Adventure, a 5-day tour package, guides you through Hanoi, Vietnam, and five other captivating destinations in the country. The package encompasses accommodation in a hotel, an experienced guide, meals, transportation, and additional amenities.
Greetings! Welcome to Vietnam. A welcome package comprising a welcome letter, your trip itinerary, a Sapa information sheet, and a feedback card will be available for you at your hotel. Kindly inquire at the hotel's reception for the Intrepid welcome pack upon your arrival. During your free time, immerse yourself in the sea of motorcycles, boulevards, and vibrant life that defines Hanoi. Take the opportunity to explore the French colonial architecture that adorns the winding alleyways, savor a rich Vietnamese coffee while observing the lively scene from street-side cafes, or step into the past with a stroll through the Old Quarter.
This evening, your local guide will pick you up from your designated Joining Point Hotel (see below) or an alternative hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter (communicated before departure) between 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm. The guide will accompany you for an inclusive dinner, providing more insights into the Sapa region. After dinner, you will be transported to the train station, where your guide will hand over your tickets for the overnight sleeper train journey back. Bid farewell to your local guide as you board the overnight sleeper train bound for Lao Cai (departing around 9:30 pm, with an approximate journey time of 8 hours). The train journey is self-guided, and you may share the compartment with locals or fellow travelers.
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Upon your early morning arrival in Lao Cai (around 6:00 am), a local driver will be there to greet you. The driver will be collecting several other passengers who are also traveling to Sapa. Enjoy a transfer to Sapa by minibus, a journey of approximately 1 hour, showcasing breathtaking landscapes along the route. Take advantage of the free morning to unwind and explore this captivating mountainside town. If the weather permits, revel in unobstructed views of the expansive rice terraces that gracefully descend the mountainside. Alternatively, appreciate the mystical mists that often envelop the Sapa hillsides.
In the afternoon, embark on a guided 2-3 hour moderate trek downhill to the hilltribe villages of Cat Cat, following a paved path and passing by a scenic waterfall. These villages are inhabited by the H'mong people, who migrated from China around 300 years ago. Recognizable by their dark-blue or black attire, the dye for which is derived from the native indigo plant, the H'mong women wear long aprons with embroidered waistcoats and don turban-like hats, while the men don black skullcaps. During your journey, you may encounter local H’mong traders known for their persistent and assertive sales techniques. Understand that their approach stems from the competitive nature of business, and only make purchases if you are inclined to do so. In the late afternoon, return to Sapa and spend the night at a hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
After securing your main luggage at the Sapa hotel, embark on a guided trek lasting approximately six hours (covering around 12 - 15 kilometers). Traverse buffalo paths, trails, and pass through various hilltribe villages inhabited by ethnic groups like the Red Zao and Tay people. This mesmerizing trek meanders through breathtaking landscapes adorned with graceful rice paddy terraces. Exercise caution as the path may feature uneven slopes, muddy sections, and rocky inclines. The picturesque rural scenes resemble pages from a storybook, and you'll have the pleasure of interacting with some of the warmest locals. Pause for lunch along the route and spend the night in the home of a H'Mong family in Ta Van Mong Village.
Upon arrival, take some time to explore the village, strolling down to witness locals paddling in the Muong Hoa River and observing Hmong individuals cruising on their motorbikes. Enjoy a complimentary dinner featuring delightful Vietnamese dishes, prepared by your hospitable hosts.
Accommodation: Homestay
After a nourishing and energizing early breakfast, commence a 2-3 hour walk to Su Pan Village. Although today's trek is shorter, the scenery remains stunning. Follow the path to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dzao minority, navigating between terraces and through bamboo forests. Traverse waterfalls where buffalo may seek relief from the heat and cross a suspension bridge. Take in the surroundings and cherish the last moments in this incredible setting. Cross the Muong Hoa River, then ascend the mountain to explore the final village of the trek – Su Pan. Consider grabbing a quick bowl of pho before meeting your vehicle for the 30-minute drive back to Sapa.
Upon arrival in Sapa, enjoy a free afternoon to explore the town. Treat yourself to a massage to soothe trek-tired muscles, explore the local market offering produce, herbal remedies, and very fresh meats, purchase any Hilltribe crafts that caught your eye, or relax with a drink while admiring the misty mountains. A local driver will pick you up from your Sapa hotel between 5-5.30 pm for the transfer back to the Lao Cai train station in the late afternoon (approximately 1 hour). You'll have some free time for an optional dinner before boarding the overnight train to Hanoi. Boarding begins around 7.30 pm for an 8.30 pm departure (journey time approximately 8 hours).
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Your journey concludes upon reaching Hanoi train station in the early morning (around 5 am). The remainder of the day is yours to embrace the vibrancy of this dynamic city, which encapsulates the essence of contemporary Vietnam.
Member Since 2024
