Sapa Wonder and Minority Market – 5 Days

The train pulls into Lao Cai station around 6 AM. Upon disembarking, meet your guide and driver for a one-hour uphill transfer into the Hoang Lien Son mountains, heading to Sapa. Revel in the breathtaking views of valleys and terraced rice fields along the journey.

Following breakfast, your guide will provide a brief tour of this enchanting town. At the market, people from various ethnic minority groups, adorned in their traditional costumes crafted by hand, gather daily to sell local products such as vegetables, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, medicinal herbs, and souvenirs. This presents an opportunity to engage with the locals and capture captivating photographs.

Later, embark on an uphill journey to the summit of Ham Rong Mountain for panoramic views of the town and its surroundings. Explore an orchard garden and a mini museum, offering insights into the lives of ethnic minority communities in Sapa and the northwest region. In the afternoon, you may choose to continue your descent to visit Cat Cat village of the Black H’mong, located 5 km away, or relax at a local terraced café, immersing yourself in the serene ambiance as clouds drift by.

This morning, your destination is Ta Phin commune, situated 14 km southeast of Sapa town. Nestled in a vast valley surrounded by lofty mountains, adorned with pine trees and forests, Ta Phin Commune is the residence of the Red Zao and Black H’mong ethnic groups. Despite their close proximity over the years, these two ethnic communities exhibit notable differences: the H’mong are known for their cheerfulness and openness, while the Red Zao are characterized by their frugality and reserve.

Embark on a 14 km journey to the heart of the valley, where you'll enjoy a leisurely walk along village paths, exploring H’mong hamlets scattered from the valley floor to the higher mountain slopes. From elevated vantage points, marvel at the expansive views of the valley below. Continue your stroll to the Red Zao village, where you'll encounter groups of women crafting various items, including embroidered clothes and handbags. Return to Sapa for lunch and a midday break.

In the afternoon, your local guide and driver will pick you up around 2:00 PM for a scenic drive uphill to visit the renowned Silver Waterfall. Next, proceed to Tram Ton, the highest mountain pass in Vietnam, situated at 1,800 m above sea level. Take in the magnificence of the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range, enjoying breathtaking views of the entire area that seem to stretch endlessly. Return to Sa Pa and unwind.

Two parallel mountain ranges to the southwest of Sa Pa town give rise to the enchanting Muong Hoa valley, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and serving as the habitat for a significant portion of Sa Pa's ethnic population, including the H’mong, Zao, Zay, Tay, and Xa Pho communities.

Today, immerse yourself in the wonders of Muong Hoa throughout the day. A Jeep will transport us out of town, traversing the lone road etched into the side of the mountain range. From this vantage point, you'll gaze upon magnificent scenery featuring towering mountains, deep valleys, meandering streams, waterfalls, and terraced rice paddies. On multiple occasions, departing from the main road, you'll have the opportunity to visit tribal villages such as Ta Van of the Zay and Su Pan of the Black H’mong, before returning to Sapa. The evening is yours to enjoy at leisure.

Based on the current date, you can select a market from our list, and we will tailor a detailed itinerary with specific activities for your preference.

Following a day of immersing yourself in the local culture and savoring the vibrant market atmosphere, you will board a VIP sleeping bus departing from Sapa to Hanoi at 4 p.m., with an expected arrival in Hanoi between 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.