4 nights/3 days Sapa in Depth 

Sapa, Giang Ta Chai, Ban Ho, Thanh Phu, Lao Cai


Sapa is the home of dramatic landscapes, colourful hilltribes, breathtaking scenery and is well-known for its Saturday market.


Hike through lush rice terraces, watch village life, stay overnight in Zay and Tay ethnic minority villages. This trip offers wonderful experiences.


Day 0 Hanoi / Overnight train to Lao Cai
We meet you in our office between 19:00 to 19:30 to explain more about the Sapa region. After that we are transferred to Hanoi railway station for boarding an overnight train to Lao Cai.

Day 1 Lao Cai / Sapa / Y Linh Ho / Giang Ta Chai
Upon our arrival in Lao Cai railway station in the early morning (approximately 6am), we meet with our driver before making our way to Sapa. The journey is by minibus weaving through winding roads – promising stunning panoramic views of rice terraces and mountains below.


After a refreshing shower and breakfast at our hotel we set off to venture out on a trek through Y Linh Ho, a spectacularly beautiful valley and home to the Black H'mong ethnic people who emigrated from China 300 years ago. 

The H'mong people are easily recognisable by their dark-blue or black clothing. The dye is made from the indigo plant, which is native to the area. H'mong women wear long aprons with embroidered waist-coats.


We pass along buffalo paths and trails, as well as through peaceful ethnic minority villages. This is a spectacular hike, winding through stunning scenery and sculpted rice paddy terraces. We eat lunch while enjoying the magnificent views over the lush valley and soaring mountains.


Finally, we trek down to the hilltribe villages of Giang Ta Chai, nestled in a spectacular region and home to the Zay ethnic people. The Zay people are adept at rice cultivation and are responsible for tending to the manicured terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Tonight we enjoy an included meal of delicious Vietnamese dishes, prepared by our hosts. We spend a memorable night in the traditional house of a Zay family. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).


Day 2 Giang Ta Chai / Ban Ho
The beautiful Giang Ta Chai is surrounded by verdant hills, soaring mountains and scenic rice terraces.


After breakfast, we take an extensive hike to Su Pan village. We follow 
the paths between rice terraces, through lush bamboo forests, past waterfalls and cross a suspension bridge.

 

We then head down to the last village of the trek – Ban Ho, situated in a region of scenic rice terraces and home to Tay ethnic people. At night we stay over in a friendly Tay family. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)


Day 3 Ban Ho / Sapa / Lao Cai / Overnight train back to Hanoi
We enjoy a scenic hike to Thanh Phu, home to dramatic mountains and lush fertile hills and Tay ethnic people.

Hiking through more stunning rural countryside and meeting the friendly local people offer us wonderful foray into their way of life.


Next, we meet up with our vehicle for the 1 hour drive back to Sapa. 
Arriving in Sapa, we have a free afternoon to explore the town.


Late this afternoon we are picked up from our Sapa hotel between
5-5.30 pm by our driver. We are then transferred back to the Lao Cai train station this afternoon (approximately 1 hour).


We have some free time for an optional dinner before we board the overnight train to Hanoi (journey time approximately 8 hours). The trip ends upon arrival in Hanoi railway station at 5.30 am. (Breakfast and lunch are included).

The facts…

Physical activities: 

Our itinerary includes hikes and treks with: 

- a 9-15 km hike on Day 1.

- a 12-16 km trek on Day 2.

- a 9-12 km hike on Day 3.


Meals: 

- 3 breakfasts.

- 3 lunches.

- 3 dinners. 

A wide variety of food is commonly available in local restaurants, markets or homes, using fresh local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area. We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking. 


Transport: 

- vehicle.

- sleeper train.


Tour Guides: 

Our experienced and friendly local tour guides speak fluent English. 

They are knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment. 


Accommodation:

- 2 nights on overnight trains.

- 2 nights in local families.


Clean and comfortable homestays with mosquito nets provided.


Trip cost: 

- $178USD per person for a group of 1 to 8 people. 

- $146USD per person for a group of 9 to 10 people. 


The cost of the trip includes: 

- accommodation.

- transportation.

- meals listed on the itinerary.

- tour guides.

- entrance fees.

- permits during guided excursions.


The cost of the trip does not include: 

- travel insurance.

- drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water).

- admission fees during free time.

- other personal expenses such as shopping; telephone, laundry and bar bills etc. 


What to take: 

Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, hiking shoes and small day pack. 

It is essential to bring your passport on this trip.


We also recommend packing: personal articles, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat, sun hat…


Have a great journey!!!