Sapa - Ultimate Trek & Indigenous encounters

Duration

4 days 4 nights

Tour Type

City Break

Group Size

8 Persons

Tour Guide

1 English-speaking local guide

Northwest Vietnam

Sapa – Ultimate Trek & Indigenous encounters

Nestled in the heart of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Sapa is a trekker’s paradise, captivating adventurers with its rugged beauty and rich cultural tapestry. Known for its breathtaking terraced rice fields, lush valleys, and towering peaks, this charming town offers endless opportunities for exploration and discovery on foot.

Join us in Sapa for an unforgettable 5-day journey that combines the thrill of trekking with the beauty of untouched landscapes. You will have a chance to visit traditional villages, interact with local inhabitants, and gain insights into their unique customs and way of life. The warmth and hospitality of the locals make every encounter memorable and enriching.

Highlights

Embark on a rewarding 4-day trek covering 63 km, exploring diverse landscapes and engaging with local communities along the way
Admire the stunning scenery of Sapa’s terraced rice fields, a hallmark of the region’s natural beauty
Experience the charm and nostalgia of Vietnam’s historic night train as you travel from Hanoi to Sapa

Destination	Sapa, Lao Cai, Vietnam
Included	1 way night train ticket from Hanoi to Sapa, 4 berth cabin 1 way sleeper bus ticket from Sapa to Hanoi, single cabin Shuttle bus from Lao Cai train station to hotel in Sapa 3-nights village stay with local family from ethnic groups Meals, as mentioned in the program The service of English speaking local guide in Sapa Water & local fruits All entrance fees
Excluded	Beverages, guide gratuities and personal expenses Camera fees (if any) Insurance VAT and other taxes
Travel by train & sleeping bus

What to bring

Sun & rain gear (including sunscreen and brimmed hat)
Warm clothes in winter (mid-November to early March)
Insect repellent
Walking shoes/sandals
Cycling shoes/sandals
Swimsuits
Toiletries, towel and flashlight
Original passport

Price

Price per person, based on a private tour for

Group of

1 pax

2-3 pax

4-5 pax

6 pax

SINGLE SUP

Price per person

VND 6,720,000
($264)

VND 5,840,000
($229)

VND 5,540,000

($217)

VND 5,256,000

($206)

VND 125,000

($5)

Details

Xin chào! Begin your adventure to Sapa with an unforgettable night train journey—an interesting experience for any traveler. Departing from the historic Hanoi Railway Station at 10 PM, be sure to arrive early at 120 Le Duan (at least 15 minutes in advance is recommended). Built by the French and inaugurated in 1902, Hanoi Railway Station stands as a significant transportation hub in the capital, its train whistle a cherished memory for generations of Hanoians. This enchanting 8-hour journey ends at Lao Cai Station at 6 AM, where a shuttle bus awaits to bring you to your hotel. After checking in, take a well-deserved rest and savor your first breakfast in the breathtaking town of Sapa.

*Due to varying availability, our operator will inform you of the railway brand once you book the tour.

After having your breakfast, leave Sapa at 9am and embark on a trek to Cat Cat village, where you'll be greeted by the stunning waterfall cascading down the hillside.

Next, enjoy a picturesque 2 km walk through the rice terraces of Y Linh Ho, a village renowned for its rich Hmong heritage and their established rice terraces are around 100 years old. Rice appeared after the French left at the turn of the century - before this the Hmong traditionally hunted animals for food. This is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in true Hmong culture. From Y Linh Ho we will make our way to Lao Chai, an established Hmong minority village which has been inhabited for centuries. See the product of this minority at its best with maintained rice terraces, homes and a vibrant community. You will be welcomed warmly by Mai and her family who proudly host the first-ever Hmong-owned homestay in the Sapa region. *Distance: 16 km trek | Grade: Medium **You will stay with a H’mong family. The bathroom is basic but clean, with hot water available, though it may be somewhat modest.

When you awake, open the window and have a look outside. If weather permits, you will be treated to amazing views across the rice terraces in the valley. After breakfast you will make your way to Ta Van where you will visit the Giay minority people. This tribe traditionally fished for a living and as a result established themselves close to rivers. They have mastered the art of fishing with bamboo sticks, and cook the fish in the bamboo. Nowadays however you are more likely to see the Giay working in fields planting or harvesting rice or making incense by taking the ingredients from the forest.

We will continue our walk through an impressive bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, and then on to the village of Su Pan where you will be able to rest your legs and take in the stunning mountain scenery as we stop for a picnic lunch. Feeling revitalized, we will hike the final 6 km to Ban Ho village where we will spend the night with another family. This house-on-stilts is particularly special as it sits on stilts overlooking the rice terraces. Dinner is cooked on an open fire, and some local speciality rice wine will be on offer to help you wind down!

*Distance: 17 km trek | Grade: Medium **You will spend this night with a Tay family in their traditional house on stilts. The bathroom is basic but clean, with hot water available, though it may be somewhat modest.

You know when it’s time to wake up when you hear the patter of feet on bamboo heading up the stairs to the bathroom. After a filling breakfast in the homestay we will walk 3km to Nam Toong village, home to the Red Dao minority.

We will then follow a buffalo trail through sprawling rice terraces, taking in the spectacular views of Hoang Lien National Park as we make our way to My Son village. Here you can meet the Xa Pho minority, one of the smallest tribes in the Sapa area. We will spend the night in the village of Thanh Phu, where you enjoy local food and a warm bed in a Tay minority stilt house. *Distance: 16 km trek | Grade: Medium **You will stay at a house on stilts with a Tay family. The bathroom is basic but clean, with hot water available, though it may be somewhat modest.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a scenic walk from Thanh Phu back to Ban Ho via a different route, following the tranquil Muong Hoa River. This easy yet picturesque trail allows you to unwind from the previous days of trekking and take in the remaining breathtaking landscapes. If the weather is favorable, enjoy a refreshing swim in the river*—perfect for those feeling adventurous!

Upon reaching Ban Ho, transport will be ready to take you back to Sapa, where you can relax and rejuvenate. Around 3 PM, your bus will pick you up from Sapa town and transport you back to Hanoi. You will be in Hanoi at 11pm. This marks the end of our memorable journey together. *Depending on the time of the year, the level of water will vary.