HIKING IN SAPA, VIETNAM

(4days/5nights)

Hanoi - Lao Cai (night train)

Car picks up and transfer to Hanoi Railway Station for night train to Lao Cai. Overnight on the train.

Day1: Lao Cai - Sapa valley

Arrive Lao Cai and transfer to Sapa. After breakfast and some rest at the hotel, meet local guide and we leave Sapa by jeep and wind our way to the end of the dirt track at Su Pan. The Jeeps are left behind, and with a beautiful view of the valley below us we move down to the river and the village of Ban Ho. Cross the river by a suspended bridge and move slowly eastwards through a landscape dominated by verdant mountaintop and rice-terraces climbing up the slopes. Gradually learn to recognize the different tribes who have been using these paths for generations by their varied, colourful traditional dress. Enjoy lunch in local house, as curious children peek in and giggle, before leaving the village and heading up a nearby valley. The path rises gradually to an altitude of 1040m, and on the other side we descend to the small, isolated village of Sin Chai (940m). Overnight at a local house (or in a tent, if you prefer) after a simple meal prepared by the family.

Day2: Sapa valley

The day start early, so wake up to the sound of a cock crowing, the grunts of free-roaming pigs, and the creaking of water-mills grinding rice. Some families will turn the flour into rice-paper, which you may see hanging out to dry around the homes. Sin Chai is a Dzao village. Those interested in learning more about the area can set out after breakfast on an easy two-hour walk to another Dzao village, Suoi Thau (1030m). Along the way enjoy a magnificent view all the way across the valley to the mountains before reaching a unique wooden bridge with a thatched roof that connects the village to the rice fields. After lunch here, return to Sin Chai to spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the village.

Day3: Sapa

After the H’mong porters pack our gear, say goodbye to Sin Chai and hit the trail. Stop for tea and a swim in the river in Than Phu before heading to the Tay village of Ban Ho. A local family is expecting us, and the cook has prepared lunch for us to enjoy on the porch before heading back up the escarpment towards Su Pan and the waiting jeeps. Back in Sapa, after check-in at the local hotel you may be surprised by how much you appreciate the modern convenience of a hot shower and a cold drink. Perhaps at dinner you’ll want to reflect on how quickly you can get in touch with a different culture largely unaffected by the modern world.

Day4: Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi

Free day to explore Sapa and Sapa Market by yourself until transfer back to Lao Cai Railway station for night train back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi in the next early morning. End of the service.