Hanoi - Overnight train to Sapa

Hanoi Railway Station - This evening, our driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter (as advised before departure) between 7:30 PM and 7:00 PM. Bid farewell to your local guide before boarding the overnight sleeper train to Lao Cai (departing around 9:30 PM, with an approximate journey time of 6 hours). The train ride is unaccompanied, and you may share the compartment with locals or other travelers.

Lao Cai – Sapa (B, L, D)

Sapa - Upon arriving in Lao Cai at dawn, you will be transferred to Sapa. You can leave your luggage at the tour office and enjoy a shower and a full buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Once refreshed and energized, your morning trek will start from Sapa to Ta Phin valley. Walk with your experienced guide through the town for about 20 minutes before turning onto a dirt road leading to Ma Tra, a Black Hmong village known for its traditional clothing and customs.

The moderate hiking route through this rural community offers picturesque views of vegetable gardens and rice terraces, with green mountains rising in the background. You’ll have time to visit local families and learn about traditional fiber processing before continuing your trek to Ta Phin village, located in one of Vietnam’s most scenic valleys.

Stop here for a simple picnic lunch before exploring the village and admiring the embroidered clothing and red headscarves worn by the Red Dao women.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Sapa by private, air-conditioned vehicle to check into your hotel and have dinner. You’re free to explore the charming town’s sloping streets, visit the market with its colorful handicrafts, or head up to Ham Rong peak for a fantastic photo opportunity over Sapa (weather permitting; entrance fee not included).
• Overnight in Paris Boutique Hotel, Sapa Diamond Hotel, or similar (3-star option)
• Overnight in Sapa Legend Hotel, Amazing Sapa Hotel, or similar (4-star option)

Ta Phin Village - Ta Phin is the nearest village of the Red Dao ethnic group within the Sapa district. From Sapa, it takes about 30 minutes to reach by motorbike. The mountainous road can be challenging for cars, so the best option is to hire a “xe om” or motorbike taxi. The experienced driver will take you to the right place at a reasonable price, offering many useful tips and advice.

Ham Rong Mountain - Ham Rong Mountain, shaped like a dragon, is located right next to Sapa town center and is a famous eco-tourist site in this beautiful Sapa destination. It is one of the few mountains in Vietnam with a beautiful image and a good legend.

Sapa – Lao Cai – Hanoi (B, L)

Fansipan Mountain - After a hotel breakfast, meet your guide in the morning and depart on a second trek from Sapa to Golden Stream valley. Today’s hike offers stunning views of rice terraces and gardens, as well as Mt. Fansipan, whose summit rises 10,312 feet (3,143 meters) above sea level.
After crossing a suspension bridge, marvel at the breathtaking scenery as you continue through the Golden Stream valley, stopping at Lao Chai village for lunch.

After your meal, follow your guide on a walk through this village where Black Hmong people reside, and continue to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay tribe. This part of the hike is relatively easy, though the trail can be quite slippery if it rains, so good footwear is recommended.
You’ll visit some local families and learn about their daily lifestyle and fascinating culture before departing to the main road to meet your driver and return to Sapa.
A shower is available at the hotel, followed by an afternoon free to explore the town on your own.
In the evening, depart Sapa for Lao Cai, where you’ll take the night train back to Hanoi.

Ta Van Village - Located less than 10 kilometers from Sapa, Ta Van is a village in Lao Cai province, lying peacefully in the Muong Hoa valley. The residents are mainly H’Mong, Giay, and Red Dao ethnic groups, with approximately 1,000 people.

Hanoi

Hanoi - The train arrives at Hanoi railway station, marking the end of the tour.

• Round-trip train fare from Hanoi with 2-nights’ sleeper car
• Professional guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle transport
• Overnight stay in Sapa
• Meals included: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

• Gratuities
• Hanoi Hotel Drop off

Embark on a complete round-trip journey to the northwest of Vietnam via an overnight train taking you from Hanoi to Lao Cai and Sapa. There, you’ll participate in a couple of moderate hikes through picturesque mountain valleys and rice terraces, visiting local villages. Accompanied by a knowledgeable private guide, you’ll experience the everyday life of the local tribes including the Black Hmong, Red Dao, and Dzay people, engaging with villagers and learning about their cultural traditions. Enjoy your evenings at leisure, taking in the lively atmosphere of the market town of Sapa, and rest comfortably at a local 3 or 4-star hotel.

• A moderate amount of hiking is involved
• Sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes and insect repellent is recommended
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Rates are based on twin-share accommodations

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.