At an elevation of 1,600 meters, Sapa is a delightful former French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnam's northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minority groups, each wearing traditional and colorful attire. This trip includes a trek through the hills and valleys of the Sapa region, discovering several different minorities along the way. You will experience overnight accommodation in the hospitable villages of Dzay and Tay ethnic minorities. Round off the trek with a nice stay in Topas Eco Lodge. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer and experience unique villages culture.

Night 1:  Night train to Lao Cai

Transfer from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight in AC soft sleeper cabin.

Summary:
Transfer hotel – railway station:  AC vehicle
Accommodation:   Soft sleeper in AC cabin

Day 1: Trek and home stay

Arrive in Lao Cai around 5.30 am. Meet our tour guide in Lao Cai and transferred to Sapa. Breakfast in local restaurant. After breakfast we can pack up for the trek or stroll in Sapa market walk around the town. We will begin our trek at 10 am. We will trek on small trails down hill to Muong Hoa Valley and visit to villages of Black H’mong and Dzay minority groups. Picnic lunch on the way. We will reach Tavan, a village of Dzay minority around 4.30 pm. Dinner and overnight in a local house.

Summary:
Transfer Lao Cai – Sapa:  1 hr
Trek:    15 km on dirt paths – Moderate grade
Meals:    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation:  Home stay

Day 2: Trek and home stay

Breakfast at the home stay. We leave Ta Van Village at 8.30 am for Giang Ta Chai, a village of Red Dzao minority. Today we trek through thick bamboo forest and enjoy great view of rice terraces. Around noon we reach Giang Ta Chai, visit to the village and have picnic lunch by Muong Hoa Rive.  In the afternoon we cross the river and head to Ban Ho, a village of Tay minority group. We will have dinner and overnight in a traditional house-on-stilt of the Tay.

Summary:
Trek:   20 km – Moderate grade
Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Home stay

Day 3: Topas Eco Lodge

After breakfast at the home stay we leave Ban Ho and walk 3 km on good trails to our bus. Short transfer to Topas Eco Lodge. Upon arrival in Topas Eco Lodge we check in hotel and relax in the eco lodge. Lunch and dinner in the eco lodge. Overnight in Topas Eco lodge.

Summary:
Trek:   40 mins – Moderate grade
Meals:   Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Topas Eco Lodge

Day 4: Back to Hanoi

Breakfast in Topas Eco Lodge.  Relax in the eco lodge and take the shuttle bus at 11.30 am to Sapa Town. Leave luggage at Topas office we then free to explore the town. We can visit Ham Rong Park or shop in Sapa market. In the late afternoon we take a bus ride to Lao Cai for night train back to Hanoi.

Summary:
Transfer eco lodge – Sapa:  30 mins
Transfer Sapa – railway station:  1-hr by AC vehicle
Meal:     Breakfast
Accommodation:   Overnight train with AC, soft sleeper cabin

Day 5: Arrive in Hanoi. Trip completes

Arrive in Hanoi around 4.30 am. Trip completes at the train station.