Sapa sits regally overlooking a beautiful valley, lofty mountains towering over the town on all sides.  

Welcome to a world of mysterious minority cultures and luscious landscapes. The spectacular scenery that surrounds Sapa includes cascading rice terraces that spill down the mountains like a patchwork quilt.

The mountains are often shrouded in mist that roll back and forth along the peaks, offering tantalising glimpses of what lies in wait on a clear day. The valleys and villages around Sapa are home to a host of hill-tribe people who wander in to town to buy, sell and trade.

Hanoi to Hanoi, Vietnam, 5 days / 4 nights
 

What you will see and do:

• Walking tour of Hanoi's Old Quarter
• Overnight train to Lao Cai
• Scenic drive to the hill station of Sapa
• Jeep (4WD) trip into the mountains
• Walks to visit the villages of the Black H'Mong, Zay, Tay and Red Zao people
• Overnight homestay with a local family

Tailor-made Tours:
Are just that - tailor-made for you! This is a suggested itinerary based on our many years experience travelling to Vietnam and the expert advice of our local team.

Add or delete days, choose your preferred accommodation and perhaps look at combing this tour with one of our other itineraries or destinations. Remember it is your choice!

Your Guide:
Your time in the Mekong is locally guided.. Our local operator is one of the most experienced in Vietnam, is fully registered and your guide will be English speaking and will take excellent care of you!

Your Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival Hanoi (D)

Arrival in Hanoi, where your guide will meet you and assist with transfer to your hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival, you may like to take a walking orientation of the old quarter and a brief look at Hoan Kiem Lake.

The old quarter is steeped in history, with busy crowded merchant streets named after their wares, e.g. Hang Gai is called ‘Silk Street’, and here you can purchase anything from silk pyjamas to herbal medicines.  Hoan Kiem Lake, ‘Lake of the Restored Sword’ gets its name from a 15th century legend.

Tonight we introduce you to Vietnamese cuisine at a local restaurant before transferring to the station for your overnight train to Sapa. Overnight on local train.

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Day 2 - Lao Cai, Sapa (B)

Arrive early morning at Lao Cai station, followed by the scenic drive up to the hill station of Sapa. Enjoy the spectacular views of the rice-terraced mountains and ethnic minority people the Black H’Mong and Red Dao hill tribe people.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the top of Lao Chai village, and then a downhill walk to visit a Black H'Mong village. Continue to hike from Lao Chai to Ta Van where the Zay group, Red Zao tribes live. Late afternoon, drive back to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

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Day 3 - Sapa (BLD)

After breakfast, depart Sapa by jeep. The drive takes approx. one hour to Su Pan. From an altitude of 950 meters, you will trek down into a fascinating valley with wooden and bamboo houses that belong to the Tay tribe at Nam Sai village.

Take a walk around the village and talk to local people. Enjoy dinner in a local house. Continue your walk to the village of Sin Chai, where we spend the night at a local family’s home stay / guesthouse.

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Day 4 - Sapa, Lao Cai (By Road) Hanoi (By Train) (BL)

A freedom morning exploring the village, returning to the homestay for an early lunch. Say goodbye to your host family and return trek to Sapa. Direct transfer to Lao Cai to take an overnight train to back Hanoi. Overnight on local train.

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Day 5 - Hanoi Departure

Arrival Hanoi. Transfer to hotel or airport.

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This is the perfect add on to any Vietnam Tour as it starts and ends at Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam's North.

Depart on the day you want and choose your grade of accommodation.

Priced from NZ$1,308pp share twin and includes:
3 x Breakfast 2 x Lunch 2 x Dinners, Local guide, All entrances fees and permits, Modern air-conditioned vehicles, Return sleeper train to Sapa, Accommodation and Meals as indicated.