DAY 1: HANOI
Depart Hanoi in the evening on the overnight train to Lao Cai on the Vietnamese – Chinese border.
DAY 2: LAO CAI – SAPA
Upon arrival at Lao Cai, drive 35 km to the former hill station of Sapa. In the afternoon, embark on a walk into the nearby Cat Cay valley, meeting some Hmong villagers along the way. Later in the day drive to the Red Dao village of Ta Phin nestled in a picturesque valley. Overnight stay in Sapa. (B)
DAY 3: SAPA – YLINH HO – LAO CHAI – TA VAN (Trek 15 km)
In the morning, trek down to the Muong Hoa River and from here to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai San, Lao Chai. Black Hmong is one of the biggest minority groups in the Sapa area. Continue to Ta Vin village (1,200 m altitude) to visit the Zay people. Stay overnight with a local family in Ta Van. Accommodation is basic but a unique and special experience. (L,D)
DAY 4: TA VAN – GIANG TO CHAI – SEO TRUNG HO (Trek 15 km)
After breakfast, continue trekking to the Red Dao people at Giang Ta Chai and see a waterfall. The Red Dao women have very colorful red embroideries and coins on their clothing and they always wear a red scarf. Stay overnight in the Seo Trung Ho village of Red Dao. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: SEO TRUNG HO – NAM TOONG – THANH PHU (Trek 20 km)
Early morning, trek along small paths through the rice fields, cross the Muong Hoa River and arrive at the Tay village, Thanh Phu. Tay is the most populated of the hill tribes and due to the fast development some of them have started wearing Vietnamese clothing. But most women still wear the traditional checkered headscarf. Stay overnight in a wooden Tay stilt house. (B,L,D)
DAY 6: THANH PHU – NAM SAI – NAM KEN – BAN HO (Trek 20 km)
After breakfast, hike to Nam Sai Village to visit the Tay people, then trek up to the Red Zao Village of Xa Pho tribe – the smallest group in Sapa who have very little contact with modern Vietnam. Stay overnight in Ban Ho Village (B,L,D)
DAY 7: BAN HO – SAPA (Trek 6 km)
After breakfast, trek to Ban Den place. Rom here, board the vehicle and transfer to Sapa. In the afternoon there is some time to experience the colorful Sapa market before driving to Lao Cai for the overnight train to Hanoi. (B)
DAY 8: SAPA – HANOI
Early morning, arrive in Hanoi where the trip ends.
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