Sapa is a former French hill station situated in the valleys near the Chinese border. Its high elevation of 1,600 meters creates its cool climate. This inspired the French to build villas there as a summer retreat. Today, Sapa still attracts visitors for its stunning scenery, comfortable climate, colorful markets, and a variety of ethnic hill tribes living in nearby villages. This is the perfect itinerary for those seeking a retreat but wishing to stay in the luxury of a hotel in Sapa Town rather than in a home stay. 

Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa
Our trip starts with an overnight train journey from Vietnam's capital city to the border town of Lao Cai. The accommodation for tonight will be in soft sleeper berths on express train (standard cabin includes 4 berths per cabin).

Day 2: Sapa
Today we start with a walk to the H'Mong village of Cat Cat. Later we drive out to the settlements of Ta Van and Cau May. As we walk to the villages nestled in the valley below Sapa we meet some of the local ethnic minority people on their way to and from Sapa. These people include the Red Zao, Hmong and Tay. Tonight we spend a second night in our hotel at Sapa town. (B, L)

Day 3: Sapa
Today we walk to Ham Rong Mountain for a panoramic view of Sapa. From here we drive out of town and commence an hour-long walk to Ta Phin. Ta Phin is home to the distinctive Dao (pronounced Zao) community. From here we return to Sapa for lunch and a free afternoon. (B, L)

Day 4: Sapa - Hanoi
For trips in this area on Sundays we have an extension to Bac Ha, home to the Flower Hmong minority people. (On all other days we visit the market at Can Cau on Saturday, Coc Ly on Tuesday). A visit to the Sunday market is a must. The colourful Flower Hmong converge here to trade and exchange goods. This afternoon we transfer back to Lao Cai for the train journey to Hanoi. (B)

Day 5: Hanoi
We arrive at Hanoi station early morning. Our guide will arrange a transfer back to your hotel.

Trip price: please enquire for availability and cost

Tour includes:

·    All accommodation at standard guest house

·    Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

·    English speaking guide on land tour

·    Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air-conditioned vehicle

·    Sightseeing fees and permits during guided time

Joining instructions
You will be collected from you hotel. Pick up time will be advised upon confirmation of booking.

Transport
Soft sleeper berths train. Can be upgraded to the Victoria Express depending on availability and days of travel and air conditioned vehicle.

What to take
We suggest a main backpack with a reasonable daypack for any treks and day tours. Large suitcases are not advisable

Fitness requirements
There are no specific fitness requirements.

“We just completed a one day tour of Ho Chi Minh City with Tour Guide Tin and driver Dai. We have had many guides over the years but Tin was our favorite.  He was most knowledgeable about the culture, history, present day and any questions we had about Vietnam.  He opened the car door for us at all times, helped with stairs, crossing streets, ordering food in cafe and making decisions with our shopping.  He was flexible when we decided we wanted to see another sight. We felt safe at all times with him as well as the driver Dai. We highly recommend Tin as a guide. He is truly an asset to your organization.”

Florin Wolfer and  Claire Scott
Calgary, Alberta, Canada

We all had a fantastic day in Ho Chi Minh City, it was great to see a few ‘off the beaten track’ places and meet so many interesting people. Our guide was excellent and kept the children amused throughout the whole day. It was great to get a mix of pagodas, markets and history and we felt it really gave us an insight into Vietnamese life; past and present. We hope to return to Vietnam and explore more of this beautiful country and we will definitely be booking our trip through you.

The Smith Family, UK

“Great programs, great guides, prompt on time, well organised and the guides are very friendly and willing to help. Thank you”

Darren and Debbie Sullivan – Australian