Sapa Tour
Discover the majestic mountain landscapes and traditional minority villages of the far north
5-day, 4-night tour of this remote and picturesque region
This fascinating 5-day, 4-night Sapa tour offers the chance to explore the famous old French period hill station and its spectacular surrounding mountains, lush valleys and myriad, still very traditional minority villages.
Perched precariously atop a mountain with its narrow windy lanes and stairs, picturesque Sapa looks across a steep, rice terrace-filled valley to Mount Fansipan – at 3,143 metres, the highest peak in mainland Southeast Asia. The region’s villages (the area was formerly known to the French as the Tonkinese Alps) and settlements are predominantly inhabited by people of the Red Dzao and Black Hmong minorities – the majority of whom can still be seen in their spectacular traditional dress.
Our tour – starting and finishing in Vietnam’s capital Hanoi – includes a journey on the night sleeper train to Lao Cai on the Chinese border; a visit to one of the region’s colourful, weekly markets (the precise one will then depend upon the day of the week), and a day’s leisurely hike through the glorious mountain scenery with an overnight stay as guests of local villagers. We’ll also ensure you have time to just soak up the stunning views and explore the many cafes and handicraft shops of Sapa Town.
This Sapa tour add-on is suitable for any tours either beginning or finishing in the country’s capital such as our Hanoi to Saigon tour, World Heritage Sites of Vietnam or our Vietnam family tour. Alternatively, you could combine the far north of Vietnam with a 2-day exploration of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay plus a couple of days city break in Hanoi to make your own 9 or 10-day mini-tour.
The price indicated is based upon 2 persons sharing (twin or double room). A private tour for single travellers is £625 but please note that single room options are not available for the night sleeper train journey.
Itinerary
Here's an idea of what you can expect to do and see day-to-day.
Day 2 - Bac Ha Market
Early arrival at Lao Cai train station on the Chinese border. Morning visit to one of the area’s weekly, hill-tribe markets such as Cam Cau or Bac Ha (exact destination depends on the day of the week) and a short hike to a village of the Tay minority before continuing up the mountains to picturesque Sapa Town. Time at leisure to explore the town and perhaps check out the numerous handicraft and coffee shops.
Overnight: Sapa Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B,
Day 3 - Sapa - hike through the valley
A day hike through the stunning surrounding scenery including mountains streams, rice terraces, a bamboo forest and visits to villages of the Black Hmong and Red Dzao minorities. Overnight as guests of the villagers at Ta Van Village.
Hiking can be tailored to any fitness level
Overnight: Ta Van Village Transport: Walk, Meals: B, L, D,
Day 4 - Sapa - morning hike and return to Hanoi
Morning hike through more traditional villages and return to Sapa Town with an afternoon drive to Hanoi. Stops for breaks and photo opportunities on the way and late afternoon/early evening arrival in Hanoi.
Overnight: Hanoi Transport: Minibus, Walk, Meals: B, L,
Details
The nitty-gritty, the things you need to know, the answers to your burning questions.
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Highlights
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Map
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Hotels
Just a few of the many highlights
Discover the sublime landscapes of the Tonkinese Alps and meet the friendly inhabitants of remote, and still very traditional, minority villages.
- Explore the vibrant and colourful local markets
- Day hike through the sublime mountain scenery
- Time at leisure to browse the markets, handicraft stores and coffee shops
- Stay overnight as guests of a hill-tribe village
- 2 nights in a comfortable and well-situated hotel in Sapa Town
- 4-day, 4-night starting and finishing in Hanoi
We choose our hotels based on a combination of location, comfort and convenience. Here is a *selection of the types of hotel/rooms you can expect to stay at on this tour...
Sunny Mountain Hotel Sapa view
- Our choice in the old French hill-station of Sapa
- Hmong chic at our favourite Sapa hotel, the Sunny Mountain.
- Friendly staff, comfy rooms, great views make a fine spot
*This list should be considered a guide only, hotels/rooms may change (without notice) depending on availability.
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