Leave Hanoi by road for the picturesque day's journey to Sapa, in the far
northwestern corner of Vietnam. There are many photo opportunities along the
way and after a lunch stop at Yen Bai visit Black Dao and Flower H'mong
villages en route. Arrive at Lao Cai in the late afternoon where you can
gaze across the Red River at China on the opposite bank. From Lao Cai the
road winds up the terraced hillsides to Sapa, a former French hill resort
and home to some of Vietnam's most colourful ethnic groups. Transfer to
hotel. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 2: Sapa-Forest Camp (L,D)
An early start for the first day's climb through the H'mong village of Cat
Cat and on to cross the Linh Ho River on a bamboo village before reaching
the forest. Pitch camp at an altitude of 2200m in the forest. The evening
meal is prepared by the cook around a camp fire while the nocturnal sounds
of the forest provide an exotic soundtrack in the background. Overnight at
Forest camp.
Day 3: Forest Camp-Base Camp (B,L,D)
Breaking camp after breakfast continue onwards to 2400m where the forest
gives way to huge groves of bamboo and up to a ridge at 2900m which offers
breath-taking views over the Sapa valley. Descending from the ridge the
porters set up camp at 2400m. This will be base camp for the next two
nights. Overnight at Base Camp.
Day 4: Base Camp-Summit-Base Camp (B,L,D)
Break camp after an early breakfast and start the final ascent arriving at
the summit 3,143m above sea-level. From this, the highest point in Vietnam,
there are stunning views to China in the north, and to Laos in the west.
There is time for a well-earned rest before descending back down to Base
Camp for the night. Overnight at Base Camp.
Day 5: Base Camp-Sapa (B,L)
Enjoy morning coffee and the sounds of nature as the porters break down the
camp and leave in advance back to Sapa. Trekking back down across well-known
terrain always goes more quickly and arrival time back in Sapa should be in
the late afternoon. Overnight in Sapa.
Day 6: Sapa-Hanoi (B)
Return to Hanoi after breakfast via Lao Cai and Yen Bai.
