Vietnam > Hanoi > Tour

Crowned by the serrated peaks of the Hong Lien Mountains, Northern Vietnam boasts a remarkably unspoiled topography and cultural landscape.

Sapa, nestling a top a beautiful valley near the border with China, is northwest Vietnam’s most colourful destination. Vivid green rice terraces are sculpted into the mountain sides while in the fields minority women work dressed in traditional clothes. There are five different minorities in this region, each one colourful, distinct, and with their  own language and cultural values. Staying overnight in a local homestay offers an unusual insight into an otherwise little known aspect of life in Vietnam.

This region contains some of the best trekking in Vietnam. The scenery is spectacular, especially in spring and autumn when the skies are clear and blue. Dominating the Sapa skyline is the peak of Vietnam’s highest mountain, Mount Fansipan, rising to 3,143m above sea level. Trekking the mountain is one of the most demanding in Vietnam. The days are long, the climb is steep and in some cases there is no footpath. It’s all worth it when you get to the top though! This is the highest point in Indochina and the views are stunning to the North into China and South to Laos.

The Wildlotus Adventures trek up Fansipan is run to a high international standard with a well trained and experienced team of guides, cooks and porters. However we advise that this is a trek for the experienced hiker only!

  Trekking       

Day 1      Arrive Hanoi. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Old Quarter. Located on an area of 100 ha, the Old Quarter is home to more than 1,000 traditional houses and has 36 streets named after specific merchants’ crafts and trade. Overnight on board the train to Lao Cai.

Day 2     Trek from Sapa with a black Hmong team of porters who come from nearby villages. Starting at 1500m, hike on a small trail running up through cardamom farms  into thick rainforest, passing some tricky, short steep slopes. Count the numbers of species of orchids on your way up!

Day 3     As you trek today, keep an eye open for giant butterflies - some can reach a wingspan of 25cm. At around 2400m the rainforest gradually gives way to huge, succulent bamboo. Scramble up a long steep stone slope to the altitude of 2650 m.

Day 4     The ascent is steep, but eventually emerge from the forest to trek through a unique eco zone where only canes, miniature bamboo (druc in Vietnamese, meaning chopstick forest), long grasses and water-rail flowers can grow. Reach the summit of Mount Fansipan at 3143 m.

Day 5     Descend through bamboo forest eventually emerging at Hoang Lien National Park’s gate. From here the jeeps will take you back to Sapa, with an opportunity to visit the  Silver Waterfalls.

Day 6     Trek a half day into  the stunning  Sapa valley before returning to Lao Cai for the overnight train back to Hanoi.

Day 7     Arrive  Hanoi.

  FACTS & FIGURES

Tour Code:          ADTK/RIN09

Tour Cost per person:    Please contact us as this depends on the number of travellers!

Number of Days:              9

Group Size:         From 2 to 12 persons (or more)

Team:   Depending on group size there will be one experienced adventure guide, one local guide, porters or more and full vehicle and logistical support.

Package includes:

All accommodation in twin or double sharing rooms with daily breakfast; accommodation in local minority home stays; all meals as indicated in the programme; two night on board the local train in a soft sleeper carriage; private air-conditioned vehicle for pick up at airport and all support throughout the tour; all sight seeing entrance fees as mentioned in the final programme; silk sleeping bag liner and air mattress; drinking water while on trek.

Package excludes:

International air tickets to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax; visa to Vietnam; personal travel insurance; all alcoholic drinks; personal expenditure; tips to porters, guides and drivers;...