Vietnam > Hanoi > Tour

Tucked high in Vietnam 's remote northern mountains, close to the Chinese border, the former French military outpost of Sapa offers some of Vietnam 's most colorful experiences. The views are breath taking. Vietnarn's highest peak, the 3,143-metre Mount Fansipan , looms overhead, while the surrounding valleys feature terraced rice paddies and blazing green fields cut by fast-flowing streams. Layer upon layer of green ridges fade into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks. The region is home to several ethnic minority groups all wearing their traditional and colourful attire.

You can get there by either overnight train or car from Hanoi .

Day 1: Hanoi - Sapa (D)

Our adventure starts with the drive to the mountain town of Sapa . The journey to Sapa will take the best part of the day. The drive is worthwhile though, as the scenery on our northward journey into the highlands is both dramatic and breathtaking. Arriving in Sapa late in the afternoon, we will check into our hotel and use the remainder of the day with a short walk around town. This evening we will dine at one of the local restaurants. Overnight in Sapa.

Day 2: Cat Cat - Ta Phin Villages - Sapa (B/L/-)

We enjoy the breakfast and a new day in the mountain. We walk to Cat Cat village, set in a beautiful valley just outside Sapa. Cat Cat is home to the H'mong people Following the lunch in Sapa, we drive to Ta Phin valley, home to Black Mong and Red Dao. Dao women are particularly striking as they wear a large red turban often covered with old coins or jewelry. They also shave their hair and eyebrows. Tonight we spend a second night in our hotel at Sapa town in the foot of Fansipan.

Day 3: Sapa- Ta Van-Lao Chai Hill tribe Villages (B/L/-)

We have full day trek from Sapa town that will take us along buffalo paths and trails and through several hill tribe villages. This is an absolutely spectacular walk through stunning scenery inhabited by some of the friendliest people you will meet. Stopping for a picnic lunch on the way we will spend the night with a family in Ta Van village, inhabited by the Day ethnic minority.

Day 4: Su Phan-Ban Ho Village (B/L/D)

After enjoying breakfast we depart for a 2-hour trek to Su Pan village, home of Red Dao then Ban Ho village, home to Tay people. We stay in their traditional long house on stilts.

Day 5: Ban Ho - Sapa - Hanoi (B/L/-)

Bidding farewell to our graceful host in Ban Ho and its friendly people we begin our return journey to the capital. We arrive back in Hanoi by late afternoon.