Hanoi

Sapa - Above the Clouds   

Sapa lies in the Northwest section of Vietnam on the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. Mount Fansipan, which lies about 19 km from Sapa at 3,143 meters above sea level, makes this the highest peak in Vietnam. Now, the area is considered a Mecca for hikers due to its supreme trekking terrain.

Sapa is home to a diverse number of hill tribes including the Black H’mong, Dzao, and Red Dao which make up the majority of the local population of the area. During treks, you will have the opportunity to cross paths with many of them. The most eye-catching are the Red Dao, who wear scarlet head-dresses decorated with tassels and silver trinkets. The Black H’mong women can also be seen selling items such as silver jewelry, embroidered indigo blue bags, and mouth harps.

If you are looking for a day hike, there are plenty of villages and mountains to climb in the area with short, and low demanding trails. The nearest village within walking distance is 3 km away called Cat Cat, where a good view of Mt. Fansipan is available. Ta phin Village is another popular destination point as well.

You want a multi-day hike you can challenge with Mount Fansipan. To make the journey, it is best to allow from 3 to 6 days round-trip, depending on the level of experience of the climber. You’ll need camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags, warm clothing, food, blankets, and more. Porters are also available for hire to carry equipment. On the way up, wildlife such as wild goats or monkeys may be encountered and the Hoang Lien Nature Reserve also lies nearby.

You can trek Mount Fansipan year round, but between March and May or October and November are peak periods to do so as this is the dry season. Misty scenery can usually be found during the early winter months and June and August are best avoided due to rain.

Bac Ha - The Colors of Markets   

The highlands town Bac Ha in the last few years has became an alternative to Sapa. The highlands around Bac Ha are about 900m above the sea level, making it somewhat warmer than Sapa. The area is home of 10 minority groups - Flower H’mong, Dao, Giay, Nung, Tay, Phu La, Xa Phang, Han, La Chi and Thu Lao. The H’mong villagers are some of the kindest people we will meet there. Visiting markets is highlight in Bac Ha. There are several markets, which run one after one during the week: Can Cau on Saturday, Bac Ha and Lung Phin on Sunday and Coc Ly on Tuesday. You will see plenty of H’mong - so-called because the women embroider flowers on their colorful skirts; and Red Dao - so-called because their woman red scarf. H’mong and Red Dzao make the market place very colorful.

Bac Ha is ideal place for trekking and mountain hiking. The area has many things to offer: diversity of flora, beautiful landscape and rich ethnic culture. Trekking in Bac Ha can be from one day to several days depending on your time availability. It can be also various in grade of difficulty from easy to moderate (from grade 2 to 3 out of 5) depending on your capability. The distance for each day can be from 8 - 15 km. If you choose the moderate grade, roads are difficult with many uphill and downhill, but it is a real adventure. It is great way to see the mountainous landscape and take pictures of hill tribe peoples. Our trekking program in Bac Ha is designed for combining with visiting markets, starting from Can Cau one of Vietnam’s most exotic open-air markets. Accommodation during trekking is basic and can be tents or hill tribe house along our route at Can Cau, Ta Van Chu, Nhieu Co Van, Hoang Thu Pho, and Coc Ly.

You better trek Bac Ha between October and May as this is the dry season, but January and February are best periods to do so as the spring in Bac Ha provides stand-out scenery.