Sapa Hilltribe Villages Walk
11 days /
10 nights
The breathtaking mountain scenery and the colorful weekend
are highlights of Sapa - get off the beaten track and walk
through villages where ethnic minorities.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ARRIVAL - HANOI
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred
to hotel. Ha Noi , Vietnam's capital, is a stylish and
gracious city that retains an unique old world charm and
some Asia ‘s most striking colonial architecture. The many
lakes and parks make for relaxing atmosphere. (If time
permit ) we enjoy a short cyclo excursion through the
bustling old quarter streets named after the specific goods
once offered for sale at these places. O/N in Ha Noi.(B)
DAY 2: HANOI - LAO CAI
This morning we enjoy a half day city tour, seeing the the
Ho Chi Minh Complex, containing the mausoleum of the
nation’s founder Ho Chi Minh, the Presidential Palace and
the Ho Chi Minh’s house on stilts. The complex also
comprises the One Pillar Pagoda, whose origins date back to
the foundation of Hanoi. The next stop of our trip is the
impressive Ethnologic Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s 54
ethnic minorities, some of which we will see on our
forthcoming days. We also visit the Temple of Literature and
the peaceful lake of Hoan Kiem with its sacred temple. The
reminder of the day is free for your own exploration of Ha
Noi until transferring to the rail way station for a night
train to Lao Cai. The train conditions are very basic
however we will travel in soft sleeper class which is
compartment for 4 passengers. O/N on board .(B)
DAY 3: LAO CAI - SAPA
The train journey arrives in Laocai this morning. We embark
on a scenic drive uphill to SaPa. At an elevation of 1,500
meters, Sa Pa is the former hill retreat for French
administrators when the heat in plain became unbearable. The
remoteness and simple lifestyle of ethnic minorities are a
highlight of Sa Pa although conditions are very basic. After
checking into hotel we can soak up the fresh climate as much
as we want by spending time to wander around. The ethnic
people are frequently seen in this hill town and small
vendors along the street sell local textiles and handicraft.
O/N in Sa Pa. (B)
DAY 4: SAPA - TAVAN
Today we get well and truly off the beaten track as we trek
into this beautiful mountain region. On the way we pass by
the hill villages of San Sa Ho and Lao Chai which are home
of the Black Hmong hill-tribe people. They still retain
their age old cultural traditions and are recognisably
distinct from each other by their dress. We finish our
walking day on arrival at Ta Van village where we are guest
of a Zay family. The accommodation is very simple and
dormitory style, no western facilities. O/N at Ta Van
village. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: TAVAN - DEN THANG
The majority of local trails follows undulating
mountainsides therefore our trek will involve some uphill
and downhill walking, but it is still an unforgettable
experience. A part of the pleasure of our adventure is the
simple joy of seeing the verdant and rugged mountain scenery
and the lifestyle of local people. We ascend a very steep
slope before arriving at Den Thang. This remote village is
conquered by the Hmong hill tribe people who are very poor,
but have an interesting history and a colorful culture. O/N
at Den Thang Village. (B.L,D)
DAY 6: DEN THANG - BAN HO
Upon leaving the village of our previous night we set off on
a full day walk towards Ban Ho. The trekking of today is
also challenging; however some physical preparation will
allow you to maximize enjoyment from the walk. Along the way
we pass through several hamlets, and are sure to attraction
attention as this part of the country receives very few
visitors. On arrival at Ban Ho village by mid afternoon we
will have time to walk around this charming village,
enabling us to understand a little more about their culture
and lifestyle. O/N at Ban Ho village. (B,L,D)
DAY 7: BAN HO - THANH PHU
The extremely beautiful mountain region around Sapa is ideal
for anyone seeking a true adventure and trekking expedition.
We continue venturing into the lowland with stopover at the
Xa Pho, Tay hill tribe villages, just some of Vietnam's most
colorful ethnic minority groups. After a full walking day,
we reach our final destination, the Tay hill tribe village
of Thanh Phu which is situated in a picturesque valley. Here
we will be toasted as honored guests and will be sample some
of their homemade rice wine!. O/N at Thanh Phu village. (B,L,D)
DAY 8: THANH PHU - BEN DEN
The impressive way to complete our trekking expeditions is a
few hour walk along the local path. On arrival at the small
village of Ben Den, we meet up with our local transport and
take a short drive to Pho Lu for a night train back to Ha
Noi. The train conditions are basic; however this journey is
in keeping with the adventurous nature of our trips and
allows you to experience a taste of the 'real Vietnam'. The
food on board is not the best you will have in Vietnam, so
we recommend you to prepare some foods, water, snack . O/N
on board. (B,L)
DAY 9: HANOI - HALONG
An early morning arrival in Hanoi. We enjoy a shower before
travelling by roads to Halong Bay. We make stop en route in
Hai Phong, the biggest port town of northern Vietnam. This
charming town has plenty of interesting sights, some of
which are the Hang Kenh Communal House, the Du Hang Pagoda,
the Hang Kenh Carpet Factory and the vibrant Sat Market. A
drive through tree lined boulevards punctuated with many
striking French colonial architecture, will deliver us to
some of these landmarks. We continue our journey Halong Bay
and spend the remainder of the day for a well - earned rest
on Bai Chay Beach. O/N in Ha Long. (B)
DAY 10: HALONG - HANOI
The legendary Ha Long Bay is truly one of Vietnam’s most
impressive scenic sights. Today we embark on a sailing boat
for an exploration of this wondrous bay, which is dotted
with some 3,000 limestone islands rising amazingly from the
clear and emerald water. The limestone karst formations are
littered with beaches, grottoes and beautiful caves. Along
the way we will anchor for a leisurely swim in a secluded
cove and an enjoyable visit to one of the many hidden
grottoes beneath towering cliffs. After a seafood lunch on
board we make our way back to Ha Noi, arriving in time to
see an evening performance of Hanoi's famous water puppets.
O/N in Ha Noi. (B,L)
DAY 11: HANOI - DEPARTURE
There is a free time for you to relax or further explore Ha
Noi . The trip ends after your transfer to Noi Bai Airport
for departure. (B)
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