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Sunday Market (1 day) 

Exploring the colorful markets in the mountains makes for an exciting day trip from Sapa. Leaving early, you have the chance to see the sunrise as you head through indescribable mountain scenery and watch as the local villages wake up. Most of the markets are in the wilderness. To attend the weekly social and commercial event many local hill tribes leave their isolated homes on the precipitous mountaintop cornfields and trek for miles. There are a few souvenirs for sale here but you may find a tasty snack or a bargain price on a buffalo!

DESTINATIONS

• Sapa area, nestled valleys, mountainside roads, high passes.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit a little known mountain market
• Breathtaking scenery
• Authentic hill tribe experience
• A great combination of a unique market, scenic drive, and light trekking

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ITINERARY

[Option 1] From Lao Cai
Meals: lunch | Accommodation: N/A

After the train ride from Hanoi, we start with a 60km drive to Muong Hum market in a scenic valley where many Flower and Red H'mong, Dzay and Dzao people gather. This is one of the liveliest markets near the border between Vietnam and China. The drive from Lao Cai to Muong Hum is quite pleasant, taking us alongside mountains and rivers and beautiful plantations of a variety of agriculture. After joining the market, we travel to Sapa on the 'road less traveled' through beautiful untouched valleys and villages in Ta Giang Phin and Ban Khoang. Arrive at Sapa in the late afternoon.

Approx: 4 hours drive, 1.5 hours at the market, 2 hours trekking grade 2 of 5.

[Option 2] From Sapa
Meals: lunch | Accommodation: N/A

After breakfast, we leave for Binh Lu, a small, charming town nestled at the foot of the Hoang Lien mountains. Lao, Lu, Flower and Red H'mong, Dzay, and Dzao people gather here on Sunday mornings for a festive market that must be seen to be believed. The drive from Sapa to Binh Lu is considered among the most beautiful stretches of road in Vietnam. We hope you'll agree as our car climbs the Tram Ton (Heaven's Gate) pass, the highest mountain pass in Indochina (1,900m). After joining in with the folks at the market, we will have a pleasant trek for about two hours to Ban Bo village of the Lu people where you can discover more about local ways of life while enjoying the breathtaking views and a simple lunch before proceeding to Sapa.

Approx: 4 hours drive, 1.5 hours at the market, 2 hours trekking grade 2 of 5.

Note: N/A

PRICES (Valid from 01/01/2013 to 31/12/2013)

Price per person: 85 US Dollars
Supplement for single room occupancy: N/A

*Price per person above is valid for a group of minimum 2 participants
**Discounted rates are available for larger groups; please contact our travel consultants at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Included

• Meals as specified in the program
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned support vehicle with an experienced driver
• The services of an experienced, English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• VAT and other taxes

Not included

• Hotel in Sapa
• Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Camera fees (if any)
• Insurance
• Surcharge in peak season (Christmas & New Year)

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