Sapa is the premier hill station in northern and an incredible place for trekking lovers. This has been a crossroads for millennia for Vietnamese, Chinese, and a diverse array of minority groups, all of whom have left the stamp of their cultures. Many minority groups retain their traditional ways of life in earthen or wooden houses in the valleys from which they tend animals and farm the hillsides above. The scenery of the imposing mountains and rice terraces gives this area a great combination of nature and culture and is definitely a place for adventurers. Join us on this trip to experience a great trekking tour through village settings. And learn about the fascinating cultures of the locals.

DESTINATIONS

• Sapa - its valleys and mountain dwellers
• Ta Van, the quaint Dzay hill tribe village

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spectacular landscape
• Explore the road less traveled
• Trekking on local trails
• Meet colorful hill tribes

[Day 1] Hanoi – Lao Cai
Meals: N/A | Accommodation: cozy cabin on train

8.00 pm: Depart Handspan’s Sales Office (78 Ma May) to Hanoi Railway Station to catch the night train (soft sleeper with air conditioning) to Lao Cai.

[Day 2] Lao Cai – Sapa – Ta Van
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner | Accommodation: homestay

5.00 am: Arrive in Lao Cai and transferby shuttle bus to Sapa. The bus ride uphill to Sapa takes a little over an hour giving you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces.

On arrival, you will stop by our office and leave your luggage and take a shower in our partner's hotel if you would like.

7.00 am: You will ẹnoy a full buffet breakfast at Chau Long hotel.

9.00 am: After breakfast, you’ll meet with our local guide then hike along local trails and across vegetable gardens and rice terraces on the foothill of FAN SI PAN moutain. The first part will be down hill for about an hour and a half toward Y Linh Ho hamlet.

After crossing a suspension bridge, you will see some stunning views of the rice terraces, gardens, and houses. The scenery is great here as you will be higher and looking down on the rice terraces and small villages. The trail leads up to Lao Chai San village where we will have a simple picnic lunch.

1.00 pm: After lunch, we will walk down through the village to the Golden Stream Valley , stopping at Lao Chai village to visit with local H'mong people. We will explore the villages of Lao Chai (Black H’mong) and Ta Van (Dzay). This is the biggest and the most scenic valley in Sapa. This trek is relatively easy as we walk along the local trails. Here you will visit some local families and learn about their daily life and fascinating culture before arriving at your homestay in Ta Van in a friendly Dzay’s family home. The homestay is simple with a mattress and a mosquito net. You will have dinner here and stay the night.

[Day 3] Ta Van - Sapa - Lao Cai - Hanoi
Meals: breakfast and lunch | Accommodation: cozy cabin on train

After breakfast, we will explore the village a little bit more before we start a 3 hour trek to Giang Ta Chai (Red Dzao) village. This trek offers some moderate challenges as we negotiate a winding trail by rice terraces along the steep mountainside. The vegetation is dense as the trail leads up to a peaceful hamlet perched on the side of Hoang Lien moutain. After visitting with one of the families in the village, we will walk to the main road and explore some mysterious ancient rock carvings. We will then head back to Ta Van to meet up with our driver and return to Sapa town.

1.00 pm: We drive back to Sapa for a late lunch in a local restaurant, and you’re free to explore the town, its market and sloping streets with many colorful handicrafts.

6.00 pm: Bus departs Handspan’s Office in Sapa for Lao Cai.
8.20 pm:Night train back to Hanoi.
5.00 am:Tour ends at Hanoi Railway Station.

Note: Transfer from Hanoi Railway Station to Handspan office or your hotel is not included in the tour price.

Tip from Handspan:
With your free time, you can go up to Ham Rong peak where you will be able to experience a stunning view over the charming town of Sapa. This is a great chance for some unforgettable photos! This is recommended for good weather days (Entrance fee is not included)

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

Price per person: 190 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

• Homestay in Ta Van
• Meals as specified in the program
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• Return train tickets Hanoi - Lao Cai in an air conditioned, 4-berth soft-sleeper
• The services of an experienced, English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• VAT and other taxes

Not included

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