Night 1: Hanoi – Lao Cai

In the evening, your private guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the railway station for the night train to Lao Cai.

Overnight on the train is in an air-conditioned cabin with a sleeper berth (4 persons per cabin)

Note: The fast train SP3 will set off from Hanoi at 9.50 PM and reach Lao Cai at 6.30 am the next day. The route back to Hanoi with SP4 fast will start from 8:20 PM and arrive in Hanoi at 6.00 am the following day.

There is a 4-soft berth per cabin with A/C. You may share it with other passengers. It takes around 8 hours from Hanoi to Sapa. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you want to upgrade to the private train cabin. Travel to Sapa by train which provides two “free” nights of accommodation and offers an insight into Vietnamese culture and hospitality

The overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa is one of the most popular experiences that tourists often seek when planning a trip to this mountainous destination. Trains operate between Hanoi and Lao Cai station, about 35 km from Sapa. They leave Hanoi at 10 pm each day and they take from 7.5 to 8.5 hours to reach Lao Cai. From this station, it is more than another hour of driving to reach Sapa town.

Day 1: Lao Cai - Sapa (L, D)

The train arrives in Lao Cai in the early morning. Our local tour guide will be waiting for you at the railway station and then escort you to a nearby local restaurant for breakfast. After breakfast, drive to Bac Ha Market (about 2 hours), the capital of the Flower Hmong, one of Vietnam’s most vibrant ethnic groups. Bac Ha Market, which takes place once a week on Sunday morning, is one of the biggest and most colorful markets for minority people in Vietnam.

Every Sunday morning, many different ethnic groups, such as Flower Hmong, Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, and Nung minorities, gather to buy and sell local products that cannot be found elsewhere. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will have a short transfer to the Tay minority village of Trung Do, where you will board a motorboat and cruise along the Chay River.

After the tour, you will return to the private vehicle for the journey to Sapa and spend the night there.

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 2: Hiking to the remote area of Sapa (B, L)

At 9:00 AM, you will have a transfer deeper into Hoang Lien National Park to the trek starting point near Sin Chai village. You are now Off the beaten track. Enjoy beautiful views of the high mountains and the deep valleys. The trails will soon lead you to the Red Dao Village of Nam Nhiu, here you will meet the villagers, enjoy a cup of green tea in their house, and learn about their daily life. Leaving the village behind, you will turn into a small dirt trail and soon be inspired by the marvelous view of the rice valley dotted with bamboo huts, which are used by local farmers as an overnight lodge on harvesting days. Passing the rice terraces and a river you will walk on a quiet road for a while before arriving at Nam Cang Village. Your lunch is served at Nam Cang village or Thanh Phu village. After lunch, you will explore around the village or if we're lucky, we can witness and learn how the local villagers make writing rice paper, jewelry, and embroidery. You may also want to take a swim in the river (if the weather permits). 

At 15:00, you will have a transfer back to Sapa and spend the night there.

Dinner on your own

Overnight in Sapa.

Day 3: Sapa - Conquer Fansipan MT "the Roof of Indochina" (B, L)

In the morning, you will have a short transfer to Fansipan Cable Station and take a scenic cable car ride up 3,143 meters above sea level to the peak of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in the Indochinese Peninsula. You'll enjoy an impressive scenic view of the Hoang Lien Son Range and Muong Hoa Valley's natural landscapes as you ascend the mountain. Once you reach the top, you can spend time admiring the breathtaking views and exploring the various temples at the peak. You can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the mountain with a visit to the Bich Van Thien Tu pagoda, Bao An Thien Tu temple, and Thanh Van Dac Lo spiritual landmarks. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

• Please note that: after the cable car ride, you still have to climb another 600 steps to the peak of the mountain (It takes about 30 minutes). The road to ascend to the summit of Fansipan Mountain is incredibly steep and narrow, leading to rapid fatigue and a significant expenditure of energy.
• We strongly recommend traveling by funicular for the best and safest experience for you, in both the upward and downward directions. Especially when there are elderly people and children in the group.
• Fansipan cable car tickets & Funicular (Round-trip tickets) are not included in the tour
• Due to the geology of Fansipan Mountain, the walks are not necessarily suitable for the elderly, disabled, asthmatic, or those who suffer from vertigo or heart conditions. The amount of steps makes it unsuitable for pushchairs or for carrying babies in a sling or backpack. If you are not used to physical exertion, then this walk could be too strenuous for you. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

In the afternoon, you are free to walk around Sapa town or shop at the local market until driving back to Lao Cai Station for the night train to Hanoi. The room in Sapa is available until noon only.

Overnight on the train in air-conditioned cabins with a soft sleeper berth (four persons per cabin).

Please note that: Each cabin has four soft berths and an A/C. You may share it with other passengers. The journey from Sapa to Hanoi takes around 8 hours. Don't hesitate to contact us if you want to upgrade to a private train cabin.

Day 4: Sapa - Hanoi 

Arrive at Hanoi Train Station at 5.00 AM in the early morning. Transfer to your hotel for early check-in. The balance of the day is at your leisure.

Optional: Take a 01-hour cyclo tour around the Old Quarter to enjoy the soul and sound of the Hanoi Old Quarter. Visit a local Market and Cooking class at...

End of services.

SPECIAL NOTE for SAPA TOUR: 

- Bring along a light cotton dress/trousers, a warm jacket (rain and wind, a silk sleeping bag, mosquito repellent, good walking/hiking shoes, a walking stick, a sun hat/sun lotion, hand lotion, and lip balm. 

- Roads: Driving can be a challenge as roads can be bumpy or under construction, and driving time depends on weather and road conditions – only rough estimates can be given.

- Standard Hotel Check-in time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm (local time)

- Standard Hotel Check-out time: 11:00 am - 12 pm (local time)

Tour price includes:

• Hotel accommodation shared in a Double/ Twin room at a specified hotel or similar with a Daily Breakfast 
• Private transfer: Hanoi - Sapa -  Hanoi 
• Meals as indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D= Dinner
• Experienced English Speaking Local Tour Guide
• All sightseeing tickets ( Fansipan Cables Car Service but not included Tram service to the Peak) 

Tour price excludes:

• Other meals 
• Personal expenses, Tips, and Gratuities for Guide and Driver
• Beverages
• Other services not mentioned above

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