Take a round-trip journey to northwest Vietnam by overnight Train from Hanoi to Lao Cai and Sapa, where you’ll embark on two moderate treks past rice terraces and scenic mountain valleys to local villages. With an experienced private guide at your side, observe the daily lifestyle of the Black Hmong, Red Dao and Dzay people as you interact with villagers and gain insight into tribal traditions. Relax in the evening, with free time to explore the colorful market town of Sapa, including overnight accommodation at a 4-star hotel.
Highlights
Private Sapa trekking tours, round-trip from Hanoi by overnight train
Hike during two days with a private guide to mountain villages flanked by rice fields
Visit the villages of Ma Tra, Ta Phin, Lao Chai and Ta Van
Interact with local villagers that make up Vietnam’s ethnic minority tribes, and learn about their clothing and customs
Search for souvenirs from the local markets and colorful shops of charming Sapa
Enjoy five provided meals, including village lunches and a delicious buffet breakfast on arrival
Includes 4-star accommodation plus air-conditioned train cabin and hotel transfers
Highlights
Private Sapa trekking tours, round-trip from Hanoi by overnight train
Hike during two days with a private guide to mountain villages flanked by rice fields
Visit the villages of Ma Tra, Ta Phin, Lao Chai and Ta Van
Interact with local villagers that make up Vietnam’s ethnic minority tribes, and learn about their clothing and customs
Search for souvenirs from the local markets and colorful shops of charming Sapa
Enjoy five provided meals, including village lunches and a delicious buffet breakfast on arrival
Includes 4-star accommodation plus air-conditioned train cabin and hotel transfers
Itinerary Sapa Trekking Tour from Hanoi 3 Days
After you’re picked up from your Hanoi hotel in the evening, you’re transferred by private vehicle to Hanoi Railway Station to catch the night train to Lao Cai. Relax aboard the comfortable train car and get a good night's sleep in preparation for the next day's trek.
Overnight: 4-berth cabin on air-conditioned sleeper train
Day 2: Lao Cai – Sapa (B, L, D)
Upon arrival in Lao Cai at dawn, you’re transferred by shuttle bus to Sapa. The bus ride uphill takes a bit more than an hour, giving you a glimpse of the region's stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces along the way.
When you reach Sapa, you can leave your luggage at the tour office and enjoy a shower plus a full buffet breakfast at Sapa Unique Hotel.
Once you’re refreshed and fortified, your morning trek departs from Sapa to Ta Phin valley. Walk with your experienced guide through the town for about 20 minutes before turning down a dirt road to Ma Tra, a Black Hmong village defined by its traditional clothing and customs.
The moderate hiking route through this rural community offers more picturesque vistas of vegetable gardens and rice terraces flanked by green mountains rising in the background. You have time to visit with local families and learn about traditional fiber processing before continuing your trek to Ta Phin village, located in one of the most scenic valleys in Vietnam.
Stop here for a simple picnic lunch before exploring the village, admiring the embroidered clothing and red headscarves worn by the tribal women of this ethnic group called the Red Dao.
In the afternoon, you’ll return to Sapa by private, air-conditioned vehicle to check in to your hotel and eat dinner. You’re free to explore the charming town's sloping streets or the market with many colorful handicrafts, or head up to Ham Rong peak for a fantastic photo op over Sapa (depending on weather conditions; entrance fee not included).
Overnight: 4-star Sapa Daimond Hotel
Following a hotel breakfast, meet your guide in the morning and depart on a second trek from the town of Sapa to Golden Stream valley. Today’s hike offers more stunning views of rice terraces and gardens as well as Mt Fansipan, whose summit rises 10,312 feet (3,143 meters) above sea level.
After crossing a suspension bridge, marvel at the breathtaking scenery as you continue through the Golden Stream valley, stopping at Lao Chai village for lunch.
After your meal, follow your guide on a walk through this village where Black Hmong people reside, and continue on to Ta Van village, home to the Dzay tribe. This part of the hike is relatively easy, though the trail can be quite slippery if it rains, so good footwear is recommended.
You’ll visit with some local families and learn about their daily lifestyle and fascinating culture, before departing to the main road to meet up with your driver and return to Sapa.
A shower is available at the hotel, followed by an afternoon free to explore the town on your own.
In the evening, depart Sapa for Lao Cai, where you’ll take the night train back to Hanoi.
Overnight: 4-berth cabin on air-conditioned sleeper train
Day 4: Hanoi
End your tour at Hanoi Railway Station with drop-off at your hotel of choice in the early morning.
Please note: A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Round-trip train fare from Hanoi including 2-nights' sleeper car accommodation
Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
Professional guide
Overnight accommodation in 4-star hotel
Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Exclusions
Food and drinks, unless specified
Gratuities (optional)
Optional activity fees