7 Day Hanoi, Sapa And Beyond

Train arrives early morning in the border town of Lao Cai. We will find the way to a local restaurant, sitting down for a hearty breakfast, and then journey on for 1.5 hour uphills through lush mountain ranges to Sapa. You’ll spend the day in this former French colonial hill station, set amongst stunning terraced rice fields as far as the eye can see. Begin by joining a morning walking tour of the local market, the center of local commerce. The area is home to H’mong, Dzay and Red Dao hill tribes, all with distinctive traditional attire. Take a short trek to hill tribe villages in the surrounding mountain rangesand see Indochina’s highest peak, Mt. Fansipan, high above the clouds. Relax at a picnic lunch en route.

Preferred: Victoria Sapa Resort

After having early breakfast, we will check out the hotel and leave Sapa behind, walking through Cat Cat tourism area and then continue your trek to Y Linh Ho – a small village with a few houses on the hill. Next, visit Lao Chai village and learn more about their culture and customs. Then walking to Ta Van village to visit Dzay people. Having lunch prepared by your tour guide then continue trekking to Giang Ta Chai village, inhabited by the Red Dao ethnic minorities. The women of Red Dao have very colorful red embroideries, coins on their clothing, and on their head they wear a red scarf. Heading up to the main road and our driver will transfer you to Topas Ecolodge for the second night.

Enjoy a great breakfast and prepare for today´s walk. At 9:00 AM, you will commence the excursion with a transfer deeper into Hoang Lien National Park to the trek starting point near Sin Chai village. You are now “off the beaten track” enjoying beautiful views of high mountains, waterfalls 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 way of 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 used by local farmers as overnight lodge in 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 Riverside Lodge, with jungle behind the lodge and river in front. Relax for a while and our vehicle will take you back to Sapa. Checking in to a small guest house to refresh and take shower before you are transferred back to Lao Cai station where you will board the Victoria Express sleeper train back to Hanoi.

The train arrives in Hanoi station very early morning. You will be met by your tour guide and driver. Sample a tasty PHO at a local restaurant, relax for a while to sip Vietnamese coffee then we will head for Halong Bay. Today you will visit Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Drive from Hanoi to the emerald waters, limestone outcrops and echoing caves of this serene spot. You’ll board the beautiful junk boat/cruise for your overnight cruise through the bay. In the evening, enjoy a freshly made seafood meal as you watch the sunset over the dramatic seascape. Overnight in Halong Bay

Preferred: Paradise Luxury Cruise

For early risers complimentary tea, coffee and pastries are served in the restaurant followed by-if you so desire – a Tai Chi Class on the Sundeck. A great morning activity to feel one with this natural wonder. The crew will bid you farewell and you disembark with our tender boat to the jetty. Driving back to Hanoi. Checking into your accommodation and you will have the rest of the day to relax. Overnight in Hanoi.