Sapa Explorer – Heart of the Highlands

Duration

8 days

Every other week

on Thursday

Guaranteed

with 2 travellers

Max group size

16 travellers

WHAT TO EXPECT

This 4-day journey from Hanoi to Sapa offers a blend of cultural immersion and stunning natural landscapes. Travel by overnight train to the mountainous town of Sapa, nestled near the Chinese border. Highlights include a scenic Fansipan Cable Car ride to Vietnam’s highest peak, visits to traditional ethnic villages such as Ban Khoang and Ta Giang Phinh, and breathtaking views of terraced rice fields, valleys, and waterfalls. Experience local life through guided walks and savor the tranquility of northern Vietnam before returning to Hanoi.

Sapa Explorer – Heart of the Highlands

  • Day 1: Arrival, Xin Chao to Hanoi and overnight to Sapa

    On arrival in Hanoi, be met by your local guide and transfer to the station. Overnight train to begin your onward journey to Sapa. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening on the Chapa Express Train – shared cabin (or similar).

  • Day 2: Sapa (B)

    As dawn approaches, arrive early into Lao Cai station, where you will disembark and transfer to your hotel in Sapa town. Along the way, take in the spectacular panoramic mountain scenery. Located in the far northwest of Vietnam in the mountains bordering China, Sapa is home to deep mountain valleys and traditional villages. After enjoying a delightful breakfast with your fellow travellers, you will spend your morning admiring the beauty of Sapa on-board the Fansipan Cable Car that will take you 3000m to the upmost peak of Fansipan to explore the many temples as well as admire the natural beauty of Hoang Lien Son and Muong Hoa Valley. Enjoy your stay for the coming evening at the Bamboo Hotel (or similar)

  • Day 3: Sapa (B/L)

    This morning, you will be met at your hotel in Sapa by local guide and driver for a short road transfer heading northwards of Sapa along national road 4C to O Quy Ho with several stops for magnificent landscapes of Fansipan, Sin Chai valley and especially amazing flower and vegetable farms . Then turn right to follow a narrow road for half an hour getting through the wild region with thick rain forest covering walled-up mountains, passing several waterfalls before arriving to Ban Khoang, a village of the Red Zao ethnic peoples who live their unique way of life and well maintain their traditional values. The village looks prosperous thanks to the combination of wet rice cultivation on the terraced fields with cardamom farming under the shade of trees in thick forest. Spend over an hour walking to explore this remote village for a brief understanding of local life. Leaving Ban Khoang and process along the road for about 10km to Ta Giang Phinh valley inhabited by the Black Hmong who live in some small villages scattering along a peaceful stream. Enjoy an hour lunch break on the bank of a stream before walking along village path which connects village to village to witness daily activities of local life such as plough and harrow the fields, growing, harvesting or doing some house work. In leisure months men often gather to build new houses or repair parts of old ones while women stay home making their traditional costumes. The walk ends in mid-afternoon, picked up for the road ride back to Sapa. Overnight in Sapa.

  • Day 4: Sapa to Hanoi and then departure(B)

    After enjoying breakfast, take advantage of a leisurely morning to explore Sapa at your own pace. Then you begin a scenic return drive through the mountains, heading back towards Hanoi. Along the way, enjoy the changing landscapes as you descend from Sapa's highlands to the vibrant city of Hanoi, where you’ll conclude your journey or continue on to your next destination."

  • IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION

    We recommend arriving in Hanoi one day earlier, depending on your point of origin, to acclimate yourself before the tour begins. The evening train to Sapa departs late, so a pre-night stay in Hanoi can be arranged if needed. On the final day, please note that you will arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon. We advise planning your onward journey accordingly to ensure a smooth transition. Let us know if you'd like assistance with booking an extra night's stay.

Inclusions

  • Insider Experiences


    Unique - Fansipan Cable Car Ride: Ascend 3,000 meters to Vietnam's highest peak for stunning mountain and valley views.
    Ethnic Village Visits: Explore remote Red Zao and Black Hmong villages, experiencing traditional life and terraced rice fields.

  • Accommodation

    2 nights in 4 star hotels
    1 night on a train

  • Meals

    Daily breakfast
    1 local lunche

  • Transport

    Airport transfer on arrival and departure
    Air-conditioned vehicle
    All flight specified in itinerary

  • Touring

    English speaking tour guide
    All entrance fees
    All tipping

SKU: IJDB-SGJ-63-2024 / 2025 / 2026 Category: Tags: , ,

Departure Dates

START DAYMONTH
Thursday, 14 November 2024Sunday, 17 November 2024
Thursday, 28 November 2024Sunday, 1 December 2024
Thursday, 12 December 2024Sunday, 15 December 2024
Thursday, 26 December 2024Sunday, 29 December 2024
Thursday, 9 January 2025Sunday, 12 January 2025
Thursday, 23 January 2025Sunday, 26 January 2025
Thursday, 6 February 2025Sunday, 9 February 2025
Thursday, 20 February 2025Sunday, 23 February 2025
Thursday, 6 March 2025Sunday, 9 March 2025
Thursday, 20 March 2025Sunday, 23 March 2025
Thursday, 3 April 2025Sunday, 6 April 2025
Thursday, 17 April 2025Sunday, 20 April 2025
Thursday, 1 May 2025Sunday, 4 May 2025
Thursday, 15 May 2025Sunday, 18 May 2025
Thursday, 29 May 2025Sunday, 1 June 2025
Thursday, 12 June 2025Sunday, 15 June 2025
Thursday, 26 June 2025Sunday, 29 June 2025
Thursday, 10 July 2025Sunday, 13 July 2025
Thursday, 24 July 2025Sunday, 27 July 2025
Thursday, 7 August 2025Sunday, 10 August 2025
Thursday, 21 August 2025Sunday, 24 August 2025
Thursday, 4 September 2025Sunday, 7 September 2025
Thursday, 18 September 2025Sunday, 21 September 2025
Thursday, 2 October 2025Sunday, 5 October 2025
Thursday, 16 October 2025Sunday, 19 October 2025
Thursday, 30 October 2025Sunday, 2 November 2025
Thursday, 13 November 2025Sunday, 16 November 2025
Thursday, 27 November 2025Sunday, 30 November 2025
Thursday, 11 December 2025Sunday, 14 December 2025
Thursday, 25 December 2025Sunday, 28 December 2025
Thursday, 8 January 2026Sunday, 11 January 2026
Thursday, 22 January 2026Sunday, 25 January 2026
Thursday, 5 February 2026Sunday, 8 February 2026
Thursday, 19 February 2026Sunday, 22 February 2026
Thursday, 5 March 2026Sunday, 8 March 2026
Thursday, 19 March 2026Sunday, 22 March 2026

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