3 days, 2 nights
From 280 $
5 Nov. 2023 - 31 Dec. 2024
Min. 2 People
Train and well-selected hotel
This tour of Sapa offers differing experiences in the form of a train departure and a coach return and more hands-on experiences, such as greater interaction with host communities. After an overnight train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, day two starts with an exploration of hill tribe villages. Guests also enjoy a leisurely trek through the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley, followed by a hands-on batik workshop and an enterprising secret herbal treatment that provides sustainable living for indigenous women.
We embark on a fascinating train journey that takes in spectacular scenery along Vietnam’s lengthy terrain. The adventure starts with a rendezvous with our guide in the lobby of the Mercure Hanoi La Gare at around 8 pm, followed by a leisurely walk to Hanoi Railway Station where we board the overnight train to Lao Cai. Guests who would like to stay in a day room can do so for a supplementary charge. The first day of our excursion involves a 300 km rail journey, leaving at 10 pm and arriving at approximately 6.10 am. We will bed down in a four-berth shared cabin. Meeting point: Mercure Hanoi La Gare hotel’s lobby Add: 94 Ly Thuong Kiet Str., Hoan Kiem Dist., Hanoi Please note: The train schedule is subject to change. Private compartments on request at a surcharge.
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Overnight on a tourist sleeper cabin (shared 4-berth per compartment).
After arriving at Lao Cai Railway Station at around 6 am, we transfer to Sapa town for breakfast at a local restaurant. We then set off on a guided 7-km soft trek through the beautiful Muong Hoa Valley, with views of picturesque terraced rice fields. We will get a fascinating insight into the secrets of rice farming and the local lifestyle in Lao Chai village. The fun activities include a two-hour hands-on class producing batik, a traditional textile dyeing technique practiced by the Black Hmong indigenous group native to the area. Tribe members will help us to create our very own batik art using local materials. The product will be retouched and handed to us before we leave Sapa. In the afternoon, we visit Ta Phin village, home to the Red Dzao tribe. After lunch at a local home, we explore the village and learn the touching story about the abandoned Old Monastery. A Red Dao indigenous lady will then give us an insight into Sapanapro, a successful social enterprise which creates revenue for her tribe through the production of unique spa products. We can also enjoy a herbal bath with a spectacular view for US$15, paid directly to the local community. We then transfer back to Sapa for dinner and overnight. Please note: 6-7km less travel route Y Linh Ho - Lao Chai village
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Overnight Sapa
Our three-day adventure concludes today – but not before we get to enjoy activities in one of Vietnam’s most spectacular regions. After breakfast at the hotel, we have some free time to admire the panoramic views and explore Sapa town. A highlight attraction is the Stone Church, one of the country’s most famous and ancient churches. This is located in Sapa town centre and was built by French colonists. It is still used for traditional cultural practices by resident ethnic minority groups in the area. At around 1.30 pm, we take an approximate five-hour transfer by minivan to Hanoi. The journey is part of the excursion as we will see fabulous scenery along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, we drop off at the meeting point, the Mercure Hanoi La Gare and the conclusion of this tour.