Experience Sapa

This evening, take the evening train to Lao Cai (we suggest having dinner before joining the train). Transfer to Hanoi railway station for the overnight train to Lao Cai. Departure time is scheduled for 10:00PM (subject to change).

Upon arrival at Lao Cai station in the early morning, you will be met by your local guide and vehicle who will transfer you to local restaurant for breakfast.

Note: Standard check-in time at the hotel is 2PM however early check-in can be arranged in advance by DAVN (subject to availability and with a surcharge).

After breakfast, enjoy a walk in the countryside surrounding Sapa. Head out of town towards Cat Cat village, stopping at a waterfall for a short rest before continuing the trek along a trail through rice terraces. Continuing through lush rain forest, under the protection of Hoang Lien National Park, you will eventually arrive in Y Linh Ho village, home of the Black Hmong minority, where there is time to look around the villages and rest a little more before climbing towards the main road where your vehicle will meet you and drive you back to Sapa for lunch. Free at leisure for the rest of day.

Dinner and overnight in Sapa.

Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa, the only luxury hotel in North-Western Vietnam, opened in March 1998. Built as a traditional mountain chalet with accented wooden decor and a welcoming stone hearth fireplace, the Victoria Sapa Resort and Spa overhangs the village, blending perfectly with the natural surroundings. It is located in Sapa, 380km (236 miles) Northwest of Hanoi, among the Hoang Lien Mountains, in Lao Cai Province, near the Chinese border. 1650 metres (5413 feet) above sea level, famous for its pristine environment, its unparalleled scenery and its cool climate, Sapa is home to more than 30 colourful hill tribes and close to Vietnam's highest peak, the 3143 metres (10311 feet) Mount Fansipan.

Today is devoted to a beautiful hike through the breathtaking scenery of Sapa valley. As soon as you leave Sapa town you will be met with awe-inspiring views of the morning mist blanketing the rice terraces beneath it. Learn how is the rice is cultivated, from the moment the seed is sown to its harvesting, followed by the journey it takes to the dinner table. Following a small track, cross the Muong Hoa river and pass well-tended rice terraces on your way to the Black Hmong village of Lao Chai.

Reaching Ta Van, there is time to explore this village, which has a mixture of Hmong, Giay and Red Dao residents. Continuing your hike along the river, cross a small suspension bridge, where you will discover a fascinating collection of rock carvings with engravings depicting images of ancient people, stilt houses and some beautiful decorative patterns. After lunch in the village, the walk continues through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai, a Red Dao ethnic minority village. After pausing to rest at a nearby waterfall, begin the uphill climb to the road where your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you to Lao Cai station for the evening train back to Hanoi.

Dinner at local restaurant in Lao Cai.

Upon arrival at Hanoi railway station in the early morning, having breakfast at local restaurant.