Tour Overview
Embark on the Sapa Adventure, a captivating journey through Vietnam's stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. Begin in the vibrant city of Hanoi, where you can explore the bustling Old Quarter and savor local delicacies. Travel by overnight sleeper train to the breathtaking region of Sapa, where you'll trek through lush rice terraces, cascading waterfalls, and verdant hills. Experience authentic Vietnamese hospitality with a stay in a traditional homestay, enjoying home-cooked meals amidst the serene mountain scenery. Discover the unique culture of the H'mong community in Cat Cat Village and engage with the local Black Hmong and Giay communities. This tour not only offers an unforgettable trekking experience but also supports the Vun Art initiative, empowering people with disabilities in Vietnam. With guided treks, delicious meals, and immersive cultural encounters, the Sapa Adventure promises a memorable exploration of Vietnam's natural and cultural wonders. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Accommodation Name: Overnight sleeper train
Xin chao! Welcome to Vietnam. If you arrive in Hanoi early, why not dive into the bustling world of bikes and boulevards and explore the French colonial architecture that decorates the laneways. Maybe indulge in a Vietnamese coffee while people-watching from a street-side cafe or step back in time in the Old Quarter. Tonight, you’ll be picked up by your local guide from your Joining Point Hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter at around 7 pm and transferred to the train station, where your guide will give you your tickets for the return train journey to Sapa. Say farewell to your guide before you board the overnight sleeper train bound for Lao Cai. The train journey is unaccompanied, and you may be sharing with locals or other travellers.
Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Sapa Trek
Location: Sapa
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrive in Lao Cai in the early morning and travel to Sapa via minibus, passing through dramatic scenery. When you arrive in the hillside town, you’ll meet your local guide for a breakfast of bun cha (grilled pork and noodles) among the gorgeous views of rice terraces cascading down the mountain. After, check in into your hotel. Later in the afternoon head to the central market and explore the local produce and handicrafts, all the while enjoying a big tasting of some local snacks along the way. The food snacks amount to a full meal. Try a few favourites that are popular in Sapa and learn about the culture and lifestyle here from your guide.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Sapa Trek
Location: Sapa
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning after breakfast, set off towards Lao Cai to the starting point of today’s trek. From here, you’ll follow a narrow trail that leads uphill for about 2 hours, headed for the Sa Seng. At the pinnacle, take in the breathtaking sights of Fansipan Peak and Muong Hoa Valley. Continue to Hang Da Village – a Hmong community nestled at an altitude of 1800 m, which provides an incredible vista of the valley. Soak in the views, then sit down with your group for a satisfying picnic lunch to refuel. Continue to Hau Thao village, enjoying the panoramic views of the valley along the way. When you arrive at the commune, take the opportunity to rest and get to know the local Black Hmong community who live here. The trek then continues to Giang Ta Chai village – your homestay accommodation for tonight. After settling in and introducing yourself to the Giay community, you’ll be treated to a homecooked dinner with the locals.
Day 4: Sapa/Overnight Train
Location: Sapa
Accommodation: Overnight sleeper train
Accommodation Name: Overnight sleeper train
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a hearty, energising breakfast, you’ll set off again on a 2 to 3 hour walk to Su Pan Village. Take the road to Giang Ta Chai village of the Red Dzao minority via the paths between terraces and bamboo forests. Walk past waterfalls, where buffalo might cool themselves from the heat and cross a suspension bridge. Cross Muong Hoa River, then head up to the mountain to visit the last village of the trek – Su Pan. Maybe grab a quick bowl of pho before meeting up with your vehicle for the short drive back to Sapa. Arriving in Sapa, you have a free afternoon to explore the town. Maybe get a massage to sooth your tired muscles, or check out the local market selling produce, herbal remedies, and (very fresh) meats. Pick up any hilltribe crafts you might have had your eye on or sit back with a drink while you look over the misty mountains. Tonight, you’ll take another overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 5: Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Your adventure ends at Hanoi train station in the early morning (around 5 am). The rest of the day is free for you to soak up the grace of this dynamic city in modern Vietnam. If you’d like to extend your stay or need help booking additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Homestay (1 night), Hotel (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights) -
Meals
3 breakfasts, 1 lunches, 2 dinners -
Sapa- Guided Central market visit and local food tasting
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Sapa- Orientation Walk with local guide
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Sapa- Guided Trek Sapa - Sa Seng - Hau Thao - Hang Da - Giang Ta Chai
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Sapa - Guided Trek Giang Ta Chai - Su Pan
What's Not Included
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Optional activities
Optional activities such as visiting the Ho Chi Minh Complex, Hoa Lo 'Hanoi Hilton' Prison, and other museums in Hanoi are not included.
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Transfer from Hanoi train station
Transfer from Hanoi train station to your hotel or the airport is not included.
Included Activities
- Guided trek
Transport
- Minibus , Overnight sleeper train , Private vehicle
Accommodation
- Homestay (1 night), Hotel (1 night), Overnight sleeper train (2 nights)
Important Information
- 1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at around 9 pm - on Day 1 in Hanoi. This trip ends on Day 5 and you are free to leave at any time.
- 2. You will be picked up on Day 1 from the Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary. Pick-up will take place between 9.00 pm-9.30 pm in the hotel foyer.
- 3. If you require to pick up from another hotel located in Hanoi's Old Quarter, please inform your booking agent at least 14 days prior to departure.
- 4. Your adventure ends upon arrival at Hanoi train station in the early morning (around 5 am). If you would like to stay a little longer in Vietnam, Intrepid can book additional nights for you (if you wish to have the room available on your arrival, you may need to book the night before as check-in time is usually midday). Please note that it's not possible to organize a transfer from the train station, so please make your own way to your hotel or the airport.
- 5. Please note this trip is operated by one of our local partners, based in Vietnam.
- 6.Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train and flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Vietnam with ease using a combination of minibus, overnight sleeper train, and private vehicle, ensuring a comfortable and scenic journey through the country's breathtaking landscapes.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and local culture with one night in a traditional homestay, one night in a hotel, and two nights aboard an overnight sleeper train, offering a unique way to explore Vietnam's stunning landscapes.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
This Short Break Adventure is a ‘join in’ group departure, which means for some portions of this trip, such as at the homestay, you may join-in with other travellers who have booked on a different style of trip, or through other companies.
With the flexibility of frequent departures there is a chance you may end up travelling solo on this trip. You will always have a local guide and all included activities will remain the same.
You’ll cover a lot of distance on this trip, including on overnight trains. Accommodation and amenities are shared and basic, but the experience of rubbing shoulders with the locals makes it all worthwhile. For more about what this experience is like, see our blog post here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-expect-on-an-overnight-train-in-vietnam/
This trip includes a moderate level of hiking in the hills for 3 days of this trip, ranging from 3 to 6 hours. Although this hiking is possible for most travellers, a good level of fitness will help increase your enjoyment of this experience. ...more ...less -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Hiking in Sapa
5 Days Starting and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam
Visiting: Hanoi, Sapa
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TVAG
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
12-99
