Vietnam Sapa Trek: Valleys to Peaks
4 Days Starting and ending in Hanoi, Vietnam
Visiting: Thanh Phú, Nam Cang, Topas Ecolodge, Hanoi
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TP - SVP
Group Type:
Private
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 10
Age range:
7-75
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Experience the vibrant tapestry of ethnic cultures and breathtaking landscapes on this enriching 4-day tour from Hanoi to Sapa. Embark on a scenic journey aboard the Topas Mountain Express to Sapa. Trek through picturesque villages, ascending steep hills to the Red Dao village of Sin Chai. Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Red Dao people, renowned for their intricate embroidery and traditional practices. Explore Red Dao and Blue H'Mong minority villages, trekking amidst stunning vistas of the Hoang Lien Mountain range and expansive rice fields. Spend the night in the remote Red Dao village of Nam Cang, indulging in village exploration Traverse rivers and remote hillsides, encountering the hospitality of the Red Dao in Nam Ngan village. Discover the unique culture of the Xa Pho minority in My Son village before heading to Topas Ecolodge for relaxation. Enjoy leisure time at Topas Ecolodge, unwinding by the pool or exploring the area on a mountain bike. Depart for Hanoi in the afternoon, reminiscing on the unforgettable experiences of your Sapa adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Hanoi – Sapa By Limousine. Trekking Through Villages To Red Dao Village
Location: Thanh Phú
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Dinner
6:30 - 7:00am This morning the Topas Mountain Express (shared 8-seater limousine) will pick you up at your Hanoi hotel before departing for Sapa. After approximately five hours driving, you'll change vehicles and take a short transfer to the center of a village for lunch.
You will then start your hike by ascending a steep hill heading to Sin Chai village. Sweeping views of rice valleys will open in front of you, and you'll cross a pretty stream before ascending once again up a steep trail. Sin Chai village is home to people from the Red Dao minority group. The Red Dao have a rich culture with some deeply ingrained practices, such as arranged marriages, the ritual shaving of heads for women after their marriage and the dedication to Taoism. You will have the chance to see how the villagers create the beautiful, intricate embroidery they are known for, with each design holding a particular significant meaning.
Later in the afternoon you will arrive at your homestay in Sin Chai, and time permitting will have the chance to explore the village and visit the local school before dark.
Distance and activities: Approx: 290 km driving/ 5 hours; 1-hour lunch; trekking/ 2-3 hours.
Overnight at village homestay
Day 2 : Red Dao And Blue H’Mong Minority Villages
Location: Nam Cang
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
08:30am After enjoying a local breakfast in the peaceful atmosphere of the village, you'll start today's trek with an easy walk to another Red Dao village, Nam Nhiu. Along the trail you'll be rewarded with splendid views of the Hoang Lien Mountain range and some of the most expansive rice fields in Sapa. Lunch will be served picnic-style amidst the beautiful natural surroundings. Continuing after lunch, the trail will take you past one of a small number of colorful Blue Hmong villages in the area, before reaching the small and remote Red Dao minority village of Nam Cang, where you'll stay overnight in a local homestay.
After settling in, the remainder of the day can be spent exploring the village or swimming in the cool river.
Distance and activities: moderate trek/approx. 5-hour hiking.
Overnight at homestay of Red Dao family
Day 3 : Trekking Along Rivers And Remote Hillsides To Topas Ecolodge
Location: Topas Ecolodge
Accommodation: Lodge
Accommodation Name: Topas Ecolodge – Premium Executive bungalow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
08:30am This morning you can wake up slowly and enjoy the sounds of the countryside. Today the hiking trail will take you higher up in the mountains on trails used primarily by local farmers and across a few rivers, before bringing you to the remote Red Dao village Nam Ngan. You'll be welcomed into a family house where you can see a little of the way of life deep in the mountains and likely be served a cup of tea or a glass of rice wine as hospitality is very important in Red Dao culture. The trail will then descend onto a wider path and before long you'll reach My Son, the village of one of the smallest minority groups in this area, the Xa Pho minority. After enjoying a local lunch, the hike will end near the beautiful Muong Bo River where a car will be waiting to transfer you back to Topas Ecolodge.
Distance and activities: moderate trek/approx. 7-hours hiking
Day 4 : Back To Hanoi
Location: Hanoi
Meals Included: Breakfast
The morning is free for you to spend at your leisure at Topas Ecolodge. You can take time to relax at the pool or indulge in spa treatments, or if you're still feeling active you can borrow a high-quality mountain bike from the lodge to explore the surrounding area. Scheduled shuttle buses head to Sapa if you wish to visit the town or you can book a half-day tour to explore the highest peak of Indochina, Mt. Fansipan (3.143m) by cable car.
The Topas Mountain Express will depart from Topas Ecolodge at 2:30pm and take you back to your hotel in Hanoi, arriving around 8:00pm.
Please note:
The Topas Mountain Express will pick up and return passengers at hotels/residences in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Tay Ho Area.
Pick-up time is between 6.30 – 7.00am and we request clients to be ready at 6.30am to ensure smooth service.
Due to limited space, guests are requested to bring only 1 cabin bag/suitcase 115cm (56cm x 36cm x 23cm) per person.
What's Included
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English-speaking local guide(s) on excursion days
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All indicated accommodation (Double/twin room)
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Sharing Topas Mountain Express 8-seater limousine from Hanoi – Thanh Phu, Topas Ecolodge - Hanoi
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All private land transfer as indicated
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Indicated meals as mentioned in the itinerary.
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All entrance fees to sites on the itinerary
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Government tax
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Service charge
What's Not Included
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Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
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All flights
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Vietnam visa – Please refer to the Passport and Visa section in our Terms and Conditions
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Travel insurance – Compulsory. Please refer to the Travel Insurance and Risks section in our Terms and Conditions
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Upgrades to a higher standard room or single supplements.
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Early check-in or late check-out at all hotels/boat (standard check-in time: 1pm, check-out time: 11am)
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Personal travel items
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Tips
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Any other services not included in the program
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Any meals not included in the itinerary
Optional Extras
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Compulsory Gala Dinner
Christmas 24 Dec 2024
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Peak season surcharge at Topas Ecolodge in 2024
New Year: 1 Jan 2024 (1 night) Luna New Year: 9-17 Feb 2024 (9 nights) Hung King: 18-20 Apr 2024 (3 nights) Victory and Labor day: 30 Apr – 1 May 2024 (2 nights) National Day: 31 Aug - 2 Sep 2024 (3 nights) Xmas: 23 – 25 Dec 2024 (3 nights) New Year Eve: 30-31 Dec 2024 (2 nights)
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Compulsory Gala Dinner
New Year 31 Dec 2024
Mode of Transport
Sharing Topas Mountain Express 8-seater limousine from Hanoi - Thanh Phu, Topas Ecolodge - Hanoi
Private transfer Thanh Phu - Sin Chai, Muong Bo - Topas Ecolodge
4-7 seat car
Mini van 16 seats
29-35 seat van
Accommodation
Homestays
Topas Ecolodge
Check out our Q&As
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes, they are included
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What is the tipping policy?
Tipping for good service is not compulsory but is always appreciated in a country where the average annua income is quite low compared to Europe for example. It is customary to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped. Do not let guide talk you into tipping more than you plan to. It is totally up to you who you tip, when and how much. Recommendation for small groups (2-5 participants) is as following: 12-15USD/group/day for guide on sightseeing trip (classic), 5-6USD/person/day for guide on active trip (adventure), 6-10USD/group/day for driver.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
yes, there is free wi-fi in the accommodation used
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We are thrilled to share that your upcoming tour with us contributes to our meaningful charity initiatives. At Topas, giving back is at the heart of what we do, and your booking plays a significant role in supporting various projects aimed at making a positive impact in the communities we hold dear. Our Charity Streams: Own Projects in Sapa: Rooted in Sapa, we conduct numerous projects focusing on education, including rebuilding schools, constructing bridges, and improving homes for those facing hardship. A dedicated project manager in Sapa oversees our charitable work. NGO Partnerships: Newborns Vietnam: Trains neonatal medical staff and provides vital equipment for critically ill newborns. Works with Lao Cai Hospital near Sapa and Moc Chau, a direct result of our partnership. Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation: Supports street kids and victims of human trafficking. Besides funding, we offer free slots in our Vietnam Trail Series races and sponsor the Blue Dragon Running Club kids, celebrating their achievements at events like the Vietnam Trail Marathon. Hue Help: Addresses drowning prevention, teaching kids and educators to become swim safety instructors. Collaborative projects in Thanh Hoa province, an area where we host the Vietnam Jungle Marathon. Operation Smile: Performs facial surgery, changing the lives of young people in Vietnam. We've witnessed firsthand the impact, supporting kids from Sapa and Pu Luong for corrective surgery in Hanoi. Your travel experience with us goes beyond exploration; it becomes a conduit for positive change in these communities. We deeply appreciate your contribution to our charitable endeavors. Thank you for being a part of our journey to make a difference.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Traveling to Vietnam is now as comfortable as any other destination, with COVID-19 policies reflecting a sense of normalcy. As of the latest updates, there's no special treatment required for COVID-19, and travelers are no longer obligated to undergo testing or purchase specific COVID insurance. While Vietnam has embraced a more relaxed approach, we strongly recommend securing a comprehensive travel insurance package. This insurance should cover essential aspects such as medical treatment, personal accidents, medical evacuation, and extend beyond unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters and cancellation fees. Client's safety and well-being remain our top priority, and we encourage travelers to explore Vietnam with confidence, armed with a robust travel insurance plan that ensures peace of mind throughout your journey.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We’ve been creating Vietnam travel experiences since 1993 and our team is here to help you create the perfect trip for your own travel style. We love travel, we love Vietnam, and we love sharing our passion for both. Whether you want to see the bucket list sites with a twist or discover lesser-known destinations, our team is ready to make it happen. We will ensure you have the best possible experience discovering the sites, sounds, and scents of beautiful Vietnam. What’s more, doing travel the right way and giving back to the communities where we work is at the very heart of the Topas philosophy. Read our charity page to learn more about why to travel with us if you want to travel responsibly.
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Free Date Changes
Topas Travel allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Topas Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform topas travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Topas Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of topas travel charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.