This evening transfer to Hanoi Train Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa.

Overnight on the train

From Hanoi to Lao Cai (300km): 8hrs by train

On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai transfer to the former hill station of Sapa. In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colors of its hill tribe population - flashes of shining silver jewelry from the necks and wrists of indigo-clad H'mong and the scarlet hues of the turbans worn by the Red Dao can be seen. It is here you will find hands stained with color from fabric dyes and shades of blue, red and green intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings.

Transfer by road uphill along the national road 4D for about 30 minutes to the Silver Waterfall. Enjoy the beauty of this wonder of nature, walk up the steps to higher elevation for marvelous scenery of the surrounding nature. For the adventurous continue up a steep trail surrounded by thick rain forest to enjoy views of the valley dotted with terraced paddies.

Continue by vehicle a few kilometers further to Heaven’s Gate and Tram Ton Pass. At 2684 m above sea level, the Tram Ton Pass is the highest mountain pass in Vietnam. Walk for a beautiful view from both sides of Hoang Lien Son mountain range. (Walk is fairly level, however sturdy footwear is recommended, as it can be muddy.)

Depart by vehicle from Heaven’s Gate to return to Sapa. Stop along the way to visit O Quy Ho known for the different kinds of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees and even medicinal plants grown here.

Transfer back to your hotel in Sapa. Rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Sapa.

Routes might change based on client’s interest.

Have breakfast before driving to visit a local market (Ban Cam on Tuesday/ Cao Son on Wednesday/ Lung Khau Nhin on Thursday / Can Cau on Saturday/ Bac Ha on Sunday. Note: The market visit may be on your arrival day depending on the market day and the trip to Silver Falls can be done on this day). Here you’ll see mostly Flower Hmong however Phu La, Black Dao, Tay, Nung hill tribe groups also gather here. The market offers a variety of local products, which could not be found in others areas such as an interesting animal market where pot-bellied pigs, cows and buffalos can be seen.

Continue your tour to have a short walk to a hill-tribe village. Here you’ll have the opportunity to visit some local homes to understand more on the daily life of these tribes as well as their culture and traditions.

Then transfer towards Bac Ha where you will be spending the night.

Overnight in Bac Ha.

Sapa to Bac Ha (110km): 2hrs

This morning depart for Ha Giang which is one of the most remote provinces in Vietnam, consisting of breath-taking scenery and a colourful array of hill tribes and vibrant local markets.

Continue to the Pan Hou Lodge located in the stunning Hoang Su Phi area which offers breath-taking scenery and colourful hill tribe life. 

On arrival in Hoang Su Phi check into Pan Hou Lodge, freshen up, and then take an afternoon’s walk through the rice terraces surrounding the lodge.

Overnight at the Pan Hou Lodge. 

Bac Ha to Ha Giang (200km): 3hrs

Early morning start on a trek to the local hill tribe village of Nam Hong (a total of approximately 4 hours of walking with 400 meter elevation gain and loss.)

This walk passes through the lush green forests, past small waterfalls, providing stunning views of terraced rice fields and cassava crops. Along the way meet members of the Long Tunic Dao,Man Ta Pan, Tay, and Flower H’mong groups.

Stop midway for a picnic lunch in a Man Ta Pan village, in Nam Hong. The Nam Ta Pan is well known for tea producers.

After lunch the walk continues towards Giang Ha through a bamboo forest then down to the bottom of the Giang valley. Visit a Tay community with their stilted wooden houses. Return to the Pan Hou around 4 pm.

Overnight at the Pan Hou Lodge. 

Routes might change based on client’s interest.

Following breakfast check out before the return drive to Hanoi. En-route back to the capital, enjoy a Vietnamese lunch in a local restaurant. Arrive back in Hanoi in the late afternoon.  

Hoang Su Phi to Hanoi (300km): 6.5hrs