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

Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment

On arrival in the border town of Lao Cai, 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: These local markets are only held on the above mentioned days, so your arrival to Lao Cai should coincide with one of these market days. 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 with 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

Afterwards transfer by road up through the mountains to the former hill station town of Sapa, a base for tourists visiting the mountainous northwest. In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the monotony of 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.

Overnight in Sapa

This morning after breakfast, you will leave Sapa for a 30-minute winding road transfer to Ban Khoang Valley. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Hoag Lien Mountain Range along the way, also known as The Tonkinese Alps.

Your first stop is at Lu Khau Village in Ban Khoang Valley. The Lu Khau Village is home to Blue Hmong and Red Zao minorities. Explore the village on foot, meet the friendly local people and learn about their colorful culture and lifestyle in the countryside.

Depart from Ban Khoang Valley for a 8-km road transfer to Ta Giang Phinh Valley and enjoy a local lunch there. This afternoon, take a leisurely walk through the charming Ta Giang Phinh Valley. Walk on the village path which winds down the impressive valley, home to Blue Hmong ethnic minority people. Visit some local houses to see some handicrafts workshops, observe villagers working in the fields tending their crops with buffalos.

Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks in Sapa. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be changed.

Mid-late afternoon transfer back to Sapa town and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

Overnight in Sapa

Early this morning depart with your guide for a half-day trekking tour to Hang Da and Sau Chua Villages, just about 8km east of Sapa where the Black Hmong peoples have been living their traditional and unique way of life despite the recent changes and effects caused by the fast development and tourism boom in Sapa town.

Enjoy walking with your guide along the quiet narrow pathways through the countryside and past the scattered modest houses of the Black H’mong people. The trekking route can be adjusted depanding on energy levels, fitness and weather conditions.

Return to your hotel to checkout by 12 noon, and then there is some time at your leisure for lunch (not included - at own account) and last minute exploration of Sapa town.

Mid-afternoon join-in bus transfer from Sapa to Hanoi as follows;

-          FIRST CLASS OPTION - transfer to the Sapa Express Bus meeting point for the comfortable Sapa Express bus (join-in) to Hanoi. Departs Sapa at 16:00 and arrives Hanoi at 21:30 approx.

-          SUPERIOR & DELUXE OPTIONS – Transfer to the Victoria Hotel to join the Victoria Express Bus transfer to Hanoi. Departs Sapa at 14:30 and arrives Hanoi and 20:00approx.

Arrive back in Hanoi at the bus drop off point and own arrangements for onward transfer to selected Hanoi accommodation (not included – contact your tour consultant for options and prices)