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

Overnight on the 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 monotony of the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colors of its hill tribe population - flashes of shining silver jewellery 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. Take a morning walking tour of Sapa for a visit to the market where Red Dao, Black H’Mong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts, and to buy provisions. Following take a light trek to discover Sapa's quaint hill tribe villages set against the stunning Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and Indochina's highest peak, Mt. Fansipan, a picnic lunch will be had en-route. Rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure to roam around and discover Sapa town at your own pace.

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

Overnight in Sapa

After  breakfast, you will leave Sapa town behind and head off into the beautiful Hoang Lien National Park by car, along the road you have the chance to see big rice terraces and a hopefully the high tops of the mountain range. Soon your guide will introduce you to the biggest group of minorities in this area, the striking Black H’mong people, famous for their indo colored clothing and silver necklaces.

Take a light trek on a good path for a few hours, with plenty of time to learn about history and traditional customs and enjoy the views. You will then continue the transfer deeper into the valley and cross the beautiful Muong Bo River before reaching Thanh Phu village of Tay minority. Here you will see the big difference in culture as the group wears lighter colors of silk clothing. Your lunch will be served next to the rice fields in a local restaurant. After lunch the tour continues to the small village of My Son and an interesting afternoon walk. This remote tribe is the smallest minority group in Sapa area and home to Xa Pho people.

In the afternoon arrive in the remote and quiet Red Dao village of Nam Cang. Walking along the small roads and village paths you will soon understand that this is “off the beaten trail”. Finally you will cross a private bridge and check into your room in the rustic but charming Nam Cang Riverside Lodge and take time to explore the village or relax in the river or at the riverside veranda.

Dinner is served at the big wooden table or at the terrace overlooking the river. Note that this a atmospheric wooden lodge in a remote location, with small and simple private guest rooms and shared bathrooms.

Overnight in Nam Cang Lodge

In the morning take a guided walk into the nearby and beautiful valley, first walking along the river and later exploring the local forest famous for its cardamom. You will encounter with the locals who are walking barefooted, which is however not recommended for you. We enjoy the view and the, in Vietnam, the rare quietness.

On the way back, you will visit one of the small houses of remote located Red Dao families.

Arrive back at Nam Cang Riverside Lodge, and there is time for a splash in the river or final walk through the village before enjoying your lunch.

In the afternoon, you will have a private transfer to the spectacularly located Topas Ecolodge. This lodge has perhaps the most breathtaking location and finest views of any in Vietnam! From your bungalow’s balcony, you may enjoy your aerial view over the mountainous area where you have just been.

Approx.: Grade: Easy/ 2, 5 - 3 hours walking.

This morning for a change of pace enjoy a cycling trip with your local guide. Start cycling following the main road for three kilometers to Lech village of the Red Dao minority, observing the magnificent valley view on the way. Here leave your bikes and take a short walk on dirt road to visit a traditional Red Dao family, where you experience the culture of the minority villagers who are living peacefully in the same way as their ancestors. Next take a further ride to the new Lech village, with a longer break to learn how the women in their doorways are doing their exquisite embroidery, which the Red Dao people are very famous for. From the village, you head back to the Lodge. Note that the cycling route may be adjusted depending on guests’ fitness, energy levels, and road and weather conditions.

At 15:00, Topas Mountain Express departs from Topas Ecolodge and returns to your hotel in Hanoi.