The trek may be hard sometimes, somewhere, but it’s worth the efforts as you will be off the beaten path exploring the pure life of ethnic people, keep away from the crowds of tourists, and go deep into the unexploited Sapa enjoying the sublime beauty of the mountains, valley, and rice paddy fields. Visit and stay among Dzay and Tay, Dzao people and learn about village life.
Detailed Itinerary:
The Night Before:Transfer from your hotel to Hanoi Train Station for boarding at 21:30 train leaving for Lao Cai. Overnight on train in a 4-berth soft sleeper cabin. The train arrives in Lao Cai at about 6:30 am where our guide and driver pick you up for transferring to Sapa.
Day 1: Sapa – Tavan - Seo Trung Ho (B, L, D)
Arriving in Sapa, have breakfast and shower at hotel then take a downhill jeep ride along the rugged but spectacular road. Dropped off at Dzay people’s Tavan village of the which plays a role of our trekking base. From here we will trek along the terraced paddy fields reaching other ethnic villages and mountain streams. By afternoon we will reach the destination of the day - Seo Trung Ho Village shared by both Dzao and H’mong ethnic minorities. We will stay the night and have dinner here at a traditional Dzao home.
Day 2: Seo Trung Ho - Ban Ho village (B, L, D)
Wake up by the sound of morning village life. Wander around the village taking hotos while your host’s preparing breakfast. Say goodbye and begin your trekking back to Ban Ho amongst the mountain fields and valley rice paddies while chatting with the locals along the way. This route is off the beaten path and quite steep Dzay people. The trail may also be very slippery and muddy due to the rainy weather. We will have a picnic lunch en route, then forward to Tay people’s Ban Ho village. Here you will be warmly welcomed by our hosts, share dinner with them, and stay overnight in their traditional stilt house.
Day 3: Around Ban Ho, back to Sapa (B)
Get up early in the morning, have breakfast offered by the very friendly an hospitable Tay hosts then wave them bye bye taking a short morning trek visiting Thanh Phu village. Back to Ban Ho for lunch. Take a short walk up to the main road where our jeep is waiting for you. The jeep takes you back to Sapa Town. When reaching Sapa we will check in at the hotel, take a shower and relax. You’re free to discover Sapa, go shopping or chat with some of the local children who are amazingly masters in English.
Day 4: Sapa - night train to Hanoi (B)
Breakfast at the hotel then free at leisure to visit the lively markets. Some suggestions including paying a visit to the orchid gardens on top of Ham Rong Mount which is located near by the Sapa center, or trek to Sin Chai Village of Black Mhong people. Remember to get back to the hotel before 17.30 to transfer to Lao Cai Station for the overnight train back to Hanoi. The train leaves Lao Cai at 20:50 reaching Hanoi at 4.30 AM. Overnight in a 4 berth soft sleeper cabin. Back to your hotel on your own. (A morning taxi to the old quarter from the station usually costs 50, 000).
Inclusions:
• All entrances, permissions and sightseeing fees
• Home stay, permits, all meals as indicated in the itinerary
• Return train tickets, car / van, hotel, English-speaking tour guide
Exclusions:
• Visa to Vietnam, departure airport taxes
• Personal travel & medical insurance, all personal & daily expenses
• Gratuities and tips for drivers and guides thing not mentioned in the program
What to bring: Suitable walking shoes, raincoats, jackets, torch, insect repellent and sunscreen
