Sapa Cultural Trek: A 4-Day Northern Vietnam Trip

Highlights of the Trip

Embrace Vietnam travel with an unforgettable 4-day expedition to the mesmerising highlands of Sapa, a hidden gem nestled in the Northern reaches of Vietnam.

Your Vietnam trip commences with an overnight train ride to Lao Cai, a prelude to the enchantments awaiting in Sapa. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture with visits to bustling local markets and a restful stay at a 4-star hotel in Sapa. The heart of the adventure unfolds as you trek through the captivating H’mong and Dzay villages, sharing lunch with a welcoming local family. Continue your journey to Thanh Phu Village, where you’ll dine and slumber in a Tay stilt-house. Discover the scenic beauty of Xa-Pho, lush rice fields, and meet the Red Dao people of Nam Toong Village before sharing a local house lunch.

This 4-day tour promises a captivating blend of culture, natural beauty, and unforgettable local experiences, making it an essential addition to your Vietnam exploration.

Destinations and the Landmarks / Sights to Visit

• Lao Cai.
• Sapa.

Cultural Experiences & Activities of this Holiday

Local and Ethnic Markets: During this tour, you will encounter many local and traditional markets, such as the local market in Lao Cai.

H’mong and Dzay ethnic minority villages: These two distinct communities have called this region home for centuries, preserving their unique cultures and way of life in these remote villages. Enjoy lunch with a local family here.

Thanh Phu village: Enjoy dinner in a Tay ethnic minority stilt-house and experience the night here.

Xa Pho tribe village: One of the most ancient and secluded tribes in Vietnam, the Xa Pho tribe has been living in the mountainous regions of the Northern part of the country for centuries.

Red Dao village of Nam Toong: This remote village is home to the unique Red Dao ethnic minority group, known for their vibrant culture and traditional way of life.

Local Cuisine and Traditional Dishes to try while in Vietnam

During this Vietnam trip, numerous opportunities will arise for you to savour the authentic local cuisine, whether from the menus of included meals or from your own culinary exploration during your free time in the itinerary. Indulge in traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavours of the region, including pho, a traditional noodle soup that is considered the country’s national dish. Made with a flavourful broth, thinly sliced meat, and fresh herbs, pho is a comforting and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of day. Another popular dish that should not be missed is banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich filled with a variety of fillings such as pork, pate, and pickled vegetables. It’s a perfect combination of French and Vietnamese flavours, and can be found on almost every street corner in the country.

Accommodation of this Tour

Overnight Train to Lao Cai (Sharing soft 4-berth cabin on Chapa Carriage).

4* Amazing Sapa Hotel in Sapa (Deluxe room).

Tay Ethnic Minority Group Stilt-house.

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight train to Lao Cai

A driver will pick you up and take you to the Hanoi Railway Station in time to board the overnight train to Lao Cai. Your ticket includes a shared 4-berth cabin on Chapa Carriage. This is a must-do experience during your Vietnam travel!

For those who book a separate tour, an additional service is available for an additional fee of £19.50/person (min 2 people). This includes a guide pick-up and a mini hotel near the Hanoi Train Station for refreshment and rest while waiting for the train. (Please ask for more details)

Day 2: Local market visits, arrival & sightseeing in Sapa, stay at hotel with mountain views

Upon your arrival in the morning, you will be met and driven to one of the local markets to continue your Vietnam trip. After a picnic lunch, you will return to Lao Cai and continue the journey to Sapa, a small town nestled at the foot of Mount Fansipan, the highest peak of Vietnam. You will have plenty of time to relax and explore the area before retreating to a hotel with great mountain views for the night.

The drive may be lengthy; however, the scenery is beautiful, and the ethnic markets are an interesting experience. Unlike other touristy areas, the ones we visit are not only for buying and selling but are also a place of gathering for the minorities to meet up and gossip. You’ll be sure to see a rainbow of colours and traditional clothing, but you won’t find much to buy as a souvenir, except if you’re willing to haggle for a water buffalo or bag of fertiliser.

Trips to local markets can be planned for any day of the week: Monday (Ban Phiet or Phong Hai Market), Tuesday (Coc Ly or Ban Cam Market), Wednesday (Cao Son or Sin Cheng Market), Thursday (Lung Khau Nhin or Binh Lu Market), Friday (Chau or Phong Hai Market), Saturday (Can Cau, Pha Long or Tam Duong Market), or Sunday (Bac Ha, Muong Hum or Muong Khuong Market).

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Trek through H’mong and Dzay villages, lunch with local family, journey to Thanh Phu village, dinner & stay in Tay stilt-house

In the early morning, you will be met and taken by car to Sapa, a small town situated on the mountainside with a view of Mt. Fan Si Pan, Vietnam’s highest peak. After breakfast at your hotel, you will continue your Vietnam trip with a trek through the scenic valley, visiting the H’mong and Dzay ethnic minority villages on the way. You will have lunch with a local family before being picked up by car for a 12km journey. You will be able to take in the picturesque scenery and diverse ethnic minorities as you travel. You will then continue your walk to Thanh Phu village, where you will have dinner in a Tay ethnic minority stilt-house and spend the night.
Your guide will arrange the trekking route accordingly, with options for varying levels of difficulty. It is essential to wear appropriate footwear and sun protection. Transport for all, or part, of the distance can also be arranged if necessary.

✓ Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

 Day 4: Trek to village of Xa Pho, visit rice fields, meet the Red Dao of Nam Toong village and lunch in a local house

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a trek to the Xa Pho tribe village, the smallest ethnic group in Sapa with minimal contact to modern Vietnam and almost no knowledge of the Vietnamese language. Along the way, you’ll traverse the picturesque rice fields and eventually arrive at the Red Dao village of Nam Toong, where your guide will prepare a delicious lunch in a local home. Following the meal, you will be transported back to Sapa for your bus ride to Hanoi. You are expected to arrive at your Hanoi hotel by 9:00 pm in the evening. We hope your enjoyed your Vietnam travel!

✓ Breakfast, Lunch

Price

£337

– Price per person based on two-people group size.

– The price is subject to availability, based on twin or double room sharing.

– Peak season surcharges may apply during local public holidays.

Please note, this package is an example of our many exciting daily offers. We are happy to check up-to-date prices for the dates and times that suit you for your perfect package holiday, or to tailor or upgrade elements of any package. Please feel free to contact us at enquiry@asiara-holidays.com or call us on 01473 356 000.

Tour Summary

Day 1: Overnight train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai, experiencing the unique Chapa Carriage shared cabin accommodation.

Day 2: Explore local markets, travel to Sapa, admire mountain views from your hotel, and immerse in the vibrant ethnic culture of the region.

Day 3: Trek through H’mong and Dzay villages, enjoy lunch with a local family, continue to Thanh Phu village for a dinner and overnight stay in a Tay stilt-house.

Day 4: Trek to Xa Pho village, traverse rice fields, visit Nam Toong Red Dao village for lunch, and return to Hanoi by bus, concluding your enriching Vietnam journey.

FAQs

1. What is included in the overnight train journey from Hanoi to Lao Cai?
   • The overnight train journey includes a shared 4-berth cabin on the Chapa Carriage, offering a unique experience during your Vietnam travel.
2. Are there additional services available for the overnight train journey?
   • Yes, for an additional fee, there’s an option for a guide pick-up and a mini hotel near the Hanoi Train Station for refreshment and rest while waiting for the train.
3. What can I expect during the trek through H’mong and Dzay villages on Day 3?
   • You’ll experience a scenic trek through the valley, visiting ethnic minority villages, and having lunch with a local family, providing an immersive cultural experience.
4. Can I choose the difficulty level of the trekking route on Day 3?
   • Yes, your guide will arrange the trekking route according to your preferences, offering options for varying levels of difficulty.
5. What transportation is provided for the trek to Xa Pho village on Day 4?
   • You’ll have transportation back to Sapa after visiting Nam Toong Red Dao village, ensuring a comfortable journey as you conclude your tour and head back to Hanoi.

Tour Map