03 Days - Sapa Discovery in Style

Day 01: Lao Cai - Sapa - Hau Thao - Giang Ta Chai
Upon our arrival in Lao Cai railway station in the early morning, we drive to Sapa town, which is 35 km away by car. We set off to discover Sapa and its nearby villages of Sa Seng and Hau Thao, set in a spectacularly beautiful valley and home to Black H'mong people. We have ample opportunities to see how they live and give wonderful insights into their way of life.

Along the way we stop at one of the friendly villages and enjoy a picnic lunch. Finally, we arrive in the village of Giang Ta Chai, nestled in a spectacular region. Tonight we spend a memorable night in the traditional stilt-house of a Zay family.  Zay people are adept at rice cultivation and are responsible for tending to the manicured terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 02: Giang Ta Chai - O Qui Ho - Sapa
The beautiful Giang Ta Chai is surrounded by verdant hills and rice terraces. We enjoy a hike through lush rice terraces and along verdant hills, before we return to Sapa. In free time, why not wander through a local market and appreciate the laidback lifestyle in this beautiful township.

Afternoon finds us in the villages of Sin Chai and O Qui Ho, situated in a region of sculpted rice terraces and home to Black H’mong people, we walk around peaceful villages and farmlands at an easy and leisurely pace to suit everybody. At night we stay over in a hotel in Sapa. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Day 03: Sapa - Ma Tra - Overnight train
We enjoy a scenic hike to Ma Tra and Ta Phin, home to dramatic mountains and lush fertile hills and colourful Red Dao people. The women here are particularly striking, with their coin and jewellery-studded turbans and shaved eyebrows.

Hiking through more stunning rural countryside and meeting friendly the local people offer us wonderful foray into their way of life. Late in the afternoon we board a sleeper train back to Hanoi, arriving there at 5am the following day. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included).

Physical activities:
Your itinerary includes hikes with:
- a 9-12 km hike on Day 1.
- a 12-16 km hike on Day 2.
- a 9-10 km hike on Day 3.

Meals during the trekking tour:
- 03 breakfasts + 03 lunches + 03 dinners.

A wide variety of food is commonly available in local homes, restaurants or markets, using fresh local ingredients, typical of the way people eat in the area. We also cater for Vegetarians but please request this at time of booking.

Tour guides:
Our experienced and friendly Tour Guide(s) speak excellent English or French. They are extremely knowledgeable about local cultures, history and the environment.

Accommodation:
- 02 nights on overnight trains.
- 01 night in a local home.
- 01 night in a hotel.

The cost of the trip includes:
- Accommodation.
- Transportation.
- Meals listed on the itinerary.
- English speaking local guides.
- Entrance fees as mentioned.
- Permits during guided excursions.

The cost of the trip does not include:
- Travel insurance.
- Drinks (soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water).
- Admission fees during free time.
- Other personal expenses such as shopping; telephone, laundry & bar bills etc.

What to take:
Pack essentials, including light comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities, hiking shoes and small day pack.
It is essential to bring your passport on this trip. We also recommend packing: personal articles, insect repellent, sun cream, raincoat, sun hat…Have a great journey with Ethnic Voyage !