Excursion: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Sapa – Hanoi
A journey that allows you to see Bac Ha and Sapa in 3 days.
Known for its rich culture and ethnic traditions, Bac Ha offers an authentic experience in an enchanting setting. Every Sunday, the Bac Ha market comes to life, becoming a fascinating place where the different ethnic groups of the region blend together. Here you can admire local craftsmanship, savor traditional culinary specialties, and immerse yourself in the lively and colorful atmosphere. Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to explore the surrounding villages, where millenary traditions are still alive.
Then, you will visit Sapa, an enchanting mountain resort. Here you can go hiking through panoramic trails, visit traditional villages of the Hmong, Dao, and Tay ethnic groups, and immerse yourself in the rich local culture.
Detailed Itinerary
Hanoi - Lao Cai - Sapa (-/-/-)
−Guide
Homestay
Walking
Arrival at Lao Cai station around 06:00 AM. Greeting by the local English-speaking guide. Breakfast at a local restaurant.
Departure for Bac Ha passing through Thanh Kim and Thanh Phu; during the journey, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountains, rivers, and lakes. Located at an altitude of 1,000 meters, Bac Ha is home to various ethnic groups such as the colorful Hmong, Phu La, and Tay. The Bac Ha region is well known for its lively and colorful weekly markets, surrounded by an enchanting landscape of wild nature. The markets are not only for the exchange of goods but also serve as the epicenter for cultural encounters between the different ethnic groups living in harmony with each other in this region. It will be possible to visit a colorful ethnic market that takes place once every week (Alternatives: Coc Ly market – Tuesday, Sin Cheng market – Wednesday, Lung Khau Nhin market – Thursday, Lung Phinh market – Friday, Can Cau market – Saturday, Bac Ha market – Sunday). You can browse through the market and see the products sold in these markets such as vegetables, poultry, horses, and buffaloes. Your attention will surely be captured not only by the liveliness of the market but also by the many ethnic groups in their most colorful clothes.
After visiting the market, you will take a short walk through some small villages of the ethnic minorities that make up Bac Ha, interspersed with cornfields, cassava hills, clay houses, and plum gardens. Finally, we return to the hotel in Bac Ha. The tour ends around 02:00 PM – 03:00 PM.
Free time to discover the villages surrounding the homestay and dinner at leisure.
Sapa visit (B/-/-)
−Guide
Hotel
Trekking
Walking
Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to visit Sapa with a trek towards the village of Y Linh Ho. You will follow the path downhill; during the journey, you can interact with the friendly H’mong ladies and children living in houses nestled in the valley. If you are sporty and adventurous, follow the uphill trek along the buffalo trail (dirt path) with breathtaking views and fewer tourists. For those who prefer an easier trek, you can undertake a pleasant walk along the Muong Hoa river.
You will then go to the Lao Chai village via a small path that crosses the rice fields to the small village. It is an excellent opportunity to learn about the daily life and cultural customs of the local people. The tour continues with the exploration of Ta Van village, the fascinating land of the Dzay people, well situated on the hill with a splendid view of the river, the rice terraces, and the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. As you walk along the narrow streets of the village, you will meet the local inhabitants who will kindly invite you to visit their homes. Lunch at a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will visit Sapa and the village of Cat Cat, where the colors of traditional clothes and the beauty of its inhabitants will fill your eyes. You will then walk along the entire Muong Hoa valley, between descents and ascents, rivers and streams, under the warmth of the sun until the village of Sin Chai, the home of the Black Hmong. The tour ends around 04:30 PM – 05:00 PM. Return to the hotel where the rest of the time is at your free disposal.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at a hotel in Sapa.
Sapa - Hanoi (B/-/-)
−Guide
Hotel
Trekking
Walking
Day 3: Sapa – Hanoi (B/-/-).
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 AM the day will begin with a soft trek through Suoi Ho, and you will continue walking to the Ma Tra – Ta Phin village. This valley is close to the city but is extraordinarily quiet, with its inhabitants still living in their traditional way. During our trek, we will cross several hamlets inhabited by the Hmong minority scattered on the hillsides. Continue gradually downhill for an hour to Ta Phin village, where the Red Yao live.
Return by car and transfer to Sa Pa in the afternoon. Time available until 03:00 PM, then you will take the shared bus (without guide) to Hanoi. Arrival in Hanoi at 09:30 PM, settlement at the hotel.
Dinner at leisure and overnight stay at the hotel.
*** END OF SERVICES ***
Price and Policy
SERVICES INCLUDED:
- Meals as mentioned in the program
- Hotel of the category as in the itinerary based on 2 people/room
- English/Italian speaking guide
- Private car for the indicated transfers
- Entrance tickets to the places indicated in the program
SERVICES EXCLUDED:
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Drinks, telephone… all expenses of a personal nature and not expressly indicated in the “prices include” section
- Tips for drivers and guides. Our suggestion: 1-3 $US/person/day for the driver and 3 $US-5 $US/person/day depending on the group size
- Anything not indicated under the heading “the price includes”
- File management fee (includes medical, baggage, and cancellation insurance)
- Service charge
- Invitation letter if necessary
Excursion: Hanoi – Lao Cai – Sapa – Hanoi
- 03 Days
- Hanoi → Lao Cai → Sapa → Hanoi
- Hanoi / Hanoi
