DAY 01: HANOI – LAO CAI (-/-/-) by overnight train

Be picked up at your hotel, then drive to Hanoi Railway station for your overnight train to Lao Cai

DAY 02: LAO CAI – SAPA – BAN KHOANG – TA GIANG PHINH (B/-/-)

Upon arrival at Lao Cai railway station early (around 05.45am), be picked up by our guide and driver, then depart to Sapa. Stop at a restaurant for breakfast before walking through beautiful terraced rice fields and interact with local ethnic minority groups. Arrive at Ban Khoang village which is a picturesque and remote village located about 30 kilometers from the town of Sapa. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquil atmosphere. The village is inhabited by the H'mong and Red Dzao ethnic groups, who maintain their traditional ways of life.

Continue to Ta Giang Phinh village which is situated in a stunning natural landscape with terraced rice fields, rolling hills, and lush green valleys. The area is perfect for trekking and hiking, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Stop along the way to interact with the villagers, learn about their daily routines, and gain insight into their traditions, rituals, and spiritual beliefs. Finally, drive back to hotel in center for check-in and overnight in Sapa.

DAY 03:  SAPA – HIKING - MA TRA – TA PHIN (B/-/-)

After breakfast, hike through beautiful terraced rice fields and interact with local ethnic minority groups, including the Hmong and Giay people. You firstly reach Ma Tra Village located about 5km from Sapa’s center. Ma Tra is home to the Black Hmong people. You can observe and participate in traditional Hmong practices, such as weaving and dyeing fabrics with natural indigo.

Continue hiking to Ta Phin village (about 3km from Ma Tra). The village is surrounded by majestic mountains, lush greenery, and terraced rice fields that create a picturesque and serene environment. Finally, drive back to hotel in center and overnight in Sapa.

DAY 04: SAPA – FANSIPAN PEAK– BAC HA  (B/-/-)  

After breakfast, start from Sapa and take a Muong Hoa train to the Fansipan Cable Car Station. Then, enjoy a scenic 15-20 minute ride to the upper station, with stunning views of the valley, terraced fields, and forests below. From the cable car station, there are 600 steps to the summit. Alternatively, you can take a funicular railway for an easier ascent. Reach the summit, enjoy the panoramic views and explore the temples, pagodas, and the iconic bronze statue of Buddha. Finally drive to Bac Ha which is a charming town located about 80 kilometers from Sapa. Known for its vibrant ethnic minority cultures, beautiful landscapes, and colorful markets. Upon arrival, check in homestay and overnight in Bac Ha.

DAY 05: BAC HA  - HIKING – LAO CAI - HANOI (B/-/-) – by overnight train

After breakfast, visit Bac Ha market (if on Sunday). It is one of the most famous and colorful markets in northern Vietnam and attracts a wide range of ethnic minority groups from the surrounding areas. Later, trek to nearby villages that offer picturesque landscapes, where you can observe traditional farming practices and meet the locals in their everyday lives. Then drive to Lao Cai railway station for your overnight train back to Hanoi.