Back road to Sapa

Perched high on the mountainside, opposite Mt. Fan Si Pan, Sapa has a stunning view. However, the main attraction is the numerous colorfully dressed ethnic people and their different traditions. This trip to one of their weekly market is a great chance to have a closer look at local life. The market that we chose is not only for buying and selling but are also meeting places for ethnic minority people to meet and exchange news.

• Theme tour: Adventurous explorer, Family getaway
• Kids friendly: Yes
• Destination: Less traveled

• A colorful experience with weekly market frequented by ethnic groups
• Explore the beautiful Muong Hoa valley

Meal: Not any | Accommodation: Night train – sleeper cabin (sharing)

20:30 – We depart Handspan office (78 Ma May street) to Hanoi Railway Station to catch the night train to Lao Cai (4-berth sleeper cabin with air conditioning)

Meal: Breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: Chau Long Sapa Hotel

Around 6:00 AM – Pick up from the train station, time for your breakfast, and refreshments at a local restaurant in Lao Cai. We then start with a 60km drive to Muong Hum market in a scenic valley where many Flower and Red H’mong, Dzay, and Dzao people gather. This is one of the liveliest markets near the border between Vietnam and China. The drive from Lao Cai to Muong Hum is quite pleasant, taking us alongside mountains and rivers and beautiful plantations of a variety of agriculture. 

After joining the market, we travel to Sapa on the ‘road less traveled through beautiful untouched Ta Giang Phinh valley. There’s time for a leisurely walk on the village path which zigzags through the homeland of the Blue Hmong ethnic minority people. Call in some local houses, and observe villagers working in their rice fields.

We’ll arrive at Sapa in the late afternoon. Hotel and check-in and the rest of the day will be free at leisure.

Chau Long Hotel: Local 3-star hotel with a very good location right in the city center that is near to everything. The rooms are cozy and some rooms with a great view of Sapa mountain.

Meal: Breakfast, lunch | Accommodation: not included

8:00 – pick up from your hotel, we then start trekking from Sapa town to Golden Stream valley. The trek offers some stunning views of the rice terraces, gardens, and Fan Si Pan mountain range. After crossing a suspension bridge, we will hike up to Lao Chai village for lunch. After lunch, we will explore the villages of Lao Chai (Black H’ mong) and Ta Van (Dzay). This trek is relatively easy, though the trail can be quite slippery if it rains, so good footwear is recommended. 

After visiting a family in the village, we walk to the main road to meet up with our driver and return to Sapa town.

14:30 – 15:00 – Comfortable shuttle bus departs from Sapa to Hanoi. Enjoy beautiful views driving along with the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The bus is equipped with large individual seats, A/C, and wifi. There’re 2 stops on the way and dinner is at your own cost. 

You’ll arrive at the Hanoi center at around 20:30 – 21:00. End of our services. 

Please note the transfer from there to your hotel is not included.