At an elevation of 1,600 meters, Sapa is a delightful former French hill station situated in the mountainous region of Vietnam's northwest, close to the Chinese border. The region is home to many ethnic minority groups, each wearing traditional and colorful attire. This trip includes a trek through the hills and valleys of the Sapa region, discovering several different minorities along the way. You will experience overnight accommodation in the hospitable villages of Giay and Tay ethnic minorities. The apparent hardships are worth it though as we walk through some of the most spectacular scenery that Vietnam has to offer and experience unique villages culture.

Night 1:  Night train to Lao Cai

Day 1:  Transfer to Sapa – Trek to Tavan Village

Day 2: Trek to Ban Ho Village

Day 3: Trek/drive to Sapa – Night train to Hanoi

Trek in The Trekking Paradise!

Night 1:  Night train to Lao Cai

Pick up and transfer from your hotel to Hanoi Railway Station for the night train to Lao Cai. Overnight in AC soft sleeper cabin.

Summary
Transfer hotel – railway station:  AC vehicle 
Accommodation:   Soft sleeper in AC cabin

Day 1:  Transfer to Sapa – Trek to Tavan Village

Arrive in Lao Cai around 5.30 am. We will take 1hr bus ride uphill to the beautiful town of Sapa. The ride give you a glimpse of the stunning vistas and impressive rice terraces. Upon arrival in Sapa Town we have breakfast in local restaurant and prepare for a great trek down to the picturesque valley of Muong Hoa. We will walk on small paths and trails to reach Tavan Village, where we will have unique homestay experience among hill tribe people. Pinic lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight in the local house.

Summary
Transfer Lao Cai – Sapa: 45 mins  
Trekking:   5-hr trek/dirt paths/downhill 
Accommodation:  Home-stay
Meals:    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Trek to Ban Ho Village

We will have breakfast in the local house before embarking upon another day of adventure. Today we will trek across mountains, bamboo forest, terraces and streams to reach Ban Ho Village, a beautiful village at lower altitude. Picnic lunch by the stream before moving on to Ban Ho. Dinner and overnight in local house.

Summary
Trekking:   5-hr trek/dirt paths/downhill 
Accommodation:  Home-stay
Meals:    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Trek/drive to Sapa – Night train to Hanoi

After breakfast we leave Ban Ho for Sapa. We will trek shortly to the dirt road for a jeep ride back to Sa Pa. Back to the town.

Free at leisure in the afternoon. We can explore the town on foot and have great shopping time in Sapa market. In the late afternoon, we transfer to Lao Cai for night train back to Hanoi.

Summary
Transfer Ban Ho Village – Sapa: 45-min jeep ride 
Trekking:    40-min trek/ascent  
Accommodation:   Soft sleeper in AC cabin
Meals:     Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Back to Hanoi

Upon arrive in Hanoi Train Station at around 5 am, our guide will escorts you back to your hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends.

Note: Rates are valid until April 30th, 2012 by Vietnam Culture Travel. All rates are quoted per person in U.S Dollars. Rates are net and inclusive of service charges and 10% VAT.

* At the time of quotation, Vietnam Culture Travel reserves the right to adjust prices to take account of unusual movements in currency markets, hotel and transport costs as a result of inflationary price pressures in oil and other commodity markets.

* If, at the time of booking, any HOME STAY are fully booked, we will endeavour to find accommodation of a similar standard elsewhere. If the only available accommodation is of a higher or lower standard, we will revise the price accordingly and consult you immediately.

Tour Prices Include:

* AC sleeper cabin on train for two ways 
* Transfer  two ways in Sapa 
* Transfer one way in Hanoi 
* Jeep transfer Ban Ho Village to Sapa 
* English or French speaking guide 
* Meals as indicated in the itinerary 
* Homestay permission 
* First-aid kit 
* Water & Snacks 
* Entrance fees & sightseeing fees

Tour Prices Exclude:

* Travel insurance 
* Visa 
* Tips 
* Personal expenses

This is an example of one of our classic tailor-made holidays in Vietnam - we'll be pleased to design similar Vietnam vacations with dates and itinerary customised to your personal preferences.

WHAT TO BRING:

* Sun Block, Wide brim hat, Camera + Film, Comfortable shoes, Rain gear, Warm clothes, Insect, Repellentand Original Passport...

HOW TO START:

* Vietnam Culture Travel is a fully escorted tour and best-available all year round; the only thing you need to prepare in advance is the international air-ticket from/to your country.

* If you don’t have enough time to complete visa before your departure, we will help you to obtain Vietnam Visa on arrival easily (getting visa at the airport, on your arrival)