Sapa: train and trekking

In the early evening, you'll be collected from your hotel in Hanoi and taken to the train station to begin your North Vietnam trekking adventure. After you've stocked up on a few nibbles, you'll depart from Hanoi aboard the overnight train to Lao Cai in Northern Vietnam. You'll sleep in a reasonably comfortable carriage with 4-couchettes. At around 7.30am the following morning, you'll arrive in Lao Cai where you'll be collected by a driver and taken to Sapa (approx. 1.5hrs). Sapa was previously a French summer resort, as its elevation (1650 metres) ensures mild, fresh temperatures. This made it an ideal escape from the hot, sticky Hanoi summers.

After settling in and freshening up, you'll set out on a 10-15km hike, stopping at several hill tribes along the way. You'll be warmly received in all of the villages and often invited to drink tea in the huts. Tonight, you'll stay with a local family for an authentic adventure. You'll be provided with a mattress, blanket and mosquito net - but don't expect too much more. This is North Vietnam trekking at its most rustic. Please note that it is advisable to bring your own sleeping bag liner for this trip.

The next day you'll continue your trek to the villages of Giang Ta Chai and Red Dzao. As you're not travelling in a group during our North Vietnam trekking trip, it will be just you and the guide on the hikes. This means that you are free to set your own pace, taking it as fast or slow as you like. The locals that you'll meet along the hike will be very friendly, though perhaps a little shy. 

In the afternoon you'll have another adventure - travelling back to Sapa by Vietnamese moped, the mountain wind blowing through your hair. You'll spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Sapa, bursting with local charm.

Today, you'll hike to Cat Cat, a Black H’mong village. The Black H’mong is a striking tribe whose people wear mainly black clothing. The dye that they use often runs, staining their hands slightly black. Although Cat Cat sees more tourists than the smaller surrounding villages, the people here still live in much the same way as their forefathers. You might see a few effects of tourism, but the visit will still provide a fascinating glimpse into hill tribe life.

At around 4pm, you'll be taken to Lao Cai to board the sleeper train back to Hanoi. You'll arrive on Day Five at about 6am in the morning. This is where your North Vietnam trekking adventure ends.

Taxis and tuk-tuks will not be in short supply, so you can easily organise transport from the train station back to your hotel. It might be a little too early to check in at some hotels, so you can leave your luggage at reception and enjoy breakfast overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake.

We would recommend our laid back Hanoi Halong Bay cruise to follow your visit to Sapa, or perhaps a few Vietnam day trips from Hanoi. Alternatively, you could begin to head slowly south, getting fitted for a suit with our Hoi An tour along the way.