Hill tribes of Sapa

Northern Vietnam is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Tribes from all over Asia found refuge in its rich, green valleys and they have lived here in virtual isolation ever since. Untouched by modernity as we know it, they still follow traditional ways of life and observe ancient custom. During our Sapa trekking trip, drop in on the tribes of the Black H’mong and the Red Dzao as you hike through the verdant countryside, surrounded by steep mountain ridges and terraced rice paddies. You'll also visit the famous Love Market and the folkloristic Bac Ha Market, bursting with local colour and energy.

Our Sapa trekking module is suitable for all levels of fitness, and the longest hike featured in the trip is 6km. If you're looking for more demanding hikes and an overnight stay with a hill tribe, then our Sapa: train and trekking tour may be more up your street.

Duration	5 days / 4 nights Departs Thursdays and sometimes Friday from Hanoi	Accommodation	2 nights sleeper train travel to and from Sapa, 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in Sapa. Comfort Level 3 (see accommodation).
Price	£147 per person - based on 2 people	Included	Overnight train fare, accommodation with breakfast, transport to Sapa, guided hill tribe and Sapa trekking.
Transport	Air-conditioned overnight train, car/jeep	Excluded	All other meals and drinks, excursions

Days 1 and 2: Overnight train - Sapa - Trekking to Black H'Mong

You'll be collected from your hotel in Hanoi in the late afternoon to begin your Sapa trekking adventure. First you'll be taken to the train station where you can stock up on snacks for the overnight journey into the north. The train is air-conditioned and you'll sleep in a 4-bedded couchette. These are generally pretty comfortable.

The next morning, you'll arrive in Lao Cai, where you'll begin the 2½-hour road trip to Sapa. On the way, you'll see paddy terraces climbing up the mountainsides like giant staircases. When you arrive in Sapa you'll check into your comfortable hotel. It is full of local charm and lies in the centre of Sapa, with wonderful views across the rich, green valley.

After lunch you'll start your Sapa trekking with a guided walk (5km) to the village of Cat Cat, home to the striking Black H’mong people. The Black H'mong wear mainly black clothing, as their name suggests. The dye that they use tends to run and, as a result, their hands are also stained a little black. After visiting the village, you'll walk a little further to a cascading mountain waterfall before travelling back to Sapa for the night.

Sapa trekking - Rice terraces of North Vietnam

Day 3: Sapa trekking to the Red Dzao

Today, your Sapa trekking will be a little easier and shorter, as you walk 4km to the small village of the Red Dzao people. On the way, you'll cross a couple of bamboo bridges over clear mountain streams. There will be plenty of magnificent views and you'll come across many women working in the fields. Though they may only speak a few words of English, they are incredibly warm and welcoming people, and may even you for tea in their homes. Initially, the villagers might seem rather shy, but if you give them a smile, you'll quickly be rewarded with beaming faces. Once you're back in Sapa, you can just relax or wander round the local market.

On Saturday evening from about 7pm, the Love Market takes place in Sapa. Young eligible men and women from the Dzao region meet here, dressed in finery, in the hope of snagging a partner. We can definitely recommend taking a look.

Day 4: Bac Ha Market – Overnight Train to Hanoi

This morning, it's time to grab your backpack and say farewell after your Sapa trekking adventure. You'll travel by car to Bac Ha, a small mountain village famous for its busy market. You'll visit this market, where many mountain tribes come to sell their wares, in a group. It is a feast for the senses, with traders dressed in a rainbow of colours displaying fresh vegetables, meats, and other products. It's also a perfect opportunity to pick up a few unique Vietnamese souvenirs made by local people.

After exploring the market, you'll travel by car towards the Chinese border to catch a glimpse of the chaotic jumble of Chinese signs. From here, you can see the bridge and stretch of water that forms the actual boundary between the two countries. At the end of the afternoon, you'll travel to Lao Cai where you'll have plenty of time to grab an evening meal before boarding the night train back to Hanoi.

Day 5: Arrival in Hanoi - End of tour

You'll arrive in Hanoi on Day Five at about 6am in the morning. This is where your Sapa trekking tour ends.

Taxis and tuk-tuks will not be in short supply, so you can easily travel 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. Usually you should be able to check into your hotel room by mid-morning. If you would like to check into your hotel room on arrival early in the morning, we can arrange a dayroom for you.

You could follow your Sapa trekking with something a little more relaxing, such as our Halong Bay and Cat Ba tour or you could begin your journey south, stopping to update your wardrobe with our Hoi An tour on the way.

A peek at your accommodation

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