Sapa- train and trekking

In the far north of Vietnam, you'll find an area of breathtaking natural beauty dotted with the small villages of native hill tribes. During this module you'll hike into the mountains, stopping in the tiny settlements to mingle with the villagers and grab a quick cup of tea. You'll even stay overnight with a hill tribe, giving you a fascinating and unique glimpse into local life far away from the tourist glare.

The hikes in this module are not particularly strenuous, but the distances covered are slightly larger (10-15 kilometres) than those featured in the Hill Tribes of Sapa module. Anyone who enjoys hiking should be able to complete this module with no problem at all. On the outward and return journey from Hanoi you'll travel by sleeper train, in a booth containing 4 couchettes. These are reasonably comfortable- although tall people might need to dangle their feet over the end of the couchette. If you wish, you can choose to return on a day train to Hanoi instead. This train is less comfortable than the sleeper, with wooden benches rather than couchettes, but it is a wonderful way to get up close and personal with the locals. If you would like to travel by day train, please make your request during the booking process.

In the early evening, you'll be collected from your hotel in Hanoi and taken to the train station. After you have stocked up on a few nibbles, you'll depart from Hanoi aboard the overnight train to Lao Cai in the north. This interesting town is the official border crossing between Vietnam and China. During the trip, you'll sleep in a carriage with 4-couchettes, rocked gently by the motion of the train. At around 7.30am the following morning, you'll arrive in Lao Cai. From here, 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 in the surrounds of Sapa, stopping at several hill tribes along the way. Different tribes all wear distinctly different colours, costumes and headgear. They each have their own history, customs and language. You'll be warmly received in all of the villages and often invited to drink tea in the huts. For years, these villages were completely isolated from the rest of the world but as a result of the growing tourist trade, things are beginning to change. The more easily accessible villages have now become accustomed to seeing tourists in their midst, but western visitors are still relatively few. Tonight, you'll stay with 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 really is travelling at its most rustic. Please note that it is advisable to bring your own sleeping bag liner.

The next day you'll continue your hike to the villages of Giang Ta Chai and Red Dzao. As you're not travelling in a group during this module, 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. We can highly recommend bringing along some crayons, colouring books or cuddly toys to hand out as treats for the children. They will beam with happiness at these small gifts.

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 another night in the 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 the module 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 a laid back boat trip in Halong Bay to follow your visit to Sapa, or perhaps a few day trips from Hanoi. Alternatively, you could begin to head slowly south, getting fitted for a suit in Hoi An along the way.