This evening, you will be transferred to the railway station to board the Fanxipan overnight train to begin your onward journey to Sapa.

Fanxipan Overnight Train (4 berth cabin on private basis)

As dawn approaches, arrive early into Lao Cai station, where you will disembark and transfer to your hotel in Sapa town. Along the way, take in the spectacular panoramic mountain scenery. Located in the far northwest of Vietnam in the mountains bordering China, Sapa is home to deep mountain valleys and traditional villages. On arrival at your hotel, check-in and enjoy a delightful breakfast with your fellow travellers.

Spend your afternoon admiring the beauty of Sapa on-board the Fansipan Cable Car that will take you 3000 m to the peak of Fansipan to explore the many temples as well as admire the natural beauty of Hoang Lien Son and Muong Hoa Valley.

Bamboo Hotel or similar

Breakfast

Today, commence the tour with a transfer deeper into Hoang Lien National Park to the trek starting point near Sin Chai village. You are now “off the beaten track” and can truly enjoy the beautiful views of high mountains, waterfalls and the deep valleys. The trails leads you to the Red Dao village of Nam Nhiu where you will meet the villagers, visit their home, and learn about their daily life as farmers.

Leaving the village behind, a small dirt trail reveals wonderful views of the valley dotted with bamboo huts, which are used by local farmers as overnight lodgings during harvest season. After passing the rice terraces and a river, walk on a quiet road for a while before arriving at the charming Nam Cang village. Your lunch is served at Topas Riverside Lodge, with the jungle just behind and connected with the village by its own suspended bridge.

Nam Cang village is located at the far end of Sapa valley and here you can see the Red Dao women who wear some of the most colourful costumes of all Vietnam’s ethnic groups. They are also famous for herbal bath, local medicine and embroidery. Accompanied by your guide, you will explore the village and learn how the local villagers make writing paper by rice, silver jewellery and colourful embroidery. You may also want to take a swim in the river, before meeting your vehicle for the journey back.

As late afternoon approaches arrive at Topas Ecolodge, your accommodation for the evening. Perched over the surrounding valley and built using sustainable principles, this environmentally friendly lodge features solar power, waste water treatment and a natural water source from the nearby mountains. The property has been recognised by National Geographic as a ‘unique lodge’.

Topas Ecolodge or similar

Breakfast and lunch

After breakfast, enjoy a morning of free time exploring the lodge before your return drive back to Hanoi.

Breakfast