There are 24 ethnic groups live in Sapa and surrounding areas, each with its own language, culture and traditions. Some of the minority groups inhabit in the remote villages, where only be accessible by days of walking, but you might encounter them at one of the local weekly markets. The markets in the Northern Vietnam are always the special meeting places of the locals, who, in their new colorful traditionally costumes, present not only for selling their farming products and purchasing things for their essential needs but also for their habit of socialization. In addition to the famous “Love Market” in downtown of Sapa, there are numbers of other outstanding markets such as Coc Ly (opens only on Tuesdays), Lung Khau Nhin (Thursdays), Can Cau (Saturdays) and Bac Ha (or Muong Khuong or Muong Hum on Sundays), all located in the surrounding mountainous area, 100 – 120 km from Sapa. Each market, like a fire, ignite its surrounding immense green mountainous area once a week with colors and human warmth by the local hill tribes.
Night 1: Our staff escorts you to the railway station for boarding on a 4 – AC – soft sleeper – cabin to travel up Lao Cai town.
Day 1: Lao Cai – Ethnic market – Sa Pa (B/L/D)
Day 1: Lao Cai – Ethnic market – Sa Pa (B/L/D)
By 5:00 AM, arrive Lao Cai train station, you are welcomed by our local guide. Enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant. After that, we will visit one of the colorful tribal markets.
The destination is subject to your visiting date:
Tuesday: Coc Ly Market (56 km from Lao Cai)
Wednesday: Cao Son Market (81 km from Lao Cai)
Thursday: Lung Khau Nhin Market (65 km from Lao Cai)
Saturday: Can Cau Market (87 km from Lao Cai)
Sunday: Bac Ha Market (67 km from Lao Cai)
Lunch in town then transfer to Sapa for staying overnight.
Overnight at hotel in Sapa
Day 2: Sapa – Hill tribal villages – Homestay (B, L, D)
After breakfast in the hotel, go trekking at 8:30 to Cat Cat village of Black H’mong people to see their daily life activities, such as: rice cultivating, clothes weaving, brocade embroidering and aindigo dyeing. Later on, get back to Sapa town, then start a tour in the afternoon by 14:00, downhill trekking to Lao Chai village – a place of the Black H’mong. Next, trek through Muong Hoa valley with many beautiful sceneries along the river, then go straight to Ta Van village where you can pay a visit to Giay’s family. Have dinner and stay overnight at local homestay.
Overnight in a homestay at Ta Van.
Day 3: Tavan – Giang Ta Chai – Sapa – Lao Cai station (B, L)
Wake up with the locals in the sound of pigs, chickens and the family dogs. The hosts are already on their feet preparing for your breakfast. After breakfast, say good bye to the locals and trek through a bamboo forest to Giang Ta Chai – home of Red Dzao people. Meet and talk with people to learn more about their daily life, customs and traditions. Pass over the Cau May (Rattan) Bridge then at 12:00 get back to Sapa Town by car. Free afternoon to discover Sa Pa town or shopping in the local market.
Leave the town for Lao Cai train station at around 16:00 pm for boarding the night train back to Hanoi.
Night 4 : Night train back to Hanoi
Note:
Join-in group is not available. Please contact us if you need further information
Peak season surcharge: + 25% on Christmas 24/12; New Year 31/12 and Lunar New Year’s Eve.
Inclusion
Private transfers;
All meals as specified (B: breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner)
Entrance and sightseeing fees
English speaking guide
Homestay, hotel and market tour.
Exclusion
Pre-post accommodation in Hanoi
Air-conditioning soft sleeper train;
Visa Arrangements
Beverages and Tobacco
Tips and other personal expenses
All other services not clearly mentioned above
What to bring
Passport
Comfortable footwear for trekking
Insect repellent
Rain gears, hat, sun cream, sunglasses, and warm clothing