Trekking the untouched corners of Sapa

10 Days – Trekking the untouched corners of Sapa

This 10 day / 9 night trekking loop takes us to remote and extraordinary regions of Vietnam, only recently opened up to tourism.

The trip hops from village to village, trekking through mountainous and rural scenery.

The journey begins in Hanoi and heads overnight to Laos Cai by train.

From Laos Cai it is a 4 hour trek to Muong Hum which feels incredibly remote,

passing through communities such as White Hmong, Dao and Giay.

Trekking through rice terrace in Sapa

The trek continues to Mong Xoa,, passing Nam Pung Village, home to the Ha Nhi people famed for their beautiful and rustic clay houses. This day ends in another wonderful homestay. From here the trip takes in many more villages and homestays including Nam Sai and Sin Chai B, before finally arriving in Lao Cai again, to catch the train back to Hanoi.

Day 1: Arrive Hanoi (D)
Meet our guide up on arrival in Noi Bai international airport. Transfer to hotel for check in (check in time is from 14.00 pm/ early check in is subject on availability & surcharge). If time permits take a walk through old quarter & around Hoan Kiem lake before heading to restaurant for welcome dinner & trip orientation. Overnight in Hanoi.

Day 2: Hanoi – Night train to Lao Cai (B/L/D)
Depart the hotel at 8.30 for the Temple of Literature. In 1076 Quoc Tu Giam – Vietnam’s first university, also referred to as Van Mieu, was established within a temple to educate Vietnam’s royalty, mandarins and members of the elite. The university functioned for an incredible 700 years and its gardens and well-preserved architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

The one Pillar Pagoda, founded by King Ly Thai To in 1049 will be visited next. This structure is one of Vietnam’s most iconic temples. Close by is the mausoleum of the historic figure and father of modern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (viewed from outside; closed Mon and Fri and from Oct-Nov; possibility to visit without supplement before 11.00. Order of the visit may be changed to realize this cost saving) and the former presidents house on stilts where he lived from 1958 to 1969. Visit his former home, which illustrates the modesty of this Vietnamese revolutionary. Continue to picturesque West Lake and the sixth century Tran Quoc Buddhist Pagoda. Lunch will be had in one of the city’s finest restaurants.

In the afternoon visit the fascinating Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays), which is both a research center and a public museum exhibiting the ethnic groups of Vietnam. As an alternative to the Ethnology Museum, visit the highly acclaimed Vietnam Women’s Museum (closed on Mondays). The museum is located near Hoan Kiem Lake and offers wonderful insight into the lives of Vietnamese women. Displays highlight Vietnam’s vast cultural diversity and educate on the significant role Vietnamese women play in Vietnamese society. Learn historic and modern-day traditions centered around births, weddings, motherhood, spirituality and more. Have dinner before taking transfer to railway station for overnight train to Sapa. Overnight on train.

Day 3: Lao Cai – Sapa – Muong Hum (B/L/D)
Arrive Lao Cai railway station very early in the morning (at around 5 am), take a quick bath at simple but clean guesthouse and have breakfast at local restaurant before heading for stunning route to Muong Hum where inhabited Giay people. Be ready for last section of 8 km on bumpy route!

Upon arriving to Muong Hum, enjoy lunch with our host. Then let get the shoes do their work!
Head up to a narrow dirt track, get downhill to the bottom of Ky Quan San valley, meeting up with White Hmong, Dao & Giay people. Enjoy the breathtaking view of high mountains, deep valleys, stream and stunning terraced rice paddies. Back to homestay in the late afternoon. Overnight at homestay in Muong Hum

Easy trekking 4 hours. Road transfer 50 km

Note: We suggest scheduling this day 2 on Saturday because on Sunday, there is Muong Hum market which still remains local market atmosphere. The ambiance is very exciting. You will meet many beautiful, colorful hill tribal peoples coming from surrounding villages.

Day 4: Nam Pung – Mong Xoa (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we take a walk to Nam Pung village where the Ha Nhi people are famous for their beautiful clay-walled houses and the terraced fields surrounding. Then hike up through plantation, terraced rice field before reaching a village of Red Dao people. on the way, you will visit a local primary school and learn more about the lives of our people who live in the remote area in our country. Continue the walk to Khi Chu Phin valley where a picnic lunch is waiting near by a nice stream

Continue our day on the other bank, go uphill along the dirt path through the bamboo and the rice terraces. Our homestay for tonight with Mong people is located among the high ranges of mountains in Ta Giang Phinh. Crossing the river will be a little fun challenge for you all. Overnight at homestay in Mong Xoa

Full day trekking about 6 hours mostly uphill from 811 meter to 1.334 meter and to 1.209 meter

Day 5: Mong Xoa – Kim Ngan – Suoi Thau (B/L/D)
Take an easy walk in the morning through the village, meeting local people and visit their house to know more about their life routine. Today, we will have picnic lunch on the top of Ta Giang Phinh Mountain while contemplating wide & far over the lower land of Sapa & Bat Xat districts stretching along the Chinese border. The rest of route is mostly downhill through remote hamlets of Black Hmong & Red Zao people. Arrive at our homestay of Dao people where a hot meal is waiting for us. Overnight at homestay in Suoi Thau

(Full day trekking 5 to 6 hours. Ascending from 1.209 meter to 1.586 meter. Descending from 1.586 meter to 937 meter)

Day 6: Suoi Thau – Lao Chai – Can Ho Dao – Sapa (B/L/D)
Say goodbye to our host, we continue our journey to the town of Sapa. While descending along the river and beautiful mountain, the guide will tell you more history and explain the life routine and traditions of different minorities people in the area.

After having lunch at local family, pass through the rice paddy terraces and corn fields before reaching a small trail that leads you to spectacular bamboo forest. We finish the trek to day by hiking down hill to Can Ho inhabited by Mong & Dao people where our car is waiting & transfer you for the left 14 km on asphalted road to well-known town Sapa for overnight. Overnight in Sapa

(Hard trekking 5 to 6 hours: Ascending 937 meter to 1.505 meter & Descending from 1.505 meter to 1.281 meter. Bus transfer 14km)

Day 7: Sapa – Ban Den – Nam Tong – Nam Sai (B/L/D)
Leave Sapa at 09.00 am. Transfer by road approximately 26 km.1 hour to Ban Den Village with some stops along the way for marvelous scenery of Hoang Lien mountain range and Muong Hoa valley. The trek starts from Ban Den Village (392 meter) uphill along a steep trail for 1,5 hour to Nam Toong Village of the Red Zao (679 meter). Walk around to explore the village as well as visiting villages for understanding local way of living.

Leaving Nam Toong for Nam Sang along a narrow trail which sneaks on high elevation of a mountain range with a series of short ascends and descends for 3 hours. Enjoy picnic lunch along the way. Reach to Nam Sang village (625 meter) of the Xa Pho peoples in mid afternoon, spend half an hour to explore this charming village which beautifully sits near the bottom of Nam Sai valley. Later, enjoy an easy walk for nearly an hour through Nam Sai valley heading to Ban Sai village (570 meter) and arriving to this large and prosperous village of the Tay in late afternoon, spend the rest hours of the day to explore this village. Overnight at homestay in Ban Sai

Trekking 5 to 6 hours, grade 3 of 5. Road transfer 26 km, approx.1 hour

Day 8: Nam Sai – Nam Nhiu – Sin Chai B (B/L/D)
Breakfast and leave Ban Sai at about 09.00 am. Trekking along a large & rocky path uphill to Nam Nhiu village of the Red Zao (870 meter) and then continue along a dirt path for 1,5 hour to Nam Than Village of the Red Zao and Black Hmong (865 meter). This portion of the trek offers stunning view of Nam Sai and Nam Cang Valleys as well as chances to understand life of tribal peoples in the most remote region of Sapa. Leaving Nam Than we trek for an hour through wild lands dotted with terrace fields among mountains and rain forest. Time for lunch break!

Continue trekking for 2,5 hours in the afternoon along the same trail passing through the cultivated hilly land of Suoi Thau Commune to Sin Chai B Village of the Red Zao (733 meter). Check in home-stay, have a short rest and easy walk to explore this small and quiet village. Overnight at homestay in Sin Chai B

Trekking 5 hours, approx 15 km, grade 3 of 5.

Day 9: Sin Chai B – Nam Lang A – Ta Thang – Lao Cai. Overnight train (B/L/D)
Leave Sin Chai B after breakfast at about 08.30. Trek along a narrow dirt trail for ½ hour to the bottom of the valley and gradually uphill for nearly 2 hours to Nam Lang A and then continue to Nam Lang B, the 2 village of the Red Zao. Enjoy several visits to local homes for learning about the people of the Red Zao. Lunch break at Nam Lang B.

Follow a large and rocky road for ½ hour to the top of the mountain range, then the trek gradually getting downhill to Nam Ket Village of the Red Zao and the Tay. Continue along the same trail downhill for nearly 2 hours to Ta Thang Village which offers wide view of the Red River Valley which runs through the Bao Thang District. Picked up at Ta Thang for an hour road transfer to Lao Cai where you have the farewell dinner in mountainous area before taking night train back to Hanoi capital. Overnight on train.

Trekking 6 to 7 hours, approx.18 km, grade 3 of 5/ Road transfer 1 hour.

Day 10: Hanoi departure (B)
Arrive in Hanoi very early morning. Our vehicle will pick you up to a hotel for shower & day use before transferring to airport for onward flight back home

2 days/ 1 night or 3 days/ 2 nights extension to Halong bay is available. Please contact us for more information

“This itinerary may alter due to local conditions, the strength of the group and other unexpected circumstances. We will do our very best to adhere to the set itinerary, however we cannot be held responsible for any last minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your biking or trekking guide will have the final say.”

FORM REQUIREMENTS: Participants in any adventure travel will be required to complete and submit a signed terms and conditions agreement including the voluntary participation, assumption of risk, release from liability and hold harmless provisions. Where minors are involved, parental or guardian permission may also be required. Travel documentation will not be released unless these forms are complete and on file with us.

ACCOMMODATION:
Hanoi Boutique Hanoi 1 / Deluxe room
Train Livitran/TSC Livitrans Express / 4 berth cabin
Muong Hum Homestay / Dormitory
Mong Xoa Homestay / Dormitory
Suoi Thau Homestay / Dormitory
Sapa Royal View / Deluxe room
Nam Sai Homestay / Dormitory
Sin Chai B Homstay / Dormitory

(Check in time is from 14.00 pm/ Check out time is at 12.00 pm – Early check in or late checkout is subject on availability & surcharge)

Rates are valid until December 2014

Price per person in USD 1650,-
Single supplement in USD 95,-

The price includes:
• English speaking guide throughout
• Private air-conditioned car for transfer as itinerary except trekking days.
• Motorbike support for trekking days
• Meals in local restaurants as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner). Vehicle support is provided if needed day 1 and day 4.
• Snack, water and local fruits for trekking days.
• Accommodation as itinerary stilt house with daily breakfast.
• Permission for overnight in homestay

The price does not include:
• International air ticket to/from Vietnam and international airport departure tax.
• Visa to Vietnam. Please ensure to get visa before departure.
• Tips for guide, driver, porter at hotel, waiter in restaurant
• Beverage and alcoholic drinks.
• Personal expenditure (telephone, laundry, camera films and so on…)
• Personal travel insurance
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the itinerary and in the trip inclusive portion.

REMARKS:
• Program can be altered to suit clients’ needs and fitness level.
• This tour is operable throughout the year. Best times of all are early October through to November, and late March- April. Dec/Jan/Feb and early March can be dull drizzly, quite cold.
• Ideally clients carry their own (modest size) day backpacks.
• Big luggage will be carried by support bus or motor-bikes.
• Bedding and mosquito nets and bottled water will be provided throughout except at restaurants.
• Clients should bring their own sleeping bags (2 seasons is ok)
• Van or motorbikes will carry most food and cooking/bedding to home stays and be there in case of emergency. Van will also carry extra cooks to relieve the burden of the local hosts.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
• We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance (covering emergency medical evacuation) for trips to Vietnam.
• Reservations during peak times (Christmas, New Year, Vietnamese Lunar New Year, National Holidays) may be subject to supplementary charges and compulsory meals
• Rooms at hotels are available only from 1400 on arrival day till 1200 on departure date. A supplement will be added if early check-in or late check-out is desired.
• Please note that all the above services & tours have yet to be booked, they are proposed for your information only and we will not make any reservations before we receive your confirmation to do so.
• If one or some proposed service(s) is (are) not available at the moment of booking, we will try to find other possibilities/options or other similar service(s) in order to avoid changes to the program.