Trip Information
SAPA CHALLENGE
VNF00052
Vietnam (Hanoi)
Upon Request
11 Days
Trip Description
Like to exercise your leg muscles and go off the beaten track? Try Sapa in northern Vietnam — you will be enchanted.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Hanoi
On arrival at Noi Bai Airport, you are met and transferred to hotel. Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital, retaining old‑world charm and striking colonial architecture. If time permits, enjoy a short cyclo ride around the Old Quarter.
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B
Day 2 – Hanoi → Lao Cai
Morning sightseeing tour including Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, and the History Museum. Free time until the night train to Lao Cai (hard sleeper class).
Overnight : Train
Meal : B
Day 3 – Lao Cai → Sapa
On arrival at Lao Cai, drive to Sapa (1,500m elevation). Former French hill retreat with ethnic minority communities. Afternoon free to explore and pack for trekking days.
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B/L/D
Day 4 – Sapa → Ta Van
Begin trekking through San Sa Ho and Lao Chai villages, meeting Hmong hill‑tribe people. Seven‑hour walk.
Overnight : Den Thang village
Meal : B/L/D
Day 5 – Ta Van → Den Thang
Long walking day with steep uphill and downhill sections. Spectacular terraced fields and rustic villages.
Overnight : Den Thang village
Meal : B/L/D
Day 6 – Den Thang → Ban Ho
Full‑day trekking through Nam Sai and Nam Cang to Ban Ho. Challenging terrain but rewarding scenery.
Overnight : Ban Ho village
Meal : B/L/D
Day 7 – Ban Ho → Thanh Phu
Continue trekking into the lowlands of Sapa, home to Xa Pho and Tay ethnic minorities.
Overnight : Thanh Phu village
Meal : B/L/D
Day 8 – Thanh Phu → Ben Den → Train
Walk to Ben Den, completing the trekking expedition. Local transport to Pho Lu, then night train to Hanoi.
Overnight : Train
Meal : B/L/D
Day 9 – Hanoi → Ha Long Bay
Arrive Hanoi early morning. Travel to Ha Long Bay with stopover in Hai Phong for sightseeing.
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B
Day 10 – Ha Long Bay → Hanoi
Cruise Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands. Swim in a secluded cove. Return to Hanoi for water puppet show.
Overnight : Hotel
Meal : B/L
Day 11 – Hanoi
Free time to relax or explore Hanoi. Transfer to Noi Bai Airport for departure.
Meal : B
B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner
Departure Date
September to May
Trip Price
- Upon Request
Inclusion
- Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, village huts (twin shared)
- Private air‑conditioned vehicle with driver
- English or French speaking guide + local trekking guide
- Meals as mentioned (B/L/D)
- Entrance fees
- Permit + porter for trekking
- Water puppet show
- Train tickets
- Boat trip
Exclusion
- Other meals
- Tips
- Drinks
- Airport tax
- Single room
- Personal expenses
- Insurance
Remark
Vietnam is a developing country with basic infrastructure in mountain regions.
Village stays are dormitory‑style with no western toilets, running water, or electricity.
No air‑conditioned transport in and around Sapa.
Good trekking weather from September to June.
Bring rain jacket, inner sleeping sheets, walking boots, warm clothes (winter), torch, toilet paper.
Itinerary may be amended due to weather or road conditions.
*Minor program changes may occur depending on flights, weather, and room availability.*
