INTRODUCTION
With Sapa Retreat Tour (5days), You will get out of busy town, head to the highlands for an unforgettable journey of cultural discovery and natural beauty. Take an overnight train to Sapa and dive into the traditions of Vietnam’s hilltribe people. Admire remarkable landscapes on the way to the Nam Cang Valley, where towering mountains and vibrant fields await at every corner with peaceful atmosphere.
ITINERRY OF SAPA RETREAT TOUR
Day 1. HANOI – LAO CAI (BY TRAIN OR CAR TO SAPA)
Option 1: This evening transfer to Hanoi Train Station for the overnight train to Lao Cai, the gateway to Sapa and the exotic mountainous Northwest.
Overnight on the train in a soft sleeper compartment.
Option 2: We will pick you up at the hotel and take 5 hour drive to Sapa On arrival, we have lunch. After lunch, we drive futher 15km up to the North West of town Sapa to see the Silver Waterfall and the Heaven Gate.
Check in Hotel in Sapa Town at the end of the day.
Day 2. LAOCAI – SAPA (OR SAPA WALKING TOUR) ( B, L )
Option 1: On arrival Lao Cai ,transfer to the former hill station of Sapa. In the terraced hills and mountains of this area, the monotony of the expansive green landscape is enlivened by the colors of its hill tribe population – flashes of shining silver jewellery from the necks and wrists of indigo-clad H’mong and the scarlet hues of the turbans worn by the Red Dao can be seen. Observe the ethnic tribes stained hands with colour from fabric dye that come in various shades of blue, red and green and are intricately embroidered and stitched into jackets, waistcoats, pants, skirts, caps, purses and leggings.
Take a morning walking tour of Sapa for a visit to the market where Red Dao, Black H’Mong, Tay and other ethnic minority people converge from the surrounding countryside to sell their silverware and handicrafts, and to buy provisions. And drive to have a light trek to discover Sapa’s quaint hill tribe villages set against the stunning Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range and Indochina’s highest peak: Mt. Fansipan. A picnic lunch will be had en-route
Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure to roam around and discover Sapa Town independently.
Option 2: after breakfast, you will see Sapa market and walk around the Town. Next, you can go to Catcat village or Dragon’s Jaw mountain ( It depend on you). Have a late lunch and get to your hotel for relax.
Appropriate footwear must be worn on treks in Sapa. Note that if conditions are wet, programs may be diverted.
Overnight in Sapa.
Note : Our Sapa Retreat Tour programme is flexible. The weather is very changeable with 4 seasons in one day.
Day 3. SAPA – NAMCANG ( B, L, D )
After breakfast, leave Sapa town behind and head off into the beautiful Hoang Lien National Park by car, along the way get a chance to see big rice terraces and a hopefully the high tops of the mountain range.
We will introduce to you the biggest group of minorities in this area. the striking Black H’mong people, famous for their indo coloured clothing and silver necklaces.
Option 1: Take a light trek on a good path for a few hours, with plenty of time to learn about history and traditional customs and enjoy the view.
Keep going deeper into the valley and cross the beautiful Muong Bo River and reach Thanh Phu village of Tay . Here, see the big difference in culture as the group wears lighter colors of silk clothing.
Your Lunch will be next to the rice fields in a local restaurant. After lunch the tour continues to the small village of My Son and an interesting afternoon walk. This remote tribe is the smallest minority group in Sapa area and home to Xa Pho people.
In the afternoon arrive in the remote and quiet Red Dao village of Nam Cang. Walking along the small roads and village paths get a true ‘off-the-beaten-trail’ experience.
Cross a private bridge and check into the room in the rustic. Take your time to explore the village or relax in the river or at the riverside veranda.
Option 2: Take a trekking tour to Laochai , Tavan and Giangtachai villages. And see the different tribes : Black hmong, Dzay, Red Dzao, enjoy the great view of rice terraces and the villages.
Get to the hotel at 4 pm for your check in
Dinner is served at the big wooden table or at the terrace overlooking the river. Note that this an atmospheric wooden lodge in a remote location, with small and simple private guest rooms and shared bathrooms.
Overnight in Topas Ecolodge or Homestay
Day 4. NAMCANG – THE SOUTH OF SAPA ( B, L ,D)
In the morning , with Sapa Retreat Tour you take a walk into the nearby and beautiful valley. first of all is walking along the river and exploring the local forest famous for its cardamom. Watch and interact with the locals who are walking barefoot and enjoy the views in Vietnam and the rare silence.
On the way back, visit one of the small houses of remote located Red Dao families. Then you can take your time for a splash in the river or final walk through the village .
In the afternoon, have a private transfer to the spectacularly located Topas Ecolodge. This lodge has perhaps the most breathtaking location and finest views of any in Vietnam! From the bungalow’s balcony, enjoy an aerial view over the mountainous area.
Day 5. TOPAS ECOLODGE – HANOI. ( B, L)
This morning for a change of pace enjoy a cycling trip with the local guide. We start cycling for three kilometers to Lech village of the Red Dao minority, observing the magnificent valley view on the way.
In this place, you can take a short walk on dirt road to visit a traditional Red Dao family . And you will experience the culture of the minority villgers.
The next is the new Lech village. With a longer break to learn how the women are doing their famous exquisite embroidery of the Red Dao . From the village, you head back to the Lodge.
Note that the cycling route may depende on your fitness, energy levels, and road and weather conditions.
Option 1: At 14:00, Topas Mountain Express Bus departs from Topas Ecolodge and returns to the your hotel in Hanoi.
Option 2 : After lunch, we drive back to Hanoi ( 4,5 hours).
The Sapa Retreat Tour end at your hotel.
TOUR SERVICE INCLUDED
- The car as mentioned.
- Meals as mentioned above.
- Hotels (or Homestays ) and Train as mentioned.
- English speaking guide.
