Vietnam
Vietnam Trekking – A Journey To Sapa
Vietnam trekking in Sapa
Experience the heart of Vietnam’s rice terraces
Sapa is the one name that comes to mind when one thinks of Vietnam and trekking. And with reason. Despite a frenzied rise in the number of tourists to this region, the place remains a magnetic draw. It’s the picture postcard-perfect Vietnam that you must have seen in tour brochures. And despite its popularity, you will still find serenity. You will still be able to cast your mind’s eye many years later and remember this gorgeous landscape.
Sapa trekking
The best view of Sapa’s rice terraces begins at your feet
Day 1
Hanoi
It might a short flight. Or a long one. But Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi lies in wait. Check into the May de Ville Old Quarter Hotel for some R&R before the journey begins. This day is for yours to explore, so go on, step outside if you have time, and take in the bustle of a city on the move. Be dazzled by the sheer energy in this city that is home to more than four million. Or just stroll around Lake Hoan Kiem, an oasis of calm in the city’s throbbing center. Come night, take the overnight train to Lao Cai. You will have a berth in a four-berth wooden shared cabin. Trains and their romance. We can never get enough.
Day 2
Lao Cai-Sapa
Wake up those creaky bones after the long train ride. Drive down along a stunning mountain road to reach Sapa. Keep your camera ready as those terraced rice fields come into full and gorgeous view. Sapa is home to several ethnic groups. Warm up for your trek tomorrow with a short trek to nearby villages. Overnight at the Bamboo Sapa Hotel.
Day 3
Sapa-Sin Chai
This is probably the day you have been waiting for! Hop on to a jeep that will take you to the starting point of your trek. Walk through the lush Ban Ho valley to Thanh Phu village. Interact with the Tay ethnic group. You would know by now what rural life is in the mountains. After lunch, continue your trek to Sin Chai village, where you will spend the night in a homestay. The village is home to the Red Dao group.
Day 4
Sin Chai – Lao Cai
Have breakfast before bidding goodbye to your hosts. Today, it’s a leisurely walk downhill to My Son village, home to the Xafo ethnic group. This ethnic group is one of the smaller ethnic groups in Sapa, and most visitors to Sapa may not get the chance to meet the Xafo. It’s then some more walking till you reach the village of Nam Toong, where you will break for lunch. And in case you are really sweaty, we recommend a dip in the La Vie waterfall, further down in Ban Ho village. It’s then a drive back to Lao Cai before you catch the same overnight train back to Hanoi.
Day 4
Hanoi
This tour ends where it began. In Hanoi. Rest your feet for a while before catching the flight back home.
