Travel Style
Active & Adventure
Destinations
Bac Ha, Sa Pa
Highlights Itinerary Accommodation Inclusions/Exclusions
Trip Highlights
Combine Sapa and Bac Ha – the two most prominent destinations in Lao Cai Vietnam in one exhilarating trip. On this journey, you’ll be able to discover hidden gems, traverse off-the-beaten paths, engage in the daily lives of ethnic villages, and delve into the indigenous culture of Sapa and Bac Ha. Added to the experience is a round-trip overnight train from Hanoi to Sapa and back! The trip departs every Thursday evening, starting with a minimum of 2 pax.
At around 8:30 pm - 9 pm, you will be picked up by your tour guide at your place in Hanoi City center and transferred to Hanoi railway station and embark on an overnight train from Hanoi to Lao Cai. You will have a bed in a 4-berth cabin.
After one night on the train from Hanoi, you will arrive at Lao Cai Railway Station early in the morning. Seeing your local tour guide, you will leave Lao Cai Station and catch a shuttle bus to the town of Sapa, which is about 30 km away. On this journey, you’ll be fascinated by vast green rice terraces juxtaposed with mighty mountain ranges and pretty ethnic villages dotted along the way.
Upon arrival, spend some time having an authentic breakfast at a local restaurant and rest for a while. Then be on your way to the graceful Y Linh Ho Village nearby, where the Black H’mong resides. Get up close to daily life in the village and enjoy a delicious local lunch here.
In the afternoon, let’s trek along the dreamy Muong Hoa Stream to Ta Van Village of the Giay minority. After reaching Ta Van, you’ll have several hours to soak up the peaceful atmosphere and immerse in lush greenery here. Roam around nearby areas if you’re in the mood.
As the sun goes down, come back to Sapa. Enjoy a lovely evening in this mountainous region and have leisure time to relax.
Wake up in nature and have your delectable breakfast. Next, you’ll be taken to Nam Sai – an unspoiled land that’s nested on the Eastern slope of Hoang Lien Son range, about 30 km from Sapa Town. Nam Sai’s majestic scenery includes mostly vast terraced fields, adorned by little bamboo houses, narrow winding streams, and several small waterfalls.
After a morning in Nam Sai, we’ll move to its neighbor Nam Cang, which is just equally tranquil and appealing. Get some local dishes for lunch, then spend the afternoon trekking around the area, crossing the streams and exploring the forests.
Late afternoon, head back to the town of Sapa. The evening is your free time to experience the fantastic nightlife here. If you happen to be here on Saturday, don’t forget to stop by the stone church’s square to take part in the colorful Love Market held by young villagers.
Have breakfast at your hotel, then we’ll begin our journey to Bac Ha. Located 135 km from Sapa, Bac Ha is another outstanding destination in Lao Cai Province that boasts picturesque landscapes and distinctive cultural features.
Start your day tour in Bac Ha by visiting one of its famous ethnic markets, such as Coc Ly market on Tuesday, Lung Phinh market on Friday, Can Cau market on Saturday… and most notably, Bac Ha market on Sunday. Known as the largest ethnic market in Northwestern Vietnam, Bac Ha market is a vibrant space where villagers from various ethnic groups gather to trade, socialize, and have fun. This is also one of the best spots to sample local delicacies in the whole region.
Afterward, we’ll head to Ban Pho – a highland village that features bucolic and pristine beauty. You can simply immerse in the idyllic atmosphere here, admire the beauty of plum blossom fields as spring comes, or take pleasure in a sip of the traditional corn liquor that makes up the name of this land.
After lunch in Ban Pho, continue your Bac Ha excursion with an exciting boat trip on the Chay River. Relax your mind while floating on the river flow and admiring the stunning scenery on both sides. During the trip, you’ll also go through Tien Cave, an emerging attraction that features a surreal, mysterious appeal. Notably, the cave’s massive cliffs and sparkling stalactites are said to date back millions of years.
Late afternoon, you will be transferred back to Lao Cai City. Enjoy your last meal on the trip before getting on the night train to Hanoi. Overnight on the train. On the following day, you will arrive in Hanoi early in the morning where you will see your tour guide and be transferred to your hotel in Hanoi.
- Round-trip train tickets Hanoi – Sapa – Hanoi
- Modern air-conditioned bus transfers during the trip
- Accommodations and meals as listed in the program
- All entrance fees as mentioned
- Professional and enthusiastic English-speaking guide
- 2 bottles of water per person per day
- Vietnam Visa
- International flights from/to other countries
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and services not mentioned
REMARK: the price you're seeing is applied for a private trip, fully guided with 3-star accommodations. If you prefer an upgrade to a 4-star hotel is USD 42 per person, and an upgrade to a 5-star hotel is USD 83 per person. Let us know when you want an upgrade!
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