Experience the colonial charm of Hanoi, Visit the former French hill station of Sapa, Trek through the spectacular scenery of North Vietnam, Stay overnight in a hilltribe village, Mingle with colourful Montagnards
The north-west of Vietnam is a captivating blend of dramatic mountain landscapes and colourful hilltribes. Set in a spectacularly beautiful valley, Sapa is where we base ourselves for explorations of this breathtaking region. Meet resplendently-dressed ethnic minorities at the local market, visit nearby villages to see how they live and trek to your heart's content - this trip is full of opportunities to discover hilltribe culture and the striking scenery of Sapa and its surrounds.
Physical Rating: 3 Culture Shock Rating: 3 Accommodation: Hotels (2 nts), homestay (1 nt), overnight trains (2 nts) Transportation: Overnight train, minibus, walking Trip Style: Intrepid Independent Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group Budget: Allow USD $50 for meals not included.
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Staying in the heart of Hanoi's fabulous Old Quarter, you'll find lots to explore just outside the door. Tour the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum Complex before giving in to the temptation of the many street stalls selling local snacks and souvenirs. Wander around the parks and lakes which help make Hanoi one of the greenest cities in Asia. Board a sleeper train to Sapa, the homeland of Vietnam's many minorities.
Day 3
Sapa
Travel through dramatic mountainous terrain en route to Sapa, where there's time to trek to Cat Cat village - home to the H'mong hilltribe. Meet Blue and Black H'mong tribespeople or pick up local handicrafts at the colourful local market. Ta Phin villlage can be reached by xe om (motorbike taxi) and gives wonderful insight into the lives of the Red Dao - the women are particular striking, with their jewellery-studded scarlet turbans and shaved eyebrows.
Day 4
Sapa Trek
Stretch those legs on a long, scenic trek along buffalo paths. Stop in at some of the friendliest hilltribe villages you'll ever come across, enjoy a picnic lunch and spend a memorable night in the home of a Zay family in Ta Van Village. Zay tribespeople are adept at rice cultivation and are responsible for tending to the manicured rice terraces that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Days 5-6
Overnight train/Hanoi
Hike through more stunning rural countryside before returning to Sapa by private vehicle. There's time for a warming cup of coffee in one of the many hotel cafes before boarding a soft class sleeper train back to the capital.
Disclaimer
* The prices listed are based on the costs and exchange rates current at the
time of printing/posting. Intrepid reserves the right to alter these prices
at any time. For trips departing between 01 January 2007 and 31 December
2007, the land price of your trip is guaranteed when you have paid in full.
For trips departing beyond 31 December 2007, prices are indicative only. The
itineraries and dates online and in our printed brochures are applicable
from 01 January 2007 until 31 December 2007. Beyond 31 December 2007 dates
and itineraries are indicative only and are subject to change. All
information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at time of
printing/posting, but please note that changes to our trips (which can be
significant) can and do occur. Intrepid will make every effort to keep you
informed of any changes, but cannot be held liable for any alterations made
to the published itineraries. Please refer to our website for the most
recent update to any trip. Please note that these conditions apply to
Intrepid group trips only. Variations may apply for Intrepid Independent
trips.
Loss of monies paid applies to all cancelled reservations. The date of trip
cancellation is the date on which the written cancellation is received by
Intrepid.
Please ask your Travel Agent about our full Booking and Cancellation
Conditions.
